From the Manufacturer
Aiptek has pushed the envelope yet again, bringing a true HD 720P camcorder into the spotlight with the GO-HD! GO-HD captures true to life, vibrant colors and astonishing High Definition images like you've never seen, right in the palm of your hand. The GO-HD comprises 720P (1280x720 resolution in 16:9 aspect ratio) at 30 frames per second using advanced H.264 technology. And with a 3x Optical Zoom with Auto-Focus you're sure to capture the finest quality and detail in every moment. The GO-HD also functions as a 5-megapixel digital camera with a CMOS sensor and auto focus, giving you even more quality choices on how you want to capture the moment. Replaying your images is a snap as the GO-HD offers virtually unlimited choices and compatibility. You can choose to view your HD images instantly by playing them back on the GO-HD’s 270-degree, swivel-reversible 2.4-inch TFT color LCD display or connect the GO-HD directly to your HDTV, HD monitor, standard TV or PC. Once in a lifetime moments, family events, outings, or just goofing around can now be captured, replayed and re-lived in a whole new way.
Aiktek GO-HD Highlights 1280 x 720 resolution in 16:9 aspect ratio (30/fps) for recording movies The GO-HD camcorder delivers 720P high-definition video quality to provide a whole new high-quality DV experience. One-touch recording allows you to capture stunning HD video clips at 30 frames per second with advanced H.264 technology.
5-megapixel digital camera Equipped with a 5-megapixel CMOS sensor (and auto focus) will help you get the best pictures every time!
3x optical zoom w/auto focus Bring your subject closer to get the best image with the 3x optical zoom with auto focus.
Swivel-reversible, 2.4-inch TFT color LCD display Review and playback your HD video clips and hi-res pictures in real time. The LCD swivels 270 degrees for unlimited video and photo capture.
2-inch Macro Zoom The GO-HD will capture 2-inch close-up pictures or video clips with Macro Zoom.
Night Shot Enhance image quality while capturing photos in darker environments with your GO-HD.
LED lights Built-in LED lights on your GO-HD for video recording in dark/low light situations.
Recharge Battery via USB Conveniently charge your new GO-HD via the USB cable when connected to your PC or use the AC charger cable included. No need to remove battery from camera.
HDTV component output Connect your GO-HD to your HDTV component input ports to display your high-definition video clips and still pictures, sharing them with friends and family.
Removable hard disk and SD/MMC card reader The GO-HD allows you to use up to 8GB of SD card storage to record longer video before having to upload to your PC. (No internal memory).
Owner Reviews, Ratings, Comments and CriticismI've owned this for about a week and am taking it on a trip to do a more complete analysis. I'll post back later. I currently have mixed feelings on this camcorder. It does take good video and is priced right. There are a few negatives to be aware of though which (I guess) are to be expected on such an inexpensive unit: 1. The battery life (for me) is sucking. I will take it on my trip for a better test and if the batteries can't record more than 10 or 15 minutes each it'll go back. If I can get the 30 minutes that it is documented to have, I'll be happy. Note: I do realize that 30 minutes is probably "up time" for the unit whether it is recording or not. The batteries are only 1000Mah and have a loose feel inside the camera too. Will a more robust non-oem battery be coming out? 2. The buttons (to me) were ackwardly positioned causing a "shake" on the camera... and I guess I didn't realize how much my other camcorder's image stabilization must help me. Really needs 2 hands to hold without a shake and I can adjust but really, I think that the design, grip, and button placement could be a ton better. 3. The thing completely froze up on me once and I had to reboot it by removing the battery. I read online there is a firmware update but haven't pursued that yet. And I don't know what the firmware actually fixes. 4. The sound quality is not consistant. Many times I speak as I'm taking the video and mostly it sounded like a towel was over the microphone. The quality of those further away from the camcorder was only marginally better. Almost like the gain is turned up to far or something? I don't know and will test further. 5. No lense cover? Come on Aiptek. That's just cheap and plain dumb. And if I find the lens starts getting micro-scratches over the next week or two it'll go back for certain. It does have a descent carrying case included though. However, the safty loop that you wrap around your wrist so you don't drop the camera STICKS to the velcro on the carrying case whenever you take it out or put it away. This loop will end up being frayed or looking abused shortly because you have to "umph" to rip it off the velcro. This makes me wonder how much real world testing went on before this cam hit the street. Besides these negatives the fact that I can throw it on my belt and carry it on my trip without feeling encumbured makes me want to use it more before making an ultimate decision as to keep or return. It will really come down to battery life (maybe it will improve as I use the batteries a few more times) and sound quality. Oh, and it does work with BOTH the A-DATA and Patriot 8G SDHC card that I have. So I'm giving it 3* for now. Doesn't mean I'll keep it or bring it back... just trying to give a fair review. I'll update my rating (if possible) and the review after a real road test shortly. UPDATE: 3 WEEKS LATER, AFTER ROAD TEST ---------------------------------- Well I really wanted this little wonder to work. And it did for the first day of my trip. Then it just quit working. The only thing I can figure is that the roads I was on (Tijuana) were very bumpy. It was in the protective case 100% of the time when not in use but the plastic shell housing must be tell-tale of the low build quality on the inside. It just plain stopped working. The screen backlight would come on, but the camera would not initialize. Conclusion: THIS ITEM IS NOT VERY RUGGED AT ALL. It does not hold up to any real use and certainly not the tumbling that my old Canon digital camera (s410) always holds up to. It is a dead clunker now and it is going back to where I purchased... fortunately... with a good return policy. Moral of the story is buy this only from a site that has a descent return policy. I'm not upset. It was great just throwing the broken cam in the bottom of my laptop bag where it took virtually no room at all. That is the point of a "go anywhere" sized camcorder. I was willing to trade some features for price... but not ruggedness. After all. It is the size itself that makes it something you want to bring anywhere. I'm going to hold off and wait for a similar product that is rugged. It is only a matter of time. It is too bad Apitek didn't built something with more stamina but someone will and I'll be there to buy it when it is out. After all, other than the zoom there are no moving parts in this thing to wear or break. So it must just be bad build quality. Amazon won't let me change my star rating but if I could, I'd rate it down to 2 stars: more than one star because of price, features, and innovation but no more than that because... well... it has to KEEP working in the real world. In short, unless you are willing to treat this thing with kid gloves (and I pretty much thought I did) I'd avoid it. The cheap price is tempting, and only spend as much as you can afford to lose because if you read other reviews, you'll also read about the cheap plastic on the outside among other quality issues. I'm here to tell you that what is cheap where you can see it, is evidently even cheaper where you can't.
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