Sep 22 2008
Mobile Gadgets - 3 Pocket Size Video Cameras
Filming video does not need to be complicated. There are many video cameras but there are just a few that are small enough to fit into your pocket.
Flip Video, Creative Labs and RCA have similar models but each one is a bit different.
The Flip video Ultra Series has 2GB internal memory but no SD card slot for expansion. You should get approximately 60 (web quality) minutes of filming. The flip plugs directly into the USB port of a computer (laptop or desktop). Even the software is built in and makes it easy to capture still digital photos as well as video. Both can be emailed to fiends and family or uploaded to video sharing sites such as YouTube and AOL. The color monitor is anti-glare and measures 1.5 inches. The Flip uses 2 AA batteries.
Creative Labs offers the Vado. It is small like the Flip but it has a two hour (web quality) recording capability and can shoot stills. The Vado also has an integrated USB plug and software that allows for image editing and uploading. The color monitor is anti-glare and measures 2 inches. The Vado charges via USB connection with a removable rechargeable battery.
RCA has the Small Wonder. It offers up to 2 hours of (web quality) filming on its internal 1GB. The Small Wonder sets itself apart from the Flip and the Vado with its flip out 1.5 inch monitor. This allows you to film yourself. The Small Wonder also has a MicroSD expansion slot. Video is transferred via USB. The Small Wonder uses 2 AA batteries.
As you can see these three small video cameras are alike in many ways. All three are pocket-size, they all include the built in software that lets you edit, email and upload videos and they all use a USB connection. All three have color monitors although they differ in size and abilities. They all have internal memory although not the same amount but only one has an expandable memory option.
Personally I like the overall features of the Small Wonder the best. I like the flip out monitor (wish it was larger), I like the MicroSD slot and I like the AA batteries.
