Mobile phones have become a tool where we can be connected to the Internet permanently and are ideal to generate and upload multimedia content to the net in real time. The quality we get on pictures is more than acceptable, but the video quality is still lacking for most mobile phone devices.
So the market for pocket camcorders still alive with some very compelling models available. The biggest feature of these camcorders is that they are compact, quality recorded of at least 720p and usually have integrated USB port and software to upload the content to the Internet.
If you are interested in buying a pocket camcorder, take a look at the following five models. Each offers something special and you decide which is the right one for you according to your needs.
Flip MinoHD, The last one to arrive
In this camera we can find all we expect from this type of cameras: small screen, compact size, integrated USB port and 720p quality.
The Flip MinoHD has HDMI port, integrated speaker, 1.5 hour autonomy, ability to use a rechargeable battery or three AAA batteries and 1/4.4 inch sensor. I would like to emphasize its FlipShare software for publishing content online in a flash.
We can shoot up up to 1 hour of stunning HD video (720p / 60fps) on 4GB of built-in memory or 2 hours on 8GB of built-in memory and its price varies from retailer to retailer. But it sells at about $139 (4GB) and $175 (8GB) shipped on Amazon.
Sony Bloggie, The Most Fun
Sony chose CES 2010 to introduce its first pocket camcorder and since then they became a reference in the field. Bloggie is undoubtedly the most fun of all thanks to accessories such as 360 degree lens, the dual-screen or 3D mode of the last one to arrive, the Sony Bloggie 3D.
This pocket camcorder records video at 1080p, takes 5-megapixel photos and it can also do it in 3D. The LED flash and 2.4 inch screen where you see the 3D pictures without glasses, plus HDMI output, complete features for this fun camcorder.
But if you don’t want to spend what the 3D models costs ($250), you have models to choose from. They start at just $115 with a Touch Bloggie quite interesting that’s in between both price ranges.
Kodak PlaySport ZX5, The All-Terrain Most Attractive
It’s always a plus to have a pocket camcorder that you can carry anywhere without fear of damaging it. Therefore it’s essential for it to be an all-terrain camcorder. The Kodak PlaySport ZX5 is ahead of its competition with its long experience in this sector.
With this camcorder you can let it fall, carry it on roads full of dust and dirt and it’s waterproofed up to three meters deep. It also records 1080p video at 30 fps and 720p at 60 fps (slow motion mode) and sells for about $175.
If you prefer something more serious by Kodak, check out Kodak’s recent PlayTouch that comes with 1080p video, 5 megapixel, touchscreen and fantastic design. It’s priced at around $160.
HM-TA20 Panasonic with Night Vision
Another pocket-sized camcorder built with adventure mode is the new HM-TA20 Panasonic. Its colorful cover and seal body give you an idea of how much it’s going to entertain you.
We can dive with it up to 3 meters, withstands knocks and dirt. It also includes a night vision mode, ideal for a night of camping (summer’s almost here). The screen is 3 inch touchscreen and features HDMI output.
Samsung U20, Quality Pictures and Videos
If our aspirations are more serious than just video for the Internet and we still keep the pocket camcorder format, your camera may be the Samsung U20. Its 1/2.3 inch CMOS sensor makes the difference and offers both 1080p video and 10-megapixel photos.
The U20 Samsung has Hyper Digital Image Stabilization system and 3X optical zoom. Plus also includes useful features such as time-lapse mode, USB port integrated and HDMI output.
