Pocket Camcorders: an introduction

Early camcorders were big, bulky and expensive. Initially, they recorded onto magnetic tape and, later on, recorded using digital video discs. However, technology has improved so much that you can now fit a fully functioning camcorder in your pocket and flash memory is used. Due to their budget prices they lack many of the features of more expensive camcorders such as DVD camcorders, Flash camcorders and hard disk drive camcorders (HDD Camcorder). However, retailing at less than £150, and most retail at substantially less than this, these cool pocket camcorders are becoming increasingly popular due to their competitive prices and point and shoot simplicity.

Recent growth in video sharing sites such as Vimeo, Facebook and last but by no means last YouTube, has popularised the sharing of quality video in a way never really known before. The consumers of this type of video demands little from its camcorders except that they are simple to use, relatively inexpensive and produce quality video on demand. Inevitably, a wide range of pocket camcorders have emerged to meet the demands of this expanding market.

So what is a pocketcamcorder?

The definition varies. As a rough guide pocket camcorders are priced below £150 and in terms of size one will fit into the palm of your hand or your shirt pocket. There is a lens on one side of the device and a display screen on the other. You frame your subject in the screen and push the button to record - one touch recording is certainly a major selling point. Basic digital zooming is a feature of many pocket camcorders but don't expect a high quality lens at these budget prices. Video is recorded using flash memory. Another selling point is that it is simple to upload video from these devices to the web and to sites like YouTube.com. Many pocket camcorders come with their own USB connector built in, making this process as easy as possible.

Are they really that easy to use?

These back to basics camcorders are easy to use and take the hard work out of shooting video and uploading it to the web. Sites like YouTube and Facebook are two of hundreds of sites that enable you to share video online that have been made with a pocket camcorders. Their features may be limited and they may be lack the spec of better camcorders but that does not matter because it is their their simplicity and ease of use that has made pocket camcorders so popular in recent years.

Who makes pocket camcorders?

Companies such as Creative and the makers of the Flip camcorder, Pure Digital, are some of the many leading companies that have developed pocket camcorders. Pocket camcorders are also made by more well known manufacturers such as Kodak, Toshiba, Sony, Samsung and JVC. A brief survey of the market demonstrated a wide variety of models for sale, and a short summary of these models are listed at the end of this article.

What features should I be aware of when buying a pocket camcorder?

There are a number of features to think about when selecting your pocket camcorder.

Display screen size: This is the screen you look at to see what you are recording. Screen size varies from 2.0 inches to 3.0 inches. Larger screens are better, obviously. Some pocket camcorders have a useful hinged display screen that stands away from the body of the camcorder. This means that it can be rotated round so that if you are recording yourself you can see what is actually being recorded.

Optical Zoom: Optical zoom enables far away objects to be recorded in more detail. Few camcorders have this feature at the moment.

Digital Zoom: Allows closer views of the detail of the picture, but with reduced picture quality.

Lens: These budget camcorders have a basic lens.

High Definition: Some camcorders are able to record in high definition. Resolutions of 720p are common and we are seeing the sharper resolution 1080p in some models.

Still photographs: Most camcorders have some sort of capacity to take still photographs

Sound quality: This can vary from model to model and some of the more expensive models can record in stereo.

Conclusions

Pocket camcorders occupy a popular niche at the lower end of the camcorder market. They offer a cheap, no frills, way of recording and loading video onto the web. This is why more and more people are investing in these basic cameras. They are not for everyone, but thats not the point. With basic controls and limited features they are low in price, compact and easy to use. Its their lack of complexity that makes them so popular. They are also reasonably priced, making them attractive for people who might not buy more expensive and complicated recording devices.

On the face of it the success of pocket camcorders is a little puzzling. Clearly, there are a wide range of more expensive camcorders with much more functionality. There are also digital cameras that can record excellent video in addition to taking photos. The problem is that you cannot always just pick them up and record video. With more expensive devices there are things to learn, manuals to be read and practice required to get the best out of them. By comparison, using pocket camcorders could hardly be simpler. All you have to do is 'point and shoot' – it is that simple - and for many people, that is exactly what they want. For the sheer point and shoot convenience its hard to beat pocket camcorders.