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Toshiba's Camileo BW10 is a simple, waterproof minicamcorder. And by simple, I mean it does little more than shoot full HD-resolution video and 5-megapixel photos on land and in the water to depths of 6.5 feet for up to 60 minutes. If you're looking for more than that, you probably want skip the BW10. But those who want an inexpensive pocket video camera for wet weather or poolside use might like what it has to offer--regardless of how little that actually is.
Though the BW10 isn't shockproof or crushproof, it does feel a bit tougher than a nonwaterproof minicamcorder. It's small and lightweight, so throwing it in a pocket or small bag isn't a problem. On the bottom is a locking, well-sealed door covering the SD card slot and removable battery pack. The left side has another door protecting its Micro-USB port (used for charging and file transfers) and Mini-HDMI port. There is no flip-out USB connector, so you'll need a cable or a card reader to move files to a computer.
| Key specs | Toshiba Camileo BW10 |
|---|---|
| Price (MSRP) | $149.99 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 4.2x2.2x0.9 inches |
| Weight (with battery and media) | 3.7 ounces |
| Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC cards up to 64GB |
| Resolution, type | 5 megapixels, CMOS |
| LCD size | 2-inch LCD |
| Lens | Fixed focal length, f2.8 47mm (35mm equivalent) |
| File format (video, audio) | H.264 video, mono AAC audio (.MP4) |
| Resolution (highest) | 1,920x1,080 pixels at 30fps (13Mbps; progressive) |
| Image stabilization type | Electronic |
| Battery type, rated life | Removable lithium ion rechargeable, 70 minutes |
| Software | Camileo YouTube Uploader (Windows), Magix Video deluxe 15 (Windows; 30-day trial) |
Despite the busy control panel below the small 2-inch LCD, the BW10's operation is straightforward. Press and hold the power button (it takes roughly 7 seconds to go from off to recording) and then press the video record button or shutter release for photos. There's a directional pad in the center: press right to change video resolution, left to change photo resolution, and up and down to control the digital zoom. There's a playback button for viewing photos and videos, and you can capture stills from videos by pausing the clip and pressing the shutter release. There's a menu button, too, but there's little reason to use it.
The BW10 is all automatic. The only shooting options are selecting resolutions for photos (5, 2, 0.9, and 0.3 megapixels) and videos (1080p, 720p, or 480p, all at 30 frames per second) and turning on face detection and tracking. There is a 10x digital zoom (not that you should use it), and there's electronic image stabilization that can't be shut off. You can't even turn off the beeping that accompanies menu selections or the shutter release sound.
| Features | Toshiba Camileo BW10 |
|---|---|
| Inputs/Outputs | None/Mini-HDMI, Micro-USB |
| White balance | Auto |
| Scene modes | None |
| Focus | Auto |
| Color effects | None |
| Lens cover (auto or manual) | None |
