Category Archives: Action Cameras

Action Cameras and accessories

USE OF DASH CAMS IN EUROPE

Posted on 18th July 2017 | Comments Off on USE OF DASH CAMS IN EUROPE

Many brands offer action camera’s or dash cams for use in trucks or cars.  The most recent in the Avera stock programma is the Midland STREET GUARDIAN NIGHT. For details about this product visit our website.

Photo: Midland Street Guardian Night

More and more drivers purchase  a dashcam. It allows to film scenic routes and gives ‘proof’ in case of an accicdent. But not in every country the use of dashcams is legal.

DIFFERENT LAWS IN ALL COUNTRIES
Most users have no idea about the laws in the various European countries.  Here is some listing from info we received:

BELGIUM: allowed
Not allowed to publish or distribute the video’s made if people in the video can be identified.
DANMARK: allowed
Dashcam and cables should not block the views of the driver. No filming on private property, be aware for privacy regulations.
GERMANY: advise is ‘do not use’.
UNITED KINGDOM: Allowed
Be aware of privacy regulations when publishing videos
FRANCE: allowed
Unclear about legal aspect for use in court. Be aware of privacy regulations.
GREECE: No legal information available.
HUNGARY: allowed
Publication of video only wen people can not be recognised.
ITALY: allowed
Privacy regulations not only for persons but it is also not allowed to publish a  video with readable license plates.
CROATIA: allowed
Be aware for privacy regulations, Also certain objects like country borders should not be recorded.
LUXEMBURG: NOT ALLOWED
Data protection laws do not allow the use of dash cams.
AUSTRIA: advise is ‘do not use’.
It is not allowed to video people, this affects also use of dashcams.
POTUGAL: advise is ‘do not use’.
Only allowed if one has a license from Portugese Data Protection Authority.
SLOVENIA: allowed
Restrictions when people are filmed without permission.
Spain: advise ‘do not use’.
Use should not distract the drivers attention. No allowed to use in public areas.
CZECH REPUBLIC: allowed
Sight of driver should not be blocked.
Not allowed to publish video without permission.
SWITZERLAND: allowed
Sight of driver should not be blocked.
Not allowed to operate during driving.
Be aware of privacy regulations before publishing.
(Source AAA – NL )

GENERAL ADVICE:
• If the use of a dashcam is not allowed do not show the camera on your dash board, even when not in use.
• Always make sure the dashcam does not block the sight of the driver.
• Never operate the dashcam during driving.
• Do not publish video’s when people can be recognised.
• Always respect the privacy from others.

DRIVE SAFE AND ENJOY YOUR VACATION !

 

Comments Off on USE OF DASH CAMS IN EUROPE

Posted in Action Cameras, Consumer Communication Electronics, Travel Center Products

Tagged ,

MIDLAND H3 – NEW LOW COST ACTION CAMERA

Posted on 5th July 2016 | Comments Off on MIDLAND H3 – NEW LOW COST ACTION CAMERA

H3 Photo LQ W400

Midland completes the new H series with a simple and essential model, the perfect solution for those who approach the action cam world for the first time.

Midland H3 is a HD ready action cam with 1280x720p resolution, characterized by a frontal form factor. Its wide 2” LCD display allows to frame, easily adjust the settings and reproduce pictures and videos.

H3 is equipped with 120° wide angle lens and image stabilizer for excellent shoots, also for extreme use. H3 is a simple action cam, with small dimensions and low price, but it has the maximum quality level that characterizes the Midland action cams.

It is equipped with multiple functions, among with the time lapse (photo sequence at pre‐set time), self‐timer (self shoot) and CAR DVR: H3 can be installed in the car and it continuously records what happens while driving.

H3 is also equipped with a submersible case that protects it from water up to 30 meter depth, but also from mud and dust.

H3 in submersible casing v2

The accessories supplied with the H3 allow different uses of the action cam; for example it can be mounted on helmets, handlebars and bike helmets. It is possible to create every solution fitting your needs!

COMPLYING TO CE/99/05

Main features:

  • Video resolution: 1280×720 (HD) / 640×480 (SD) @30fps
  • Photo resolution: 5/3/2/1 MP
  • Wide angle lens: 120°
  • Sensor: CMOS 5MP
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Format: AVI
  • Li‐Ion battery pack 900mAh up to 110 min
  • SD card: up to a 32Gb (optional)
  • Dimensions: 41x59x29mm
  • Weight: 58g (with battery)

The package contains:

  • H3 Action camera
  • Submersible case up to 30m (compatible with H5)
  • Interchangeble front cover (black/orange)
  • Li‐Ion 900mAh battery pack (compatible with H5)
  • USB cable
  • 10 mounting supports

H3 packing contains v2

Optional accessories:

  • ACC‐H3 Set of accessories – code C1244
  • WPC‐H5 Submersible case up to 30 m, compatible with H3 and H5 – code C1247
  • PB‐H5 Li‐ion 900mAh 3,7V battery pack, compatible with H3 and H5 – code C1246
  • Chest mount – code C1115
  • XT POD MINI Monopod mount 18 cm – code C1116
  • XT POD 2S Telescopic multicam 2‐section monopod 80cm – code C1116.01
  • XT POD 3S Telescopic multicam 3‐section monopod 112cm – code C1116.02
  • Suction cap mount– code C980.01
  • Universal mount for rifles – code C1064.01
  • RAM roll bar mount – code C1042
  • RAM Moto‐Quad mount – code C1052
  • Handlebar mount – code C992
  • Cap mount – code C1012
  • Tree mount – code C1062
  • Bow mount – code C1068

 

H3 Photo LQ W400

Comments Off on MIDLAND H3 – NEW LOW COST ACTION CAMERA

Posted in Action Cameras, Scanners / Receivers / Software

Tagged , ,

MIDLAND H5: FIRST OF NEW GENERATION OF ACTION CAMERAS

Posted on 8th November 2015 | Comments Off on MIDLAND H5: FIRST OF NEW GENERATION OF ACTION CAMERAS

Recently Midland introduced the first model of a new generation of action cameras. The new H5 looks more like a GoPro, the leader in the market of action cameras.

1Midland H5 Camera with yellow cover, also a black cover is included
in the standard packing.

After the multi-year experience in this sector with the XTC models designed with a longitudinal shape, Midland presents the brand new H line, characterized by a frontal form factor, that completes the range of action cameras and covers all possible uses, such as the requirements of sportsmen or enthusiast of outdoor activities.

H5 offers a lot for very little! Its small dimensions and its ease of use make H5 the perfect solution for your leisure time or a daily use.

Its form factor allows it to be easily worn for example on your chest.
Midland H5 guarantees high performances: Full HD 30fps with a sensor able to take top quality pictures up to 12MP; the built-in Wi-Fi allows to watch and share your photos and videos, thanks to the dedicated APP iSmart DV, compatible with iOS or Android.

2The integrated 1.5 inch LCD display allows to frame or watch your videos and photos without the need of a smartphone or tablet.

The H5 is fitted with many innovative functions: self-timer (you can select the time delay to shoot a photo), Time-lapse, photo burst (to take 3/5/10 photos per second), Motion detection (the camera automatically starts recording when a movement is detected).

Besides, H5 continuously records and when the card is full, it records over the oldest videos; it is also equipped with the Slow Motion mode to watch the videos in rallenty.

H5 is supplied in a full optional packaging including 20 accessories to combine and create the best mounting solution for your requirements.

3Midland H5 in submersible case

H5 is fitted with 140° wide angle and image stabilizer for excellent shoots, even for your extreme adventures!

4all items included in the packing

PACKING INCLUDES:
1 Pc of H5 Action Camera.
1 Pc of Interchangeable Front Cover (Yellow or Black).
1 Pc of Submersible Case up to 30m.
1 Pc of Handlebar Mount.
1 Pc of Helmet Mount.
1 Pc of Ventilated Helmet Bandages.
1 Set of Tethers.
1 Pc of USB Cable.
1 Pc of Lens Cloth.
1 Pc of Li-Ion 900mAh Battery.
Supports, Adaptors for different Fixing Systems.

AVAILABLE ACCESSORIES:

Many accessories from the XTC series can also be used for the new H5 camera. This a list of Midland accessories.
XTC Chest Mount = Chest Mount.
XT POD-MINI = Monopod Mount 18 cm.
XT POD-2S = Telescopic Multicam 2-Section Monopod 80 cm.
XT POD-3S = Telescopic Multicam 3-Section Monopod 112 cm.
XTC Mount = XTC Mount for Handlebars and Tubes.
XTC Cap Mount = Cap Mount.
XTC Mount = Universal Mount for Rifles.
XTC Tree Mount
XTC Bow Mount
C980.01 = XTC SUCTION CUP MOUNT – Suction Mount for Cars.
C1042 = RAM Roll Bar Mount.
C1041 = RAM Magnetic Mount.
C1052 = RAM Moto Quad Mount.
C1067 = Memory Card 8GB.
C1067.01 = Memory Card 16GB.
C1067.02 = Memory Card 32GB.

In the world of electronics it is not always the best product that wins a race. The Midland XTC series is great in performance and price. But the look was different from action camera market leader GoPro. I think that is why Midland is starting with this new look but still the better quality supplied.

The Midland H5 is available from stock at Avera-Distributing.

Comments Off on MIDLAND H5: FIRST OF NEW GENERATION OF ACTION CAMERAS

Posted in Action Cameras, Midland, Scanners / Receivers / Software

Tagged , , , , ,

FULL HD DASHCAM / CAR CAMCORDER

Posted on 19th November 2014 | Comments Off on FULL HD DASHCAM / CAR CAMCORDER

In the recent blog about the Hong Kong Electronics Fair I already mentioned the introduction of two new dashcams/car camcorders by Midland.

There are two versions available:
Street Guardian
Street Guardian GPS

For full details you can read the ‘factory introduction’ as supplied by Midland. Both models are available now from stock.

 

1

The ‘Street Guardian’ series includes the brand new Car Camcorders with Full HD resolution developed to be a further ‘eye’ on the road while driving.
Street Guardian automatically records whatever happens while you are driving, very useful indeed in case of accidents. It is like having a witness always seating next to your seat.

Thanks to the viewing angle of 140°, Street Guardian records everything that happens in front of you; the image stabilizer ensures excellent movies.
Street Guardian has many features, amongst which we highlight:

• ‘Black Box’ feature: you can automatically save and store the videos in case of accident.
• ‘Motion detection’ feature: The camera starts recording when something is moving in front of it: don’t worry if you are temporarily away from your car, Street Guardian will still be there for you.

It can be easily installed on the windshield of your car thanks to the suction cup supplied in the box and thanks to its compact size it does not affect your driving and the view. It weights only 80 gr!

2
Thanks to the 2 inches display, you can see everything live, watch the recorded videos and easily surf through the settings.
Street Guardian GPS does also have a GPS receiver which indicates the exact position where you are and will be with you for the rest of your journey.

Street Guardian has an inbuilt USB socket which will allow you to download your videos on your laptop, or simply to recharge the battery.
Works with micro SD Card (optional) up to 32Gb.

COMPLYING TO CE NORMS (STREET GUARDIAN)
COMPLYING TO CE/99/05 NORMS (STREET GUARDIAN GPS)

COLOR: Black
Packaging contains:
• Street Guardian
• Suction Cup
• Power cord
• USB cable
• Car charger
• User manual
• CD Software to watch the movies (Street Guardian)
• CD Software to watch the movies with GPS coordinates (Street Guardian GPS)

Main features
• Resolution: Full HD 1920x1080p 30fps/ HD ready 1280x720p 60fps
• Audio & Video recording
• Wide angle lens 140°
• Image stabilizer
• 2 inches display
• Inbuilt microphone and speaker
• 6 elements glass lens
• Black Box feature
• Motion Detection feature
• HDMI socket
• Li‐Ion integrated 460mAh battery pack
• works with micro SD Card (optional) up to 32Gb
• Sensor: 12Mp
• AVI format
• Sensor: Aptina CMOS
• Dimensions: 53x59x32mm
• Weight: 80gr

Comments Off on FULL HD DASHCAM / CAR CAMCORDER

Posted in Action Cameras, Avera Company, Consumer Communication Electronics

Tagged , , , ,

HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR

Posted on 14th November 2014 | Comments Off on HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR

The first show I visited in Hong Kong was the China Sourcing Show. Read my former blog about this show. The second show I visited last month was the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. This trade show is much larger than the first one. It will take you 2 days just to walk along all the booths.

1Entrance of Hong Kong Electronics Fair


SIMULAR SHOW

The show is larger but also quite similar to the first show. Again we saw lots of headphones, selfie sticks/mono pods, action cameras, power banks, key boards and tablets.
But this show also has many more suppliers of coax, inverters, portable radios and even some CB manufacturers.

PORTABLE RADIOS

I wrote already about the many brands that copy other brands and here we saw it again. But this time there were many more manufacturers from portable radios like PMR446, 2m/70cm VHF/UHF and HAM. The result was a lot of the same. After visiting 10 booths with portable radios I did not bother to much anymore about checking all the others. Some brands we know in Europe and some we had never heard of and are not available in the western world.

2Wouxun HAM radio with power supply

3Wouxun Portable radios

4OEM manufacturer for portable radios

CB RADIO

Uniden is the only large manufacturer that brings CB radios on the market using their own name. They were not present with a booth, but we saw some traders offering this brand.

5Uniden PMR446

The factories that were displaying CB radios at the show are not known by CB users by name. But the brands they produce for third parties are well known in Europe. In the European market we never see a brand like Yosun, but in Asia live much more people than in Europe. There is a big market for radios in that area too. But Yosun is also producing for Albrecht and Lafayette.

6Unknown factory making well-known brands

ACCESSORIES

Personally I was a little disappointed about the number of companies showing accessories. A lot of portable radios, coax, connectors, inverters but CB accessories were hard tofind.

One booth showed antennas that were copies of President, Sirio and USA type of antennas.

7Antenna models from President, Sirio and others.

MIDLAND

It was a nice surprise to see that Midland had a booth at the Hong Kong Electronics Fair. Also in USA at CES they are always present to show the latest items they sell.

8Midland present at Hong Kong Electronics fair

Midland has a large range of action cameras. In Hong Kong two brand new CAR CAMCORDERS were showed. One regular model and one with GPS included. Great small cameras for in your car to record all that is happening in front of you. A 5 cm display shows what is recorded. Soon these two cameras will be available from Avera!
Watch for the Street Guardian and Street Guard GPS!

9Midland Street Guardian, Car Camcorder

CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW LAS VEGAS

Visiting these two shows was quite interesting. Mostly because it was my first visit to the Far East. Trade shows all over the world are quite similar. You also often meet the same people, but what else to expect in our consumer communication branch. It is a small world!

In January it is time again to visit the CES in Las Vegas. And you know: “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas !”

But… I promise you all, I will write about the Consumer Electronics Show so you know what was happening there.

Comments Off on HONG KONG ELECTRONICS FAIR

Posted in Action Cameras, Avera Company, Scanners / Receivers / Software, Transceivers CB/27MHz, Transceivers HAM, Transceivers PMR446

Tagged ,

DUAL USB POWER SUPPLY ON YOUR MOTORBIKE

Posted on 6th October 2014 | Comments Off on DUAL USB POWER SUPPLY ON YOUR MOTORBIKE

Now a days more and more electronic equipment can be charged through a USB cable/USB slot. New cars often have a USB slot or you can buy a product like MS431USB.

1
The photo above shows the MS431USB. It is a 4-way 12 Volt Mutli Purpose Adapter. It turns ONE cigarette lighter socket in to TWO cigarette lighter sockets plus TWO USB slots.

USB SLOT ON MOTOR BIKE

Most motor bikes do not have a USB slot or cigarette lighter plug. For those motor bikes Albrecht comes with the 73700.

2

Albrecht 73700 comes as a complete set

It is easy to install this double USB slot to the 12 VDC battery of your motor cycle.  After installation you can easily charge your smartphone, digital camera, blue tooth communication or other electronic device through the USB slot.

3

Detail of Albrecht 73700, it can be mounted to the steer of a motor cycle.

4
Installation instructions for Albrecht 73700, Dual USB Power Supply.

The 73700 is packed in a nice blister. It can be sold through a motor cycle shop but also through a communication shop selling Blue Tooth applications for motor bike riders.

Comments Off on DUAL USB POWER SUPPLY ON YOUR MOTORBIKE

Posted in Action Cameras, Blue Tooth Communications, Motor Rider / Ski Communications, Telecom

Tagged ,

MIDLAND XTC-260; THE SMALLEST HD READY ACTION CAMERA

Posted on 14th March 2014 | Comments Off on MIDLAND XTC-260; THE SMALLEST HD READY ACTION CAMERA

1Photo: Midland XTC-260, p/n CTE C1144

Midland widens the range of its XTC line with the addition of model XTC260, a new 720p HD Ready Action Cam.

XTC260 is a wearable camera designed for outdoor activities and perfect for capturing your everyday experiences or sport adventures; extremely light with its 88,7 gr and limited dimensions with only 8,5 cm of length, XTC260 is the smallest HD Ready action cam on the market today.

As for all Midland action cameras, also for XTC260 the ease of use is the point of strength: with a single switch that simply slides on, you turn on/off the camera and record your videos.
Essential and convenient, XTC260 guarantees top performances at low cost.
The packaging includes a Li-Ion battery pack 3,7V, 2 fixing kits to the helmet, USB cable and a submersible case 30mt that protects the action cam from water, dust and other substances that may damage it.

2

Photo: Submersible Case for CXTC-260

Main features:

  • One touch operation ON-OFF/REC* Image stabilizer
  • Resolution: 1280×720 pixel (30fps) / 640 x 480 pixel (60fps)
  • Field of view: 140° degree glass lens
  • Aspect ratio: 16:9
  • Battery pack: Li-Ion 3,7V 900mAh
  • Dimensions LxDxH: 85,5 x 30,3 x 42,2 mm
  • Weight: 88,7gr
  • Storage: up to 32GB micro SD card (not included)
  • Data transfer: USB 2.0
  • Recharge: USB cable or wall adaptor
  • Operating System Compatibility: Win XP, SP2, Vista & 7. Mac OSX x 10.4+
  • Video downloading from the Action camera to the PC through the USB cable
  • Data download only from the camera to the PC (it’s not possible to upload external data on the camera)

COLOR: Black and silver

What’s in the box:

  • Midland XTC-260 action camera
  • Li-Ion battery pack 3,7V 900mAh
  • USB cable
  • Submersible case 30mt
  • Universal fixing kit with 2 bi-adhesive bases

Optional accessories:

  • XTC Suction Cap Mount – cod. C980.01
  • XTC-Ski goggle mount – cod. C989
  • XTC- Velcro strap for bicycle helmets – cod. C991
  • XTC- Handlebar mount – cod. C992
  • XTC-Surf /Snowboard mount – cod. C1038
  • XTC-Head strap mount – cod. C1040
  • XTC- Cap mount – cod. C1012
  • Lateral slide – cod. R73161
  • XTC- Bi-adhesive support for helmets – cod. C990 (accessory included in the packaging)
  • RAM Roll bar mount – cod. C1042
  • RAM Magnetic mount – cod. C1041
  • RAM Moto and Quad mount – cod. C1052
  • Picatinny Rail mount – cod. C1039
  • XTC- Universal mount for rifles – cod. C1064.01
  • XTC – Rifle mount – cod. C1066
  • XTC- Tree mount – cod. C1062
  • XTC- Bow mount – cod. C1068
  • CC-XTC280 – Submersible case up to 60 m – cod. C976.01
  • Memory card 8GB – cod. C1067
  • Memory card 16GB – cod. C1067.01
  • Memory card 32GB – cod. C1067.02
  • XTC- Li-Ion battery pack 900mAh – cod. C1015
  • Emergency charger – cod. C920

Comments Off on MIDLAND XTC-260; THE SMALLEST HD READY ACTION CAMERA

Posted in Action Cameras

Tagged , ,

FIREARM MOUNTING SYSTEMS

Posted on 7th December 2013 | Comments Off on FIREARM MOUNTING SYSTEMS

Firearm Mounting Systems
compatible with Midland XTC Action Cameras
Midland introduces two new XTC Action Camera mounting systems for shotguns and rifles, developed and produced in Italy. Designed with the cooperation of shooting industry professionals, these action camera mounts are every bit as rugged and dependable as the Midland XTC Action Cameras.
Designed for the shooting sports enthusiasts who enjoy capturing and sharing their adventure in HD, these mounting systems fit a wide variety of rifles and shotguns. They provide a stable and fully adjustable platform for your XTC Action Camera. Whether crushing clays, flushing quail or harvesting that record whitetail.
Engineered to withstand the most demanding conditions and made with top quality materials, these XTC Action Camera mounts are able to withstand heavy recoil and provide the durability you expect from Midland.

Installation is simple and quick, thanks to the instruction paper included in the packaging, and the many camera mounting options provide a high level of versatility, guaranteeing exceptional videos.

Over/Under’ and Side by Side Shotgun mount
Whether you are crushing clays or hunting upland fowl this XTC Action Camera mounting system provides the perfect platform catch the action. Designed to be used with both Over/Under and Side by Side 12 gauge shotguns the XTC Shotgun mount means versatility.
blad 1blad 2 samen

Rifle mount
This extremely versatile mount utilizes the front sling swivel to provide a unique first person point of view to your video adventure.
Use of the rifle’s sling is not inhibited by the installation of the XTC Action Camera Rifle Mount, allowing for added shooting stability.
blad 3 en 4 samen

Comments Off on FIREARM MOUNTING SYSTEMS

Posted in Action Cameras

Tagged , , ,