[tab:Intro][flagallery gid=4 name=”CrunchGear Gift Guide 2009″]
Pocket-sized camcorders continue to grow in popularity thanks to falling prices, shrinking form factors, and enhanced video quality. While there are plenty on the market to choose from right now, this guide will focus on models selling for less than $150. That seems to be a good price ceiling that allows you to get plenty of features without spending too much.
[tab:Flip Mino]
Flip Mino: $149.99 (TheFlip.com)
Flip’s line of compact digital camcorders arguably broadened the mass appeal of such devices thanks to simplified controls, pocket-friendly form factors and, perhaps above all, easy-to-use built-in software and streamlined YouTube uploading. While many of its competitors now offer similar features at lower price points, Flip cameras are still wildly popular.
Features:
- Storage: 2GB (not expandable)
- Resolution: 640×480
- LCD Size: 1.5 inches
- Zoom: 2x digital
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion (not replaceable)
- TV Output: Composite AV
PROS: Stylish, customizable, super easy to use, tiny form factor, built-in software
CONS: Expensive, no way to add storage, no way to replace battery
[tab:Creative Vado]
Creative Vado: $99.99 (Creative.com)
Taking its cues from the aforementioned Flip Mino, the Creative Vado matches it almost spec for spec while featuring a larger LCD and smaller price tag. Sure, it may not come in as many colors and designs but if you’re looking for Flip’s portability and ease of use at a much lower price, the Vado is a good place to start.
Features:
- Storage: 2GB (not expandable)
- Resolution: 640×480
- LCD Size: 2 inches
- Zoom: 2x digital
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion (replaceable)
- TV Output: Composite AV
PROS: Flip Mino features for $50 less, replaceable battery, relatively big 2-inch LCD
CONS: No way to add storage, bland color options
[tab:Kodak Zx1]
Kodak Zx1: $149.95 (Kodak.com)
Kodak’s newest addition to the world of pocket camcorders is the Zx1, capable of recording 720p video at up to 60 frames per second. The camcorder comes with two AA rechargeable batteries, which means it can use standard AA batteries in a pinch. You can even purchase Kodak’s rechargeable lithium-ion battery pack to use instead.
Features:
- Storage: 128MB (expandable via SD/SDHC)
- Resolution: 1280×720
- LCD Size: 2 inches
- Zoom: 2x digital
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion (replaceable)
- TV Output: Composite AV and HDMI
PROS: 60 FPS HD video on the cheap, multiple battery options, dual video outputs
CONS: Not much built-in storage, ships with nickel-metal hydride batteries
[tab:Sony Webbie HD]
Sony Webbie HD: $149.99 (SonyStyle.com)
Sony’s Webbie HD pocket camcorder features a cool swiveling lens, individual movie and still photo buttons, and more-than-720p-but-not-quite-1080p resolution. Initially priced at $169.99, the Webbie HD line has now been discounted to $149.99 for the holidays.
Features:
- Storage: None (expandable via Sony Memory Stick PRO/PRO Duo)
- Resolution: 1440×1080
- LCD Size: 1.8 inches
- Zoom: 4x digital
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion (replaceable)
- TV Output: Composite AV and Component AV
PROS: Swivel lens for self portraits, separate still photo and video recording buttons
CONS: No built-in storage, uses proprietary Memory Stick format, odd resolution
[tab:Insignia]
Insignia NS-DV1080P: $149.99 (InsigniaProducts.com)
Best Buy’s house-brand, Insignia, has managed to put together a portable camcorder that shoots full 1080p video and sports a big 3-inch flip-out LCD – all for $149.99. You also get a front-mounted video light, although I can’t make any claims as to how useful it actually is.
Features:
- Storage: 90MB (expandable via SD/SDHC)
- Resolution: 1920×1080
- LCD Size: 3 inches
- Zoom: 4x digital (in 720p mode)
- Battery: Rechargeable lithium-ion (replaceable)
- TV Output: HDMI
PROS: Full 1080p HD video for $149.99, big LCD screen, video light
CONS: 4x digital zoom only works at 720p resolution
[tab:Compare]Comparison Chart:
|
CAMCORDER |
FLIP |
CREATIVE |
KODAK |
SONY |
INSIGNIA |
|
PRICE |
$149.99 |
$99.99 |
$149.95 |
$149.99 |
$149.99 |
|
STORAGE |
2GB |
2GB |
128MB |
None |
90MB |
|
EXPANDABLE |
No |
No |
SD/SDHC |
Memory Stick |
SD/SDHC |
|
RESOLUTION |
640×480 |
640×480 |
1280×720 |
1440×1080 |
1920×1080 |
|
LCD SIZE |
1.5” |
2” |
2” |
1.8” |
3” |
|
ZOOM |
2x Digital |
2x Digital |
2x Digital |
4x Digital |
4x Digital |
|
BATTERY |
Lithium-ion |
Lithium-ion |
Rechargeable Ni-MH AA |
Lithium-ion |
Lithium-ion |
|
TV OUTPUT |
Composite |
Composite |
Composite and HDMI |
Composite and Component |
HDMI |
|
MODEL |
[tab:END]