Fan of video or not, that seems to be the direction the web is heading. More and more videos of products, people, or places seems to be popping up and I figure it’s about time I joined in. Now, here’s where I’m stumped: Which pocket camcorder should I be using?
My first choice was the Flip. Viewing the search results for "flip" on Amazon yielded one that seemed right up my alley: The sleek new Flip Mino. Boasting a smaller and lighter design than its predecessors with no loss in quality or features.
The one potential drawback is that it uses a built-in battery like the Apple i-products. Reading the reviews doesn’t give me much indication of just how long that battery life is short and long term (i.e. how long will the battery last while recording or resting and how long the battery will continue to hold a charge).
I’ve had my iPod for going on three years without a single problem with battery life, but then again, it’s usually being charged somehow whether in my clock radio, connected to a charger/player in my car, or connected to my computer. Plus, I also have the wall charger (which I’m assuming could be easily used with the Mino since it’s just a USB wall plug).
The other definite drawback is that it does not have a flip out screen. This would make recording yourself on the go a lot more difficult. Then again, I probably won’t be recording myself all that often considering that I’m camera shy.
The other choice is the RCA Small Wonder EZ210. In terms of features, this little camcorder blows the Flip out of the water completely. However, it is nowhere near as sleekly designed as the Flip and completely lacks its form factor weighing almost double the Mino.
The RCA accepts two AA batteries which are readily available almost anywhere rather than needing to find a wall outlet or a computer and waiting for a recharge. It also has a flip out display which makes self recording a much simpler task; this is helpful if you intend to do a number of instructional videos. It seems that the EZ205 is the one with the flip out screen, so scratch that. Finally, the RCA has 4 times the storage space, plus you can expand it using an SD memory card.
Going clearly with my geek instincts, I’d select the RCA in a heartbeat. Unfortunately, I also like my gadgets to look nice. And therein lies my dilemma. My goal with a pocket camcorder is simply to have it handy in situations where I’d like to snap some quick video (i.e. out with friends, on the road driving, in dance class, or at the gym). It doesn’t need to be spectacular as these videos would most likely be shared on blogs and YouTube rather than distributed on DVDs.
So, my question to all of you is: Which one would you choose? And if you’ve had experience with either one of these camcorders, how was it for you. I’m particularly interested in video and audio quality for both. Anything else you’d like to add is also welcome.
(Yes folks, I am toying with the idea of video blogging. When I do decide, I’ll definitely write a follow up for anyone else who’s looking to get into video blogging.)
July 21st, 2008 at 1:09 pm
Hi Teli,
I work with RCA on their public relations team. We’re very excited to see that you prefer the expandable RCA Small Wonder, model EZ205, with the easily replaceable batteries. The EZ205 is very compact and can fit into a purse or pocket.
I wanted to see if you can update the link on your blog to the EZ205 (http://www.rcaaudiovideo.com/product.aspx?product=390) with the flip-out screen. Your link is to to our EZ210 – no flip out screen but it does have a small recording mirror on the front by the lens so you can see yourself as you’re recording. Plus, it has a very large, 2.4-inch LCD, making it even simpler to see what you’re capturing as you record.
Cheers,
Deanna Davis for RCA
July 21st, 2008 at 4:22 pm
First, I’d like to say that I’m actually (pleasantly) surprised to see an RCA representative popping in and commenting.
Also, thank you for the clarification. Apparently, I was under the false impression that the EZ210 did have a flip out screen, which it doesn’t, so I’ll update the entry to reflect that.
Again, thank you for stopping by and commenting, Deanna.
~ Teli
July 21st, 2008 at 4:25 pm
Hi Teli,
We’re happy to be a part of the conversation. Please feel free to contact us if there is anything else you might need.
Cheers,
Deanna
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Decision made: RCA Small Wonder EZ205.
Although I received quite a few votes and good feedback for the Flip Ultra/Flip Mino, when I sat down and weighed the pros/cons of each device, I decided I would much prefer to have the ability to expand the recording time with a MicroSD card than being limited to what’s in the on-board memory.
Plus, the price played a big part as well. I just couldn’t justify spending the extra $50 for less features/prettier design. (Trust me, I tried.)
Now, the reason I chose the EZ205 over the EZ210 was because it looked sleeker, weighed less, and although the EZ210 came with a larger card/screen, I figure I could always just buy a larger MicroSD card when the time came.
When I’ve given it a proper spin, I’ll write a full review for other potential video bloggers looking for a pocket camcorder.
And that’s the update. :)
~ Teli
September 25th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Perhaps I should put in some thoughts as a Flip Mino user.
1. The internal memory holds 60 minutes of video. That doesn’t sound like a lot, compared with conventional camcorders, but since YouTube discourages clips over 10 minutes, it’s still enough memory to capture raw data for a YouTube clip.
2. The built-in microphone works very well provided you’re within 3 feet of range.
3. There’s a device called a QuikPod — essentially a hand-held tripod with a small mirror at the camera attachment base, which enables users to take self-portraits. Since the Mino has a standard tripod mount it would be a solution for self-picturing.
October 6th, 2008 at 11:01 pm
I just found your wbesite today and I wanted to say thanks for doing this post. I wish I had found this post sooner though. I already purchased the Flip, but after reading this review I feel as though I may have made a poor buying decision.
I really like the fact that the RCA camera has the SD Memory Card slot. That basically gives you an infinite amount of storage (as many cards as you can carry). Additionally, the fact that you can use AA batteries is a prime feature. As you mentioned, you dont need to have a laptop nearby to charge up your Flip in between uses.
Don’t get me wrong, I do enjoy the Flip camera, but those two extra features really push the RCA camera to the top of my list. I may just have to ask for an RCA camera for Christmas and regift my Flip.
Thanks for the review and great site! I’m going to go read some more posts now. :o)
November 10th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Hi there
This question is actually aimed more at the RCA rep: Deanna, I note with a fair amount of horror that the Small Wonder does not appear to be available in the UK. Is this terrible thing true? If so, where is it available (other than the US, of course)
January 16th, 2009 at 9:29 am
While the Flip series of video cameras are nice, I will add my vote for the Small Wonder camera from RCA. I would much rather sacrifice a little “sleekness” for increased functionality. The ability to add an SD card tops my list. Sure, YouTube frowns upon more than 10 minutes of video, but there are those who use their cameras for more than just YouTube. Also, the expandable memory is most helpful when one might be on a trip or something away from a computer for a week or so, and a 60 minute shooting limit just doesn’t cut it.
March 29th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I have a flip mino HD and the battery holds charge really well. It will last longer than the amount of video the mino can hold. It is a brilliant product. The quality is also amazing and the audio is okay. It crashed once but I contacted flip and they responded within the hour and told me how to fix it. Now it is back to normal. I definitely think that the flip mino HD is worth the $200.
July 2nd, 2009 at 9:16 am
I’ve owned the mino flip since 12/08. I love it, in fact I gave it as presents for xmas to my 5 neices and nephews. I believe I paid about $150 each.
I saw a reveiw in newsday that pc richard was selling rca ez209hd for $99. Is that a good price?
I like the software for publishing by the mino. What is the rca like?
I use mino for facebook & youtube (see samples on youtube under name ryssby)
August 4th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
i read that the RCA cannot be used with Mac computers though… so if we use mac, we need to use the flip, right?