Does size matter?
Dear Camcorder Users-
We have formats such as DV, Mini-DV, HD (High-Def), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), Flash Memory, Hi8, 8mm, MicroMv, etc. We have brands. We have prosumer, pro video, and consumer. We have zillion-or-so form factors and other attributes.
In other words, there are myriad ways to find the right camcorder. But is there a form factor that hasn't been adequately addressed yet? Say... size? Actually... not so much size but size and purpose.
In the time of YouTube and omnipresent video-sharing, more and more people are turning to video cameras that are simple to shoot with, and make it easy to share videos. More to the point; anyone can use them. In my mind, it's typically technical enthusiasts, early-adopters, video hobbyists, etc who brandish the video camera. But, now, with these 'shoot-and-share' camcorders, anyone can use them. Heck, even my five year-old can shoot, view, delete and save video files using a camcorder, such as the Flip. If I gave him a Sony SR12 to use, I guarantee, it'll either break, or he'll accidentally convert it into a hydrogen bomb!
Hence the emerging popularity of such brands as Flip. Increasingly we'll see more of these types of compact, easy-to-use video cameras. In fact this year, you'll see new versions from Flip, RCA, Creative, Sony (with the TG1) and others. It's clear that there's a sweet spot amongst consumers for this technology, and I only suspect it will grow.
So, that leads me to my question: what label should we give these camcorders? I mentioned, 'shoot-and-share' above, but I'm not 100% convinced that does the trick. Point-and-shoot video camera? Dummy-proof Camcorder? C'mon people... help me out! Give me some suggestions...
In the meantime, to get you inspired, you can watch a video that was shot using the Flip... (of my aforementioned son darting around a race track in a race car.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGvoI2OyWrw
--JB Storey
Kimberly on April 28, 2008 at 07:49 PM
I don't have a name for this type of camera. But my students love using my flip. They have been making short movies about science subjects for our in house video system. Next year they will be making vodcasts.
Now if can just convince the staff that it really is a video camera - not a digital camera. Poor 5th grader was trying to explain to some 3rd grade teachers - they kept telling her she had the wrong camera.
Kimberly
BT on April 29, 2008 at 10:25 AM
How about webcorder? flashcorder?