The Bottom Line
The EZ205 is a bare-bones pocket digital camcorder by RCA that performs the basic video recording functions without any frills. Ease of use is the top selling point. After taking the RCA digital camcorder out of the box, you can immediately record, upload and email videos.
The RCA Small Wonder line of simple digital video cameras was designed for moms. At 12.4 ounces, you can slip one in the diaper bag for everyday use. Personally, I think it's worth paying more for higher quality video and lighter weight. But if you can't afford more, the RCA digital camcorder certainly beats that bulky camera you left at home.
Pros
- Lightweight, small digital video camera
- Brings point-and-click simplicity to a camcorder
- USB arm connects to computer for easy file transfer; software downloads automatically
- Less expensive than other pocket video cameras
Cons
- Poor video quality, especially using the zoom function
- No advanced recording features or settings
Description
- EZ205 Pocket Camcorder measures 2.4" x 1.1" x 1.9" and weighs 12.8 ounces
- Comes with a 1GB microSD card: 30 minutes of high-quality recording or 2 hours of Web-quality video
- Flip-out 1.5" screen lets you record yourself
- USB arm connects directly to computer
- Powered by two AA batteries
- Built-in software automatically loads when plugged into computer, allows uploading to YouTube and emailing to friends
- Simple controls for point-and-shoot video recording and instant playback
- Connects to television with included AV cable
- You can take a Web-quality photo with a dedicated button
Guide Review - Review of the Pocket-Sized RCA Small Wonder Digital Camcorder
When I first heard about RCA's Small Wonder line of pocket digital camcorders, I drooled. I've missed capturing so many special moments because the video camera was in the other room -- or worse, at home.
The RCA Digital Camcorder Is Small
The small size and light weight are the biggest draws of the RCA digital camcorder. I could shoot video with the camera tucked into my palm and my thumb on the record button.
The camcorder is just bulky enough -- closer to a Blackberry than an iPod -- that I ended up slipping it into my purse rather than my pants pocket.
It's Easy to Use
I'm not a fan of instruction manuals, and fortunately, I didn't need to read RCA's to operate this camera. Nor did my 4-year old.
The buttons couldn't be simpler to understand, and require a nice firm push to activate. No accidental recordings of the inside of your purse, here.
When you plug the USB arm into your computer, the video software automatically downloads. One word of caution -- make sure you pay attention to whether you're copying or moving files onto your computer. I panicked when I thought I copied them and subsequently found the camera blank.
Video Quality Is Decent
Shooting video of children in a bright living room or outdoors delivered perfectly good quality video for memory making or uploading to YouTube. Video and photos from a poorly lit cocktail party were terrible.
And I'd advise against ever using the zoom feature. The video looked like a shaky home movie from the 1950s.
In general with the pocket camcorders I've reviewed, holding the camera stationary yields the best quality video. The RCA digital camcorder simply doesn't pan well.
The Price Is Right
There are certainly snazzier cameras, like the Flip Mino and Ultra, that will capture higher-quality videos. But you'll pay for that crisp picture.
The RCA EZ205 digital camcorder does very well on price.
