I don't think I have ever flown a model rocket in my life and I'm glad I waited, because the technology has definitely improved with the cool new Estes Astrovision - Digital Video Rocket ($60). This unique ready to fly model rocket has a built-in impact-resistant digital camera in the nose cone pointed towards Earth that can record 12 seconds of video at 640 x 480 pixel resolution or take three still pictures during flight from as high as 500 feet. After a successful flight, the video can then be dowloaded straight to your computer with the included USB cable. You'll definitely be seeing a ton of these videos on YouTube in the near future.
- Ready to Fly
- Record 12 seconds of video at 640 x 480 pixel resolution
- Takes up to 3 pictures per flight (stores 15 pictures)
- Includes rocket, launch pad, controller, camera software, USB cable, camera batteries
The Astrovision Launch Set solves that problem! 12 seconds of video is probably just fine since the Astrovision only gets half as high on smaller (and cheaper) engines. The snap shot mode is cool, too, and replaces the aging AstroCam with its nearly obsolete 110 film cartridge (that needs developing and printing).
But ye olde AstroCam is still the least expensive option for pix from "outer space".
Astrovision is at a great price point for Christmas giving, too. I've already ordered mine!
I just want to let you know that the Estes AstroVision rocket
is not Window Vista compatible. In fact, Sandra at Estes
customer service says "At this time none of our products are
Vista compatible and we do not offer a "patch." Estes has
known about this problem for quite some time and is not
honoring their policy of a one year warranty against
manufactures defects. Websters Dictionary describes defect
as "Lack of something necessary for completeness." Sandra
goes on to say "I understand the item was purchased in
November 2007, if the store is not willing to refund your
money due to a return policy they have, perhaps they will
offer you a store credit? This product was created prior to
the "Vista" program, therefore it is not compatible with the
Vista program."
On the AstroVision box it list minimum requirements. These
minimum requirements are met by everyone running the
Vista program.
Just thought you should know. Email correspondence is
available upon request.
Michael Jennings
There I have instructions for getting the video off of it. The software that comes with the rocket is very unclear, and not intuitive. Hopefully those instructions will help.
Another note, the video resolution is 320x240. Only the still images are at 640x480 resolution. Also, expect 4-5 fps during video usage.
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