Earlier this year I bought an RCA Small Wonder mini digital camcorder, comparable to the Flip Video Ultra with one bonus feature - on the RCA, the LCD screen flips out for easier self-video. The RCA Small Wonder has been super handy, and I've loved it- but now I'm shopping again...
This time I am shopping for a mini HD video camera.
Up until very recently, the mini digital camcorders they sold 6 months ago were fine. In fact they were all the buzz. But now that YouTube has gone HD & widescreen (info), you simply have to be recording in HD...
...or Paul Colligan will laugh you right off the internet! 😛
Keeping up with technology can be a pain sometimes, but you have to admit that the gadgets just keep getting cooler. As a side note, you have to wonder if Flip knew that YouTube was going to make this move less than a year after their big Flip Video Ultra Buzz... because you know all those buyers are now having to purchase a second Flip just a few short months later - the new Flip MinoHD.
Not me. I'm not a Flip fan. And by the way, there's a reason that the Flip Video MinoHD ranks #2 in Electronics on Amazon.com - its not because its the best mini HD video camera on the market. Its because of the viral marketing buzz. 😉
I probably would have bought the Flip myself - and in fact I ordered one, and then cancelled my order when I realized that the LCD screen doesnt flip out. If you plan to do any self-video at all, this feature is all but necessary to make sure you get yourself in the frame properly (ie dont cut your head off). That's the reason I cancelled, and ordered the RCA Small Wonder instead.
Almost 6 months after I bought it, to the day even, YouTube goes HD/ widescreen on us. My entire archive of videos is now unprofessional and old fashioned. And as more people get on board with their new HD equipment, they just make my videos look worse and worse.
There is this solution...
Heh... 🙂
When I decided to upgrade, I hopped onto Amazon.com to see if RCA had a new HD version of the Small Wonder. Sure enough, they do! It's called the RCA EZ300HD Small Wonder
. Unfortunately they are out of stock and taking months to deliver... so I decided to see what else was out there.
Everyone is recommending the Flip Video MinoHD so I decided to start by looking over its specs. Since this is the unit most of my peers are buying, all I have to do is find something with same or better specs- with a flip out screen.
My search brought me to the Isonic Snapbox HD665 Multifunctional High Definition Camcorder
.
The Isonic Snapbox is comparable to the Flip MinoHD in size, lower in price, has the same video quality, does have a flip out lens (and a 3" screen at that!)... and has even more cool features.
It also works as a 5MP Digital Still Camera, MP3/Personal Media Player and Voice Recorder. How's that for coolness??
The only drawback is the internal memory is only 64MB, but I got an 8 Gig SDHC card to go with it for only ten bucks.
I just ordered it today, so I should receive it in time to kick off the New Year in true HD style 😉
Best,
Next, see:
Video Camera Reviews: Isonic Snapbox HD665 vs RCA Small Wonder – True Comparison
An Update on the Isonic Snapbox HD665 Review (user error – this camera rocks!)
About Lynn Terry
I have the HD Small Wonder and I LOVE it. Alice Seba granted my WAHM Wish through Kelly McCausey's WAHM Talk Radio program.
Amazon.com has been out of stock for a while but Circuit City had it to me in 3 days, plus it came with a free book, one of those Digital Video for Dummies guides.
Lynn, Thanks for the review and recommendation. I have been wanting to get a video camera and didn't know where to start. Now I just have to save up enough amazon.com gift certificates!
Great recommendation I have the Flip Mino and will probably upgrade to the Flip Mino HD after a few more bits of cash roll in.:)
Wow! Talk about great timing. I'm in the market for one of these and will be watching anxiously for your reviews after you've used it some.
I did read the reviews at Amazon -- they're pretty positive -- but yours will be the one I trust.
Thanks, Lynn.
Have a great holiday season. Also, glad you're back.
Peace,
Ron Rink
Awesome video. I love how the guy gets totally frustrated and starts shooting, its kinda random though!
By the way, I just bought you 7 step fast cash ebook. That must be another great way to make money, writing ebooks. The reason why I bought it without really thinking twice, is because I really want to get better at internet marketing, and you are experienced and successful, and it's only $10, so how wrong can I really go.
Now say you have 10k people buying that, then its an easy 100k usd. Not bad:)
Good luck and happy holidays!
Procrastination pays off again! I had the small wonder hd ordered which I cancelled just a few days ago. Thanks for the tips, Lynn! This one I won't pass up!
Best for now,
Mary
Awesome review! I had a flip for about a week but it was stolen from my car last week.
I tried to order the Isonic from Amazon but they are back-ordered.
I will stay tuned to your site for more great info!
First thank you for this great post. I can't wait to buy me one. With all these features Flip MinoHD would be perfect for me.
Great review, i was looking for a mini HD video camera, now i think i know what i am oging to buy
OMG - Talk about FAST SHIPPING 😀
My camera just arrived!!
Expect video 😉
Dirk - I'd love to hear what you think of the Fast Cash Strategy. Send me an email once you've had a chance to read through it.
April - I think I need one of those Digital Video for Dummies guides myself. Sure couldnt hurt! 😆
amen on the fast shipping, Lynn, same here, Barney received the package while I was out on Tuesday, so it's a "family surprise gift" for Christmas! Expect family video!
Best, Mary
Any sounds you hear which resemble someone in Ohio drooling with envy are probably realistic! 🙂
Waiting anxiously for the first video with the new camera -- and your review of same.
And, pass this along to April -- I need one of those dummies books as well. These new gadgets and my growing up in ancient times, leaves me somewhat challenged and definitely in the "Dummies" category.
Merry Christmas and wishes for a peaceful holiday and new year.
Ron Rink
Hey,
What about a mic?? Dose the Isonic Snapbox or the Flip MinoHD or any other recorder like it bring a microphone port?? I need a microphone to shoot my videos....videos without wearing a microphone are not very professional.
I love this product but I need a microphone....any suggestions??
I just posted a comparison of the RCA Small Wonder and the Isonic Snapbox HD665 - you be the judge: http://www.clicknewz.com/1795/isonic-snapbox-vs-rca-small-wonder/
Lynn & Ron,
I was just flipping through that Digital Video for Dummies book and its definitely worth getting. They go into great detail about all aspects of digital video including what you should have on your computer as far as hardware and software, shooting good video, editing, adding audio, "special effects", etc.
I'm going to be using it as my "textbook" so I can learn enough to offer video-blog editing services to clients.
Hi Angel,
None of these mini video camera models have a mic option. When you move up to the level of video that requires a mic, you really need a better camera anyway - these are just amateur (ie bloggers, not photographers) cameras really...
Not bad quality for the price, and ease of use though - especially for everyday people, shooting everyday stuff!
April,
Is this the video guide you're referrring to:
Digital Video For Dummies
thanx for the cool tips. i have been wanting to buy a video camera but have been confused. now with ur article i know what to look for.
Resent..
Hey guys,
What about a mic?? Dose the Isonic Snapbox or the Flip MinoHD or any other recorder like it bring a microphone port?? I need a microphone to shoot my videos….videos without wearing a microphone are not very professional.
I love this product but I need a microphone….any suggestions??
I answered you above, Angel ^^^ 🙂
If you havent seen it yet, I have a new update on the Isonic Snapbox HD665: http://www.clicknewz.com/1817/isonic-snapbox-hd665-review-update/
This camera ROCKS! Now that I've figured out how to use it 😉 lol
Thanks for the review and recommendation. i have Mini HD Video Camera. i like it.