Pocket camcorders
PUT it down to the rise of the video blogger, the omnipotence of YouTube or the influence of mobile phones and digital cameras with video options, but the game has changed when it comes to recording moving images. Everyone’s a filmmaker these days, and you don’t need mini-DV to do it.
A couple of years ago the Flip arrived – a small, rectangular slab of fit-in-the-palm tech that made high-quality videos recorded directly to an internal hard drive. In its wake a slew of Lilliputian camcorders have arrived, incorporating Flash, HD and other advanced technologies in gizmos that will fit in a pencil case. They may not be as versatile or high-quality as a full camcorder, but they’re much better for taking on holiday.
SAMSUNG FULL HD HMX-P100
Launched at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last month, Samsung’s new offering includes improved low-light recording (generally the bain of camcorder-world) and a touch LCD screen that can be rotated to give multiple shooting angles. Another bonus is the idiot-proof uploading functionality – plug it into your PC via the USB and any videos will upload automatically. Price is yet to be confirmed, but expect it to hit the shelves in March. www.samsung.co.uk
SAMSUNG U20 FULL HD COMPACT CAMCORDER
A reliable pocket camcorder with 3x optical zoom, USB plug, digital images stabiliser and time lapse recording options. £91.90 www.samsung.com
FLIP VIDEO ULTRA HD
Flip is the brand that broke the mould on pocket camcorders, and has rarely been bettered. £94.99 www.theflip.com
PANASONIC HM-TA1
The latest challenger to the Flip’s mantle, with built-in USB plug, HD functionality and a great price. £86.80 www.panasonic.co.uk
KODAK PLAYSPORT
Funky, rugged, ergonically friendly and good for taking for a bit of snorkelling action.
£92.99 www.kodak.co.uk
SANYO VPC-CS1P-B XACTI CS1
The sleek, lady-like option for fashion-conscious types, though with hardly the catchiest of names. £142 www.uk.sanyo.com