SlashGear

Thanks to faster internet connections, online video is getting ever more popular. So much, that even the least tech-inclined folks are starting to upload them. But there’s got to be an easier way then shilling out at least $300 for a digital camcorder that you’ll just leave collecting dust on the shelf because its too much hassle to use. And so, as with digital cameras, digital camcorders are now pushing their way into the clutches of all mankind by becoming smaller, cheaper, and much easier to use. We saw sometime ago the pocket-sized Pure Digital Point-and-Shoot Camcorder with built-in USB arm, but now I’ve got my hands on a very similar one from RCA called the Small Wonder EZ105.

So, is it worth buying as your holiday gift for Grandma so that she can record and upload Grandpa’s chicken dance to YouTube? Read on to find out.

Pros:

• Extremely simplified, stripped to the basic power-on, zoom in/out, record, play, delete, and backward/forward.
• Built-in USB arm flips out when latch is released, makes it convenient to not have to own a separate USB cable.
• No software to install, just plug the thing in via the USB arm, and, voila, the program will automatically show up and even automatically create and name new folders on your desktop when you save any videos.
• Easy email sharing of videos.
• Comes with cables for connecting direct to TV.

Cons:

• Short battery-life, requiring you to buy lots and lots of AA batteries should you use the camcorder often. After three hours of almost continuous usage, I’ve had to change the two AA batteries twice.
• Priced at $129, which is quite high compared to other more versatile camcorders on the market such as this DXG available at Walmart for under $100. It’s about the same overall size and has a flippable LCD for easier self-recording.
• Software does not have the ability to directly connect to video sharing sites such as YouTube or Google Video.
• Cannot take digital still images.

My verdict is that its too pricey for what little it does. But it really depends on how technologically-disinclined the intended user. If the user knows what a USB cable is and knows how to install very basic software, then I would say NO. However, if the user has no idea what a USB cable is and constantly fears deleting some file that would make the computer explode but likes the idea of sharing videos online because all of his/her friends are doing it, then, yes, spending the extra money to insure peace of mind may be worth it.

Rating: