Pocket Video Recorder
 

I use an iRiver iFP-890 to record audio "notes-to-self", and recently I got the idea of recording video "notes-to-self". Quality isn't important -- youtube quality would be acceptable for this purpose so long as audio is clear and intelligible (the iRiver records at 160kbps, and the built-in mic is surprisingly good.). I'd like it to be as small as possible, since the iRiver it will be replacing is as tall and wide as my first two fingers. I'll be carrying this in my pocket at all times. Also, I'm not looking to spend more than $200 (I know they have miniature "spy cams", but they're prohibitively expensive). Anyone know of a device that fits this bill?

Thanks.

Moon on a stick...

Just use your mobile phone ?

The quality of video on camera phones I've seen is absolutely terrible and unusable for anything, mine included.

So far the best option I've found is the Flip Video Ultra: http://www.amazon.com/Video-Ultra-Ca.../dp/B000V1MLBE
It's bigger than I was looking for at 1.2 x 2.2 x 4.2 inches, but I watched some sample clips on youtube and the quality is good for the price. I'd really prefer something smaller if it exists, but I haven't found anything promising yet.

Here's an example clip from the Flip Video Ultra: http://youtube.com/watch?v=ruHpwYtk7ss

mp4 digital video recorders. Around $150. Not so tiny, but that'll be decent quality. Cell phones are your only other real option from what I can think of.

Aiptek A-HD for $170 gives you 720p. Other than that, the Flip Video or the RCA Small Wonder will give you good deals. I prefer the Small Wonder because it can be expanded with flash memory.

The samples I've seen of the Aiptek have completely unusable audio. I'll look into the Small Wonder.

Take a look at the Canon TX1 It takes incredible video and excellent stills.
It has 7 megapixles, also will record HD and SD video.It is about the size of a deck of cards. I have one and it is in my pocket every where I go. By the way
It can be used as a audio recorder only, recording stereo. Using a 4mb card
you can get 1hr of video. I'm sold on them. You can see it at B&H.

Bob Trimmer

The Small Wonder also has the same problem with audio - you're not going to get good audio except from an external mic jack. Cheapest you can go with that is the Canon ZR800, and that's not exactly a "pocket" recorder.

Oddly enough, you may be able to make do with a combination pocket audio recorder and pocket video recorder, syncing in post.

I'd look into one of the Canon Powershot still camera models. The A560 can record 640x480, 30fps video to SD card in really good quality. It's not that expensive, around 170 Euro in Europe.
You can look at sample videos here http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_...0_samples.html

When you throw in a few bucks more for the A570is then you get a really nice 7MP still camera as well. It has an optical image stabilizer, AV, TV and full manual modes - it's pretty good for a pocket sized cam.

*edit* I just saw that the Canon TX1 which Bob recommended might really be the better choice. It seems to have the same 7mp chip with DigicII processor, only it is more optimized for video recording, and it's smaller. BUT it seems to be a lot more expensive...

Wow. Well outside my initial price range, but I'm highly considering buying one. Since it's also a 7.1 megapixel still camera, it would be replacing my S2 IS which I could sell to cover part of the cost. I watched some sample videos on youtube and the quality of that thing is amazing for its size. Thanks, I hadn't heard of this camera before.