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Camcorder Potential

The Dark Knight

The Dark Knight

Newbie
I was just wondering if anyone knows what the actual hardware capability of this device's Camcorder actually is, or, in other words, what is the possibility of a software app/firmware upgrade in being able to improve the quality of the Sprint Hero's recorded video? The video examples which I have seen so far on YouTube seem good, but the only thing tugging between my getting an Instinct HD for Christmas, vs. the Sprint Hero, is the video quality difference. So long as a very real potential exists to narrow the gap between the two in regards to this issue, then I will most likely feel confident in springing for the Hero.
 
if the camera is the make or break decision between the HERO and the INSTINCT you need to go soak your head man. in all seriousness though, the G1's camera was greatly improved via software updates, so it's always a possibility. seriously though, if you buy the instinct over this, i may have to beat you with a stick. you can always just buy a camera since its main function is to be a camera and it will be a camera better than any phone.
 
The question I think is interesting??? Are you asking what format the video is created in? It's resolution? Frame rate? Are you planning to do the next Blair Witch Project with it?

I'm just curious? It is a "PHONE" which has camera and Video capability... the small 1/8" lens will allow some light, the firmware processes it and records it. BUT there are limitations you know... (I hope).

That said, I have yet to really look under the hood with the video, I have captured a few but have not transfered them to the pc yet. They look good and I have not had a problem with using this function. I would imagine it is limited if not more so by the same limitations the camera has, i.e., low light situations. Now that you have perked my curiosity, I will look at the video captured and maybe get back to this thread...

As far as I know...
3gp format
320x240 resolution

Regards
:)
 
i had in instinct hd before my hero.....and the video is a bit better on the hd....but it touts as recording in 720p hd video...the hero cant quite match that i dont think. now with the update we just received, the camera quality is about in line with the instinct hd, but its lacking a flash on the hero...the hd's flash will blind you. Even losing what i did by switching to the hero...and i dont regret it...the phone, with its capabilities, is leaps and bounds better than the instinct.
 
I agree that as a handheld device, the Hero was a much better choice for me as compared to the iPhone. However, I am envious of the iPhone 3GS videos I have seen as compared to my 15 fps Hero videos. True, this was never a deal breaker for me, but decent video capture can be important in some professional situations. I work in research, and capturing some experimental results as video would be useful. But research is unpredictable, so I'm not willing to lug a stand alone video camera around with me "just in case".

In almost all other areas, the Hero stands head an shoulders above other devices, so I'm not complaining. For now, though, does anyone have suggestions for the optimal video capture settings for frame rates above 15 fps? Are there any Android apps that improve video capture?

Much appreciated
Jjw
 
jjw14 said:
I agree that as a handheld device, the Hero was a much better choice for me as compared to the iPhone. However, I am envious of the iPhone 3GS videos I have seen as compared to my 15 fps Hero videos. True, this was never a deal breaker for me, but decent video capture can be important in some professional situations. I work in research, and capturing some experimental results as video would be useful. But research is unpredictable, so I'm not willing to lug a stand alone video camera around with me "just in case".

In almost all other areas, the Hero stands head an shoulders above other devices, so I'm not complaining. For now, though, does anyone have suggestions for the optimal video capture settings for frame rates above 15 fps? Are there any Android apps that improve video capture?

Much appreciated
Jjw
Click to expand...

interesting point about your need for a high quality video capture device, however there are very small, and slim devices that could accomplish this. i wouldnt call carrying a second device, lugging it around. i got my gf the latest touch screen cybershot, it's even smaller than the hero, and it does excellent video. she also has a hero. she carries both everywhere, granted its in a purse. maybe what u need is a man purse :)
 
You make a good point, and I know I'm nitpicking here. I have a look at the cybershot. The thing is, before I had my Hero, I was carrying around an iPod touch as a "sort-of-PDA" and my Samsung M610 as my phone, both very slim. I just got spoiled carrying my Hero as a single "all-in-one device".

I'll hold off on the "man purse" until I get some more feedback on Hero settings/apps for optimal video capture. ;)

Thanks for the tip.
 
jjw14 said:
You make a good point, and I know I'm nitpicking here. I have a look at the cybershot. The thing is, before I had my Hero, I was carrying around an iPod touch as a "sort-of-PDA" and my Samsung M610 as my phone, both very slim. I just got spoiled carrying my Hero as a single "all-in-one device".

I'll hold off on the "man purse" until I get some more feedback on Hero settings/apps for optimal video capture. ;)

Thanks for the tip.
Click to expand...

i feel your pain. the whole reason i never bought an ipod was because i was waiting for an all in one device as well. it's always better to have one thing in your pocket that does it all.
 
jjw14 said:
You make a good point, and I know I'm nitpicking here. I have a look at the cybershot. The thing is, before I had my Hero, I was carrying around an iPod touch as a "sort-of-PDA" and my Samsung M610 as my phone, both very slim. I just got spoiled carrying my Hero as a single "all-in-one device".

I'll hold off on the "man purse" until I get some more feedback on Hero settings/apps for optimal video capture. ;)

Thanks for the tip.
Click to expand...

Well, if I can offer my wisdom... Anything (device or equipment) that does EVERYTHING generally doesn't do any one thing well. All in one's usually leave you wanting more. The Hero can do video in a pinch, but I wouldn't want to be using it in professional situations for distribution, lol.

There are cheap cameras, like the Canon 1200IS that will blow you away with the video they take, small as a deck of cards and cheap for the capability you get. anyway... The physical qualities of the camera and video capability of the phone can't change, so there is only so much you will be able to tweak out of the Hero or ANY phone. There are software programs that will let you up-convert, change format, etc., just remember the golden rule of recording... Garbage "IN" = Garbage "OUT", it won't IMPROVE video unless you invest good money in some Canopus type equipment which may help, but could all be avoided by just getting and using a VIDEO camera, lol... See, its a simple question really, but complicated are the answers.

I'm not aware of any apps out there for video setting and or use straight on the phone, maybe someone else could enlighten us. :)

Regards
 
lldsandsll said:
if the camera is the make or break decision between the HERO and the INSTINCT you need to go soak your head man. in all seriousness though, the G1's camera was greatly improved via software updates, so it's always a possibility. seriously though, if you buy the instinct over this, i may have to beat you with a stick. you can always just buy a camera since its main function is to be a camera and it will be a camera better than any phone.
Click to expand...


LOL, alright, alright, no stick beatings are necessary :p

Yeah, I definitely love the idea of the Hero, with the massive amount of Apps. available, as well as the customization abilities. I'll just check out the Instinct HD for the heck of it at the store, but I'm REALLY going for the Hero no doubt. I really like the amazing amount of options with this device. PLUS, there is an entire community here of knowledgeable folks in regards to the Hero, and that to me is a great thing as well.
 
LTZguy said:
i had in instinct hd before my hero.....and the video is a bit better on the hd....but it touts as recording in 720p hd video...the hero cant quite match that i dont think. now with the update we just received, the camera quality is about in line with the instinct hd, but its lacking a flash on the hero...the hd's flash will blind you. Even losing what i did by switching to the hero...and i dont regret it...the phone, with its capabilities, is leaps and bounds better than the instinct.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the first-hand experience, I appreciate it. I believe that you and others have finally assisted me in making a well informed decision later today!
 
cooolone2 said:
The question I think is interesting??? Are you asking what format the video is created in? It's resolution? Frame rate? Are you planning to do the next Blair Witch Project with it?

I'm just curious? It is a "PHONE" which has camera and Video capability... the small 1/8" lens will allow some light, the firmware processes it and records it. BUT there are limitations you know... (I hope).

That said, I have yet to really look under the hood with the video, I have captured a few but have not transfered them to the pc yet. They look good and I have not had a problem with using this function. I would imagine it is limited if not more so by the same limitations the camera has, i.e., low light situations. Now that you have perked my curiosity, I will look at the video captured and maybe get back to this thread...

As far as I know...
3gp format
320x240 resolution

Regards
:)
Click to expand...

Thank you for the in-depth analysis, and yeah, I know that there are limitations. I wouldn't even bother asking the question if it weren't for some phone touting "HD Video". I have dedicated Cameras and Camcorders, but there are definitely times when a Phone with a Camera comes in handy (I am very much into taking Photographs, and sometimes Recording Video (Not as often in regards to the latter though) ).
 
I went to a boxing match my brother had and I recorded the match. The quality is great and everyone who I showed the video to was impressed. I don't know how long it can record for, but I did a test before attempting to record his actual fight and at a little over 8 minutes I stopped it because I knew that was plenty of time.

I am curious to know if the length you can record for depends on the available space on the SD card. Does anyone know? :D
 
Well, I FINALLY got my Hero on Christmas Eve! My folks were getting it for me as a Christmas present, and so my Old Man took me to the employee store nearby. I also copped some screen protectors, and a nice leather case.

I can't believe that I was even concerned about the Camera potential lol. The Camcorder/Camera are AMAZING on this device. I was even talking to the associate at the store, and I mentioned that I was coming from a Treo 650. I told him that compared to what I'm used to, this thing is light years ahead of such.

Yeah, "ajuarbe", I have had the same experience here. Everyone says that the video is amazing, and I am in fact amazed at how I notice no pixelation in well-lit conditions, and very little pixelation in completely dark situations. It truly is high-quality.

Here is a photo from Christmas Eve, taken at a lounge which I was chilling at:

HeroPhoto-03.jpg



Christmas Lights:

HeroPhoto-04.jpg



Backyard (Through Glass Window):

HeroPhoto-05.jpg



Street View (While Standing Outside):

HeroPhoto-06-Edited-01.jpg
 
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