Looks like Aiptek is trying to put an entire movie production and screening system in people’s pockets. Complementing its new range of pocket-sized pico projectors at IFA 2009 was the PenCam Trio HD, an ultra-slim camera that boasts 1280 x 720p HD video resolution, 5MP still image resolution, and a dictaphone function for recording audio.
The PenCam Trio HD is the successor to the 640 x 480 resolution VGA PenCam Trio, which was itself a follow up to the original PenCam. As is the way of new technology the new unit manages to cram even more capabilities into a smaller form factor. HD video can be recorded at up to 30fps and the 4GB of built-in memory can store up to 100 minutes of video or up to 80 hours of audio. Meanwhile, still shots captured by the unit’s CMOS sensor can be illuminated with the LED flash.
The small display will probably be fine for youngsters with good eyesight, but older users may find themselves squinting at the 2.8cm (1.1”) OLED screen, which does make up for its diminutive size somewhat with its wide color spectrum, high contrast and brightness, and wide viewing angle. If you don’t have an Aiptek PocketCinema T30 projector to display your masterpiece then you can hook the PenCam Trio HD up to a TV via the unit’s HDMI or TV-out (NTSC and PAL) port.
The device is powered by a built-in Li-polymer rechargeable battery that is charged via USB, and comes with bundled Windows-only software that allows the now ubiquitous ‘direct upload to YouTube’ capability. It measures just 130 x 35 x 19mm (5.1 x 1.3 x 0.75in.) and weighs only 75g (2.6oz). It comes in five colors and includes USB cable, HDMI cable, AV cable, headphones, wrist strap and software.
The Aiptek PenCam Trio HD is due in stores at the end of September priced at EUR€129 (approx. USD$187 at time of publication).