Aiptek A-HD 720P Flash Media Camcorder

I couldn't believe it when I saw it, a high definition camera for $149. I had to see it for myself, and I am not disappointed, although I am not thrilled, either. But that is the whole point of this camera. It is the equivalent of buying a car with no a/c, no power anything, and even the windows don't go down. But the car does it's job. It gets you there. OK, this IS technically a high definition camera. It has features, such as a still camera, a flash, it doubles as a mp3 player, you can even carry movies with you and view them on this unit, it says(I haven't tried it yet, have other items that do that now). It has component AND composite output to TV, USB output to computer, recharge with computer or AC plug. All for $149.

But, the battery capacity is small, at 35 minutes with HD video. And, there is no image stabilization and no optical zoom, the two most important features that make a video camera usable. So, it is good as a tripod-mounted camera, taking great looking video, but don't try to walk around with it.

The camera so far has been very easy to figure out, especially because there is not so much to figure out. There is no focus, minimal digital zoom, and no hidden buttons. Just point and shoot. Even though it feels and looks like an AM transistor radio from the 70's, I feel comfortable with it. It seems like I found it in a box of cheerios. But make a movie, see it on screen, and there it is, high definition. Wow.