Operating experience Highscreen Black Box Outdoor as an extreme camera
As I already said in this (http://habrahabr.ru/company/smartgadget/blog/189416/) post, I am the proud owner of the Kodak EasyShare C123 Sport sports camera. The model, in principle, suits me all, but, nevertheless, from time to time the desire to change it for something else arises. Firstly, it does not have optical zoom. Secondly, it is only a “manual” camera and nothing more - you can use it to take pictures with your hand, but it’s almost impossible to reliably fix this unit on any ground, surface or underwater vehicle. And then I got a Highscreen Black Box Outdoor for the test - this model is a hybrid of a sports camera and a car DVR. Used it for several weeks, as a result of which this post was born.
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor with Kodak EasyShare C123 Sport
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor comes in this package
1. A removable module with a screen.
2. A clip for fastenings.
3. Car holder.
4. The holder on the steering wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle.
5. A holder for a flat surface based on 3M adhesive tape (plus a replacement sticker with adhesive tape).
6. Helmet holder.
7. The remote control.
8. Car charger.
9. Sealed plug for connectors.
10. Leakproof plug for connectors.
11. The power cable.
12. Cable for USB connection.
13. AV cable.
14. Rubberized bag for carrying.
15. Lace to wear around the neck.
16. Quick start guide.
17. Warranty card.
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor on a bicycle helmet
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor on a bicycle handlebar
For starters, a little about the features. Highscreen Black Box Outdoor can record video in Full HD 1080p at up to 30 frames per second. Also, this device can take pictures: the maximum resolution of pictures reaches 12 megapixels, although the camera actually has a resolution of 5 megapixels. Therefore, if you set the resolution to more than 5 megapixels in the settings, then interpolation will be used. In the case of video, it is not used in Highscreen Black Box Outdoor - this “trick” with a minus sign, which has taken place in many budget registrars, is now smoothly fading into the past (and thank God).
Externally, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor is a cylinder with a lens on one end and a panel with MiniUSB, HDMI, two microphones, a microSD card slot (up to 32 GB, 64 does not work, checked) and a video resolution switch (720p / 1080p).
There is also a thread on which one of the three complete nozzles is wound. Two of them are plastic caps - with and without holes. The first can be used, for example, when shooting from the steering wheel of a bicycle, the second - for underwater shooting (since it is airtight). The third nozzle is the so-called screen module. It has actually a small display with a diagonal of 1.5 inches, keys for control and configuration, as well as another MicroUSB port. That is, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor can be charged on its own, and with an attached screen module. By the way, with the latter, this recorder / extreme camera resembles a small SLR with a telephoto lens.
The first plug, "underwater" The
second plug, with perforation
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor with a connected screen module
The case is finished with soft-touch plastic and very neatly assembled (which is especially true for “underwater” gadgets, since any microscopic gap can lead to breakage).
It is curious that the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor package includes a cord, but I did not immediately understand how it is attached. As a result, he moved down the hill in the water park, the device flew out of my hand, and then we, in a crowd of five people, were looking for him at the bottom of the pool. Later it dawned on me that the lace was fastened as follows: before twisting any of the two caps, you need to put it on the recorder, as it were, and then press it down with this very cap. The lace holds quite reliably.
Hand on heart, I’ll say that I personally did not find much sense in the module with the display. Yes, it allows you to view the captured video and photos, but I used the Samsung Galaxy S4 for these purposes. That is, a card was removed from the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor, inserted into a smartphone, and so on according to the list. That's exactly what I always do with the Kodak EasyShare C123 Sport: it even has a larger display, but viewing the content is still not very convenient. Meanwhile, while directing the lens towards a road or some other object, you can also do without a screen: the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor provides a laser level - that is, a red beam, as in well-known pointers.
However, without a screen module, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor can only write video - for this, a special key is provided on its case (by the way, it is quite tight). For photographing, you need to either connect a screen, or use the included remote control. This is where the device’s very serious drawback hides for me personally: unlike the Outdoor itself, the remote control is not protected from water, so you won’t take it with you to the sea. Screen module - even more so. And if so, then under water using the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor you can only write video. I like to take pictures of fish and sea urchins rather, and to make films about their hard lives.
On the other hand, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor handles video very well - much better than Kodak. And this applies not only to resolution (Full HD vs VGA), but also to its quality. Here are a couple of examples (I highly recommend watching on YouTube, setting it to Full HD 1080p before):
The cylindrical shape of the device, in my opinion, is also a controversial issue. Yes, thanks to it, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor turned out to be very compact (diameter about 30 mm, length - 80). However, at the same time, due to the cylindrical shape, it is not always possible to fix it in the hand in the “button up” position - it is in it that the horizon does not collapse and normal rollers are obtained. If you take it wrong in your hand, thenit will lose the network signal - antenna, the pancake video will be “oblique”. Over time, of course, you learn to keep the Black Box Outdoor as you need, and yet there is such a nuance.
It was possible to test the device not only in water, but also in much more extreme conditions. I have one friend who loves all kinds of radio-controlled gadgets. He currently owns the AMG Mercedes C-Class DTM 2008, assembled using De Agostini magazine. That is, you buy numbers, and complete with each of them is one detail. You buy, collect, spend almost a thousand dollars - and at the exit you get an all-wheel drive car with a Lexan body, a spring suspension and a gasoline engine that can accelerate to 80 kilometers per hour.
While the owner is preparing the chassis ...
... we are fixing the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor on the Lexan
chassis. The chassis next to the chassis.
Together, it looks like this.
So he already attached to it a nameless hybrid of a registrar and an extreme camera, bought on eBay for about $ 100. Everything would be fine, but the flimsy mount from frantic shaking (there is no even asphalt in Russia, do not forget) fell apart, the unfortunate registrar flew to the side and cracked on the asphalt with all the dope. Therefore, we grabbed the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor to the typewriter with some caution - after the “Chinese,” we didn’t want to ditch this thing for 8 thousand rubles either. Fortunately, Outdoor and its holder based on 3M adhesive tape passed this test without any problems.
The output was this video (I repeat: the asphalt is not too smooth, the suspension is small and stiff, the Lexan body sways from side to side, speed up to 80 km / h):
And here is how it all looked from the side:
Just in case, I will give a couple of examples of car video - day and night.
Due to its compactness, the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor can easily be positioned behind the rear-view mirror, both with the detached screen module and with it. Recording starts automatically when the engine is turned on. In standalone mode, the device works up to one and a half hours.
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor in the car
In general, the device is interesting. Not without flaws, of course, but more advantages. I wanted it for my collection (and, probably, I will buy it), but, alas, it is not able to replace the “underwater” camera. Just because taking a picture underwater Highscreen Black Box Outdoor does not know how. If you are interested in the ability to shoot video at a depth of 5 meters - then yes, the option is not bad. Moreover, on the way from the sea resort it can be used in the car as a DVR.
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor with Kodak EasyShare C123 Sport
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor comes in this package
Options Highscreen Black Box Outdoor
The recorder / extreme camera package includes:1. A removable module with a screen.
2. A clip for fastenings.
3. Car holder.
4. The holder on the steering wheel of a bicycle or motorcycle.
5. A holder for a flat surface based on 3M adhesive tape (plus a replacement sticker with adhesive tape).
6. Helmet holder.
7. The remote control.
8. Car charger.
9. Sealed plug for connectors.
10. Leakproof plug for connectors.
11. The power cable.
12. Cable for USB connection.
13. AV cable.
14. Rubberized bag for carrying.
15. Lace to wear around the neck.
16. Quick start guide.
17. Warranty card.
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor on a bicycle helmet
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor on a bicycle handlebar
For starters, a little about the features. Highscreen Black Box Outdoor can record video in Full HD 1080p at up to 30 frames per second. Also, this device can take pictures: the maximum resolution of pictures reaches 12 megapixels, although the camera actually has a resolution of 5 megapixels. Therefore, if you set the resolution to more than 5 megapixels in the settings, then interpolation will be used. In the case of video, it is not used in Highscreen Black Box Outdoor - this “trick” with a minus sign, which has taken place in many budget registrars, is now smoothly fading into the past (and thank God).
Externally, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor is a cylinder with a lens on one end and a panel with MiniUSB, HDMI, two microphones, a microSD card slot (up to 32 GB, 64 does not work, checked) and a video resolution switch (720p / 1080p).
There is also a thread on which one of the three complete nozzles is wound. Two of them are plastic caps - with and without holes. The first can be used, for example, when shooting from the steering wheel of a bicycle, the second - for underwater shooting (since it is airtight). The third nozzle is the so-called screen module. It has actually a small display with a diagonal of 1.5 inches, keys for control and configuration, as well as another MicroUSB port. That is, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor can be charged on its own, and with an attached screen module. By the way, with the latter, this recorder / extreme camera resembles a small SLR with a telephoto lens.
The first plug, "underwater" The
second plug, with perforation
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor with a connected screen module
The case is finished with soft-touch plastic and very neatly assembled (which is especially true for “underwater” gadgets, since any microscopic gap can lead to breakage).
It is curious that the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor package includes a cord, but I did not immediately understand how it is attached. As a result, he moved down the hill in the water park, the device flew out of my hand, and then we, in a crowd of five people, were looking for him at the bottom of the pool. Later it dawned on me that the lace was fastened as follows: before twisting any of the two caps, you need to put it on the recorder, as it were, and then press it down with this very cap. The lace holds quite reliably.
Hand on heart, I’ll say that I personally did not find much sense in the module with the display. Yes, it allows you to view the captured video and photos, but I used the Samsung Galaxy S4 for these purposes. That is, a card was removed from the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor, inserted into a smartphone, and so on according to the list. That's exactly what I always do with the Kodak EasyShare C123 Sport: it even has a larger display, but viewing the content is still not very convenient. Meanwhile, while directing the lens towards a road or some other object, you can also do without a screen: the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor provides a laser level - that is, a red beam, as in well-known pointers.
However, without a screen module, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor can only write video - for this, a special key is provided on its case (by the way, it is quite tight). For photographing, you need to either connect a screen, or use the included remote control. This is where the device’s very serious drawback hides for me personally: unlike the Outdoor itself, the remote control is not protected from water, so you won’t take it with you to the sea. Screen module - even more so. And if so, then under water using the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor you can only write video. I like to take pictures of fish and sea urchins rather, and to make films about their hard lives.
On the other hand, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor handles video very well - much better than Kodak. And this applies not only to resolution (Full HD vs VGA), but also to its quality. Here are a couple of examples (I highly recommend watching on YouTube, setting it to Full HD 1080p before):
The cylindrical shape of the device, in my opinion, is also a controversial issue. Yes, thanks to it, Highscreen Black Box Outdoor turned out to be very compact (diameter about 30 mm, length - 80). However, at the same time, due to the cylindrical shape, it is not always possible to fix it in the hand in the “button up” position - it is in it that the horizon does not collapse and normal rollers are obtained. If you take it wrong in your hand, then
It was possible to test the device not only in water, but also in much more extreme conditions. I have one friend who loves all kinds of radio-controlled gadgets. He currently owns the AMG Mercedes C-Class DTM 2008, assembled using De Agostini magazine. That is, you buy numbers, and complete with each of them is one detail. You buy, collect, spend almost a thousand dollars - and at the exit you get an all-wheel drive car with a Lexan body, a spring suspension and a gasoline engine that can accelerate to 80 kilometers per hour.
While the owner is preparing the chassis ...
... we are fixing the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor on the Lexan
chassis. The chassis next to the chassis.
Together, it looks like this.
So he already attached to it a nameless hybrid of a registrar and an extreme camera, bought on eBay for about $ 100. Everything would be fine, but the flimsy mount from frantic shaking (there is no even asphalt in Russia, do not forget) fell apart, the unfortunate registrar flew to the side and cracked on the asphalt with all the dope. Therefore, we grabbed the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor to the typewriter with some caution - after the “Chinese,” we didn’t want to ditch this thing for 8 thousand rubles either. Fortunately, Outdoor and its holder based on 3M adhesive tape passed this test without any problems.
The output was this video (I repeat: the asphalt is not too smooth, the suspension is small and stiff, the Lexan body sways from side to side, speed up to 80 km / h):
And here is how it all looked from the side:
Just in case, I will give a couple of examples of car video - day and night.
Due to its compactness, the Highscreen Black Box Outdoor can easily be positioned behind the rear-view mirror, both with the detached screen module and with it. Recording starts automatically when the engine is turned on. In standalone mode, the device works up to one and a half hours.
Highscreen Black Box Outdoor in the car
In general, the device is interesting. Not without flaws, of course, but more advantages. I wanted it for my collection (and, probably, I will buy it), but, alas, it is not able to replace the “underwater” camera. Just because taking a picture underwater Highscreen Black Box Outdoor does not know how. If you are interested in the ability to shoot video at a depth of 5 meters - then yes, the option is not bad. Moreover, on the way from the sea resort it can be used in the car as a DVR.