Pocket Video Cameras

Do we really need more pocket camcorders in the marketplace? Memorex seems to think so. They just announced the release of two new camcorders – the MyVideo and MyVideo HD.

The new Memorex MyVideo and Memorex MyVideo HD both feature a 2-inch LCD display, USB port, and digital zoom. With 2GB internal storage, the MyVideo captures up to 2hrs of VGA quality video, while the MyVideoHD has 4GB for up to 2 hours of VGA and up to 1 hour of HD video. Both pocket cams can also grab still shots and include onboard software to make uploading to Facebook, YouTube and other sites easy.

They are available in black or pearlized white and priced at $99.99 for the MyVideo and $129.99 for the HD model. Visit www.memorex.com for more info.

A new Flip Video pocket camcorder just store shelves, the "premium" Flip MinoHD. With a new design, larger screen and double the memory of its predecessor, this pocket cam can now record up to 2 hours of HD video.

Also, the new MinoHD includes the latest version of FlipShare software which can upload videos directly to Facebook. It has a bright two-inch transflective screen for no-glare viewing (even in direct sunlight), and features an HDMI jack.

The MinoHD is available with brushed metal finish, or you can choose from the tons of designs offered on their website. You can also custom design your own by visiting theflip.com.

The new 8GB Flip MinoHD is priced at $229. They have also lowered the price of the original Flip MinoHD (4GB - one hour of recording time) to $199. The standard Flip Mino sells for $149.

Sometimes you don't need camera (or camcorder) that shoots a gazillion megapixels. You just want a small, simple camera that you can carry around in your pocket for everyday shooting. JVC realized this and just announced the company's first pocket flash memory camera, the PICSIO GC-FM1.

Think small and simple means you get low quality? Think again. PICSIO has a two-inch LCD screen, shoots true eight-megapixel stills and 1080p Full HD video, has a 4X digital zoom and image stabilization. Videos are recorded in MPEG-4 AVC/H.264 format and stored as .MOV files that can be sent directly to YouTube and iTunes. The camera also has an HDMI connection for viewing videos on your HDTV, and an SD/SDHC slot for additional storage of up to 32GB. Read more

Kodak is extending their line of pocket video cameras with the Zx1 weather-resistant camera. It shoots 720p HD video at 30 or 60fps and stores the video on standard SD/SDHC cards. There is built-in software to ease editing and uploading to YouTube. I look forward to seeing how the claims of good quality with low-light turn out.

The new Zx1 is smaller and cheaper than their own Zi6. Another pocket video camera is the Flip lineup.

With a price of $149.95, the Kodak Zx1 will be available Spring 2009 in five different colors.

The pocket video camera is all the rage with those regularly posting to YouTube. Now HD (high definition) video is more important than just "plain-old-video". Where 720p at 60 frames per second produces quality content for your 16:9 LCD or Plasma televisions in smaller cameras. The Kodak Zi6 has a USB arm that “pops” out of the side of the camera when prompted. The camera powers itself from two AA batteries, and Kodak makes sure you have rechargeable batteries with the charger with this purchase. The expandable memory card slot is a great option, as there are 32 GB SD memory cards in the market. There are also cables that come with this camera for easy viewing on any HDTV.

For $179 MSRP this camera is worth the money for the easiest solution to capturing video today. As Yoda would say, "A Great Holiday Gift this would make." Who knows … the person you buy this for might be the next George Lucas.

By now you have a high definition (HD) panel in your home, either LCD or Plasma. You most likely enjoy watching HD content more than grainy non-high definition. Those home movies are still in non-HD, and you may be waiting for prices to drop for an HD camcorder to shoot home movies with, right? Well, wait no more …

Pure Digital Introduces Flip MinoHD as The World’s Smallest HD Camcorder. This camcorder is 3.3-ounces and fits right in your pocket. It is the size of most PDA cell phones, if not smaller. The resolution is 720p, which will display perfectly in 16:9 ratio television panels. The 4GB of internal memory will record up to 60-minutes (1 hour) of HD video. The little camera also has a 2x digital zoom, and a lithium ion battery that recharges when the USB arm is connected to a computer. The touch-sensitive buttons are intuitive, and you hold the camera just like a cell phone taking photos. Visit Pure Digital’s Web site for this product to learn more.