Review: Team Associated Replay XD Camera

VITAL STATS
Manufacturer: Replay
Distributed by: Team Associated
Product: Replay XD Mini Camcorder
Part Numer: RP001 – XD1080, RP003 – XD
Price: XD1080 – $299.99, XD – $159.99
Size: 21.4mm diameter x 69mm long
Weight: 30 grams (including battery and micro SD card)
Storage: Removeable micro SDHC (up to 32GB). 4GB micro SDHC card included
Duration: 1GB = 30 minutes
Ports: 8 Pin Mini-USB 2.0
Field of View: 61 degress
Resolution: 640×480, up to 30fps
Audio: Internal omnidirectional microphone
Video Playback: Possible on select Windows and Mac machines.

Small, handheld camcorders are not a new thing in the RC industry. Several companies have latched on to the GoPro line of personal camcorders and given potential video artists the ability to record everything from high-flying heli action to land-missile speed runs. The size of these units, however, can sometimes create a bit of a challenge when it comes time to mount them. Smaller is better, in this case, and Team Associated has hooked up with Replay XD to bring you the smallest and lightest self-contained video camera to date.

WHAT YOU GET
The Replay XD comes with everything you need to get started. The camera looks tiny in the monster plastic case it comes in, but what you don’t see is the monster accessory package included within. Pop the plastic case open and you will see a heavy duty, zippered RePlay XD carrying case. Opening that up is like winning the lottery…there’s a lot stuffed in that little case. A comprehensive Quick Start Guide helps you navigate the RePlay XD and all its functions. I would suggest giving that a once over before trying to start the XD; it’s quite helpful. Next we find the pair of mounting units. The FlatMount includes a swiveling head while the ClipMount utilizes a tilt head. Using either one of these will allow you to get the RePlay XD pointing in the desired direction in no time. A 4GB micro SDHC card is included for the unit. This card is good for about 2 hours of video. An adapter is required (as one form of data transfer) to get the video to your computer, and thankfully that adapter is included. A USB cable is also included and it works as both a charger and data transfer unit. Plug it into your PC or Mac and use it to transfer your videos to your computer for further editing or to post it online. Plug it into the wall charger to, well, charge the battery. A car charger is also included in case you need to charge your RePlay XD while you’re out in the field. Finally, a soft carrying pouch is included to help protect your XD.

THE VIDEO
Since people will be using the RePlay XD in everything from 1/16 scale to 1/5 scale, I decided I’d test it in my HPI Savage XS (for the smaller, electric car) and my Losi 5IVE-T (for the larger, gas-powered one). Because the Savage XS is capable of doing wheelies at 50+MPH, mounting the XD inside was my first choice. Without some major work and some ‘custom’ body alterations, this was all but impossible. But, thanks to its small size, I was able to mount it to the outside and still keep it somewhat protected. Mounting it in the 5IVE-T was, as you can imagine, a no-brainer. There is so much room in this truck that I could have mounted 20 of them, all pointing in different directions (don’t think I’m not going to try to make that happen!).

When I was ready to go, it was basically a matter of pushing one button to get the XD up and running. The video is pretty amazing, even with this standard resolution unit. It’s smooth and clear with zero vibration other than what the vehicle provides.

FINAL WORD
With its simple operation, 720-degree mounting system, audio options and an excellent accessory package already included, you really can’t go wrong with this video camera. At $160, it’s a smoking deal for those that want the smallest video recorder around. If you’re looking for HD, AE also sells the XD1080 version. Talk about video that is simply jaw-dropping…all in a unit about the size of your thumb!

LINKS
Team Associated, www.RC10.com (949) 544-7500