Much like yesterday’s tech talk post about the iPad I’m going to share my opinions on some of the popular new technology that has been gaining the hearts of consumers and what I like and think is downright stupid about them.
Today I would like to explain my feelings about pocked HD video cameras that have been become relatively popular in the past two or three years. There are brands like the Flip,Kodak Zi, and Sony Bloggie. You may have heard about them or seen someone use them. They are small, pocketable and pretty convenient for capturing video on the go.
If anyone remembers my adventure into buying a DSLR for use taking pictures for GMG, here is a post from July 2009 when I had decided to sell the original camera used for taking pictures and video for the blog to upgrade to a DSLR. I sold my original Sony DSC H3 and bought a Nikon D40 and within a day of making the purchase I regretted it terribly. The reason I regretted it terribly was because when capturing the amount of content for the blog that I do I found that I absolutely needed to have the camera on my person. A big bulky DSLR that was up in the office when a rare lobster came in or in the truck when I wanted to capture something in a shop downtown was absolutely useless to me. The adage I heard (and unfortunately don’t remember who to attribute it to) of “The best camera is the one you have with you” is without question the principal which dictates my camera buying ever since my foray into the realm of the chunky DSLR.
The original GMG camera the Sony DSC H3
The Nikon D40 DSLR which I owned for two days before returning-
I realized that the smaller pocketable Sony was doing a great job for the blog and immediately missed it. It took video but not HD video which was something that was becoming more and more popular at the time. After researching a bit more I found just the camera- it was the camera I use currently- a Sony DSC H20. The H20 was simply the next generation of the original camera I owned, the Sony DSC H3. It had a nice zoom for capturing stuff that was happening across the harbor like the H3 had but it added HD video recording which is my passion. The interviews for me are the most fun so being able to capture interviews in HD in a pocketable camera in HD and also take great pictures in that same camera is the perfect combination. No extra video camera, all in one solution, on my person, all the time.
The Sony DSC H20 (the current GMG Camera for your boy Joey)-
So this is where I get to the part where I explain why I think the small Flip cameras are a stupid idea.
Much like the iPad gives you way less functionality than a small laptop computer for a whole lot more money, the pocket video cameras give you way less functionality than a small form camera that also takes great photos. The small flip cameras have smaller lenses and thereby take much less quality video and video than a camera with image stabilization and a larger lens not to mention the fact that the pocket camera like the Sony DSC H20 take great pictures IN ADDITION TO video for a tiny fraction more money. so people don’t be fooled by gimmicks. if you want a small video camera look no further than the current point and shoots that incorporate HD video along with decent photo taking.
You can read about the more popular pocket video cameras here on CNET reviews
Flip Slide HD pocket video camera-
Am I missing something? I encourage other tech nerds like myself to chime in and give your opinions.
Good Morning Gloucester 
I use a flipvideo camera simply because I could get it cheap, and use it quickly. The video quality is a very lowgrade HD, but it works for what I need it to work for. It’s simple to use, compact, and quick, I love mine.
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I hear you Sam, but are there not point and shoot cameras that take decent low grade video as well? For the same money is rather have more functionality.
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If you already have a Digatal camera Joey is right you don’t need the flip. the digital camera you have probably has bettter resolution and zoom than the flip, I tried the flip hd. my digital camera is much better. People don’t read the specs and instructions that come with their camera. I’m totally guilty of it.
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Well, you never know though. Perhaps Sam got a really cheap deal on his. Too cheap to pass up
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My old FLIP doesn’t even make it to my bag. In fact I carry a Cannon SD960 IS point and shoot with me now when I don’t feel like being bogged by two big cameras. When I was shooting stills at Harold Burnham’s Shipyard a couple of weeks ago, I was shooting long with my big boy D-80, wide shots with my Point and Shoot (easily fit into the pocket of my holster bag) and then I got the bright idea of shooting some HD video which I did with my Point and Shoot!
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You aren’t missing anything. This entire product class was viable for about six months. They have been made redundant by smart phones and improved video in “still” cameras.
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Good info! Thanks Joey!
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i’m still using my way out of date $100 kodak c533 (easy share). got it on sale at walgreens several years ago. have thought about upgrading to the current $100 or so version…saw it at staple’s for $138…still thinking about it.
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oh, the easy share gives me good pics and ok videos (hd) for my purposes…the blues lean a little towards the green side, but that could be a problem from my editing program.
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Joey, your tech posts are great. I wouldn’t be at all surprised if ZD was watching you!
Question: What do you use to edit your video? I’m looking for something relatively simple with basic functionality (and free if possible). Any suggestions?
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