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"Ease of use and compact size makes the RCA Small Wonder camera a joy to use." on by bgcp2001
Pros: Small, light weight, idiot proof, inexpensive
Cons: Like most display screens, the view finder is hard to see outside.
Summary: I've owned a video camera of some type or another for 20 years now and have used them about 50 times total. Kids birthdays and holidays mostly. Not quite the usefulness that I imagined when I first purchased them. It turns out that I do not like to haul around a case with all of the equipment necessary for a full sized camcorder. Also, all of the footage that I shot with my previous camcorders are still on the little tapes because I never could seem to transfer it to my computer.
I purchased the RCA Small Wonders a week ago and have had a blast using it since. In less than a day with it I was uploading my clips to the internet and sending video e-mails. It's that easy! On a small screen or window the image quality is better than average to good. When the footage is shown on the big screen it looks a little washed out and grainy. If your looking for a quick and easy way to capture moments and send them in e-mails or post them to the internet then the Small Wonders is an excellent choice at $129.
The internal memory will hold about 30 min. of "high quality" video so it would be a good idea to get a SD card for extra memory. I spent an additional $35 for a 2G and can record up to 2.5 hrs. in "HQ" mode. Rechargable batteries will also save you in the not too distant future. -
"Easy way to record video for e-mail or to upload to video sites" on by ilikecheta
Pros: Simply to use..0 learning curve
Cons: No Optical zoom and mono only sound
Summary: I like it to record while I play the guitar
Helps keep track of those spontaneous licks.
I wish there was a way to input a microphone
to kick up the audio quality. -
"Save Your Breath (and your money)" on by mochajavaman
Pros: Ability to expand storage via SD card memory slot (2 GB max)
Cons: Absolutely unacceptable video quality
Summary: Buy the FLIP Ultra instead. My interest in the Small Wonder was due primarily to the SD card feature which should have allowed me to expand recording time from 30 minutes of HQ video to 150 minutes with a 2 GB card in place.
However when I ran some test footage I found the quality of even the HQ vid (not the lower quality LP option) and although it would read the unlocked 2 GB SD card I placed into it, it would never write to that card as the camera is supposed to do whenever a card is present. The resulting video would pixelate out about every 10 seconds - as if shocked by an electric charge - making the entire shot virtually unusable. I returned it the day I got it for a replacement, thinking this one cam was faulty.
The replacement camera was no better, however this one created video that had a pulse: about every other second it would freeze just long enough to notice, again making the video absolutely worthless. Again I returned it to the online reseller the same day I received it. This time I requested a refund.
Prior to this I had been using the 30 minute FLIP Ultra which produces a far superior output both in virtually flawless video and incredible audio quality. The FLIP Ultra is an amazing little workhorse. After shooting and editing hundreds of hours of HQ video on the FLIP perhaps my expectations were high. So with the Small Wonder at the same price I expected the same quality. But great features mean nothing if the resulting video is poor.
I phoned Thompson (Audiovox, who recently purchased RCA)and they were hopeless and helpless in being able to tell me anything about this product whatsoever. I sent the second one back and will not make any further attempts to own and RCA in the future.
The RCA Small Wonder EZ201 is a cheap attempt to capitalize on the budget camcorder market without delivering the minimal quality one should expect when purchasing a product in this price range.
I have to wonder if CNET ever really tried this camera...instead of hawking it on features alone. C'mon CNET, I rely on your ability to separate truth from fiction. In this case you really let me down. -
"I'm not easily impressed...but now I am!" on by westcoastcop
Pros: Very compact, easy to use, handy for quick video shoots.
Cons: You have limitations...but for parties, spontanious stuff great!
Summary: I bought it for $109.00 at CC, was just going to try it, was not prepared to keep it unless it was of value. It is a keeper! I have a high end Panasonic 3 ccd video cam, for planned video shooting and important stuff like weddings, parties, family gatherings. But this little RCA SmallWonder is so easy to use and convienant that it seems I'm always popping it into a pocket and taking it with! And just pop up the plug and put it in your laptop or pc port and it loads it's program into the pc and in a few seconds, you have e-mailable pics or video! And with the included cord, you can play it on your TV or into your DVD recorder too. Idiot proof! great device, 4 and 1/2 stars!
Updated
I bought my first video camera around 1980, it was huge, had a vcr seperate that you slung over your shoulder, and poor color quality. My current one is a nice compact Panasonic, fantastic color and way too many buttons!
Now the RCA Small Wonder EZ201 shows up, and changes the game completely. Nice quality video, a couple of simple buttons and you are filming. 2 hours is plenty of time, but if you need longer filming, use a memory chip and lithium AA batteries and you could go 4 hours! And the little swivel color color lcd monitor is cool, if you are narrating, you can see yourself! Simple, fun, small, easy to use, and a good quality camera. I carry it with me everywhere I go, and have caught some great video. Plus it easily downloads with it's own built in software into your PC, Laptop or work/home computer. And you can edit the video, and capture still pictures as well. Share instantly thur e-mail, or you tube. We have a white one which was $109.00 on line from Circuit City. If you have young children, or if you are grandparents...get one! Memories are easy to save and send!Updated
I bought my first video camera around 1980, it was huge, had a vcr seperate that you slung over your shoulder, and poor color quality. My current one is a nice compact Panasonic, fantastic color and way too many buttons!
Now the RCA Small Wonder EZ201 shows up, and changes the game completely. Nice quality video, a couple of simple buttons and you are filming. 2 hours is plenty of time, but if you need longer filming, use a memory chip and lithium AA batteries and you could go 4 hours! And the little swivel color color lcd monitor is cool, if you are narrating, you can see yourself! Simple, fun, small, easy to use, and a good quality camera. I carry it with me everywhere I go, and have caught some great video. Plus it easily downloads with it's own built in software into your PC, Laptop or work/home computer. And you can edit the video, and capture still pictures as well. Share instantly thur e-mail, or you tube. We have a white one which was $109.00 on line from Circuit City. If you have young children, or if you are grandparents...get one! Memories are easy to save and send! This is my 2nd review, as I have been using it for a while, and am still enthusiastic about it! -
"Truly a small wonder" on by Abadox
Pros: HQ/LQ video options.storage 5 hrs with SD card
Cons: mic is decent but theres editing programs out there to enhance audio
Summary: overall its small fits in the pocket almost like a cell phone.can upload and send to the web or email from any PC in a snap "Built in software". great for the travelor on the go.I was surprised to find out with a 2500 mah rechargable batteries it Last 2 1/2 to 3 hrs on HQ recording consistantly.I allways carry in extra 2 charged batteries in the baggie the recorder comes with so i dont lose them. we all know regular Digital cameras and other digital devices eat up AA's. so the 2 1/2 hr - 3hr of record time is an A++ in my book.
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