Inexpensive camera packed with features

Author's Rating:

Pros: Price, size, features, easy computer interface

Cons: frame rate could be higher with video, no optical zoom

The Bottom Line: 
Good camera/video cam for someone who does not want to mess with video tapes and can file everything in your computer

Author's Review
The AIPTEK DV4500 is a great little product. I have had previous products from the company and to a certain extent, you get what you pay for. That is, given the pricing on most AIPTEK products, don't expect the highest quality materials. So, dispensing with the cons of the DV4500, the plastic is a bit on the flimsy side but everything does work well.

The video camera is very easy to start and setup. It has a very intuitive menu. As a video camera, the best resolution frame rate is a bit slow as noticed by other reviewers. However, I found that the low light performance was actually much better than I imagined. I took some video during a thanksgiving party and the video came out very well. Transfer to PC was relatively easy.

The PC software it came with was easy to install and relatively straightforward. Once installed, it provides a quick connection to the camera. System requirements are relatively minimal and most folks should have a computer that meets the requirements unless your computer is very old. Again, the requirements (PIII/128RAM/4VRAM) are only for the software. In fact, I have no problems running on a much older machine. I simply transfer the files via USB--the SD card is recognized as a hard drive.

The file format for the video part comes as an MPEG-4. The photos comes as standard JPEGs. Again, all files can be transfered via USB and really no need to go through the AIPTEK software.

Photo wise, the flash is effective for most things. Picture resolution is actually pretty decent. The digital zoom feature works surprisingly well. You can take close ups by using the macros feature but you have to turn the lens frame which actually is quite tight. In terms of ergonomics, the camera is pretty comfortable fit in my hands at least and I can easily reach all the buttons.

I have not used the MP3 feature or voice recorder as of yet. The speaker is fine but of course, do not expect anything great. Battery life has actually been very good for me. I use rechargable NIMH AA. Seems to last a long time.

All in all, great product at low price. Much easier to lug around than my 5 megapixel cannon.