The first of the new 2009 camcorders are finally
hitting stores. Unlike the onslaught of low-priced (sub $200) video capture
devices like the entry-level Flip Mino, models such as the GZ-MG670 have
critical things like zoom lenses, better picture quality, bigger LCD screens
and tons of others creature comforts that make them at least twice as expensive
- but still much better deals in our view. Take the just released MG670 for
example: It has a 35x optical zoom, a 2.7-inch widescreen LCD and 80GB storage
(19 hours at best 720 x 480 pixel quality). Compare this to a Flip Mino with no
zoom, a poor 1.5-inch screen and 640 x 480 clip quality. Basically, there is no
comparison. However, the Flip and its brethren are extremely compact, and made
for video sharing on YouTube. Both are features millions want and use every
day. Until last year mainstream camcorder manufacturers didn't know sharing
existed but that changed with the JVC GZ-MS100, a relatively affordable edition
with YouTube uploading built into the software. Now JVC has introduced its
newest models with YouTube and iTunes upload capability. As for size, it's
definitely bigger than a Flip but hardly a TV station camera. Now is the MG670
worth it - and does it make sharing the breeze it's supposed to be? Let's start
shootin. @ Digital Trends
