Product Description

Whenever, wherever, the EZ209HD is ready to capture all the moments worth remembering in stunning High Definition. This small and compact digital camcorder is the perfect portable device for capturing video on the go. Its ready to record at a moments notice. In addition to the slim design and 720p High Definition video recording, the included Memory Manager Software is perfect for sharing your favorite videos with YouTube, Box.net, or through email.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2538 in Camera & Photo
• Color: Silver
• Brand: RCA
• Model: EZ209HD
• Dimensions: 4.30" h x 2.49" w x .91" l, 1.80 pounds
• Display size: 2

Features

• High definition digital camcorder with 720 resolution in H.264 format at 60 frames per second
• Two-inch, full color, LCD display for self recording
• Still photo capture at eight megapixel resolution
• 256MB internal memory; expansion slot for MicroSD memory capable of expanding memory up to 16GB
• Includes Lithium-ion battery pack with charger, AV cable, USB extender, wrist strap and carry pouch

Customer Reviews

Not a bad little package
I bought this RCA camcorder two weeks ago and am generally pleased with it. I chose it over the popular and highly rated Flip and Vado camcorders because the RCA also takes still photos. It doesn't hurt that it is also costs less. I've taken some very nice HD videos and beautiful stills with it. I've also taken some not so great videos and photos with it, generally due to inadequate lighting or shooting into the sun. This camcorder, and probably any pocket camcorder, is best used in good light. That doesn't mean you need to shoot outside in bright sun, but that helps. Good indoor lighting works too. As the light decreases the video will soon get grainy and that becomes very obvious on an HD TV. But in low light all is not lost. I took some low light video (one lamp on in my living room) using the low resolution WebQ mode that looked pretty decent on my computer. The digital zoom is okay but, as with any digital zoom, you lose resolution with it so it is best used sparingly. The sound is generally good but sometimes seems to be kind of low when played on my computer. But that is not really the camera because I have converted videos to a format that can play on my Linux laptop (DivX video codec and MP3 audio codec) and the sound comes out much louder. (I didn't do anything to intentionally boost the audio.) The audio also comes out louder when I used the RCA Memory Manager software to convert the video for emailing. Additionally, when I try to play the raw HD videos on my PC using Windows Media Player, the video and sound are out of sync (but are in sync when played on through a TV). The videos also play well using the RCA software, but they only appear in a small window. I think that my PC or WMP just has a problem with the raw format. When I convert the video to the DivX/MP3 format, everything plays fine. (I used the free version of Any Video Converter to convert my videos, but there are other free software programs out there like Handbrake or Auto Gordian Knot that can convert videos.) The RCA's 2 inch display is viewable even in bright sunlight but it may get a bit washed out.

I had no problem with the RCA Memory Manager software. It loaded easily but required two updates (one for the Memory Manager software and one for the camera firmware). The software automatically looks for updates so you don't have to check the website for new software. The Memory Manager software is only for the video, not photographs. It provides basic video editing capability, frame capture (so you can make a still photo from the video) and conversion capability so you can make a smaller file to email. There's a little more it does but I haven't had the need to try it yet.

This device doesn't take the place of a "real" camcorder or digital camera (this RCA has no flash) but it works well enough as something that is extremely portable so you can take it along to capture events that you otherwise wouldn't. It's more than just a toy but it is fun to play with. For example, yesterday I used it to video and photograph my family at the beach, playing mini-golf, and visiting a lighthouse and the videos and photos all came out very nicely indeed. For a cost of 100 bucks, I definitely think I got my money's worth.

I LOVE this camcorder!!!!
This little camcorder is a GEM! I really am amazed at how good it is. Very light weight, great battery life (like 3 hours) , and excellent video quality.

When I took this guy out of the box, I read the quick start guide that came with it and quickly learned several things.
1. It needs to be charged before use (even though when I turned it on, it was at 75%).
2. The power on/off switch is a sliding switch on the right side of it. It's kind of springy, and you just slide it down and release it.
3. It has three resolution modes, and you need to just switch it to HD (720P!) and not look back. (Left side of camcorder).

After it was fully charged, I plugged it into my PC and Windows detected it, and asked me if I wanted to install the Memory Manager software. I said yes. It installed Memory Manager and immediately told me there was a new version. Cool! RCA made some improvements or something, so I let it update it. After it installed it again, it told me that the camcorder it self also had an update. Wow! I let it update the camcorder. It was very simple!

I have been playing with the Memory Manager software and it is very slick! It lets me edit and cut videos into a larger (or smaller) video and save them. I can even splice different resolution of videos together. I can also use it to create a smaller size video to email to friends, or upload to Youtube! This thing is SWEET!

I did find out that you HAVE to install the RCA software... Apparently, it installs a "special" video codec, and without it, you are not going to see the videos. Once you install the RCA software, you can also use Windows Media Player to view the videos! Again, WOW!

I bought an 8 GB micro SD card for mine. I get like 4 hours of HD video.

OH yeah, it also is a 8 MP camera!!! You have to be patient at first when you learn how to use it. You press the camera button once, and it puts it in camera mode. Press it again and it takes a photo. Just hold it still, as there is a shutter delay. Photo quality is awesome. To go back to video mode, you press the big red record button. Real simple to use!

A+ RCA! Great job!!!

Easy to Use, Compatible with Mac
I bought this camcorder for a road trip, and I bought it specifically for these features:

-Charges by and Connects to Computer by mini-USB. This makes it compatible with other charge/USB cords I had for other devices (like my cell phone) and meant I could charge the battery in the car while on the road. Don't underestimate buying products that use mini-USB!

-Instantly recognized by Mac OS X without any special software. Tested it on both Tiger and Leopard. I was able to easily pull the media I wanted from the camera.

-Storage on micro SD made it cross-compatible with my phone and my other camera; I can just switch out the memory cards.

Unlike other reviewers, I didn't have any issues with the controls or ports on this camcorder. The controls are very easy to use and precise.

However, the quality of video and sound is not truly HD. You can expect slightly better than normal camcorder quality. I think that's pretty good from a device that fits in your pocket.

For capturing memories quickly and easily, this is a fantastic product. For making high-quality films, you should probably buy something that isn't a pocket-sized camcorder.