CONWA mpeg 4 Handycam

[offline]

*NEW CONWA 6.6MP DIGITAL CAMCORDER + MPEG4 +MP3 +2" LCD +16MB

CONWA DIGITAL MP4 HANDYCAM

The following is my opinion only:

I bought this unit off Ebay but was not 100% happy with the video function.
The Video is a little choppy which, for me, makes this function less appealing.
This is the same story for most digital cameras but I
was under the impression that the high frame rate would give a
smooth video at least in bright light. With some inside shots the
increased exposure time makes the video very choppy.

The seller claims a frame rate of 30 fps (frames per second) and upon checking
the mpeg 4 file with G spot, the rate is indeed 30 fps BUT here is the
CATCH - the camera may create a 30fps video file, but it seems it does
not always CAPTURE at 30fps. This is similar to converting a choppy animation
to DVD. No matter what the playback frame rate, the end result will always be
a little choppy. OK for fun and for emailing friends I guess.

The other features of the CONWA, including photo quality, are good but not
fantastic. With camera prices these days, even Office Works or Harvey Norman
can do you a good deal with a brand name camera.

MP3 playback is handy (using a SD card) and the sound is decent with
enough bass. Voice recording is ok for personal dictation
and the night mode for the camera is surprisingly good (camera mode only, not video)
but the flash is a little underpowered like many cheaper cameras. Web camera
mode is ok in bright light. Of course the cmos sensor is only 3 mega pixels, but with
auto enhancement from "photo shop elements", printed output is good for
your average snaps. The digital zoom is not worse nor better than
other digital zooms - of course I much prefer optical zoom.

I paid $208.00 at auction, which became over $260.00 with GST fees, postage and
an $8.00 dollar charge for using my credit card. I feel a bit silly but I
bought the CONWA with full knowledge of it's cheaper cmos technology and was just
hoping the video would have been nicely smooth given the 30fps and impressive Ebay ad.
At least I did not bid over $350 like one chap did on another auction... hehe
For $100-$150 it would be a good purchase imo, given that it is not a brand name.
The seller says the rrp is $1,000+. At that price I'd be
looking to buy a Sanyo VPCC1 Xacti MPEG4 Digital Video Recorder.

It came packaged well with a good selection of software and was
speedily delivered so no complaints there.


DOWNLOAD A VIDEO SAMPLE: Panning shot in ideal bright sunny conditions

sampleclip.zip

[Roundabout]

Yeah, I've read several reviews of different MPEG-4 Cameras, and it seems like none are ready for prime time. I think the Samsung unit that was announced at CES over a year ago disappeared and wasn't released.

Due to disappointment with the quality of these cams, mfgrs are not inclined to release them due to the obvious return factor when people see the quality of the captures are poor.

I'd love to have one if the quality was decent. Maybe in a year or two, they'll get their act together and make the tech worthwhile.