Recently, there has been a pocket HD camcorder craze among the general population. These tiny high definition devices have come down in price greatly as they have become more popular. In fact, most pocket HD camcorders can be bought for less than $200 regularly and less than $100 in some cases. Many of these camcorders offer plenty of different functions. Pocket HD camcorders look like they’re here to stay.
1. Creative Vado HD ($120)
Without a doubt, the Creative Vado HD is the best pocket HD camcorder out there. It’s nicely priced, has exposure controls, and tons of other features. The Vado HD can easily compete with the MinoHD and the Zi8. Surprisingly, this camcorder offers some features that most others do not – as far as pocket-sized devices are concerned. Its price beats the MinoHD and compares closely to the Kodak Zi8. The only problems a person could find with the Vado is that it doesn’t have the absolute highest quality video capture or removable storage, but it does have the widest angle lens out there.
2. Cisco Flip MinoHD ($180)
The Cisco Flip MinoHD is the best of the Flip camcorders and for good reasons. Of course, this device is built well and looks nicer than a lot of other devices. It has a good amount of storage (8 GB) and great video quality. Also, the computer software that comes with the MinoHD is incredibly convenient and useful. The MinoHD doesn’t have removable storage or a removable battery and it can’t capture still-photos, but it is a huge improvement upon previous Flip pocket HD camcorders and the current Flip UltraHD.
3. Kodak Zi8 HD ($100)
Rounding out the top three, the Kodak Zi8 has the best video capabilities with 1080p. There are plenty of video and audio options on this device, along with other great features. It’s got tons of connectivity ports, external memory, still-frame photos, and a somewhat durable build. Anyways, the camera does suffer from delayed responses while using the device and some zooming issues, but the device is greatly priced at around $100. It’s highest quality video is a good enough reason to check out the Zi8.
4. Kodak Playsport HD ($110)
The Kodak Playsport HD is a great pocket camcorder for a cheap price. For starters, it is strongly build and slightly waterproof. The HD video looks relatively great, and the software for the camera is useful for sharing videos. Unfortunately, the Playsport does lack in a few areas. The camcorder has a short battery life, no memory card, and no built-in USB connector. Still, the device is priced well and gets the job done for people who aren’t too picky about their camcorder’s functions.
5. Sony Bloggie MHS-PM5 HD ($140)
Sony’s Bloggie MHS-PM5 HD shoots at 1080p and has some great features. Unfortunately, the phone is on the high-end as far as pricing is concerned. The camcorder has a built-in USB connector, removable memory, and can play videos in a landscape format. Other than that, the MHS-PM5 is slightly larger than most other pocket HD camcorders, but it will fulfill its purpose for most users. The video looks great and that’s all a pocket camcorder needs for some people.
6. Kodak Zi6 HD ($100)
Next up, the Kodak Zi6 comes around at a nicely priced $100. The device is easy to control and makes it simple to share videos through a computer. On top of that, the device shoots nicely in 720p and takes average but nice still-frame photos. The Zi6 is popular among minicamcorder owners for many reasons. It’s among the lowest priced pocket HD camcorders and it has plenty of features. Unfortunately, colors can be a bit too vivid sometimes, and thera are some focus issues.
7. Flip UltraHD ($150-$175)
Different people will rank the Flip UltraHD higher or lower for various reasons. First of all, the UltraHD has some video issues at times and is slightly bulkier than other devices. However, it does shoot in 720p, has plenty of storage space, runs on AA batteries, and much more. The device is easy to control too. Still the Flip UltraHD does have a few bugs that can’t be ignored. The device is also kind of expensive and just can’t hold up to the Flip MinoHD in most aspects.
8. Toshiba Camileo S20 HD ($100)
For a very convenient price, the Toshiba Cmileo S20 HD shoots in 1080p and offers some excellent features. The device contains an LED light for shooting videos at night and other functions that other camcorders lack. On the other hand, the device’s controls are a bit difficult to use, the zoom can cause some trouble, there is no built-in USB connector, and the phone seems like it is made a bit cheaply. Still, the price is fitting for the 1080p quality videos and the extra features.
9. Memorex MyVideo HD ($70)
Obviously, the Memorex MyVideo HD is the cheapest pocket HD camcorder on this list. You can’t beat it’s price. Also, the video looks good in 720p, the camcorder comes with 4 GB of memory, and the device is simple as heck to use. For the price, you get exactly what you would expect: a good minicamcorder for the price that doesn’t match up to the better, more expensive devices. The device seems cheaply built and has a few video capture issues, but the price can’t be ignored.
10. Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10 HD ($150)
The Sanyo Xacti VPC-CCG10 is a “pistol-grip” minicamcorder that shoots in 720p. Without a doubt, it is packed with features, including zoom functions, still-frame and video, external memory, and more. Unfortunately, the device is pretty expensive and isn’t on par with other devices in key areas. The battery life on the device is just over an hour, which is almost half of what other pocket HD camcorders pull off.
Grab yourself a pocket HD camcorder!
For anyone that wants to purchase a pocket HD camcorder, it can be a great buy. They are extremely cheap but packed with plenty of features and abilities. Many of the devices capture great videos and offer plenty of extra features to make your videos perfect. So then, price isn’t a problem for most of these devices, functionality isn’t lacking, and nothing should stop you from buying a pocket HD camcorder!
More Information
Pocket HD Camcorders Snapshot (CNET)
reviews.cnet.com/pocket-hd-camcorders/
Pocket HD Camcorder Guide
www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp
