QUICK LOOK

• 1.5-inch LCD screen that flips out so you can self-record
• Takes videos and still photos
• Uses 2 AA batteries
• Comes with micro SD card
• Built-in USB connector
• Records 30 minutes in high-quality resolution or +- 2 hours in web-quality mode

Getting started was easy as all you need to do is insert the batteries and micro SD card into the Pocket EZ205. It is advisable to set the time and date if you want to keep a record of your recordings and this too was easy.

Simply press the “on/off” button in conjunction with the “play/pause” button and the time and date setting will appear on the screen. Use the arrow buttons to shift between the month, date, hour and minute, and use the “+” or “-“ buttons to increase or decrease.Once you’ve set everything, move the arrow button until the “done” text is highlighted and then press the “record” button or red square.

The video functionality is really easy! All you need to do is press the record button/red square and you will begin filming. To zoom in, simply press the + button. And to zoom out, simply press the – button. A red dot in the top left hand corner of the screen will appear when filming, along with a time allocation showing how long the recording is. In the bottom right hand corner you will see the letters HQ if filming in High Quality, or WQ for Web Quality.

The still photo functionality is also quite simple to use as all you do is push the “web photo” button to take the shot. To view your photos or videos, press the “play/pause” button or either of the arrow buttons.

iPHONE 4                                    RCA SMALL WONDER

Deleting photos or videos isn’t difficult either though you do need to be patient. You first go into viewing mode (as mentioned above) and then you click the “delete” button once. A prompt will come on the screen and you will then need to hold down the delete button until the progress bar is all red in colour. To delete one video or photo takes a few seconds.

iPHONE 4                                    RCA SMALL WONDER

All the above being said – the simplicity, compact design - I would not purchase this product.

Although the HQ (High Quality) mode boasts near DVD quality, it is nowhere near as good as the video feature on my iPhone. I did a comparison test using the camcorder and my iPhone, and the iPhone’s video was sharper, clearer and of better quality. I did the same test for the still photo functionality. And again the iPhone won because you can zoom in and focus whereas the camcorder zooms in but loses all focus. 

Turn Ons

• Auto-turn off after 2 minutes to conserve battery power
• Compact design
• Ease of setup

Turn Offs

• Noisy sounds when turning on and off, starting and ending a video, and taking a still shot
• Cannot be used without the micro SD card inserted
• Poor quality recordings

Price: (about) R689.00