Text and Photos by Gadjo Cardenas Sevilla
Just in time for the Summer, Toshiba's new Camileo BW10 Sport camera offers all the benefits of a handheld 1080p HD video recorder and a basic 5 megapixel point and shoot camera in a rugged and waterproof body that's built to take a beating.
Handheld video recorders have been popular these past few years spearheaded by the now defunct Flip Video brand. Many have gone from taking VGA quality video to 720p HD to 1080p HD video. Given the tiny size of these cameras, there isn't much more manufacturers can do to make them more exciting. The fixed lens limits the optical zoom so digital zoom may be increased (but that doesn't translate to better quality) and additional features and effects are usually offered via software.
A new trend is sporty cameras that are more rugged and can be used underwater. Toshiba is a relatively new entrant in this space but their new line of Camileo BW10 Waterproof Camcorders ($140) are both fun and practical.
The Camile0 BW10 offers full 1080p HD recording for up to six and a half feet or two metres deep. This tiny camera can also shoot 5 megapixel stills but while great for snapshots, quality is just above par that of most smartphone cameras. The BW10 has 10x digital zoom.
Toshiba also offer HDMI video out for playing on larger screens plus built-in software for quick editing and sharing of videos on YouTube, Facebook and similar online services. Since most videos today end up on YouTube, these cameras have more than enough quality and versatility to get video online quickly.
We found the BW10 to be fun and easy to use. The design is such that it looks more like a point-and-shoot camera but then is actually a video shooter.
Quality was consistent, colour reproductions was accurate and this should satisfy most users needing a sporty, small but hardy device to capture Summer's fun moments.
Rating: 4 out of 5