INTRODUCTION

   As you will have undoubtedly noticed for the past year or so we've focused quite a bit in bringing all reviews of many of the latest action camera and car dash camera models to hit the market. My personal opinion is that car dash cameras are much more useful than regular action cameras since they can be of assistance in case of an accident helping you save both time and money (not to mention that in some countries your care insurance fees are reduced if you happen to use one such model). However since most action cameras can also be used as dash cameras just by purchasing a dash mount there isn't that much distance between the two. However although most models we've tested to date combined very good image and audio quality with several interesting features in the end none of them was compact enough to be also be carried around as a camcorder. Rollei obviously thought of that issue and released the Mini WiFi Camcorder 1 a tiny 720p capable camera.

   Rollei’s history goes back to the year 1920 and a workshop in Braunschweig. With the launch of the twin-lens Rolleiflex, a landmark film camera, Rollei quickly established a global reputation for precision engineering. A cult brand, it gave rise to its very own photo style in the 1950s and ’60s. In 2007 Hamburg-based RCP-Technik GmbH acquired the European rights to Rollei and since then has marketed Rollei consumer products with growing success. Rollei products are currently sold in more than 20 European countries. The Rollei product range features digital cameras, camcorders, action camcorders, digital picture frames, slide scanners, professional tripods as well as camera and iPhone accessories. Excellent service is assured for all Rollei products with the all-inclusive package for 24 months. If a defect is found within this time, the product can be returned and a new one received within eight days.

   720p HD resolution (@30fps) may not be something special nowadays but thanks to both its tiny size, extremely low weight and WiFi capability not only can the Mini WiFi Camcorder 1 be used as a wearable camera but it can also be used for surveillance purposes without attracting attention. Unfortunately a tiny size means that the lens can't be as good as the ones used in a good action camera and the same goes for the capacity of the battery but lucky for us Rollei was able to squeeze a 700mAh rechargeable lithium-ion one that can keep it going for roughly 100 minutes. That's not all however and so Rollei has even made it possible for the end user to also use the Mini WiFi Camcorder 1 as a computer web-cam and as a two-way intercom thanks to the integrated speaker and microphone. Other not so "impressive" features include 100 degree wide angle lens, automatic exposure correction, shutter speed of 1/8000 ~ 1/30 seconds, real-time clock function and a minimum light level of 10 lux for video recording. How do all these translate in real life performance however is up to us find out once again.