Aiptek PocketDV Z300HD-V

Advanced Intelligent Personal Technologies (aka Aiptek) has been turning out inexpensive digital video cameras for over 10 years. However, with its latest model, the PocketDV Z300HD-V, it’s claiming something of a first – the world’s smallest high-definition (HD) pocket camera.

Features
Visually, the camera is no stunner and, on first inspection, you can’t help feeling that Aiptek missed a trick by failing to make the technology better designed. However, on testing the camera we found it packed quite a punch for such a lightweight, versatile and portable model. The device should fit comfortably in most pockets, its pistol-style grip offers easy handling and you can see all the action on the 2.4in swivel-mounted LCD viewfinder. It records in full HD video, as well as web and DVD format, and can also be used to take pictures and record audio clips. It has a 3x optical zoom to help frame your shot and you can choose between autofocus and macro mode, which lets you film as close as 5cm from your subject. The white-balance feature offers additional exposure settings for when you’re shooting in low-light conditions.

Performance
The camera has only 6MB of internal memory, so you’ll need to purchase a separate SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) card straightaway. The Aiptek can support up to 32GB of additional storage, which gives you hours of recording time, even in HD. It’s this HD setting that is the pocket cam’s winning feature: footage is clear, crisp and sharp. The biggest disappointments are the speed of the zoom, which is a bit on the slow side, and the life of the battery, which is quick to run down. Once you’ve got some footage, you can review it by using the neat mobile phone-style joystick on the back of the camera, while your other hand operates the rewind, fast forward and play/pause buttons located on the LCD screen.

Ease of use
It’s very easy to use – you’ll be shooting footage as soon as the battery is powered up. The power button is located under the viewfinder but most of the camera’s other functions are located on the back panel so you can operate them with your thumb while filming – as long as you’re right-handed. Transferring footage onto a computer is straightforward, though the secure panel covering the USB port is a little bit fiddly.

Value for money
While there are quite a few pocket camcorders on the market, not many of them offer HD format – especially at Aiptek’s competitive price. The model we tested is selling on Firebox (www.firebox.com) for just under £200. With the added extras, such as being able to shoot footage in lower-quality formats as well as voice recording and digital camera features, Aiptek has managed to combine a lot of elements in one easy-to-use device, while still keeping the price competitive.