Cheap Video Cameras — Be Very Careful

When searching for cheap video cameras, you be well advised to be sure to check out reviews immediately prior to purchasing, due to the fact that frequently cheap equals inferior quality, also the technological level is constantly advancing. Just because a video camera is priced less than $200, doesn’t mean that it will be a good purchase. Sometimes they’re inexpensively priced for a good reason — they’re poorly made.

Fortunately technology has now advanced to the point that you can get a cheap video camera that nonetheless provides you with high quality images and video.

The 2 most popular cheap, yet good pocket-size video cameras are the Flip Mino and the Kodak Zi8. Both of these video recorders have advantages and disadvantages. Let’s review the specifications of each one.

The Flip Mino pocket camcorder:
-recording time: 60 minutes
-2GB of fixed internal storage
-no memory card slot for additional storage space
-records at 720 megapixels
-640 x 480 resolution
-30 frames per second shooting speed
-battery life up to 4 hours
-the rechargeable lithium battery that it comes with is not replaceable, nor can it be removed
-1.5 inch view screen
-optical zoom power: 2X
-weighs 3.3 ounces
-measures approximately 3.94 x 1.97 x 0.63 inches.

The Kodak Zi8 pocket video camera :
-10 hours of video recording on 1 SD card
-slotted for up to 32GB video cards
-multiple cards can be used for a virtually unlimited amount of video
-rechargeable lithium ion battery
-90 minute battery life in video recording mode
-records at 1020 megapixels HD
-shoots at 30 frames per second
-has a 16:9 wide screen HD still picture feature
-takes still pictures at 5 mega pixel resolution
-editing software is built-in
-view screen size is 2.5 inches
-optical zoom power: 4X
-weighs 3.9 ounces
-4.5 × 2.4 × 0.8 inches approximate size.

Both allow you to flip open a USB arm and plug it right into your computer, so that you can instantly upload all your new videos to your favorite sites, such as FaceBook and YouTube.

Other options exist for cheap video cameras, but the Flip Mino and Kodak Zi8 are the current leaders, and for good reasons. These small, handheld video camcorders are ideal options for those on a budget, since both can be found at $179.95.

While you cannot err with either product, at this time I would (and just did) order the Kodak. However by the time you see this, technology will undoubtedly have progressed further yet and leadership might well have shifted.