These compact camcorders allow you to shoot videos on the go and upload them on the Internet. Priyanka Joshi picks five that are easy on the pocket.
With websites like YouTube and other social media sites making video-sharing easier than ever, it’s not hard to see why compact camcorders are so much in demand. It’s also not hard to guess why so many brands of camcorders, which emphasise their virtues of portability, ease of uploading on the Internet, and expandable memory, are present in an increasing number of electronic stores.
These camcorders score over traditional handycams not just in the design department but also because they allow easy recording and easy playback. You don’t even have to convert or shrink the videos before posting them online. Even better, they cost half as much as the older hard drive- or tape-based camcorders, even though they have the same features and do a fine job. Here’s our pick of some of the brands in the market.
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KODAK ZI8: Superior image quality, pop-out USB connector |
Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1
Tech specs
The Webbie packs in five different shooting modes — auto, backlight, low-light, sports and landscape. It also shoots decent 5-megapixel stills, complete with a self-timer and an on-screen histogram.
What’s good
Its useful swivelling lens-head allows for greater flexibility while filming.
This is a small camcorder, tiny enough to be mistaken for a toy. It shoots HD footage and also allows users to change video resolutions and scene modes, something that greatly enhances video quality.
With the Webbie, you can upload videos directly to YouTube and Picasa. You can also choose other websites to set as favourites — the MHS-PM1 will remember your login information and automatically setup a system to upload to these sites.
Not so good
The Webbie may be versatile, but it doesn’t offer the best image quality.
It comes with 12 MB of internal memory, which is mostly used up in storing the internal uploading software and doesn’t leave space to record much. So you’ll need to invest in memory-stick cards to store video and pictures. Price Rs 9,500
Sanyo Xacti VPC-CG10
Tech specs
5x optical zoom (60x digital) and 40 GB internal memory. Weighs just 188 gm with rechargeable lithium-ion battery and memory card inserted.
What’s good
Sleek, attractive and lightweight, this camcorder is for newcomers to digital video recording. Also, with 40 GB space, most people won’t need to worry about adding external memory.
Not so good
The Sanyo Xacti offers digital image stabilisation, which is less effective than optical image stabilisation and can also cause some loss of image quality. Then again, none of the ultra-compact camcorders in this price range offer image stabilisation, so perhaps this is better than nothing.
Sanyo perseveres with its unique pistol-grip style. For those accustomed to a traditional horizontal camcorder, the upright design can be a bit unsettling.
Kodak Zi8
Tech specs
Records high-definition 1,080-pixel videos, captures still images on 5-megapixel camera and stores on memory cards. Allows image stabilisation, face tracking and macro focus setting.
What’s good
This is one camera that will put visual control in the hands of amateurs too. Audiophiles will love its superior image quality and pop-out USB connector.
Not so good
The Zi8 gets very hot when used for an extended period. This is a common problem with small gadgets, but it does make this camcorder uncomfortable to use.
This is a no-frills camcorder with eye-catching high-definition video — but not much else. There’s room for improvement as far as image stabilisation is concerned. But, on the whole, the Kodak Zi8 leaves you with reasonable results.
Pure Digital Flip Video Ultra
Tech specs
Built-in 2 GB memory; a minimal design with few buttons and functions.
What’s good
Amateurs will love it because they simply have to point and shoot — no complicated advanced focus, shutter speed and aperture settings.
Not so good The spring-loaded USB arm which pops out when transferring videos to the computer is inconvenient and takes some getting used to. Price: Rs 7,000
JVC Picsio GC-FM1
Tech specs
Shoots 1,080-pixel videos. Offers digital image stabilisation, as also a tiny built-in microphone.
What’s good
It’s ultra-compact; the menus are simple and easy to use.
Not so good
Despite the mike, you won’t get crisp and clean audio quality. And while it fits fine in the palm, it is not as comfortable to hold as some of the other models. The centre button of the Picsio (the one you press to record) is low on the body of the camcorder, so you either have to bend your thumb awkwardly or slide your hand further down to compensate. Either way, the Picsio is not quite steady in your hand.
The Picsio also does not have a DC power input, which means you can only charge its internal battery using a USB cable. This is a bit of a drag, because it means that you need access to a computer whenever you want to charge it. Price: Rs 9,000 (approximately)
