Video
Ive got recommendations in all three categories – listed here from least to most expensive. All of these record HD video and have “HDMI” output connections that let you view your masterpieces on an HD display.
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Kodak Zi8 ($180)
Full HD in your pocket for under $200? Whats not to like?
Kodak delivers this bargain by asking you to supply the memory card it needs to store footage. But you can buy an 8-gigabyte card (enough for two hours of HD video) for less than $50, which means you could still come out ahead with this model over other inexpensive HD cameras from Flip or Creative.
The Zi8 performed well, although its focus is fixed and it doesnt have good depth-of-field for close-ups. Its a little bigger than rival units, but still is comfortable to take on the go.
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Creative VADO ($230)
The Creative VADO also fits in your pocket, but keeping it there is a waste. Its just too much fun. The VADO has 8 gigabytes of built-in memory and has a quality lens that performed well in low light. It comes with polished, easy-to-use software that allows for quick uploading of your video to YouTube and a few other hosting services.
It has a nice recessed control button that was intuitive to use. The footage it produced was great. I got jitter-free pans from left to right and good sound quality. It also comes with a proper rugged case to protect against accidental drops and bumps. The VADO is the best shoot-and-share out there.
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Flip MinoHD ($230)
The latest model has backlit buttons that are flush with the shiny controls surface. This is cool in low light because you cant really feel the buttons – although in low light the MinoHDs video quality wasnt great.
I also had difficulty keeping a steady grip on the Flip on a warm day. Its sleek design is nice to look at, but I prefer a few ridges or rubbery edges to hold on to. Buy it for the sleek software, but not because you think it will out-shoot others in this category.
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Nikon S70 ($350)
This is primarily a still camera, but for a medium-sized budget, the Nikon S70 may be the way to go. Its compact and slickly designed. The LCD display on the back spans the width of the camera and gives you touch-screen access to the menus and settings. It proved a little too touchy for me – I inadvertently stopped and started my video recordings a few times. I learned theres really only one way to hold this camera while shooting video – with two fingers on the right edge of the camera and the pinky extended for high tea. Otherwise I was likely to obscure the lens or trip the shutter button.