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Pocket camcorders help you to record your life and everything around you through a small, handheld device no bigger than a cell phone. For an upgrade from the standard definition that most pocket camcorders shoot in, you can buy versions that can shoot video in both 720p and 1080p. Video shot at those resolutions are crisp, clear and simply look spectacular.
The top 3 HD pocket camcorders right now are: Flip UltraHD, Creative Labs Vado, and the Kodak Zi8 Pocket HD. Each camcorder has their advantages however the Flip UltraHD is our overall best pick for people looking to pick up one of these devices.
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Flip UltraHD Video Camera – Black, 8 GB |
The Flip line of cameras set off the new niche of “pocket camcorders” by creating the very first Flip camera and ever since then, Flip has remained a major, dominant contender in the market. The Flip UltraHD continues Flip’s #1 spot in the market with high quality, 720p video recording, using the familiar, big-red button the back of the recorder. With the 8 GB Flip camera you can record up to 2 hours of HD video. To move video from the Flip to your computer or laptop, you use the built-in USB output.
Features
- HD recording time: 120 minutes
- Memory: 8 GB
- Resolution: 720p
- Microphone: Stereo
- Video: H.264
- Sound: AAC audio codec (high quality)
- Zoom: 2x
- Size: 4.3″ x 2.2″ x 1.2″
- Weight: 4 oz
- Colors: White and Black
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Creative Labs Vado HD Pocket Video Camcorder |
The Creative Vado HD pocket camera is an affordable alternative to the Flip UltraHD available in a variety of stylish patterns and colors. Like the Flip, it can record 120 minutes of 720p video however it only has 4 GB capacity which means the codecs (audio and video quality) may not be as good which means the final result may not be optimum. Unlike the Flip however, the Vado has a replaceable, rechargeable battery which means during the sessions of lots of recording you can go longer without having to recharge which gives the recorder a huge plus. Another thing, the Vado is a little bit smaller than the Flip which makes it a great choice for people with limited space to carry around a video recorder. Buying this pocket recorder comes with strong recommendations so if you don’t want the Flip slash need something cheap, this recorder will do excellent work.
Features
- HD recording time: 120 minutes
- Memory: 4 GB
- Resolution: 720p
- Microphone: Mono with optional stereo microphone input
- Video: H.264
- Sound: AAC audio codec (high quality)
- Zoom: 2x
- Size: 3.9″ x 2.2″ x 0.6″
- Weight: 3.5 oz
- Colors: Black, Red, White, Cyan, and Purple
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Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry) |
Finally, there is the Kodak Zi8 pocket camcorder. Unlike the Flip or Vado recoders, the Zi8 is able to record in full 1080p video. It also has and expandable memory card slot (SD/SDHC) for up to 32 GB. Like the Flip, the Kodak Zi8 uses a flip-out USB arm for uploading videos to your computer. One of the downsides to this recorder (also an upside) is the expandable memory–you have to buy a memory card if you want to record any video. So while the recorder itself is fairly inexpensive, you’ll need to spend around $15 to get a high-quality 8 GB SDHC memory card. However, if you’re someone who wants to have more than 8 GB of recording space on your pocket video camera, then this actual a good thing and saves you money in the long run. While last, certainly not least, if the Kodak video camera’s expandable memory and 1080p recording is what you’re looking for, I strongly recommend buying this recorder.
Features
- HD recording time: Depending on memory card size (~120 min for 8 GB)
- Memory: 128 MB (expandable with SD/SDHC card slot)
- Resolution: 1080p
- Microphone: Mono
- Video: H.264
- Audio: AAC LC
- Zoom: 4x
- Size: 2.4″ x 4.5″ x 0.9″
- Weight: 3.9 oz
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