high definitionpocket video camera

In September, 2010 Cisco Systems (formerly Pure Digital Technologies) came out with a new generation of their ever popular Flip Ultra HD Video Cameras.  Without a doubt, the Generation 3 is the best Flip camera, yet!  The new Flip Ultra HD is on sale at Amazon through this link.

The new Flip exhibits improved video resolution by doubling the fps (frames per second) compared the Generation 2 Flip Ultra video cameras.  60 fps means that the camera takes 60 pictures every second to make the video.  Higher fps results in a much smoother video and the ability to zoom in more effectively.  The Gen 2 only recorded at 30 fps, while the new Gen 3 works at both 60 fps for excellent video quality, and at 30 fps for smaller file size.

Cisco also added image stabilization for Generation 3 which helps to eliminate that “blurry look”.  This feature alone is reason enough for an upgrade.

Flip maintains their easy to use, big red button and quick warm up so that you can start taking videos right away without missing any of the action.

The small size (only 2.2 X 1.2 X 4.2 inches) is shirt pocket or purse friendly.  Continued improvement in video quality of pocket video cameras has made the new Flip Ultra High Definition Pocket Video Camera a must have for anyone wanting to take videos on the go.

Let’s take a look at some of the Flip Gen 3’s features:

• 8 GB of built in memory to store up to 2 hours of HD video
• Impressive 720p at 60 fps resolution
• Image stabilization for steady and even clearer video
• Rechargeable battery pack is included.   However, AAA batteries can be used as backup
• Direct video sharing to YouTube, Facebook and Twitter
• Quick and easy connection to your PC or Mac computer with built-in USB arm
• HDMI output so you can enjoy your videos on your HDTV
• If you want to buy this video camera, you can get it at Amazon through this link.

Check out this video for more information.

Buy the Flip Ultra HD Video Camera at Amazon.com (lowest price).

The good

• Small enough to fit in a pocket, yet not so small that it is difficult to hold steady
• 720p resolution at 60 fps provides improved video quality
• Image stabilization steadies the recording even in the wind
• Easy video upload to social sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube

The bad

• Battery life may be shortened when using image stabilization mode
• Does not come with HDMI cable

This pocket video camera is a good bet for

1. People on the go who don’t want to miss a bit of the action
2. People wanting to easily post good quality videos on YouTube
3. Anyone fed up trying to get a decent video from their cell phone

Let’s see what current owners have to say

Tyler H.

This is now my 3rd Flip camera (they are all still in operation, I just can’t help upgrading when a higher quality product hits the market). I always fall in love with my new Flip video camera and this one is no exception.  The new 3rd generation is noticeably thinner than last year’s model which makes it lighter and easier to hold. HUGE improvement in video quality.  Image stabilization and now 60 frames per seconds (FPS) compared to 30 FPS in the previous HD model results in noticeably higher quality video and the ability to zoom more effectively.

Review Paraphrased for size  – - view original review here.

With all of the hype surrounding the Flip and Kodak pocket cameras, it’s a wonder why anyone would consider buying anything else.  But, before you make the plunge, you owe it to yourself to take a close look at the Toshiba Camileo S20 HD Pocket Camcorder. The Toshiba S20 is available at the lowest price at Amazon through this link.

The Toshiba S20 is great for taking videos indoors or out, at true 1080p or at 720p. High resolution, combined with video stabilization, will give you videos to be proud of. And you can take lots of video. The expandable memory (up to 32GB) will store up to 10 hours of video so you don’t miss any of the action. And the small size (3 ½ ounces) means you’ll take it with you wherever you go.

All that is well and good and similar to what you’ll find on the Flip and the Kodak HD video cameras.    What sets the Toshiba S20 apart is the 3 inch swiveling LCD monitor. Instead of having to hold the camcorder right in front of you, you can rotate the monitor down to hold the camcorder above the crowd to record a parade or sporting event. You can also swivel the monitor to eliminate glare from the sun while recording. Or rotate the monitor to get that special angle for a unique recording experience.  And when you’re not recording, the monitor can be rotated to protect the LCD screen from dirt and scratches.  You can buy the Toshiba S20 on sale at Amazon, here.

Let’s take a look at some of the Toshiba S20’s features:

• True 1080p and 720p recording
• Big 3 inch swiveling LCD monitor to get those special shots
• 4X digital zoom
• Image Stabilization gives clear and steady video
• Store up to 10 hours of video (with available 32MB SD/SDHC card)
• Rechargeable battery with charging capability through a standard USB cable
• HDMI output so you can enjoy your videos on your HDTV (HDMI cable included)

Let’s see what current owners have to say

J.

I was looking for a mini cam that was priced well and a good value. I decided to take a chance on the little know Toshiba. I’m definitely glad I did. If you are looking for something that is well made with a large screen that rotates, good picture quality (especially outdoors!!), reasonable zoom and a decent price, this is the one for you. The fact that it comes with a case, stand, HDMI cable, etc. is just icing on the cake. Overall, it’s a keeper.

Review Paraphrased for size – - view original review here.

Kodak has been quietly making some of the best HD Pocket Video Cameras on the market for under $200.  Although Kodak doesn’t get as much hype as the Flip video cameras do, the Kodak Zi8 is every bit as good and even better and….at a lower price.  The Kodak Zi8 is on sale at Amazon here.

The Kodak Zi8 is great for taking videos indoors or out, at 1080p (30fps) for most videos and at 720p (60fps) for action videos.  The higher fps (frame per second) reduces the blur that you might see with fast moving action shots.  You can quickly and easily flip back and forth between recording modes depending on what you are recording.

Electronic image stabilization, true 1080p recording, external mic, rechargeable Li-Ion battery, up to 10 hours of recording with expandable memory (up to 32GB):  What more could you want for less than $200?

If you’re looking for a HD video camera that is small, lightweight, and takes excellent videos, the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera may be just what you are looking for.  You can get the Kodak Zi8 on sale at Amazon though this link.

Let’s take a look at some of the Kodak Zi8’s features:

• True 1080p recording at 30fps resolution
• Improved Electronic Image Stabilization gives clear and steady video
• 2.5 inch color LCD so you can view your videos right away
• Impressive 720p at 60 fps resolution for those “action” shots
• Store up to 10 hours of video (with available 32MB SD/SDHC card)
• Li-Ion rechargeable battery with in-camera charging
• HDMI output so you can enjoy your videos on your HDTV (HDMI cable included)
• External mic port (microphone not included)

The good

• Small enough to fit in a pocket or purse so you can carry it with you wherever you go
• HD recording at 1080p (30fps) or 720p (60fps)
• Electronic Image stabilization steadies the recording even in the wind
• On-board USB connector flips out to make uploading your videos to your computer or to social sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube quick and easy
• External mic port for improved audio when recording
• HDMI cable included so you can view your videos on your HD TV

The bad

• Memory (up to 32MB) must be purchased separately
• Uses a Li-Ion rechargeable battery  (a 2^nd battery for recording over an hour is a must)

This HD Pocket Video Camera is a good bet for

1. Video bloggers who want to take superior quality HD videos at a low price
2. People on the go who want to be able to record wherever and whenever they want
3. People on vacation who don’t want to lug around a heavy camcorder
4. If you want to buy this video camera, you can get it at Amazon through this link.

Let’s see what current owners have to say

R. V.

The video is great, image stability isn’t as advanced as those available on more expensive cameras but it is better than anything I’ve seen in a Flip or other Kodak model.  It is so easy to flip between video modes.  The 1080p is awesome, but sometimes it is nice to move back down to 720p and the 60fps to capture ‘action’ footage.  I like having the SD card.  Some people would prefer the internal memory.  Finally, I know people that do a lot of video blogging and they are drooling over this camera because of the external mic capabilities.  If you need something cheap to g in the Flip, but this camera’s memory is only limited by the size of the SD card…Definitely at some great quality video, or need something super easy to use that is really portable…Take the plunge.

Review Paraphrased for size  – - view original review here.

Are you looking for a waterproof HD video camera that is small, lightweight, and takes excellent videos? The Kodak PlaySport Zx3 HD Waterprooof Pocket Video Camera may be just what you are looking for.

Waterproof to 10 feet, electronic image stabilization, true 1080p recording (30fps), 720p recording at 60fps, rechargeable Li-Ion battery, expandable memory (up to 32GB): What more could you want for less than $200? You can get the Kodak PlaySport Zx3 on sale at Amazon though this link.

What sets the Kodak Playsport apart from the rest of the pocket video cameras on the market is that the PlaySport is waterproof. And not just from a quick splash or drop into a mud puddle. The Kodak PlaySport is waterproof to 10 feet (3m), so you can go swimming, snorkeling, surfing, fishing, skiing or whatever else without worrying about getting your video camera wet.

As you can see in the video below, the underwater video quality is excellent. You can’t do better without spending $1,000 or more. The Kodak PlaySport is an excellent choice for taking on vacation this year.

The Kodak PlaySport Zx3 is available here through Amazon.

Let’s take a look at some of the Kodak PlaySport’s features:

• Waterproof to 10 feet (3m)
• True 1080p recording at 30fps resolution
• Improved Electronic Image Stabilization gives clear and steady video
• Impressive 720p at 60 fps resolution
• Store up to 10 hours of video (with available 32MB SD/SDHC card)
• LCD Glare Shield helps you see your display screen outdoors
• Li-Ion rechargeable battery with in-camera charging
• HDMI output so you can enjoy your videos on your HDTV (HDMI cable included)
• If you want to buy this video camera, you can get it at Amazon through this link.

The good

• Small enough to fit in a pocket or purse so you can carry it with you wherever you go
• Waterproof to 10 feet allows you to take HD videos underwater or on the beach
• Rubberized surface makes the PlaySport easy to hold, even when wet
• HD recording at 1080p (30fps) or 720p (60fps)
• Electronic Image stabilization steadies the recording even in the wind or in the waves
• Built in Software and USB cable
• Editing your videos and uploading them to like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube is easy
• HDMI cable included so you can view your videos on your HD TV

The bad

• If you want to record more than an hour at one time, a 2nd battery is a must
• Memory (up to 32MB) must be purchased separately

This HD Pocket Video Camera is a good bet for

1. Outdoor enthusiasts who want to take good quality HD videos in any kind of weather
2. Anyone wanting to easily take HD videos in or under the water
3. People on vacation who don’t want to lug around a heavy camcorder

Let’s see what current owners have to say

M.W.

This is a great little vacation camera. It’s so easy to slip in a pocket and just carry it around. I shot video while snorkeling in Mexico and got some pretty good results, even when the water wasn’t the clearest. I use it at my son’s baseball games and I have been amazed at the quality. I highly recommend this camera.

Review Paraphrased for size – - view original review here.