Pocket Video Camera Reviews: Which Compact Camcorder is the Best?

Pocket Video Camera Reviews: Which Compact Camcorder is the Best?
Page content

Flip UltraHD Camcorder (5 out of 5)

Flip UltraHD Camcorder

Being the latest and possibly the greatest camcorder from Flip’s ultra-compact video cameras, the Flip UltraHD camcorder is an easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder with one-touch recording and digital zoom. What’s so good about Flip camcorders aside from their ultra-compact form factor is their simple user interface. And the UltraHD camcorder is no exception. The moment you turn it on for the first time, you can immediately capture HD video. Talking about HD video, this camcorder allows you to record 120 minutes of HD video on its 8 GB built-in memory. Other features of the Flip UltraHD camcorder include - flip-out USB arm that plugs into your PC or Mac to launch the FlipShare software, 2-inch anti-glare color LCD screen, and HDMI output. The FlipShare software allows you to email, edit, and even upload videos to video sharing site like YouTube and MySpace. Sorry folks, no Facebook integration yet. (Price: $148.54)

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (4 out of 5)

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

For a company which was known for cameras that captures still photos whether digital or film, who would think that Kodak can pull one off in the pocket video camera market? Actually, the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera is the successor to Kodak’s first pocket video camera - the Zi6. For Zi8, Kodak made their pocket camcorder capable of taking full HD 1080p videos in sharper quality and with less blur. This is due to the camera’s built-in image stabilization. The Zi8 also features a vivid 2.5-inch color LCD and takes 5 megapixel resolution on 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures. It supports both PC and Mac as well as YouTube and Facebook sharing features. For Apple fans, the Kodak Zi8 is compatible with iTunes so you can easily sync your videos to Apple TV, iPhone or iPod devices. The camera comes with an expandable 32GB SD/SDHC card and connects easily to your PC or Mac via a retractable USB cable. What’s good about the Kodak Zi8 is its external microphone jack that allows you to record videos with stereo sound. Finally, you can watch videos on your HDTV via HDMI cables since the Zi8 has an HDMI port. (Price: $179.95)

Creative Labs Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorder (4 out of 5)

Creative Labs Vado HD

Among the pocket video cameras available on the market today, Creative Labs’ Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorder is possibly the most under-rated and under-hyped. Ironically, this pocket video camera is not under-powered but is packed with powerful features. It captures 720p high-definition video quality through an easy to use one-touch recording function. This video camera is loaded with a built-in 8GB memory for storing your videos. And according to Creative Labs, this video camcorder is the first pocket camcorder that can directly connect to an HDTV. The Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorder also lets you directly upload videos to your computer through its built-in USB connector. Design wise, the Vado Video Camcorder resembles the Flip pocket video camera with its compact, stylish glossy black design. (Price: $161.34)

Sony Bloggie HD Video Camera (5 out of 5)

Sony MHS-CM5 bloggie HD Video Camera

Interestingly, Sony’s entry into the pocket video camcorder comes with a name that will surely be loved by video bloggers - the Sony Bloggie CM5 HD video camcorder. This pocket video camera has a 1080p and 720p video capture capability, a 2.5-inch swiveling LCD, one-touch video uploading to YouTube, MySpace and Facebook, removal lithium ion battery and HDMI output. It supports both PC and MAC and has dual memory stick duo and SD card slot. The video camera has 5x optical zoom allowing you to focus on objects. If you don’t really like that ultra-compact form factor of other pocket video cameras such as the Flip, Kodak or Vado, you’d probably prefer the Sony Bloggie because of its relatively bigger size. (Price: $199.99)