Wearable DV Camcorder, 8 IR Leds for night Recording, Weatherproof, Records Video in near total darkness. Review

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(More customer reviews).
I've tried a number of Encore mini-cameras that are mini-DVRs. Their concept is nice but their functionality is spotty (sometimes you get lucky) and their user manuals are terrible.
While I didn't really want a night vision camera - I did want a portable DVR camera. Something smaller than a camcorder, easy to tote around - but didn't look sinister. So I tried this one. Here's my take on what you get...
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PROS -
1. The manual is easy to follow. The English is clear. Again, that is a major Encore flaw.
2. The unit itself is fairly straightforward. Charge it until the green light goes out. Push the button at the bottom - near the USB port - and the green light goes to red... you're recording.
3. Palm sized makes it easy to control. You can wear it or aim it in a "talk to the hand" motion.
4. Comes complete - charger, micro memory card plus card reader and CD with features (I haven't tried yet).
5. Video is 640x480 - good enough for "witness" situations (production line, etc). Color. Sound.
6. The 4GB card you get with an Amazon order (2GB otherwise) records for about 2 hours. An 8GB, twice that... up to 16GB.
7. Battery life of this little thing is FIVE HOURS continuous! So many DVR items are, at most, 90 minutes.
8. Includes a clearly written document advising you of typical "covert camera" laws - so there's little excuse for misuse.
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CONS -
1. The software menus referenced in the manual didn't run for me - either on Windows XP or Windows 7. It loads the drivers apparently, but you do not get a menu display as expected. Because that screen isn't available setting the clock can be problematic. It defaults to 2007 on my unit.
2. The low light vision works fine - HOWEVER if that is your reason for purchasing just know you have to be fairly close (about 1 meter) to get a decent video (assuming no other lighting). It's advertised for police use so I can see that in an "evidence gathering" situation 1 meter is probably realistic. But if you're out camping and want to capture something in nature - it's tough on a moonless night.
3. When the low ligtht vision is on the LEDs glow red. This, and the red light on top when recording, make the unit visible in darkness. I call that a con since in a law enforcement or security situation you may not want that.==============.

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