When searching for cheap video cameras, you really should make sure to check out product reviews just before buying, due to the fact that often cheap equals inferior quality, plus the technological level is always advancing. Just because a video camera is priced under $200, doesn't mean that it is going to be a good purchase. Sometimes they are inexpensively priced for a good reason -- they're poorly designed.
Fortunately technology has now advanced to the point that you can obtain a cheap video camera that will provide you with high quality images and video.
The two most popular inexpensive, but good pocket-size video cameras are the Kodak Zi8 and the Flip Mino. Both of these video recorders have their advantages and their disadvantages. Let's examine the qualities of each one.
The Flip Mino pocket camcorder:
-recording time: 60 minutes
-internal storage 2 GB
-no memory card slot for additional storage space
-records at 720 megapixels
-640 x 480 resolution
-30 frames per second shooting speed
-up to 4 hours of battery life
-the rechargeable lithium battery that it comes with is not replaceable, nor can it be removed
-1.5 inch view screen
-2x optical zoom
-weighs 3.3 ounces
-approximate size: 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.63 inches.
The Kodak Zi8 pocket video camera :
-10 hours of video recording on 1 SD card
-has a slot for up to 32GB video cards
-multiple cards can be used for a virtually unlimited amount of video
-rechargeable lithium ion battery
-90 minute battery life in video recording mode
-records at 1020 megapixels HD
-shoots at 30 frames per second
-has a 16:9 wide screen HD still picture feature
-takes still pictures at 5 mega pixel resolution
-built-in editing software
-view screen size is 2.5 inches
-optical zoom power: 4X
-weighs 3.9 ounces
-approximate size: 4.5 × 2.4.× 0.8 inches.
Both allow you to flip open a USB arm and plug it directly into your computer, so that you can instantly upload all your new videos to your favorite sites, such as FaceBook and YouTube.
There are other options for cheap video cameras, but the Flip Mino and Kodak Zi8 are currently the leaders, and for good reasons. These little, handheld video camcorders are perfect options for those on a budget, because both can be found at $179.95.
While you cannot err with either product, at this moment I would (and just did) order the Kodak. But by the time you see this, technology will undoubtedly have progressed still further and leadership could well have changed.
