Valley News Live - KVLY/KXJB - Fargo/Grand ForksHandy Pocket Camcorders

  When you think of pocket camcorders, Flip is still the biggest name. But it's
been discontinued. Consumer Reports just tested more than a dozen newer
ones — many that could make a great gift.

  Zach Falch carries his Flip pocket camcorder wherever he goes. He uploads
his video adventures for all his friends to see.

  Zach Falch: "If my Flip broke, I would be devastated. That would be something terrible."

  With the Flip no longer being made, what are the other choices at hand?
Consumer Reports tested 16 of the newest pocket camcorders, ranging in
price from $100-$300. Testers evaluated the camcorders primarily
for photo and audio quality.

  They also looked at how easy it is to upload content to social media sites.

  Terry Sullivan/Consumer Reports: "Audio and picture quality isn't going to be as good as a full-size camcorder's. But some come with unique features that are worth checking
out."

  The Sony Bloggie Duo has two L-C-D screens — one on the front and one
on the back. That lets you get great shots of yourself.

  And the ViewSonic D-V-P-5 comes with a projector so you can show your
video.

  Terry Sullivan:  "That's a neat feature, but the overall picture quality was not that great."

  Consumer Reports also evaluated some 3D pocket camcorders, but none did
well enough to be recommended.

  Then there's Kodak's PlaySport Z-x-5, which claims it's waterproof … and
shockproof.

  It earned top ratings in Consumer Reports' tests. And at $150, it's a
Best Buy.

  The Zoom Q-3-H-D also got top ratings. It's pricey at $300, but it has
the best audio quality of all the pocket camcorders tested.

  Be aware that pocket camcorders typically don't come with much memory.
Consumer Reports says you'll want around eight gigabytes. Adding that
much will cost about $20. Both the recommended models are
upgradeable.