Ask Camcorders

Want to make movies but do not want to blow the budget? There are two camcorders for under 100 GBP that you will want. So which one should you choose?

With dimensions a little larger than your average mobile phone 32 x 55 x 106mm, the Flip Video Ultra is a pocketable camcorder for capturing movies on the move. But this is not designed to take on the big boys like Canon and JVC, but instead offer you movies on the cheap. The simple design sees a lens on the front, power switch on one side and the flip-out USB connector on the other as well as a TV out socket. The rear sports 1-inch LCD screen and the controls.

This is a concept we like, it is so simple to shoot and share video with this pocketable device. The approach is easier than using a mobile phone and the results are better, so you are more likely to do it. Also, you can go from pocket to filming in seconds, so you do not miss the moment.

The price is perhaps a little high, at 99 GBP this could be beyond the reach of some, considering the duplication of existing phone or camera features. A replacement for a camcorder this is not, but for capturing those passing moments and having fun with video, it is a great little device.

Sporting the moniker Pocket Video Cam, Creative are lining up against Flip Video in the battle to be the video in your pocket. The device is slimmer that the Flip, with the lens and screen being flush to the body rather than protruding, again, there is no lens cover.

The slimmer design is thanks to the lithium-ion battery, rather than the AA batteries of the Flip. You also get 2 hours from the battery, meaning you can fill the 2GB memory before the battery dies.

The software supporting the Vado does not compare to the offering from Flip and practically serves no purpose for those on their home computer; granted, those in internet cafes or on the move might depend on those sharing options.

However, the Vado stands-up against the Flip in a number of areas: the rechargeable battery and the slimmer profile will appeal. Likewise, the option of step down in quality to get an extra hour from the memory is an option that makes this a much more versatile device. The screen is bigger, the design more conservative and the price lower. The camcorder battle lines are drawn, so let the video shoot-out commence!