Aiptek Pocket DV5800 MPVR Plus 5MP MPEG4 Media Player & Video Recorder

Okay, this camera is pretty much outdated now that Aiptek & others have come out with their various HD cameras, but I got mine at a deep discount a couple of weeks before Christmas '07, so it was worth it 2 me.

I already had an Aiptek camera & decided 2 get this one because each camera has features that the other doesn't. My first one can be used as a webcam, which the mpvr+cb can't. The mpvr, however, has A/V in & can be used as a personal video recorder/player, which is a feature my other Aiptek doesn't have.

I use the older Aiptek mainly as a dashcam in my car, since its shape allows it 2 sit upright, leaning slightly on the lcd screen. It attaches 2 the dash with velcro.

I use the MPVR+CB 4 general video shooting & photo taking, & in places where using/carrying my Mini DV would be difficult. I also use the MPVR 2 record from other video sources, such as my Mini DV or TV broadcasts, as one might use a TiVo or other DVR. The one downside 2 this is that the audio & video often end up out of sync when recorded with this camera, so I have 2 synchronize them myself using video editing software.

Now, if I'd paid several hundred dollars 4 this camera & it had this issue, I'd return it. But it didn't cost near that much & I bought it knowing it had this issue & that I'd have 2 deal with it in editing.

I use this camera, & use it often, due 2 several factors:
1) it's small; it can fit in a pocket, purse or small camera bag
2) it has no moving parts; it records 2 SD cards. The max I've tried so far is 4 gigs.
3) it's very easy 2 transfer the video 2 my computer 4 editing; no firewire or recording 2 another digital source like I have 2 do with my Mini DV.
4) the video & picture quality are decent 4 what this camera cost.
5) it's got a somewhat usable image stabilizer & slightly less usable night shot mode

It is somewhat limited.
1) Already mentioned the A/V sync problem.
2) It's got a digital zoom only, which means you're not going 2 get good close-ups of something down the street or high up in a tree. If I need a powerful zoom I go 2 my Mini DV.
3) The Night Shot mode works by slowing down the shutter, which produces an effect that some people don't like. Probably better 2 use a flashlight if you're going 2 shoot in the dark. :)
4) It would be great if it had a place 2 plug in an external microphone as the built-in mic is somewhat limited in range & power

Not much in the way of manual settings. You can change preset white balance settings (auto, sun, 2 types of indoor lighting, shade) & change exposure settings somewhat. You can choose video quality (QVGA (320x240), VGA (640x480) & D1 (720x480).

I've never used the MP3 player since I have a Sansa & a Nano 4 playing music/podcasts & I also haven't tried the voice recorder because I have a digital audio recorder 4 that kind of thing, so I can't comment on those two features.

Overall, I like this camera, even with its faults. I didn't pay what Amazon's charging 4 it, but if you understand what this camera is(consumer level pocket-sized video camera, digital camera, PVR) & what it isn't (it isn't meant 2 be a super-duper pro level camera--you're not going 2 get that at this price point). Before anyone buys a camera or camcorder of any kind they should do some research so they know what 2 expect. That's exactly what I did & I'm very happy with this camera.

I received mine (I bought it direct from Aiptek) a dew days ago & this camera has none of the issues others describe. Perhaps theirs were earlier iterations; I don't know. But mine worked perfectly right out of the box. Capturing video from VCR or DVD is flawless; my YouTube videos are better than ever - crisper, cleaner & not at all "de-synched". My only (minor) complaint is that if the ambient light isn't real good there tends 2 be a bit of fluctuation in the light of the vid but that's a very minor thing 2 me. Overall this is simply an astoundingly good piece of gear 4 the money. Easy 2 use & easy 2 love :-).

Charlie Hayes, author of many YouTube videos & author ofPerfect Peace: An Introduction To Your Natural State

This unit, like some other Aiptek cameras, has a slight problem with video & sound synchronization. It is fixable, however, by downloading a free firmware upgrade from Aiptek's website. Go 2 their website & find Support at the top of the page. Go 2 E-mail Support & click on the line that says "Do I need a firmware update?". Firmware is a little bit of information in the camera that makes it perform. They will want your model & serial numbers & will send you the update via e-mail. I got mine back in two days & installed it. Tip: Be sure 2 press the button on the screen first, then the other button 4 installation. You will need an SD flash memory card 2 install the firmware. All is fine now. An average computer user will have no trouble with this at all.

This is a nice little camera with a fabulous set of features. However, still photos I'm finding 2 have highly irregular lumination with bizarre dark bands across the photos, & in video I see desynchronization of the audio & video by around half a second with image stabilization, or a 1/10th of a second without synchronization. I'm checking with customer support 2 ascertain if this specific unit is defective or if they're all like this.

Aipteks MPVR Plus CB is the first hand held multi-functional Media Player / Video Recorder which allows you 2 connect 2 your TV/VCR/DVD player 2 record your favorite TV shows Movies video clips pictures audio recordings & playback on the huge built-in 2.4" TFT color LCD or on your 60" TV 4 under $200! If that wasnt enough the MPVR Plus CB also performs as your MPEG-4 DV Camcorder recording Super VHS quality video (640 x 480 VGA resolution at 30 frames per second) & D1 (720x480) 5 Mega Pixel Digital Camera with 8 Mega Pixel enhancement Voice Recorder & SD Card Reader / Removable Hard Disk! The most convenient personal entertainment solution with exceptional value & features! Charger Built-in!