Ion Audio’s Twin Video: Our Review

A Simple Idea…

Like so many of you, I’ve always enjoyed taking pictures and making videos – it’s creative and fun, and I love the gear.   However, if you’re like me, you’ve also likely discovered the single biggest draw back of becoming the family / friends / business go-to camera person… you’re never in the picture!  And while there have been some attempts to address the issue, none of them have truly succeeded.  Well, earlier this year ION Audio introduced their TwinVideo 2-Way Video Camera which offers up the best solution yet.  So, join us as we take a look at this novel take on the simple video camera.

The ION Audio TwinVideo 2-Way Video Camera is the thoughtful execution of an idea so simple, that it makes you say “wow… I can’t believe no one has ever thought of this before!”  Essentially, its two cameras, two mics and an A/B switcher integrated into a single, easy to handle camera.

Upon opening the attractive packaging, users will find there’s a lot to like: in addition to the primary camera unit, ION Audio has thoughtfully included; a high capacity and replaceable Li-ion battery (good for several hours of recording), a 2 GB SD memory card (good for about 50 minutes of mp4 video), a nicely weighted handle that screws into the camera’s standard tripod base (which, in another thoughtful touch, is threaded to accept a standard mic stand, offering even more options in performance settings).  The package also includes a wired remote for the ‘You/Me’ button – an essential accessory to avoid shaking the camera when switching between views when mounted on a tripod.  Additionally, ION Audio has considerately included both a simple hand strap and a soft, zippered carrying case to help protect the TwinVideo camera when out in the real world.

Design and Performance

The design of the ION Audio TwinVideo 2-Way Camera is simple: the unit has both forward and reward facing lenses and mics – the operation of which can be switched with the press of a single button – allowing users to effortlessly change from recording what’s in front of them to recording themselves. The button is helpfully labeled ‘You/Me’ (because that’s who you’ll be recording) and while a bit hard to read, users will instantly become familiar with it. The Smartphone-sized device feels solid and well-built – and while it can make no claim to any great aesthetic sensibility, its simple, attractive looks and quality feel match those of its competitors. The TwinVideo shoots in Standard Definition, and while admittedly not ideal (and we do look forward to the introduction of a Hi-Def version), given its price and features, we found its video quality quite acceptable and very much in line with the majority of its similarly priced competitors.

The TwinVideo 2-Way Camera features an SD card slot integrated into one side of the unit, while the other side houses both the USB and remote control jacks.  It’s worth noting that despite labeling to the contrary, there is no true AV out. While that lack may bother some users, happily there’s a simple workaround: if your TV has a USB input, simply connect the TwinVideo via the included USB cable. Charging the Li-ion battery is quick and easy via the USB cable (interestingly, while there is a green indicator light signaling a successful connection, the light doesn’t turn off or change color when charging is complete). On the video recording performance side, both lenses of the unit feature digital zoom.  In the case of the forward facing lens, we were pleased with the resulting images (though a tripod is required at higher zoom settings) and found its video and audio performance quite good.  Additionally, the TwinVideo includes built-in white LED lights alongside both lenses which can be turned on via the settings menu to light your subjects.

While the ION Audio TwinVideo 2-Way Camera performed well in a variety of circumstances and across a range of sometimes difficult recording situations (low light, distant or fast moving subjects, and varying sound conditions), we did experience a couple of small, even quirky, issues – all with respect to the rearward facing camera.  First, as the camera zoomed out, the ‘Me’ lens appeared to be focused too close for optimal interviewing purposes.  This resulted in the uncomfortable (at least in the case of this reviewer) specter of an overly intense close-up of the operator – meaning that the operator or interviewer can’t easily get their whole head in frame without holding the device at arm’s length. That, in turn, means the interviewer’s subject needs to be placed a bit farther from you than is most advantageous – and simultaneously increases camera shake, because it’s virtually impossible to hold the camera steady when ones arms are fully extended.

Second, and again in the ‘Me’ setting, we found that the unit creates and displays a perfect mirror image – as a result, all images (including any signage, logo’s, wedding rings, etc.) appear backward or reversed on screen.  While we can appreciate the potential advantages of displaying a mirror image (as it might help reduce operator confusion as they switch from view to view), it’s too bad this element isn’t ‘defeatable’ via an option in the set-up menu.

Connection and Software*

When connected to a PC via the USB cable, the camera appears to the computer as a USB storage device, allowing users to just drag and drop files right from the camera to their PC.  ION Audio also offers the included MediaImpression 2 software, but I’ll admit I found it to be of little use.   In fact, it is in the area of software that the devices biggest issues arise.  As is so often the case, what PC users really need is a simple video editor.  Each sequence shot by the camera is saved as a separate MP4 clip, so you’ll need video editing software if you want to combine them.  While Mac users have iMovie, PC users will have to either purchase full-featured video editing software or find freeware online.  While this is clearly not a direct failing of ION Audio’s, it would have been nice if PC users could do some simple video editing right out of the box, as they can with the software included in some of their competitors.

*The unit is compatible with XP SP2, Vista, Windows 7, and MacOS 10.3.9 or later.

Wrapping it up

All quibbles aside, we really enjoyed our time with the ION Audio’s TwinVideo 2-Way Camera.  While not the ideal stand alone video recorder, its simple design innovation makes it a great addition to virtually anyone’s digital recording tool set.  For v-loggers, journalists, business people, party goers or family videographers of virtually every stripe, this is a great device.  The innovative and virtually seamless ‘Me/You’ switching allows for polished and easily watchable segments that can be immediately uploaded to YouTube™ (directly… a nifty and unique feature) or virtually any other online service. I don’t know of any other product that let’s you do that so easily or well.

Tags: camcorder camcorder review ion ion audio ion audio twin vudeio review palmcorder palmcorder review twin video twin video camera