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MD80-DV MD80
(MD80-DV) Mini
SD Digital Video
Recorder Review |
The MD80 Video Recorder
comes in a small box with
all the accessories needed
to get started immediately.
The recorder self is very
small, and I'm sure that it
can be used on many different
size R/C helicopters to
record some aerial footage.
You need Windows 2000/XP or
Vista 32 on your PC to view
video clips taken with the
MD80 Mini Video Recorder. I
was really surprised by the
play back video quality. The
Recorders microphone is very
sensitive, and assures for
very good overall sound
quality. Video clips are
recorded in full color (680
x 480) at 25 frames per
second. Included is a 2G
Micro SD Card that allows
you to store one hour and
twenty minutes of video
footage. The MD80 Mini Video
Recorder is capable of
recording up to five hours and
twenty minutes of video
clips with a 8G Micro SD
Card. The 8G Micro SD Card
is not included with the
recorder, and needs to be
bought additionally if
needed.
The view angle of the lens
is 72º, and is great for
aerial videos. The MD80 Mini
Video Recorder has a
rechargeable battery that
gives two hours recording
time, and 250 hours standby
time (sound trigger). A
handy function of the
Recorder is the sound
activation function. In this
mode the Recorder will be
triggered to start recording
if the surrounding sound
accedes 65 decibels, and
stop recording if the
surrounding sound is less
than 65 decibels. This
function will be very handy
if you want to use the
Recorder as a spy cam.
The MD80 Mini Video Recorder
weighs 44g, and the housing
is made from alloy. I use
the supplied Silicon Case to
protect my Recorder from
scratching, and if it is
accidentally dropped. For
those that want to mount the
Recorder against the wall
for a stationary viewpoint,
the supplied clip and
bracket can be used. Overall
I'm very impressed with the
designing features of the
MD80 Mini Video Recorder
To view the recorded
footage, simply connect the
Recorder to your PC with the
supplied USB cable. Switch
the Reorder on, and open the
folder to view the files.
Very simple and effective.
The CD that is provided with
the Recorder is only needed
if you want to download the
drivers to use
the Recorder as a webcam.
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My Walkera Lama
400 EC135 fitted
with the MD80
Mini Video Recorder and flown in
warehouse |
My Walkera 1A
flown outside on
sport field
fitted with the MD80 Mini Video
Recorder |
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My MD80 Video
Recorder onboard
R/C glider while
being towed and
released by a
fixed wing R/C
electric
airplane |
My
MD80 Mini Video
Recorder onboard
the fixed wing
R/C electric
airplane that
towed the glider |
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One thing
that you must keep
in mind is that
any vibration
during recording
(like onboard a
R/C helicopter)
will result in
a slight decay of
video quality.
This is not a
professional
video recorder
with stabilizing
effects and
mechanical image
stabilizers, so
don't expect the
MD80 Mini Video
Recorder to
perform like
one. The video
and sound
quality is very
good, and I can
highly recommend
this Recorder to
anyone that
would like to
have some R/C
fun with aerial
video clips.
• MD80
Mini Video Recorder • 2GB Micro SD Card
• AC Adapter
• USB Cable
• Software CD
• Pouch
• Velcro for Bracket
• Chain
• Two screws for Bracket
• Silicon Case
• Clip Mounting Bracket
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