- In this report
- Overview
- RCA Small Wonder EZ201A
- Pure Digital Flip Video F160B
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August 2007
Pocket-sized digital video cameras: First Look
We preview the RCA Small Wonder EZ201A and Pure Digital Flip Video F160B
The RCA Small Wonder EZ201A (left) and the Pure Digital Flip Video F160B.
There are now several ways to preserve life's special moments on video. Digital camcorders do a fine job, as our latest camcorder Ratings
Still, some electronics makers continue to blur the line between camcorder and digital camera. The RCA Small Wonder EZ201A and Pure Digital Flip Video F160B are prime examples. These lightweight, compact devices look much like point-and-shoot still cameras, but they're designed for recording video, not still images. They're also priced more like cameras than camcorders, $130 for the Small Wonder and $150 for the Flip Video.
Like the previous models we looked at last year, both devices are simpler to use than a camcorder. Four buttons control power, record, play, and delete. Unlike a camcorder or digital camera, they rely solely on digital zoom and have no optical telephoto capabilities. Weighing just a couple of ounces, both models are easy to pocket or tote by hand using the included wrist straps. Both run on two AA-size alkaline batteries, which are included.
Instead of using blank cassette tapes or discs, they record onto built-in, non-removable computer memory. The EZ201A contains 512 megabytes of memory and the Flip Video has 1 gigabyte, allowing for a maximum video recording time of roughly 30 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively. (The EZ201A also can accept SD memory cards, for even longer recordings.) But to fit video into such modest amounts of internal memory, both cameras rely heavily on digital compression.
Playback of captured video looked passable on the units' built-in, 1.5-inch color LCD screens. But when the units were connected to a TV using their included, proprietary video cables, video recordings appeared soft, "blocky," and riddled with checkerboard-like defects common in digital clips that use high amounts of digital compression.
Overall, both recorders are well-designed and simple to use, but video quality is lower than you get from digital still cameras with video capability. And with high-speed, high-capacity (4- and 8-gigabyte) memory cards, you'll be able to record 100 minutes or more, depending on the camera's resolution.
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indicate. Most point-and-shoot digital cameras, including models for less than $200, can also record video.Still, some electronics makers continue to blur the line between camcorder and digital camera. The RCA Small Wonder EZ201A and Pure Digital Flip Video F160B are prime examples. These lightweight, compact devices look much like point-and-shoot still cameras, but they're designed for recording video, not still images. They're also priced more like cameras than camcorders, $130 for the Small Wonder and $150 for the Flip Video.
Like the previous models we looked at last year, both devices are simpler to use than a camcorder. Four buttons control power, record, play, and delete. Unlike a camcorder or digital camera, they rely solely on digital zoom and have no optical telephoto capabilities. Weighing just a couple of ounces, both models are easy to pocket or tote by hand using the included wrist straps. Both run on two AA-size alkaline batteries, which are included.
Instead of using blank cassette tapes or discs, they record onto built-in, non-removable computer memory. The EZ201A contains 512 megabytes of memory and the Flip Video has 1 gigabyte, allowing for a maximum video recording time of roughly 30 minutes and 60 minutes, respectively. (The EZ201A also can accept SD memory cards, for even longer recordings.) But to fit video into such modest amounts of internal memory, both cameras rely heavily on digital compression.
Playback of captured video looked passable on the units' built-in, 1.5-inch color LCD screens. But when the units were connected to a TV using their included, proprietary video cables, video recordings appeared soft, "blocky," and riddled with checkerboard-like defects common in digital clips that use high amounts of digital compression.
Overall, both recorders are well-designed and simple to use, but video quality is lower than you get from digital still cameras with video capability. And with high-speed, high-capacity (4- and 8-gigabyte) memory cards, you'll be able to record 100 minutes or more, depending on the camera's resolution.
