NightVision Digital Video Camera

The basics

The NightVision Digital Video Camera does exactly what it says on the tin – it lets you view and record footage (at VGA – 640x480) in the dark.
Ideal for capturing nocturnal footage, the pistol-like NightVision has 32MB of onboard memory, expandable to 2GB (approx 75 mins) via SD card.
The NightVision Digital Video Camera can also capture in regular light, automatically switching to night mode the second spooky darkness descends

The good

Camcorders, even rather expensive ones, often struggle to record in low light, so the fact the NightVision records in pitch blackness is a major plus. It works over a decent range – not just right in front of you – and is super-simple to shoot with. At £69.95, it’s also a very affordable way into a fun side of video.

The bad

This is no high-def model, so the clarity and quality of the footage isn’t the best – especially as it’s at the fairly low VGA resolution. It can be a touch difficult to see the 2in LCD screen in the dark, and the use of AA batteries, rather than a lithium-ion pack, means a regular reinvestment in power.

The bottom line

It’s a clever way into videomaking for well under £100, and being able to record in the dark gives it a unique selling point. Don’t set your sights too high for image quality and you’ll end up with a smart gadget that’s great for fun movie clips.