Live broadcast of video keeps getting easier and easier. Last week, USTREAM announced their broadcast and viewer applications for Android. Instantly, my G1 cell phone had yet another cool feature that was not there when I purchased it last year (and the next day it received step-by-step voice navigation, but that’s for another post).
The quality of the above video is obviously not broadcast quality or even YouTube quality (the USTREAM application does allow one to upload directly to YouTube, as well as to the USTREAM site). It was easy enough, however, to broadcast to the world this brief video of a youth hockey game and capture a moment that would otherwise be only a memory of the people who were at the event. If one loses connection, the video will record to the G1 phone for later uploading.
The G1 may be of so-so quality, but it is not too difficult to imagine that some camcorder manufacturer will create an Android-based camcorder that would support a live streaming application via a built-in radio (e.g. via WiFi or 3G or WiMAX). Suddenly, that several hundred thousand dollar Electronic Newsgathering van could be packed into a sub-$1,000 camcorder.
I am not a big gadget person – really. I have had the G1 Phone for a couple of months and other than the electronic whoopee cushion application and the Shazam application (listens to music and identifies the song and artist), all of the applications I have downloaded from the Android Market have been ones intended to enhance productivity. So, at the Connections Conference, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the latest version of the Android software enables the recording of videos on my G1 Phone.
The video quality of the G1 can be marginal, especially in low light conditions and especially compared to the Creative or Flip camera I normally use. It cannot be beat for efficiency and ease of distributing the video either on YouTube or via email. The only thing I haven’t figured out is why the share feature doesn’t always work, which is probably just as well, as the world doesn’t need to see most of the videos I take.
The following video was shot while taking an early morning walk through downtown Colorado Springs. When I started my walk, my only plan was to get a little exercise in the brisk Colorado air. As I saw the various monuments and museums, along with the natural beauty of Pike’s Peak, I felt inspired to share what I saw with others, particularly since the upcoming OPASTCO Summer Convention finds its way to Colorado Springs next month. Additionally, I decided it would be kind of fun to present my impromptu creation during my presentation on Local Content (I didn’t).
Hopefully, we will see you in Colorado Springs at the OPASTCO event (July 25th-29th).
The above video provides an overview of Creative’s Vado, solid state, sub-$100 camcorder. Like the Pure Digital’s Flip Video camcorder, the key features are the ease of use, the small size and its rugged nature. The video provides a side-by-side comparison of the first generation Flip and the Creative Vado.
The color on the Flip looks a little richer. Both camcorders feature 640×480 resolution. The Flip is specified for better low light sensitivity, although this specification was hard to tell in my side-by-side comparison. The Creative Vado seems to do a little better with fast motion, but I didn’t compare it to the newer Pure Digital models, which uses higher rate compression than does the first generation Flip.
The Vado starts recording faster than the first generation Flip Video and it also deletes files faster. Although it doesn’t have built-in editing software like the Flip Video, transferring files to a PC is a bit easier and transferring to YouTube is easier as well. The rechargeable battery is convenient and by the time it needs to be replaced, the camera will probably be superseded by high definition technology.
It would have been nice if a lanyard had been included in the package. The size is such that it comfortably fits in a shirt pocket. At less than $100, it is a great value. The real testament to its value of this device is that I, a renowned cheapskate, did not return the review unit I had purchased at my local big box retailer. What’s even more amazing about this is that it is an item that I really don’t need it, as I already have a Flip Video camera and a Panasonic 3 CCD MiniDV camcorder.
Broadcast quality video for less than $100, not quite. But, if you are looking for a low cost way to capture moments that would otherwise be lost because of the inconvenience of a larger video camcorder or the expense of a multi-purpose device, such as a cellphone, then the Pure Digital’s Flip Video Camera is for you. NOTE, the DISTORTED AUDIO seems to be a function of the camcorder and how close I was to the microphone.
The Flip Video camcorder is the source of the above videos. Unfortunately, one feature this camcorder does not seem to support is third-party editing programs. The above videos are unedited and don’t have the overlay graphics and other images that would help tell the story of this low-cost camcorder. Hopefully, the combination of videos and text below will give you an idea of what this camcorder is like.
Priced as low as $79, the Flip Video camera from Pure Digital makes it easy for anyone to capture video at a moment’s notice. The simplicity of this digital camcorder masks technology that, a few years ago would have cost thousands of dollars.
Video is recorded in 640×480 resolution, compressed via MPEG-4 and stored on integrated flash memory, which allows up to 30 minutes or 60 minutes of video depending upon the version.
A built-in microphone captures audio and works surprisingly well in terms of directionality and sensitivity. There is no adjustment for audio and in some of the video clips its sounds like it is clipping. Additionally, in high noise areas, such as a basketball game, it is definitely distorted.
The screen serves as a viewfinder and as a way of instantly reviewing your masterpieces. Simple up/down buttons are used for zooming up to two times. Playback is simple and instantaneous. Segments are easily deleted, essentially allowing editing while shooting. 
When it comes to getting the video and audio out of the device there are several ways, including standard Audio/Video via a supplied RCA adapter cable
Another option for reviewing your work is to have a one of Pure Digital’s retail partners create a DVD. The top port on the camera is reserved for Pure Digital’s retail partners that will create a DVD out of the files that reside on the Flip Video Camera
A USB 2.0 port, which conveniently flips out when needed, makes the device appear like another hard-drive when connected to a PC. Better yet, it receives power via the USB port, preserving battery life.
Two each, AA batteries are all that is required to power. We experienced about 1.5 to 2.5 hours or so of recording/viewing from the batteries that were included with the unit. The specification on the web site suggests approximately 2.5 hours.
One of the cool things is that it has a very simple to use video editing software built into the camera. It comes integrated with hooks to Grouper and YouTube (although I haven’t been able to upload directly to YouTube from the camcorder), making it extremely easy to show off your works of art on a public or private basis. Adding a video to the web is as easy as sending an email with the Flip Video camcorder. This makes for a very portable capture and editing machine (great for when you have to borrow a computer to make a deadline).
The built-in editor is very simple, however, and if you want to have multiple timelines fancy transitions and full 640×480 resolution, then you will have to transfer the files to your PC and edit using a traditional Non Linear Editor. Unfortunately, it did not work with the NLEs I tried (Adobe Premiere Pro, Premiere Elements, Vegas 6, 7 or 8). I spoke to a friend and he could not make it work with Apple’s iMovie.
Remembering that this camera often retails from $80 to $130, there are some inherent limitations. First, as mentioned above, it may not work with all non-linear editors. The audio is definitely not broadcast quality level, but for its application works well.
Because of the rigid nature of its USB connector, the unit doesn’t always plug into a PC’s existing USB port. In the case of my lap-top, I had to wedge some paper under the lap-top to get it to fit. The manual does suggest that a USB extender cable is sometimes necessary. These can be ordered from Pure Digital’s web site. 
There is no tripod fitting. Generally, this shouldn’t be an issue, as the way I envision most people using this is for short duration events and in locations where they might not otherwise want to bring a more expensive camera.
The screen itself is difficult to view in extremely bright, outdoor conditions. I envision a combination hood/holder that might take care of both the screen viewing and tripod issues.
The new and slightly more expensive ($149 to $179) Flip Ultra addresses most of these limitations, although I do not know if the Ultra supports traditional NLEs.
Overall, the limitations are minor for the value one gets with this camera. The reason to get this camera is its simplicity and the fact that you will capture things you wouldn’t have otherwise.
