10M pixel HD Camcorder. £120 10 x optical zoom. 1440x1080 @ 30fps max video res. Takes upto 8GB SD(HC) card, comes with 4GB card. Focus has auto, macro or infinity settings, its a bit slow to focus whatever mode its in though. (even in infinity?) Has loads of picture modes, auto, night, beach, backlit, sunset, portrait, etc, etc. Variable white balance + manual. Variable aperture settings. 2 front illumination LEDs (manually switchable) Takes still pictures too but I don't care about that side. Also makes audio only recordings (notes about the video you've just shot kinda thing) Comes with 2 batteries, remote control, case, mains charger, 4GB high speed SDHC card, video output leads (composite and component for HD connection), USB lead. Batteries seem to last about 30 mins with the little LED lights on and me fucking about with the zoom lots, but that'll improve a little once I've charged/discharged them a few times. 45 mins to charge. Can be used when its charging (the manual says it cannot do this, but it does...) DC input on the charging socket is 5V DC so will be easy to rig up with a trip to Maplins. Haven't really played aound much but looks like its OK quality in low light, good quality in daylight. Night mode, err, isn't. The illumination LEDs let you make out things upto 8 feet away (but the auto focus takes bloody ages in the dark). The things tiny, weight next to nothing, and looks like its perfect for what I want it for. Now I've just got to get a camera mount on the bike and a camera mount / glass suction thing for the car. Sample video coming soon.
