Aiptek ships sub-$300 720p vidcam

Aiptek today claimed to have broken multiple records by launching its GO-HD camcorder. The device is one of the most inexpensive cameras ever to capture HD video: while set for a $300 price, the GO-HD can record 720p widescreen clips at a full 30 frames per second. The use of real-time H.264 (AVCHD) encoding also packs video efficiently and allows for as much as four hours of full-quality video when using an 8GB SDHC card. Size is also breakthrough for the class, Aiptek boasts. At 4.5 inches tall and 2.8 inches wide, the camera is small enough to be pocketable and can be used one-handed.

This pricing also doesn't preclude some extra features, according to the company. A quick switch turns the handheld into a 5-megapixel still camera, and videographers can put the camera into a special Night Shot mode that forces LED lights to remain turned on in dark scenes. A 3X optical zoom lens is provided with a special macro mode for shots as close as two inches away.

Compatible with both Macs and Windows PCs with a free USB 2.0 port, the camera is already shipping now and should be in stock today at several online retailers in the US as well as the company's own site.