Monoprice Action Cam - $99

[JimNtexas]

At the Consumer Electronics Show Monoprice announced a new product, the Monoprice MHD Action Camera. It costs $99.99 US and should be available real soon now.

Here is the product description, I've boldfaced the features that are most interesting to me:

Capture all the action with the new MHD Action Camera from Monoprice!

The MHD boasts a full, high-definition 1920x1080p display with 24-bit color depth at 30 frames per second. It can also be set to capture at the lower 1280x720p, 24-bit resolution with 30 fps. It features an ultra-wide 120° field of view, so you can really get up close and personal with your shots.

The camera is waterproof to depths up to 10 meters without a separate outer enclosure. It is also shock, dust, and freeze proof, all features that are necessary in an extreme sports action camera. A waterproof microphone allows you to capture the entire audio/video experience. A two-axis gyroscopic sensor ensures that the video maintains the proper orientation.

The MHD weighs only 3.9 ounces and measures 3 3/4" long, 1 7/8" high, and 1 1/2" wide. It comes with a mounting bracket and can also be mounted onto a standard 1/4"x20 threaded mount, giving you maximum flexibility in how you use it.

A one-touch slide switch is used to start and stop recordings. The switch is about 1" long by 3/8" wide, so you can easily start and stop a recording without having to remove your gloves.

A locking and removable cap on the rear of the unit gives access to the resolution selection switch (FHD or HD), the hardware reset button, the micro-SD card slot, which can accomodate a card up to 32GB size, the mini-B USB port for charging and data sync, and a Micro HDMI port for direct video output to an HDTV. The internal battery has sufficient charge to allow up to 3 hours of continuous recording and up to 6 hours of standby mode.

In addition to being used as a video camera, the MHD Action Camera is also a 5 megapixel still camera. A large button on the top of the unit is used to snap pictures in Single Photo, Burst, and Time Lapse modes with 24-bit color depth.

The camera has plug and play operation and is automatically recognized as a storage device by Windows and Mac computers. Integrated software can be installed to a Mac or Windows PC to allow access to the internal settings. The software is compatible with Windows XP SP3 or later or Mac OS X 10.5 or later.

Additional Mounting Accessories: Helmet Mount, Board Mount, Suction Cup Mount

As near as I can tell there is no microphone input jack.

I have no connection with Monoprice, except as a frequent customer. I have found that their products are usually equal to or better in quality than similar 'name brand' products.

I hope these get out in the field soon, competition is great for everyone.

More at Monoprice.com, item 10159

 

[Bikermole]

Looks very similar to the Contour Roam I use. But a lot cheaper

The biggest criticism I have is with the field of view. 120 degrees is poor compared with the 170 that most of us use.