While the progress of technology can be exhilarating, its ability to make itself obsolete regularly can often and quickly become exhausting. This is especially true for those who want or need to remain in step with all modern technological advances. The Flip video camera used to reign supreme for a short while because of its simplicity. However, the Flip cam is dead and has been replaced by many affordable options that offer additional features, which is perfect for professionals of all sorts.
Here are five affordable pocket video cameras— $200 or under— to help any business get their message out to the public without having to learn complicated tools or technologies.
1. Kodak Playfull
Kodak Playfull – For just under $130, the Kodak Playfull’s features include on-camera editing, easy-to-use still camera mode, shoot videos in HD, and the videos and pictures can be uploaded straight to your computer. It has a 1.5 inch LCD screen and automatic light adjustments to ensure the best video possible. The Kodak Playfull even allows you to narrate videos or make a combination slideshow consisting of both videos and pictures. One of the many great things about this pocket-sized video camera is that it’s compatible with Macs and PCs, and you can plug it in and play the video right on your HDTV.
2. Sony Bloggie Touch
Sony Bloggie Touch – Weighing only 4.5 ounces, the Sony Bloggie Touch is a touchscreen video camera that can store up to four hours of video, as it has 8GB of memory. And for about $200, it comes with pre-installed software, shoots in 1920×1080 HD, allows videos to be uploaded to the internet, and comes in four different colors—pink, blue, silver, and black. The Sony Bloggie Touch also has an image stabilizer in order to reduce the blurriness from a shaking or shifting camera.
3. Kodak PlaySport Zx3
Kodak PlaySport Zx3 – The Kodak PlaySport costs nearly $150 and it has some unique features when compared to many other pocket camcorders. For starters, it’s waterproof. Kodak advertises that it can go as deep as 10 feet under water. There’s even an option to turn on a glare protector for your screen. The footage will be the same, but it will be easier to use the screen while outdoors. It also can take a few drops and bumps, as it was made with adventurous people in mind. One downside is the screen is only 2 inches diagonally. But its portability and its durability probably make up for that. Plus, it comes in some fun, bright colors, like purple and blue.
4. Creative Vado
Creative Vado – Priced at about $100 dollars, the Creative Vado is a very affordable option if you’re looking for a decent video camera but without all the expensive features of some of its competitors. However, the Creative Vado only has a two-inch diagonal screen, while many pocket camcorders have three inches. Even with a small screen, the Vado has useful features like two hours of HD plus video; four hours of HD video; or eight hours at a VGA resolution and the battery can be charged through a USB port.
5. JVC Picsio
JVC Picsio – Similar to the Kodak PlaySport, the JVC Picsio is also waterproof. It also has a 3-inch diagonal touchscreen, face detection software, and a MP3 recorder and stereo. Some other features include exporting videos to your iTunes library, time-lapse recording, and can be connected to Wi-Fi. With the combination of these features—and many others—the JVC Picsio will cost you $200.
No longer do you have to lug around a camcorder and balance it on your shoulder when you want to capture a moment. Technology has allowed video cameras to become much smaller, higher quality, and easier to use. And with so many options when it comes to available features, the technological future looks bright. Whether you want to record and post videos on YouTube, Facebook or just email them to your clients or family and friends, a pocket video camera is an affordable tool to consider.
Frankly
October 21, 2011 at 1:25 pm
Which ones are wide angle. That is the most important feature