Pocket Video Cameras
Looking for a small, easy to use video camera for that someone special? Pocket Camcorders are usually rectangular shaped, vertically oriented, and record video formatted for the web, they tend to be a little cheaper than your average camcorder, and have a little less video quality. They come in two main varieties, HD (high definition) and and standard. In simplest terms HD means the video has a resolution of 1280×720 pixels or higher, in reference to the web standard definition is 620×480 pixels. The HD variety of pocket camcorders usually records video using H.246 encoding and the standard definition cameras tend to use MPEG-4 encoding.
Here are some questions to ask when purchasing a pocket camcorder. Does it have a wide angle lens? Are the batteries rechargeable, and if so are they removable, how long is the battery life? Does the camera have a built in USB connector or does it use an attachable USB cable? Does it have tv-out or HDMI, and does it come with tv or HDMI cables? How much internal memory / storage does it have? Is the memory extensible via card slot? Does it take still photos?
These are the makes, models, and prices of a few popular pocket camcorders:
Pure Digital:
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FlipMino ($180)
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FlipUltra ($150)
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FlipMinoHD ($230)
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FlipUltraHD ($200)
Creative:
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Vado ($100)
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Vado HD ($230)
Kodak
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Zx1 ($150)
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Zi6 ($160)
Sony
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Webbie HD ($170)
Pocket Camcorders are a great and easy way to create a vlog, display a home, showcase a product, share vacations and special moments, record a webcast, or capture live events and performances. So no matter if you want to be web famous or just share video with friends and family a pocket camcorder is the way to go.
If you feel however that a pocket camcorder is not for you and you favor devices that combine the functionality of many devices into one (phone, mp3 player, gps, camera, etc) a smart phone may be the way to go for you.
The iPhone 3Gs is available on the AT&T network for $199. The cameras specs are as follows:
- 3 megapixels
- Autofocus
- Tap to focus
- Video recording, VGA (640×480) up to 30 fps with audio
- Photo and video geotagging
The Motorola Droid with Android OS is avaialble on the Verizon Network for $199. The camera has the following specs:
- 5 megapexiles
- Autofocus
- Dual LED Flash
- Video recording , DVD resolution(720×480) 24 fps capture.
- Location tagging
The Blackberry Bold 9700 is available form T-Mobile and AT&T for $199. Here are the cameras features:
- 3.2 MP Camera
- Auto Focus, Image Stabilization
- Flash
- Video camera recording: Normal Mode (480 x 352 pixel)
The decision between a smart phone and a pocket camcorder is completely up to you the consumer, but if you like to do a lot of video recording I’d recommend getting a pocket camcorder and saving your phones battery, but the phones listed above are definitely capable of getting the job done just as well as a dedicated pocket camcorder.
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