2008Video Assist and Video Accessories forum
Portable video recording devices for professional camera work, including Archos and alternative models
18 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- Archos 400 and 500 series units offer non-linear instant playback review capability, though picture quality is lower than mini-DV or micro-DV formats.
- The Archos 404 is compact and inexpensive, with simple recording and playback once the control layout is learned, and accepts 5V power input.
- Archos 605 model uses a cradle mount and mini-jack connector rather than the cabled connections of earlier models, reducing practical usability.
- Archos units with internal batteries require careful model selection, while external battery options provide longer runtime.
- The PV700 alternative offers dual mini-AV connectors for input/output, 5V DC power, one-button recording, and fast menu-based playback switching.
- PV700 has conflicting specifications regarding frame rates at different resolutions, with 640x480 resolution cutting off the sides which is problematic for Super35 format.
- PV700 records in Microsoft ASF format at maximum 720x480 resolution and 3Mbps bitrate.
- Low-battery vibration alert feature on PV700 could interfere with active recording.
- Travel adapter cables for Archos units stick out far and may not provide power simultaneously with video/audio connections.
Depends on
- PV700 specifications were preliminary and unconfirmed at time of discussion, with manual not yet available.
- Frame rate specifications for PV700 varied between sources, with potential confusion between PAL 25fps and NTSC 30fps standards.
- Archos 404 control menus are described as clumsy by some users.
- PV700 recording bitrate and resolution combination may not be suitable for professional post-production work.