NewMP3Technology Mini-Cam for AV700, AV500 and PMA400
Review The NewMP3Technology Mini-Cam is video camera - you won't get any great stills out of it, but for video purposes, it works pretty well. It comes with a velcro strap large enough to mount the camera on your head - and cable enough to put your Archos anywhere on your person. Then go do your thing and record it all in video! Note, this is not the official Archos Digital MiniCam, though it is almost identical and similarly price. The camera does a particularly good job of adjusting to changing light conditions. It works well enough indoors at night with lights on - always a plus. I tested the Mini-Cam with my AV700 and it worked just fine. The plugs felt solid and high-quality. The camera itself is cased in metal and feels -very- solid. My only real complaint is the little mic+control unit in between. It has a big button which you have to press to "turn on the camera". You must press it after your Archos is on. This is a little confusing. My only guess why this exists is because the camera probably uses power continuously while plugged in. It would be nice if this paused and resumed recording - with some light showing it was recording, but it doesn't. There is also what looks like a volume control on the side of the unit. I'm am told by NewMP3Technology that this isn't a volume control at all but rather the "+" is for checking status (?). I'm not really sure how this works - so I just ignored it. I'll be you will too ;). The mic seemed acceptable, but not amazing. It works good enough for picking up generally what's going on around you. All in all, it is a decent unit. If you have a specific use for a head-mounted camera that works in most lighting conditions - security, survalance, sports, etc., this should work very well for you. |
