The Olympus LS-20M Linear PCM recorder is not your average
camcorder. It boasts full HD video and high quality audio, but how well does it
perform in the real world? Read on
to find out!
The 20M does not
have the typical shape of a video camera. The camera and recorders are at the top
of the camera, not at the front. The positioning of the camera and recorders would present a problem when trying to record
video with the 20M above your head- EXCEPT for an ingenious feature. The makers of the 20M devised an upside-down recording
feature that makes upside down right side up, and vice versa. This feature allows even over-the-head recording.
Even though it has an unusual design, the 20M is comfortable to
hold, due to the rubberized grips and light weight.
Ease of Use
The LS-20M's controls
are relatively simple. There is a prominent record button, stop button, menu
button, list button, erase button, and the navigation wheel. However, I still
haven't figured out how to use A-B button and the Fn.
Menus don't have numerous sub-menus to wade through and the menus are generally easy to navigate.
Battery Life
I got about 1.5
hours of continuous video recording before the LS-20M needed to be charged. The
LS-20M records non-stop audio much longer than video before needing to be
charged.
Audio
The LS-20M
delivers impressive audio. The LS-20M can record music and make it sound
GOOD, too. In addition, there are plenty of advanced options to choose from when recording audio. Record Cut
Filter blocks out low-frequency noise, making it perfect for recording at a press
conference or at a meeting. Microphone sensitivity is adjustable. However,
leaving everything set at auto still provides great sound.
Video
This Olympus
records gorgeous video. The colors are realistic, and the
quality is excellent. It's 1080p- need I say more? Check out the video above. However,
the 4X digital zoom fully zoomed in is icky to look at.
The LS-20M does
not lack video features! It has some fun special effects like Rock,
Sketch, and Pinhole. The 20M also sports other more practical features such as: white balance, high ISO mode, and reverse angle recording. It also has a PC camera setting that allows you to use the LS-20M as a webcam. Unfortunately, this feature did not cooperate with my computer.
All in all,
despite its advanced features, the Olympus LS-20M Linear PCM recorder isn't as
intimidating as it may seem. The LS-20M makes taking high quality video and
audio very easy. It would
be great for people who are not satisfied with the quality of audio available
in traditional video cameras.
Product Info
| MSRP: | $299 from Olympus |
| Manufacturer: | Olympus |
| Pros: |
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| Cons: |
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were u able to solve the pc connection issue?? I too, am having a difficult time using the LS-20M as a webcam. Windows only allows me to use it to view what's on the stick. I am not having any luck using it as a webcam...
ReplyDeleteHi Mike,
DeleteNo, the webcam feature never did cooperate for me. I'm not sure what the problem was, but maybe it was an operator error by me. :)