Turnigy Cam HK52 Super Test

[redshift]

I spotted this one, had to try it out- http://www.hobbycity.com/hobbycity/s...dproduct=10093

Metallover gave me a heads up on this as well, thanks Riley...

First impression, looks pretty well made actually. I had issues initially with copying through WMP, but it was no fault of the camera. Saturday was the only day I had to give it a little wringing, I did four separate tests, one on my old Honda, some aerial with my bro piloting, a ground test, and one on my truck.

Things I like:
- looks well made, considering the $40 price, and looks like it will take abuse
- small and light, HK has it at 1 ounce/28g but it's more like 2oz I think
- simple functions (especially compared to the FlyCamOne2)
- 2 batteries included (most cams this size do not have removeable batts)
- has some good accessories/attachments
- takes 2 to 16G micro SD cards
- decent exposure control, (not great, but better than most) so not bad on dark to light transition
- charges with USB, also with a USB wall charger
- real 30 frames-per-second (as advertised)

Things I don't like:
- timestamp, unneccessary and somewhat obtrusive, and it's 2007?
(someone may be able to mess with root files and delete, it's been done with a few different spy-sized cams, 2007 is better than 1980, that's what year my "gumstick cam" thinks it is...)
- the mic is right where you put your finger when using it handheld
- the product shot shows a manual and a mini CD-ROM, I got neither (had to beg and plead with some RCG members to post a PDF, and just what you'd expect, horrible Engrish)
- sharpness seems a bit much, detracts from resolution

I gave it a 7.5, but for onboard use, a 10 would be near impossible. A 10 would be about what the average mid-priced regular handheld camcorder would do under the same conditions. That's what I based the score on.

I did a WMV download to eliminate a second format conversion, so you can see what it really looks like.

Link: http://www.mediafire.com/download.php?y2tmjz2oqnw

[nitrostarter]

Awesome review! Did a good job testing it as well.

The lines in the plane run were caused by vibrations as well?

I'll be picking up one of these as well when they are in stock!

[redshift]

They had over 500 in stock the last time I looked!!!! What the hell?

Think that was about 2 days ago.

Thanks nitro, the lines in the aerial are prop, my buddy's cub already had a giant hole for a Creative Vado, so I just stuffed it in. Normally we'd have minimal prop in the video.


The vibes have been a problem on every cam I've used, but only on the bike. You should see my 8mm video from years back, almost unwatchable. I don't suspect that would ever be an issue with RC, it's just the harshest test I could do.

I think this is about as good as it gets for doing cheap onboard. I have seen some better video from the new keychain cams (ebay items) but it's hit or miss on framerate. The ones with 15 fps suck, if you can be sure you're getting one with 25-30, than that may be better, and they go as cheap as $15 shipped. 15 fps is the standard cellphone video, which is not good for motion shots at all, it looks like rapid-photo more than video. This is true 30 fps (confirmed by me) and looks pretty smooth.

Keep in mind this was one of those bright-dark overcast days. That would give any cam a run for it's money. I based my score on one day of fall testing, so that is not 100% fair, and my score may rise a bit. I may have to wait for spring to find out though!

[nitrostarter]

Nice! I didn't think of the prop lines...

What video editing software do you use? I was pretty fluent in Adobe Premier 2.0 about 6 years ago in High School. I assume there are newer programs available.

[redshift]

It's just Windows movie maker. I've been putting off trying other movie software-

a. because I know WMM so well
b. because I am cheap
c. wanted to wait for better cams to justify it

There are much better editing programs, checked into a few. But to utilize it enough to make it worthwhile to me I'd need something like a ContourHD. And the problem with a cam like that for ground vehicle onboard, is durability. Not to mention those go for about $280... And most of those also suffer with fast motion, but for different reasons.

It's not as easy as throwing any old cam on a vehicle, and there are tradeoffs. The stuff keeps getting better and cheaper though. For now, HK cam is worth the $40 IMO.

[Metallover]

Nice review man! Thanks for posting this!

Looks like an ideal camera for the non-serious videogropher. The general RC enthusiest will love this camera, for the price. I can see lots of RCM members buying one of these. There is a very good chance I'll pick one of these up for myself..

Thanks for the review man!

[redshift]

Glad ya liked Metal. I was just snooping around, this was just posted on the RCG AP forum, great vid!

This was taken with the 8GB keychain cam, so look for that one. With so many factories churning these other cams out, they all use the same cases, but with different internals and specs.

I've been waiting to find some onboard crawling... and like he commented, no one even knew he was filming lol.

[nitrostarter]

I was just reading that you may want to pick up a Class 4 MicroSD card. The class has nothing to do with capacity, it is how fast it can be written on. This is a cure if you find the video jumps or is jittery.

[redshift]

Originally Posted by nitrostarter

I was just reading that you may want to pick up a Class 4 MicroSD card. The class has nothing to do with capacity, it is how fast it can be written on. This is a cure if you find the video jumps or is jittery.

I did forget about the early reports of the included mSD card being junk, and from what I've seen so far that is the main reason for the recall.

And yes the card class seems to matter with this one. A faster card obviously won't turn 15fps into 30fps if the cam is only capable of 15.
But too slow of a card can effectively reduce your framerate. I already had a Sandisk I was using, I failed to mention that

I have to say I am more impressed with the keychain cams, at least the better ones. Overall they have better video, and being so compact gives you unlimited mounting options.

I guess I will continue to use my Turnigy cam and see what develops...

[simplechamp]

Wish I would have seen this cam, don't know how I missed it. I added the FlyCamOne2 to my HC order and it's on the way right now. Also have the cable on the way that allows you to control the camera with an extra channel.

Is this camera not so good? All I want to do is goof around with some in-car videos.

Nitrostarter: I agree, got to have at least Class 4 or higher to prevent the video from lagging out. If the card can't be written to fast enough the internal buffer of the cam overflows and video will glitch. Probably a Class 6 or 10 is even better, but they start to get very pricey.

[nitrostarter]

You can get a class 4 micro SD for like $15 at Walmart.

If you read the customer rating/comments on the hobbyking web site they say the cameras have be recalled

[simplechamp]

Originally Posted by nitrostarter

You can get a class 4 micro SD for like $15 at Walmart.

Yeah Class 4 are pretty cheap but Class 6 and 10 start to get expensive.

[redshift]

Oh swell... well that would explain the sudden drop in stock quantity. Sorry guys this is news to me! I'll have to check the forums and see what the deal is. Any comments about a recall have been removed I guess? Hmm.

Edit: info is under 'discussion' I see it now.

Wonder if HK will contact me....

[nitrostarter]

Just picked one up of ebay for $50 shipped. I'll give it some runtime on the track in the Slash or SC10.