Elura 100 Headset Problem

For a while now I’ve been trying to figure out how to setup a pair of headphones on my Elura 100 so that I could listen to the mic input. It seems silly that Canon would design the Elura 100 with a mic input, but no way to attach a pair of headphones to monitor the input. You can try to plug a headset directly into the AV output, but you’ll get a lot of feedback from the video signal that’s being piped out of there. You’ll need to create a solution that can filter out the video signal.

I finally had the opportunity to hit radio shack and they helped me figure out how to do it. It will cost you about $10 to buy the pieces for this makeshift adapter for a pair of headphones on the Elura 100.

You need to buy the following:

• 1/8″ Coupler
• Audio Adapter

Then you take your AV cable that came with the camera, plug it into the AV jack next to the mic input. After that’s attached, you plug the red and white audio RCA jacks into the audio adapter, then stick on the coupler, now you have a place to attach a set of headphones with a mini-plug. It’s a little klunky, but it’s the only solution that I’ve found that works. Again, it seems silly that Canon doesn’t sell a special pair of headphones that can filter out the video signal so that you can monitor the mic input.

Links:

• Canon Elura 100
• Stereo Audio Adapter
• 1/8″ Coupler

The AIPTEK IS-DV

Do you remember the first video camera you ever put your hands on? I deem myself as lucky to have a grandfather who thought of himself as an early adopter. Back in the day we had one of those 2-boxers.. the ones with the 15 lbs camera on your right shoulder, and the 20 lbs recorder box slung over your left.

When I started working, I treated myself to a Sony Digital8, thinking that was going to last me a while. Now I’m sorry I ever bought it. It’s considered “large” and bulky, almost an embarassment to whip out in public. Also the digital transfer has been painful (except on a mac). Otherwise capturing video onto a PC always leaves me with some jumpy pixels at the top of the frame.

Finally I saw something interesting online. It was the AIPTEK IS-DV. The thing is tiny. But it’s a pleasure to carry around, and it’s cheap. The construction feels a little like a toy, and believe me, my 15 month old thinks it’s hers. Fortunately, she likes to play more with the velcro case that it comes with. That’s another small bonus, it comes with a few extras, like a tripod, velcro case, and all the cables you need for USB connectivity and RCA jacks.

The picture quality it pretty good outdoors. Stay away from low light if you can. I posted some clips that I took with the camera.

The best part is the memory card. With 1GB, I seem to have enough space for about 30-40 clips. Each clip running about a minute in duration. I haven’t used the camera for any long-term shoots like a weeding or a graduation. Since I like to edit the shot on my pc, I like to work with shorter clips to make the editing process smoother.

Overall, if you find yourself annoyed with camera bags, or missing ideal moments while taking out your camera, this product is for you. Easy to use and incredibly portable.

One more thing, the 5MP camera takes great photos as well.