PocketVideoCam
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JVC's Picsio pocket camcorder does fake 1080p for a real $200
We already saw the Picsio GC-FM1's splashy debut for Japan, but now JVC is announcing the camera for a Stateside release. Its advertised "1080p" resolution is actually 1440 x 1080 at 30 fps, while the 1280 x 720 mode at 60 fps sounds much more enticing to us, and it's all recorded to SD card (none is included) as H.264 .MOV files. There's really not a lot to set the camera apart in a sea of pocket cams, but you can always watch the incredible all-dancing, all-crazy promo video again after the break to pique your interest. The GC-FM1 is available now for $200.
Creative's Vado HD 720p pocket camcorder now on sale for $199.99
It was up for pre-order late last month, but now Creative's proper successor to the Vado (that'd be the Vado HD) is finally on sale and ready to ship. For those with incredibly short memories, this 720p pocket cam boasts HDMI connectivity, 8GB of inbuilt memory for up to two hours of HD footage, a carbon black chassis, 2-inch LCD screen and an integrated USB connector for easy exporting. As for pricing, the MSRP sits at $229.99, but even Creative's own webstore is offering it for $199.99.
Kodak's new Zi6 HD pocket video camera for the YouTube set
Sure, it might shoot 720p video, but you aren't gonna catch indie filmmakers capturing the next low-budget masterpiece on Kodak's new Zi6 HD pocket video camera. The camera is Kodak's response to Pure Digital's Flip and Creative's Vado, complete with upright form factor, YouTube friendliness, simple as could be interface, a flip-out USB plug (with some surprising spring action), and, of course, totally shoddy video quality. The camera is powered by a pair of AA batteries, sports a 2.4-inch LCD, and can switch between VGA video, 30fps HD and 60fps HD. It'll sell for $180 in September, in black or pink, but there's only 128MB of memory on board -- you'll have to spring for an SD card if you want to do any substantial shooting.
Creative's Vado Pocket Video Cam gets reviewed
With the Flip Mino just hitting the scenes (and skyrocketing up Amazon's sales charts), there's no doubt that Creative's fighting an uphill battle with the Vado Pocket Video Cam. Designed to compete in the YouTube-friendly pocket camcorder sector, this critter was actually said to be built a bit studier than the Flip and pack a more luscious display to boot. Reviewers also found the audio quality to be (expectedly) subpar, and while video quality was decent for a sub-$100 device, the compression monster managed to make ho hum results downright ugly when clips were uploaded to the 'Tube. Still, for the market this one's aimed at (read: a market without videophiles), it's not a half bad addition to the cargo pocket arsenal -- just don't go expecting the world and you'll be fine.
