AIPTEK DV2

By Bob Lafave, Tampa PC Users Group
boblala@ij.net

 

The AIPTEK DV2 is a multi-functional camera and voice recorder that does four tasks: Digital still camera mode (takes 1280 X 1024 X 24Bit jpeg), PC camera mode (Web Cam), AV recording mode (avi digital files), and Voice annotation mode (voice recorder in wav format). Sounds like a lot for this little gadget, but it does do them all. The web site at http://www.aiptek.com/index2.php has all the specifications for any surfers to view. First, the price was great. For $89.99 plus shipping, I received not only the DV2 but also a digital watch that they are currently selling for $19.99; still the DV2 is worth much more. The still mode jpeg’s are really nice. I can place them as wallpaper, and they look great. They are of equal quality to many other pictures that I have found over the years on web sites. The pictures are true 1.3 mega pixel resolution. With 16MB of memory built in, you get only 15+ pictures, but the DV2 can take an optional 512 MB Compact Flash card to increase that number to over 600 before changing cards. The flash card is also useful if you are going to take digital movies. The 16MB of built in memory gives you only about 2-3 minutes of video with sound. Add the card and you can get almost 100 minutes of digital avi with sound. If used for a voice recorder only, you get about 30 minutes with the 16MB of memory and almost unlimited with a memory card. The sounds are not recording quality by any means, but, if used for reminders or note taking, the quality is fine and, when taking videos, is acceptable. During a rainstorm, I recorded the rain, wind, and thunder, and it can be heard along with my commentary of what was taking place. Lastly the DV2 is a web cam that is better in quality than the Logitech web cam that I have. There is separate software called Mega DV Manager.

This picture shows the web cam mode looking out a window. You can take still pictures or AV recording from this application directly to the computer.

When the DV2 is used as a web cam, you are connected by USB; this is really convenient at home, especially if you get a USB extension for added range. This is the only software that needs to be installed for the use of the DV2, but six more programs are included. The programs are:

I could write individually about each of these programs, but I think it would be easier and provide more information for those who are interested to visit:

http://www.gocyberlink.com/english/index.jsp for descriptions of CyberLink programs and http://www.ulead.com for Ulead programs information. What I will say is that there is very little that you will not be able to do with the still images or digital AV that you take using the included software. If priced separately, the software itself is worth far more than the cost. Some programs are older versions or OEM versions.

Overall, for the price you get a great multi-functional camera with a LCD display with easy to follow instructions that allows you to record most any choice you can make. Yes, you do have to purchase a Compact Flash card to extend the features, and this will cost as much if not more than the DV2, but I think it is a well thought-out product. Between the DV2 and its included software, what more could you ask for.

The AIPTEK DV 2 is also sold at Best Buy and is where I found it when browsing the shelves. Their cost is $99.99 including tax. AIPTEK products are sold at Circuit City also. u