MiniDVR h720

[casperghst42]

It's unhealthy to have an addiction to gadgets (to the economy that is). I've been using a GoPro Hero wide a few time last year, but was really annoyed by the way it was operated - on/off on the front, and there isn't any good way to see if it's recording or not.

I've spend most of the winter researching what the best (and cheapest) replacement would be; having the following requirements:

- need a remote (wired please)
- need to be able to charge it while riding (and recording)
- have a separate camera (recorder and camera head)
- should be able to use 8GB or more SD card

I would liked to have had a Chasecam PDR100, but there is a replacement coming out shortly, and as it's not the cheapest option, I've decided to wait with that one.

Then looking at the stuff Dogcam Sport have I decided to go for the MiniDVR h720 package, and as it's been shitty weather I've not had the chance to try it out until now.

(youtube is slow and is still processing)

<object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/QVisHUWLVXw&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/QVisHUWLVXw&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Now what are the pro and cons in my eyes (as this is not a perfect package):

pro's
- can use up to 16GB Micro SD cards
- have a charger
- have a remote (wired)
- quality is ok for the price
- cheap (249.95 gbp)

cons
- it uses Micro SD cards, which are small and flimsy
- the remote is no a lanc remote which means that it's not possible to extend the cable
- it uses MP4 (h264), which means that the videos are not iMovie compatible, they needs conversion which affects the quality (big minus)
- there is a microphone on the cable to the camera, I could live without that as I'm using the internal mic only.

Well I've figured out that Final Cut Express can deal with the movies directly, which means that I've yet another piece of software to sort out.

Otherwise it looks like it's working, and I'm looking forward to try it out in Morocco in 2 weeks time...

 

[casperghst42]

Same video just on Vimeo instead (youtube takes ages to process videos)

<object width="400" height="300"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10158306&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" /><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=10158306&server=vimeo.com&show_title=1&show_byline=1&show_portrait=0&color=&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="400" height="300"></embed></object><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/10158306">MINI HDVR Test</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/user3378416">Casper Pedersen</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

 

[JJ's GS]

Casper
Nice quality video, where do you position your camera?
It's nice to see a video that doesn't jump around all the time.
By the way the road surface out there looks great

When I have the chance to get out on my bike I spend my time trying to dodge the pot holes which are becoming more like craters daily.


JJ

 

[casperghst42]

JJ,

Thanks.

I have it in front of the left wing mirror, using some bits a pieces from RAM:

RAM-B-201U-C (the longest I could get my hands on)
RAM-B-252U
RAM-B-273-1U (I think, where I have shortened the stud)

It's mount to the base of the mirror, and the 273 is connected to the camera using the adapter ring for the camera.

I'll see if I can get around to do a picture or two of it next week.

Casper

 

[konfucius]

By the name of it you could believe it has HD recording, but it only has standard DVD resolution, I would call that a con, since most tv sets now has at least 720p.

 

[casperghst42]

By the name of it you could believe it has HD recording, but it only has standard DVD resolution, I would call that a con, since most tv sets now has at least 720p.

You're right, it does not do HD (or even close). Actually if one wants 720p or higher with a two set setup then it will cost a fortune.


Casper

 

[casperghst42]

RAM-B-201U-C (the longest I could get my hands on)
RAM-B-252U
RAM-B-273-1U (I think, where I have shortened the stud)

I finally got around to get photos done.






Casper