RCA EZ201 Small Wonder Digital Camcorder - CNET » Handy Gadgets: Information, news and highlights of handy gadgets for you, the home or travel.

The RCA Small Wonder EZ201 camcorder is a pretty simple device to operate since you simply insert two AA batteries and you're good to go. Aim the camcorder at your subject and press record. You can instantly playback what you capture in the 1.5” LCD screen, then delete it if you’re not satisfied. 'Like the earlier EZ101, the EZ201 is very lightweight (5 ounces) and compact enough to fit in a pocket. The 1.5-inch LCD screen flips completely out, making it easy to shoot yourself while watching yourself in the small screen. You can delete any undesirable clips right away, and the EZ201 has a video output, so you can view clips on any TV with a composite-video input (cable included). The unit is powered by two AA batteries and comes with a protective felt carrying case.

Currently, there are several inexpensive cameras on the market with the sole purpose of capturing MPEG-4 video, which is more compressed--and, thus, lower in quality--than the MPEG-2 video recorded by MiniDV camcorders. Video quality is steadily improving with these types of cameras, but it's really designed to be viewed in small windows (read: not at full screen) or on portable devices with small screens. Though the video is generally smooth, it's usually a little grainy and sometimes pixilated. In other words, it's a step up from the video quality of a camera phone, but it's on par with what you'd record on a basic digital camera's Movie mode.'

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