We have a Vivitar DVR 518 camera that will

Take it somewhere warm - most cameras will not operate in extremely low temperatures. This is probably covered in the manual.

The big button on the top of the camera.

It's marked (4) on the diagram on page 7 of the manual at
http://www.vivitar.com/files_products/361/DVR_518_Camera_Manual.pdf

Absolutely yes. 3 aaa's will work just fine.

The DVR-518 uses three AAA batteries. You can use either disposable or rechargeable batteries. If you choose to use rechargeables, you will have to charge them separately, outside the camera. Any battery charger will work, as long as it's compatible with the type of batteries you choose.

You can get more information about the camera, including the manual and software, at
http://www.vivitar.com/products/2/digital-video-recorders/361/dvr-518

The DVR 518 uses SD and SDHC cards up to 8GB in size.

You can download the manual and request the software from the manufacturer's web site at
http://www.vivitar.com/products/2/digital-video-recorders/361/dvr-518

The best way to download videos from your camera to your computer involves removing the memory card from the camera and plugging it into a card reader (either built-in to the computer or connected via USB or FireWire). This is likely to be faster than connecting the camera to the computer, and won't run down your camera's batteries.

Once the card is plugged in, it will appear to your computer as a removable drive. You can use the operating system's drag&drop facility to copy videos from the card to the computer's hard drive, the same way you copy any other files. Or you can use any video cataloging program.

The manual can be found at: http://www.vivitar.com/products/2/digital-video-recorders/361/dvr-518

It uses AAA batteries, so make sure they're rechargeable first. If so you can put them in a standard battery charger. Some models, not sure of this one specifically, will charge when plugged into USB, so you can try that as well.

If the software you need is the "Vivitar Experience" for downloading the images and videos, there is a link on the bottom of the site above to download it.

Please leave a review of this solution. Thanks!

Hi

Sorry to hear about the problems you have with your Vivitar DVR-518.

Here are a few suggestions:

1. Check there is not dirt de-pressing any of the button. If one of the button is being pressed permanently none of the others will work

2. Remove the memory card and see if this fixes the problem

3. Try a new set of batteries

If all else fails contact Vivitar - www.vivitar.com

Hope one of these suggestions helps

Regards

David

Hi,

The manual is not very precise but you cannot get normal SD cards that go to up 8gb, the highest is 2gb.

When they say 8gb they must mean SDHC.

Hope this helps.

The Vivitar website for camcorders is here:

http://vivitar.com/products.php?dircat=2&dirsubcat=2&dirprod=26&page=downloads

But I don't see a dvr 518 listed. If you meant to type dvr 510 then here is the link to your users manual download:

http://vivitar.com/products/26/DVR510N%20User%20Manual.pdf

does anybody know where I can get a mains charger for vivitar dvr 550 as I have lost mine. Have searched everywhere cannot find one.

thanks