£59.99 for a digital video camera? Looking as sleek as an iPod? Sounds almost too good to be true. So when I was asked to review this little white wonder of modern technology, I couldn’t say no. If only I had!
The camera arrived safely in its little box, looked as fab as on the picture and was pretty much ‘plug and play’. Instructions are held to a minimum, as there are not many instructions needed.
It runs on batteries, which is not the greenest solution to power, but makes it incredibly easy. The zoom is digital rather than optical and therefore reduces picture quality considerably. Plus, the clicking sound of using the zoom buttons drowned out everything that I tried to capture on film. But then, there is only so much you can expect from a £59.99 digital video camera.
The BIG downside of the camera only unfolded when I tried to download the files to my computer. ‘Unknown file format’ said my Mac. I tried for a while and was getting annoyed. Upset. Angry. Ready to give up. Have I told you I was crap at doing reviews? I know why my answer always was ‘No’ to reviews. Just before I wanted to send the thing back, Big M jumped in and sorted it out. Here’s what he said:
The camera produces video files in an “.avi” format which will not play on a Mac´s standard player Quicktime (not an uncommon problem with video cameras and Macs).
Installing the free DivX Player made playing the movies possible though.
Downloading photos works nice and easy.
There does seem to be a compatibility issue with deleting files on the camera though, so for a Mac user the whole thing turns into a bit of a palaver. In the manual it actually states that Windows (and therefore a probably ugly and unyielding PC) is a requirement; sadly the manufacturer has forgotten to state that fact one the box.
In summary it is a fun little video camera and amazing that the technology has become that cheap. The camera will do the trick for you if you really cannot afford anything else or want a camera to take along when total loss is a possibility (concerts, sky diving or maybe a crazy children’s party). If you are on Mac I would suggest that the Wiki digital video camera is not for you. You might also want to check if your mobile phone records videos – newer phones do so and Met Mum’s Sony Ericsson W995 has the Wiki beaten hands down on video quality. Even though getting the files onto the Mac from the phone is not super easy either…
Thank you, Big M, you are my saviour.
The camera is available from iwoot.com, a great gadget site that lets you collect and redeem ipoints for your purchases.
In case you are the owner of a PC and fancy this camera: leave a comment below by Saturday, 21 November 2009, 2pm. I will use a Random Integer Generator to draw the winner of this fabulous give away.
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London mum, writer and amateur illustrator. Hopes to navigate through motherhood without losing herself.
love reading your blog…i NEVER have any luck with lucky-draws but that doesnt stop me from trying
Thanks ! Suita
please can I enter! I think it looks cute!
Well, I’ve got a windows pc and no camera phone, and I’m used to the compatibility issues/conversion hickups. So yes please, I wants it!
I really enjoy your blog and know someone that would love that camera for Christmas
Oh can I enter please! I have a windows PC and my camera is actually a freebie one that came with the PC about 4 years ago!
Looks good – I could use it for pics for Brownies!
looks great. Lets hope i’m randomly lucky!
Looks neat! I’ve been wanting a camera for my baby boy (to video, not for him to have…haha) – so here’s hoping!
There’s nothing wrong with that review, being honest is the best way
And i’d love to enter please as i own a boring PC lol!! xxxx
Wow. What a great review. I have an ugly PC so throw my name into the hat!!
I wish I had a PC! Your super review makes me want it even more! Besides I got my camera stolen a couple years ago and have been waiting for the perfect occasion:( Oh well, I guess it’ll have to go on my wish list for christmas! xxx LZ
We have many ugly looking windows running computing devices in our house so clearly need the beauty of that little cam. Count me in.
I have a PC and think what I could do with such technology
In fact its probably worth more than my PC and monitor put together….
Ugly PCs are us too. Count me in please!
I’d love to enter!
Ooh it looks so pretty and Top Ender did break my camera…
Oh how I wish I had this last night at the Gig, I only had my IPhone and the camera on that is not good. Great gigs coming up and a little camera friend would be perfect. xx
But at least its pretty…
Nice one! Shame it isn’t rechargable!
It looks fabulous. I hope the gods smile down on me.
I’m in. Great giveaway
did i make it in time??!! Ugh, I hope so this is so cool…