- 720p HD Camcorder - Capture up to 2 hours of High-Definition memories
- 5MP Digital Still Camera - Capture thousands of High-Resolution pictures
- MP3 Player - Enjoy all of your favorite tunes when you’re not capturing video or shooting pictures
- HDMI and USB - Conveniently connects to your PC, Mac, or directly to your HDTV
- Includes an Armband and a Sunshade/Stand so that you can carry your PenCamHD with you everywhere and always be ready to capture perfect HD videos
Technical Details
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Product Description
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Aiptek’s PenCamHD is the World’s smallest HD camcorder. Roughly the size of a highlighter pen, you can slip it into your pocket and take it with you everywhere! The PenCamHD has a trio of functions, including a 720p High-Definition camcorder, a 5MP Digital Still Camera and an MP3 Player. With its integrated memory and built-in rechargeable battery, you can capture up to 2 hours of High-Definition footage! Sharing your memories with friends and family is simple too. You can plug the PenCamHD into a USB port on your PC or Mac and easily upload to sites like YouTube and Vimeo, or use the included HDMI cable to plug directly into your HDTV and playback right from the PenCam itself. No other High-Definition camcorder out there is as compact, convenient, or as simple to use as the new PenCamHD!
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
26 of 26 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Silver|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
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Length:
7:12
Mins
Here's a quick video review of the Aiptek PenCam Trio HD.
It's called "trio" because it's three gadgets in one: Video Camera at 720p 30fps (saves video in MOV format), MP3 Player (drag files to the device via USB), 5MP still camera.
Included in the package: AV cables, USB cable, HDMI cable, Wrist Strap, Headphones, Armband, Sunvisor/stand.
In this review I show you what's in the package, and an example of the video and still picture abilities of the device.
I am giving this device 4 stars. It takes a lot for me to give a gadget like this 5 stars, because there are inherent weaknesses in something of its size - namely size of screen, and a slight quality sacrifice. But overall, for what it is, it's a great gadget to play with and carry everywhere!
It's called "trio" because it's three gadgets in one: Video Camera at 720p 30fps (saves video in MOV format), MP3 Player (drag files to the device via USB), 5MP still camera.
Included in the package: AV cables, USB cable, HDMI cable, Wrist Strap, Headphones, Armband, Sunvisor/stand.
In this review I show you what's in the package, and an example of the video and still picture abilities of the device.
I am giving this device 4 stars. It takes a lot for me to give a gadget like this 5 stars, because there are inherent weaknesses in something of its size - namely size of screen, and a slight quality sacrifice. But overall, for what it is, it's a great gadget to play with and carry everywhere!
21 of 24 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Silver|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
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Length:
0:45
Mins
Quick Summary -
Pros: Light, easy to use and carry. Discrete Video Camera. Cords included for connection to HDTV.
Cons: Low Quality Video, Video stores as a .mov file (Quicktime), 100 minutes max, not 2 hours, Low Quality Photos.
A picture IS worth a thousand words. The attached short video shows only one thing - the comparison of video quality between my older Flip Video and the Aiptek using indoor lighting. I chose to compare these two because of the similarities in actual cost.
I held both cameras and shot both very short video clips at the same time for a true comparison. As you can see, there is a distinct quality loss with the Aiptek in the video. While the Aiptek picks up the sound better (it's louder), there is an edgy harshness to the sound.
The battery is a 2-hour battery under normal conditions. HOWEVER, this camera can only store 100 minutes of video, not the 2 hours mentioned in the description. And, this total of 100 minutes is based on having no pictures or music stored on the camera.
I used the camera to take still photos (Indoors). All of the photos were of small items (for E-bay) and needed to show detail. There was significant loss of detail when using this camera, and the color spectrum was off (whites showed as yellows). I have uploaded one of the photos (in the photo section of the silver Model) to demonstrate the lack of clarity and focus.
The buttons work more smoothly on the Aiptek than the Flip, and it is narrower (although a bit longer than the Flip). While it compares itself to a highlighter, I would suggest that it is closer to the size of two highlighters.
The arm band is well made and fits both my arm and my husband's arm (with room to spare). Since my husband takes a "large size" blood pressure cuff, I would say that it will fit most sizes! It is also nice to have a stand for a table so that I can take a video of myself for my parents.
The battery is rechargeable and needs to be charged using the USB cord. For 2 hours of use it takes up to 8 hours to charge.
Video stores as a .mov file and needs to be viewed in Quicktime. To even see the file on your Windows computer, you need Quicktime, either downloaded or copied from the included disk. Powerpoint and Windows Movie Maker do not accept .mov, so you need to download a .mov to .wmv converter (free online) if you want to convert movies for use.
Law Enforcement Officers: While the camera is obviously a camera, it is very lightweight for a pocket with a nice pocket clip. The recording light is on the back, which means that it is still a discreet method of recording. It is a 2-step recording process, Pen must be turned on (side button) and the recording started (red button on back.)
I would actually consider this a nice gift for a preteen or another individual who is looking for something handy (and relatively low cost) to carry with them that includes music, digital photography, and Video clips. But, if you want a decent camera or video camera, this is not your best choice.
A solid "OK" with three stars.
Pros: Light, easy to use and carry. Discrete Video Camera. Cords included for connection to HDTV.
Cons: Low Quality Video, Video stores as a .mov file (Quicktime), 100 minutes max, not 2 hours, Low Quality Photos.
A picture IS worth a thousand words. The attached short video shows only one thing - the comparison of video quality between my older Flip Video and the Aiptek using indoor lighting. I chose to compare these two because of the similarities in actual cost.
I held both cameras and shot both very short video clips at the same time for a true comparison. As you can see, there is a distinct quality loss with the Aiptek in the video. While the Aiptek picks up the sound better (it's louder), there is an edgy harshness to the sound.
The battery is a 2-hour battery under normal conditions. HOWEVER, this camera can only store 100 minutes of video, not the 2 hours mentioned in the description. And, this total of 100 minutes is based on having no pictures or music stored on the camera.
I used the camera to take still photos (Indoors). All of the photos were of small items (for E-bay) and needed to show detail. There was significant loss of detail when using this camera, and the color spectrum was off (whites showed as yellows). I have uploaded one of the photos (in the photo section of the silver Model) to demonstrate the lack of clarity and focus.
The buttons work more smoothly on the Aiptek than the Flip, and it is narrower (although a bit longer than the Flip). While it compares itself to a highlighter, I would suggest that it is closer to the size of two highlighters.
The arm band is well made and fits both my arm and my husband's arm (with room to spare). Since my husband takes a "large size" blood pressure cuff, I would say that it will fit most sizes! It is also nice to have a stand for a table so that I can take a video of myself for my parents.
The battery is rechargeable and needs to be charged using the USB cord. For 2 hours of use it takes up to 8 hours to charge.
Video stores as a .mov file and needs to be viewed in Quicktime. To even see the file on your Windows computer, you need Quicktime, either downloaded or copied from the included disk. Powerpoint and Windows Movie Maker do not accept .mov, so you need to download a .mov to .wmv converter (free online) if you want to convert movies for use.
Law Enforcement Officers: While the camera is obviously a camera, it is very lightweight for a pocket with a nice pocket clip. The recording light is on the back, which means that it is still a discreet method of recording. It is a 2-step recording process, Pen must be turned on (side button) and the recording started (red button on back.)
I would actually consider this a nice gift for a preteen or another individual who is looking for something handy (and relatively low cost) to carry with them that includes music, digital photography, and Video clips. But, if you want a decent camera or video camera, this is not your best choice.
A solid "OK" with three stars.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Silver|Amazon Vine™ Review
(What's this?)
The AipTek PenCam Trio HD is a multi-purpose gadget that includes an HD video camera, a 5MP digital still camera and an MP3 player. After experimenting with this device, I came to the conclusion that it is a mediocre device for imagery but acceptable for audio. I will explain each feature separately, then I will discuss some other things about this device.
First and foremost, this is billed as a pen-sized video camera. It does indeed record video, at a reasonable resolution and frame rate, up to 100 minutes worth. It's easy to work with, just set the mode, turn on the power and start recording. The audio on the recorded video is loud and clear, but the video itself is very grainy and not of the best quality. Worse, zooming in and out is not smooth AT ALL, being very jumpy and erratic. There is a light that can be turned on to enhance the light balance when recording but it is not enough to rescue the otherwise poor quality. On the plus side, there seems to be some adjustment for jitter built-in so that video recording is not too susceptible to slight movements.
The 5MP camera is very limited in capability. You can turn the flash on and off, zoom in and out, and snap pictures. There are no other adjustments and settings that can be made to improve the picture quality and as a result it is easy to take bad pictures. In fact, my cell phone's 2MP camera is better at taking decent pictures, and that says quite a lot.
The one redeeming feature of this device is the MP3 player. It does a nice job of audio playback, with decent sound quality and volume control. With 4GB memory it can hold quite a bit of music and audio.
There is no documentation with this device, at all. The print on the box is as close as you will get to having documentation, which is a terrible oversight. It is not good enough to assume that users will automatically know how to use this device, even though it is relatively straightforward. Several things about this gadget are learned through trial and error for the less electronically inclined.
*** UPDATE 11-29-2009: I was told that a mini CD with the manual should come with the gadget. Mine did not. I hope I am an isolated exception...
The screen is actually the biggest complaint I have about this device. It is small in the interest of keeping the overall device small, but it is so small as to be hard to see for some people. I struggle with seeing the image on the screen, and that's a deterrent for using it.
Another unfortunate design decision is that, in order to hear audio at all, you have to use headphones (this device includes a pair of ear buds in the package). Every other video device I have ever used that allows playback has a speaker, but this one does not. If out and about and you need to review your recordings, take the ear buds with you.
The very best feature of this gadget is the included software that installs when you plug it into a USB port of your computer. Installation takes some time but once installed it is very intuitive, responsive and seems to have packed a lot of features for interacting with the device (sending and receiving). It also facilitates interacting with YouTube so uploads are made easy.
Included in the package are all of the cables needed to interact with the gadget.
The AipTek PenCam Trio HD is a small device trying to be a video camera, digital camera and MP3 player all rolled into one unit. Unfortunately it does not work so well when it comes to its visual functions and actually underperforms some cell phones in these areas. Though a useful tool when on the go and an interesting gift idea, this gadget should be viewed as a starter unit at best and a toy at worst.
First and foremost, this is billed as a pen-sized video camera. It does indeed record video, at a reasonable resolution and frame rate, up to 100 minutes worth. It's easy to work with, just set the mode, turn on the power and start recording. The audio on the recorded video is loud and clear, but the video itself is very grainy and not of the best quality. Worse, zooming in and out is not smooth AT ALL, being very jumpy and erratic. There is a light that can be turned on to enhance the light balance when recording but it is not enough to rescue the otherwise poor quality. On the plus side, there seems to be some adjustment for jitter built-in so that video recording is not too susceptible to slight movements.
The 5MP camera is very limited in capability. You can turn the flash on and off, zoom in and out, and snap pictures. There are no other adjustments and settings that can be made to improve the picture quality and as a result it is easy to take bad pictures. In fact, my cell phone's 2MP camera is better at taking decent pictures, and that says quite a lot.
The one redeeming feature of this device is the MP3 player. It does a nice job of audio playback, with decent sound quality and volume control. With 4GB memory it can hold quite a bit of music and audio.
There is no documentation with this device, at all. The print on the box is as close as you will get to having documentation, which is a terrible oversight. It is not good enough to assume that users will automatically know how to use this device, even though it is relatively straightforward. Several things about this gadget are learned through trial and error for the less electronically inclined.
*** UPDATE 11-29-2009: I was told that a mini CD with the manual should come with the gadget. Mine did not. I hope I am an isolated exception...
The screen is actually the biggest complaint I have about this device. It is small in the interest of keeping the overall device small, but it is so small as to be hard to see for some people. I struggle with seeing the image on the screen, and that's a deterrent for using it.
Another unfortunate design decision is that, in order to hear audio at all, you have to use headphones (this device includes a pair of ear buds in the package). Every other video device I have ever used that allows playback has a speaker, but this one does not. If out and about and you need to review your recordings, take the ear buds with you.
The very best feature of this gadget is the included software that installs when you plug it into a USB port of your computer. Installation takes some time but once installed it is very intuitive, responsive and seems to have packed a lot of features for interacting with the device (sending and receiving). It also facilitates interacting with YouTube so uploads are made easy.
Included in the package are all of the cables needed to interact with the gadget.
The AipTek PenCam Trio HD is a small device trying to be a video camera, digital camera and MP3 player all rolled into one unit. Unfortunately it does not work so well when it comes to its visual functions and actually underperforms some cell phones in these areas. Though a useful tool when on the go and an interesting gift idea, this gadget should be viewed as a starter unit at best and a toy at worst.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Nice Small Camcorder
This is a nice, small, camcorder that is easy to use and convenient.
The videos are ok but not great. It comes with some cool accessories. Read more
The videos are ok but not great. It comes with some cool accessories. Read more
Published 15 months ago by knarf
HOW Many ways can one say HORRIBLE ??
This was an absolute bOMB
Video was unclear and like a '50s tV show
Sound was only semi-audible
Felt clunky and cheap
battery life was close to ZERO
screen... Read more
Video was unclear and like a '50s tV show
Sound was only semi-audible
Felt clunky and cheap
battery life was close to ZERO
screen... Read more
Published 17 months ago by Candace Mike N Elmo
The software has a mind of its own
Since this is a pen sized camcorder, I wasn't expecting a great picture, and I was right, it's grainy. Read more
Published 22 months ago by Margaret Thomas
Good buy at reduced price
This camera was purchased for the use of my young son, who really wanted a camcorder. At its original full price, it seems like madness to buy this product. Read more
Published 24 months ago by Habs
ok. for the price and size
If you are trying to use this device as a dvr, don't! as it does not have a "video AV-in" like the other Aipteks.
Published on May 10, 2010 by W. Parker
Not bad for the price I paid for.
I bought this a few weeks back. Amazon had them on sale for $43 which I thought was a steal at that price for what it can do. Read more
Published on May 5, 2010 by HD Fan
PenCam
Works better than I thought it would. Main problem I have is that the software that came with if is on a mini disc which will not work in a Mac.
Published on April 23, 2010 by C. Rice
Fun little gadget
though honestly not sure worth the money
the video on it is rough the photos are poor
the sound quality though is good however for just an mp3 player
there are many... Read more
the video on it is rough the photos are poor
the sound quality though is good however for just an mp3 player
there are many... Read more
Published on February 18, 2010 by lil
Go snowboarding with this!
The Aipek is a video camera (720p), a still camera and an mp3 player. It comes with a lot of accessories: AV cables, HDMI cable, USB cable, wrist strap, armband, sunvisor to keep... Read more
Published on January 21, 2010 by Charleen Merced
The right form-factor, but poor display & playback quality
I wanted to love this tiny camcorder, as I am a video-nut who collects and uses various cameras and camcorders of all sizes. Unfortunately, Aipteks PenCamHD does not meet my needs. Read more
Published on January 20, 2010 by Tom D.
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