Charlie in NW
Just so we are comparing apples to apples, we have to set the stage correctly for a good comparison and review. Sure, there are probably 100 camcorders out there ranging from less than $100 to perhaps $500 or more. Each step up means more features, more pixels, this and that... So it's important to make sure we are comparing camcorders in the same category, right? Ok. So..
This one I'd put in the "Basic Intro" camcorder category that is less than $100 -- in fact, it is quite impressive that this camcorder is less than $70 and yet it delivers full 1080p HD with a 24 MP CMOS sensor. It has more pixels than my Samsung Galaxy S10, that's for sure! So right there for less than $100, it's got a lot to offer in terms of pixel capacity. The user can select 3 different image quality but I keep it on full HD all the time. Why not?
It takes a standard SD card up to 32 GB in size - That's very nice because you know videos take a lot memory. I have a 16 GB high speed 10x SD card and it works very well for my applications and a day of shooting cat videos. The bottom of the camcorder has a pre-threaded adapter hold to accommodate standard sized tripod--which is perfect for those stable, long-shot situations. Lastly, the camcorder's viewing screen can turn 360 degrees so you can see it from any angle while keeping the shot steady. I am attaching some photos so you can see what I am talking about.
It comes with TWO batteries! That is very cool, actually. Never want to run out of battery power so always have a backup battery in your pocket. I like that a lot. The camcorder charges the battery while plugged in, then swap out to charge the other one. There is a combo USB charging cable (and charging adapter) with AV adopters, too. It would be an extra point if it comes with a separate, externally plugged charger so I can shoot the video while charging the other battery. Just a thought.
Camcorder can be stored in a soft pouch and the pouch has a belt loop so you can attach the pouch to your belt, shoot your video, and stow the camcorder after. Very handy!
The function buttons are all correctly placed for a camcorder. The record button is on the right thumb, the zoom (in and out) is on the top where the index finger rests, etc. It is configured as a right-handed user's camcorder--I find that interesting because I haven't yet come across a left-handed camcorder! So, this is probably an industry-standard. Anyway, for right-handed use, all the buttons are at the right place.
Shooting this camcorder is simple--there is not a lot of functions to mess with. It is almost as easy as point and shoot. In many ways I prefer that--I don't want to have mess with 3 settings before I can shoot. Sometimes the moment is so fleeting you don't have time to mess with settings.
I also like that I can turn the sound off. The default is sound ON which I don't like it--so I turn it off for my personal taste. Sometimes in a place you don't want to be making a lot of noise--wherever you are supposed to silence your cell phone, you should also silence your video camcorder. Right?
Turning on (i.e. flipping open) the view finder automatically turns it On, and off, likewise, flipping off the view finder. Camcorder is ready in about 2-3 seconds. Push the red Record button, it begins.
Now let's talk about image quality, the good, and the limitations. When running at FHD (full HD mode), it takes a lot of processing power than standard quality. Under standard quality the image (i.e. movie) is quite smooth but lack the full HD quality. Running at FHD the frame rate is not as high is it can be. I find this camcorder limited in use in those high dynamic situations. For example, trying to video record a fast action football game, you will find the frame rate needing a bit more boost. However, for more static situations such as a video blogging or just basic recording where you aren't capturing fast-moving objects, then yes, it will do fine. It is more than adequate for the purposes described in the latter. But, again, remember that we are classifying a sub-$100 camcorder so the expectation is that we won't be taking this out to high-speed boating for a spin. So keep that in mind.
The video file output is in the standard .AVI format. A number of softwares are out there to process it and compress it into formats such as MPEG. Camcorder does not have internal software for those other file outputs, but it is not an issue because plenty free software out there for AVI processing.
So, in conclusion, I can say that you should expect to:
1. Use this camcorder in a pretty static, well-lit environment. It is especially good if it is on a tripod.
2. Understand the correct classification of a $70 camcorder that offers 1080p full HD pixel quality.
3. It is simple to use, lightweight, point-and-shoot, down to earth style of operation.
4. Comes with a few gizmos such as extra battery, carrying case, charger/AV combo cable.
5. A 24MP rated at 15 FPS.
Thanks for reading! Hope this helps you make your decision as there are hundreds of camcorders to pick from!! :-)
| Brand Name | kicteck |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 1.17 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 5.2 x 2 x 2.3 inches |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Item model number | 604s |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Ion batteries required. (included) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Color Name | Black |
| Special Features | Lightweight, Anti-Shake |
Beard
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