Aiptek Action HD GVS 1080P camcorder ( Model V5Z5S) review

[rgvcam]

You will notice in the manual it lists the following:

Microphone internal (stereo); external mic jack

This implies the external jack is mono as the (stereo) is only listed after the internal reference. Of course this could've been a typo but experimentation seems prove the external mic is mono regardless of whether it uses a stereo jack connection or not.

If you place a recording from the internal mic into audacity, you will notice the level meter for each channel is not level with the other which means it is stereo even if the separation is extremely poor.

If you do the same with an external mic test, the level meters mirror each other which means the audio is mono.

Fishycomics, did you manage to take the GVS completely apart to have a look at the mic input to see if the jack is a stereo one or mono jack?

[fishycomics]

my eyes, the Internal Mics are a seperated left, right channel wired, STEREO.

The Ext port is a quad pin making this a stereo input adaptor, circuitry leading in the sound port making this MONO.
pics were taken of the whole operation and a video.

GVS Stereo,mono, confirmed

Z700 no comment

FUTURE sold models no comment

[opuscroakus]

Originally Posted by camjock

I do have existing pics of my GVS. It's not a close-up shot of the connection point of the Kenko wide angle attachment but hopefully it's enough to give you an idea.

OMG! My GVS is a "Transformer".

What microphone are you using?

[opuscroakus]

Well, I just received my GVS and have a few questions...

1. How can I tell what firmware version I am running?
2. Realistically, at 720p 60fps, how long will the included 1200mAh battery last?
3. I have an 8GB card. How many hours of 720p video can I get on this?
4. Can I take stills while filming video?
5. Does the Manfrotto 585 work well?

My main purpose is to take videos of my daughters soccer and baketball games. Is there anything else I need besides an extra battery and SD card to get the best possible shots?

[rgvcam]

Originally Posted by opuscroakus

5. Does the Manfrotto 585 work well?

A friend just bought this and I played with it. I am not impressed especially considering it originally was priced at $200.

It may just be that the manfroto works better with traditional style of camcorders.

[rgvcam]

Here are some quick macro photos taken with the Aiptek GVS:

http://www.pbase.com/rgv523/aiptekgvs

[opuscroakus]

Originally Posted by opuscroakus

Well, I just received my GVS and have a few questions...

1. How can I tell what firmware version I am running?
2. Realistically, at 720p 60fps, how long will the included 1200mAh battery last?
3. I have an 8GB card. How many hours of 720p video can I get on this?
4. Can I take stills while filming video?
5. Does the Manfrotto 585 work well?

My main purpose is to take videos of my daughters soccer and baketball games. Is there anything else I need besides an extra battery and SD card to get the best possible shots?

I am answering some of my own questions now...
1. Figured out. Came with FW 2602
4. Yes, just not in 1080p mode.

[fishycomics]

Originally Posted by opuscroakus

Well, I just received my GVS and have a few questions...

1. How can I tell what firmware version I am running?
2. Realistically, at 720p 60fps, how long will the included 1200mAh battery last?
3. I have an 8GB card. How many hours of 720p video can I get on this?
4. Can I take stills while filming video?
5. Does the Manfrotto 585 work well?

My main purpose is to take videos of my daughters soccer and baketball games. Is there anything else I need besides an extra battery and SD card to get the best possible shots?

1 to find out firmware its contact support, and request their help
2. pdf or paper manual 50 minutes ALL vids.
3 on box or manual your answer lies there double if it tells you a 4 gig card
4 what does the manual say, what did the website say. and what do you think Aiptek answer is. accordingto all that info no.
5do not own.

I answered and will answer the Fishy way.

1 visit the firmware patch located in the aiptek action Hd review topic
2 roughly around 50 minutes a spare is best at continous recording.
3 It was stated in the manual and site, i forgot. a hour plus guess
4 with fw higher then 2302 you press mouse button while recording video, it wil ltake its lowest res shot around 50kb plus love it.
5 do not own one can always hold a bigger tripod to get results.

If i were in any help for your decision email the company and tell them my name .

[opuscroakus]

Originally Posted by fishycomics

I answered and will answer the Fishy way.

1 visit the firmware patch located in the aiptek action Hd review topic
2 roughly around 50 minutes a spare is best at continous recording.
3 It was stated in the manual and site, i forgot. a hour plus guess
4 with fw higher then 2302 you press mouse button while recording video, it wil ltake its lowest res shot around 50kb plus love it.
5 do not own one can always hold a bigger tripod to get results.

If i were in any help for your decision email the company and tell them my name .

Appreciate the response. You were instrumental in my purchase of the GVS. I would be happy to email the company but will they know who Fishy is?

[fishycomics]

you bet and best do the poll. thank you.never to late for me lol.

the GVs or Z700 is a great cam, use the firmware given and be happy, any questions just ask we're super-helpful.