Small Video Cameras

Three Small Video Cameras: Size and Price

Because digital videocams are so popular, they come in all sizes, with many different feature sets. But when it comes to capturing video clips on the spur of the moment, smaller is better. The good news is that you need not spend a fortune to have fun, capture family memories or make viral videos with a camcorder that's small enough to fit in your pocket.

One of the first mini-camcorders to come out was the RCA Small Wonder. It is now available in 2 different styles and 4 models. The EZ201, in silver or black, can hold up to 60 minutes of video with standard resolution or up to 30 minutes of high-res. The Small Wonders can be purchased for around $100 and measure about 2.5 by 4.5 inches, by 1 inch thick.

All of the Small Wonders feature instant playback and delete, Memory Manager software, and can connect to your TV for viewing. The flip-out color screen makes for simplified self-recording. Connect it by USB to access and upload video for sharing. With the optional 2GB SD card, you can expand the recording time up to 4 hours. The Small Wonders come with 2 AA batteries, integrated video demo, USB and TV/AV output cables, a carry pouch, and wrist strap. Find them online at Amazon, or at retailers such as Walgreen's and Target.

Put out a successful product, and the next thing you know, Sony has one just like it. Their Net Sharing GC-1 weighs a mere 5 ounces. It features a built-in flash, 4x digital zoom, and can take MPEG-4 video or still images. You can choose from QVGA 15fps or VGA 30fps for up to 5 hours of footage. And here's the reason for the "Net Sharing" name -- the 640x480 30fps MPEG4 videos that the GC-1 creates are ready for uploading to YouTube or other video sharing sites, making this a great choice for video bloggers.

Sony has always been a forerunner in terms of technology, including their SteadyShot picture stabilization system that cuts back on "shake." This cam is also multi-lingual, as you can choose from English, French, or Spanish on its language menu. There are several scene selection modes to choose from, including candle, snow, and twilight. It runs on lithium-Ion batteries that will run for about 90 minutes before needing a recharge.

The GC-1 is small, measuring only 4.12 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches. The LCD color 270 degree swivelscreen is 2.4 inches. Its memory can be expanded with an optional 2 GB memory stick. After you have shot your footage, you can alter it with Picture Effect software, then send it to your buds or upload it via USB 2.0. While it originally carried a price of $199.99, it has since dropped it to $149.99 making it an affordable holiday gift.

The Flip Video has its limitations, but is certainly is worth the miniature price, which starts at $119. Made by Pure Digital Technologies, it features a 1.5 inch TFT screen with a resolution of 640 x 480, a constant frame rate of 30 fps, and outputs MPEG4 or AVI

At a size of 4.12 x 2.25 x 1.25 inches, it's small enough to fit in a pocket. The built-in wide range mic was sufficient for all but the quietest of sounds, and it also has a built-in speaker. There is a 2x zoom and auto-shutdown. Operating the flip is incredibly simple. It is simply one-touch to record. Touch again to stop. You get instant playback with another button, and a third will delete. It has a decent auto-focus as long as you are not panning too quickly and its f/2.4 lens works even in low-light environments.

The camcorder comes with internal software for video editing that you can use when you hook up to your computer via USB. You can crop videos, delete, or combine several clips to make an entire video. Then, upload it to such sites as YouTube, turn it into a DVD at your local camera store, or send it to friends and family via e-mail. The flipVideo is available in 512MB (30 minutes) for $119, 1GB (one hour) for $149, and the new Ultra Series (2GB) for $179.

As you can see, small doesn't need to be pricey and can make great gifts for budding videographers. By the way, I highly recommend that you buy rechargeable batteries if you purchase any of the 3 mini-cams, as that will reduce the total cost of ownership over time. Tell us about your favorite pocket-sized video camera... post a comment below.