RCA Small Wonder EZ201 (silver)
Manufacturer: RCA (Thomson CE) Part number: EZ201
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While its video quality doesn't nearly measure up to that of a true digital camcorder, RCA's affordable Small Wonder EZ201 will appeal to technophobes looking for an idiot-proof way to quickly share video clips with friends and family.
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CNET editors' review
RCA Small Wonder EZ201 (silver)
price range: $279.99
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: Philip Ryan
- Reviewed on: 05/21/2007
- Released on: 05/10/2007
The good: RCA has improved its Small Wonder lightweight video camera with a few design tweaks, the addition of an SD/MMC card slot, better built-in software, and a lower street price. With its nifty hideaway USB connector, EZ201 makes it very easy to capture and send low-resolution video e-mails, then share them on the Web via the free Box.net video-sharing site. Also, there's a tripod mount on the bottom of the unit.
The bad: Video quality is still pretty mediocre; not Mac compatible; 2x zoom is digital, not optical.
The bottom line: While its video quality doesn't nearly measure up to that of a true digital camcorder, RCA's affordable Small Wonder EZ201 will appeal to technophobes looking for an idiot-proof way to quickly share video clips with friends and family.
For 2007, both companies are shipping new models. Pure Digital is serving up the Flip and RCA has the Small Wonder EZ201. The two share much in common, but RCA has gone out of its way to differentiate its Small Wonder, giving it a white case, a more flexible and sharper LCD monitor, and an expansion slot for SD/MMC cards, allowing you to shoot and store much more video if you buy an optional memory card (out of the box, the cameras stores as much as 30 minutes of VGA-quality video (the manual calls it HQ or "best") on 512MB of internal flash memory. You can also opt to toggle down the video setting to LP or "good" quality and store as much as 60 minutes in the internal memory.
Like the earlier EZ101, the EZ201 is very lightweight (5 ounces) and compact enough to fit in a pocket. The 1.5-inch LCD screen flips completely out, making it easy to shoot yourself while watching yourself in the small screen. You can delete any undesirable clips right away, and the EZ201 has a video output, so you can view clips on any TV with a composite-video input (cable included). The unit is powered by two AA batteries and comes with a protective felt carrying case.
Currently, there are several inexpensive cameras on the market with the sole purpose of capturing MPEG-4 video, which is more compressed--and, thus, lower in quality--than the MPEG-2 video recorded by MiniDV camcorders. Video quality is steadily improving with these types of cameras, but it's really designed to be viewed in small windows (read: not at full screen) or on portable devices with small screens. Though the video is generally smooth, it's usually a little grainy and sometimes pixilated. In other words, it's a step up from the video quality of a camera phone, but it's on a par with what you'd record on a basic digital camera's Movie mode.
What sets this model apart from its competitors is the camera's internal software. Extend the USB connector and plug it into the USB port on your Windows PC (Windows 2000/XP or newer)--a viewer automatically pops up. The EZ101 worked with Macs (you had to manually install the software the first time you used it), but alas, this model does not ship with Mac software, which is disappointing. That said, if you do have a Windows PC, RCA's Memory Manager software is more robust than the software that shipped with last year's model. You can do basic edits to your clips, setting start and end points, and string several clips together to make a "movie." The EZ Grab option even lets you make a still image out of one of the frames from a video.
If you decide to e-mail a clip, the program automatically compresses the video to reduce the file size. Even short clips (from 20 to 30 seconds) result in nearly 1MB e-mail attachments, but the beauty of the software is that you can shoot a video and send it off in less than 5 minutes by pressing just a few buttons. Recipients simply click on the attachment and play it back using Windows Media Player.
New this year for RCA is its partnership with Box.net, the video-sharing service. Instead of sending your video files as e-mail attachments, which tend to clog up in-boxes when they're bigger than 2MB, you can easily upload a file to Box.net--signing up for a free account with a username and password takes less than a minute--and send out an e-mail notification to a host of recipients. As part of the upload process, your video file is compressed even further, compared to the file created for an e-mail attachment, so the quality isn't quite as good--but for most folks viewing a streamed file in a YouTube-like viewing box is more convenient than opening an e-mail attachment. That said, users do have the option of downloading and saving the video to their PCs or Macs (yes, Mac users can view the streamed video).
If you're really lazy--or truly technophobic--you still have the option of bringing the camera to any CVS, Rite Aid, or Ritz/Wolf Camera store that processes Pure Digital's $30 single-use digital camcorder. The folks there will make a DVD of your footage for $10. RCA also will be releasing an optional DVD docking and recording system for the EZ201 called the RCA Memory Maker, eliminating the need for a PC to burn your videos to DVD.
Last year, we noted that the RCA's earlier EZ101 offered only so-so video and had a few shortcomings. The biggest problem was an audible clicking sound whenever you pressed the button to zoom in or out (it's a 2x digital zoom). RCA has fixed this problem, but just be warned that the built-in mic is pretty sensitive and will pick up any extraneous noises you make when handling the camera. Ultimately, it's also probably a good idea to avoid using the zoom altogether. Since it's a digital zoom rather than optical, the picture degrades slightly when you zoom. You're better off "manually" zooming by physically moving closer or further away from your subject.
While the Small Wonder's image quality is far from stellar, for most folks it's going to be good enough--and the simplicity of the product is certainly very appealing. Throw in the memory expansion slot and a sub-$100 price, and we have no problem recommending this camcorder to anybody looking for a quick and easy way to share video.
User reviews
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Ease of use and compact size makes the RCA Small Wonder camera a joy to use.
by bgcp2001 on June 3, 2007
Pros: Small, light weight, idiot proof, inexpensive
Cons: Like most display screens, the view finder is hard to see outside.
Summary: I've owned a video camera of some type or another for 20 years now and have used them about 50 times total. Kids birthdays and holidays mostly. Not quite ...
Summary: I've owned a video camera of some type or another for 20 years now and have used them about 50 times total. Kids birthdays and holidays mostly. Not quite the usefulness that I imagined when I first purchased them. It turns out that I do not like to haul around a case with all of the equipment necessary for a full sized camcorder. Also, all of the footage that I shot with my previous camcorders are still on the little tapes because I never could seem to transfer it to my computer.
I purchased the RCA Small Wonders a week ago and have had a blast using it since. In less than a day with it I was uploading my clips to the internet and sending video e-mails. It's that easy! On a small screen or window the image quality is better than average to good. When the footage is shown on the big screen it looks a little washed out and grainy. If your looking for a quick and easy way to capture moments and send them in e-mails or post them to the internet then the Small Wonders is an excellent choice at $129.
The internal memory will hold about 30 min. of "high quality" video so it would be a good idea to get a SD card for extra memory. I spent an additional $35 for a 2G and can record up to 2.5 hrs. in "HQ" mode. Rechargable batteries will also save you in the not too distant future.8 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Easy way to record video for e-mail or to upload to video sites
by ilikecheta on May 22, 2007
Pros: Simply to use..0 learning curve
Cons: No Optical zoom and mono only sound
Summary: I like it to record while I play the guitar
Helps keep track of those spontaneous licks.
I wish there was a way to input a microphone
to kick up ...Summary: I like it to record while I play the guitar
Helps keep track of those spontaneous licks.
I wish there was a way to input a microphone
to kick up the audio quality.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I'm not easily impressed...but now I am!
by westcoastcop on September 23, 2007
Pros: Very compact, easy to use, handy for quick video shoots.
Cons: You have limitations...but for parties, spontanious stuff great!
Summary: I bought it for $109.00 at CC, was just going to try it, was not prepared to keep it unless it was of value. It is a keeper! I ...
Summary: I bought it for $109.00 at CC, was just going to try it, was not prepared to keep it unless it was of value. It is a keeper! I have a high end Panasonic 3 ccd video cam, for planned video shooting and important stuff like weddings, parties, family gatherings. But this little RCA SmallWonder is so easy to use and convienant that it seems I'm always popping it into a pocket and taking it with! And just pop up the plug and put it in your laptop or pc port and it loads it's program into the pc and in a few seconds, you have e-mailable pics or video! And with the included cord, you can play it on your TV or into your DVD recorder too. Idiot proof! great device, 4 and 1/2 stars!
Updated
I bought my first video camera around 1980, it was huge, had a vcr seperate that you slung over your shoulder, and poor color quality. My current one is a nice compact Panasonic, fantastic color and way too many buttons!
Now the RCA Small Wonder EZ201 shows up, and changes the game completely. Nice quality video, a couple of simple buttons and you are filming. 2 hours is plenty of time, but if you need longer filming, use a memory chip and lithium AA batteries and you could go 4 hours! And the little swivel color color lcd monitor is cool, if you are narrating, you can see yourself! Simple, fun, small, easy to use, and a good quality camera. I carry it with me everywhere I go, and have caught some great video. Plus it easily downloads with it's own built in software into your PC, Laptop or work/home computer. And you can edit the video, and capture still pictures as well. Share instantly thur e-mail, or you tube. We have a white one which was $109.00 on line from Circuit City. If you have young children, or if you are grandparents...get one! Memories are easy to save and send!Updated
I bought my first video camera around 1980, it was huge, had a vcr seperate that you slung over your shoulder, and poor color quality. My current one is a nice compact Panasonic, fantastic color and way too many buttons!
Now the RCA Small Wonder EZ201 shows up, and changes the game completely. Nice quality video, a couple of simple buttons and you are filming. 2 hours is plenty of time, but if you need longer filming, use a memory chip and lithium AA batteries and you could go 4 hours! And the little swivel color color lcd monitor is cool, if you are narrating, you can see yourself! Simple, fun, small, easy to use, and a good quality camera. I carry it with me everywhere I go, and have caught some great video. Plus it easily downloads with it's own built in software into your PC, Laptop or work/home computer. And you can edit the video, and capture still pictures as well. Share instantly thur e-mail, or you tube. We have a white one which was $109.00 on line from Circuit City. If you have young children, or if you are grandparents...get one! Memories are easy to save and send! This is my 2nd review, as I have been using it for a while, and am still enthusiastic about it!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Save Your Breath (and your money)
by mochajavaman on January 25, 2008
Pros: Ability to expand storage via SD card memory slot (2 GB max)
Cons: Absolutely unacceptable video quality
Summary: Buy the FLIP Ultra instead. My interest in the Small Wonder was due primarily to the SD card feature which should have allowed me to expand recording time from 30 ...
Summary: Buy the FLIP Ultra instead. My interest in the Small Wonder was due primarily to the SD card feature which should have allowed me to expand recording time from 30 minutes of HQ video to 150 minutes with a 2 GB card in place.
However when I ran some test footage I found the quality of even the HQ vid (not the lower quality LP option) and although it would read the unlocked 2 GB SD card I placed into it, it would never write to that card as the camera is supposed to do whenever a card is present. The resulting video would pixelate out about every 10 seconds - as if shocked by an electric charge - making the entire shot virtually unusable. I returned it the day I got it for a replacement, thinking this one cam was faulty.
The replacement camera was no better, however this one created video that had a pulse: about every other second it would freeze just long enough to notice, again making the video absolutely worthless. Again I returned it to the online reseller the same day I received it. This time I requested a refund.
Prior to this I had been using the 30 minute FLIP Ultra which produces a far superior output both in virtually flawless video and incredible audio quality. The FLIP Ultra is an amazing little workhorse. After shooting and editing hundreds of hours of HQ video on the FLIP perhaps my expectations were high. So with the Small Wonder at the same price I expected the same quality. But great features mean nothing if the resulting video is poor.
I phoned Thompson (Audiovox, who recently purchased RCA)and they were hopeless and helpless in being able to tell me anything about this product whatsoever. I sent the second one back and will not make any further attempts to own and RCA in the future.
The RCA Small Wonder EZ201 is a cheap attempt to capitalize on the budget camcorder market without delivering the minimal quality one should expect when purchasing a product in this price range.
I have to wonder if CNET ever really tried this camera...instead of hawking it on features alone. C'mon CNET, I rely on your ability to separate truth from fiction. In this case you really let me down.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Truly a small wonder
by Abadox on December 18, 2007
Pros: HQ/LQ video options.storage 5 hrs with SD card
Cons: mic is decent but theres editing programs out there to enhance audio
Summary: overall its small fits in the pocket almost like a cell phone.can upload and send to the web or email from any PC in a snap "Built in software". ...
Summary: overall its small fits in the pocket almost like a cell phone.can upload and send to the web or email from any PC in a snap "Built in software". great for the travelor on the go.I was surprised to find out with a 2500 mah rechargable batteries it Last 2 1/2 to 3 hrs on HQ recording consistantly.I allways carry in extra 2 charged batteries in the baggie the recorder comes with so i dont lose them. we all know regular Digital cameras and other digital devices eat up AA's. so the 2 1/2 hr - 3hr of record time is an A++ in my book.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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I LOVE THIS CAMERA
by acellucci on July 16, 2007
Pros: Convenience, storage capacity, easy to use
Cons: Can't name even one!
Summary: I stumbled on this camera and it was not a planned purchase. This camera is SO MUCH FUN. The simplicity of use combined with the built in software and easy ...
Summary: I stumbled on this camera and it was not a planned purchase. This camera is SO MUCH FUN. The simplicity of use combined with the built in software and easy transfer ability from camera to computer including email options is by far the best ever! We kicked up the storage to 5 hours with an SD Card.
I use this camera for both personal and business. Now that we have it, could not live without it. We purchased two more for the kids...they both have their own now.
This camera can fit in your pocket. It runs on two AA batteries so you'll never run out as long as you have a couple of spares with you.
The video quality is fine for the "average Joe". The best part is the microwave speed you can have your videos saved and stored.
I love this camera so much that we now give it to all our new clients as part of our "welcome package".
Kudos to the folks at RCA.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great for on-the-fly video
by TechMasta on May 28, 2007
Pros: Great price for quality vid and easy interface
Cons: Mic is ultra sensitive
Summary: Was really surprised after buying this product that it was clear and easy to transfer videos to and from the unit. My ownly problem was with the auto xvid install ...
Summary: Was really surprised after buying this product that it was clear and easy to transfer videos to and from the unit. My ownly problem was with the auto xvid install was buggy and was crashing my rca software. Had to redownload the xvid software from download.com and everything was fine. The SD slot adds hours of taping and this product seems some what durable. For the price, this gadget is worth it for those who dont want to miss any videos that might be worthy of a youtube or quick email to family/friends. It's light and is well designed. Only downfall is uber battery drainage. Get those AA rechargeables and you are fine.
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Awesome! Even videos taken indoors look great.
by ingrid028 on February 6, 2008
Pros: Video quality is great, even indoors. Small size and light weight. Viewfinder flips around for easy self video, Software and USB connector are conveniently integrated into camcorder.
Cons: A shutter to protect the lens would be nice, even just a simple manual slider type.
Summary: I love my RCA Small Wonder! Due to it's compact size and light weight, I take it with me in my purse everywhere I go. Because it is so ...
Summary: I love my RCA Small Wonder! Due to it's compact size and light weight, I take it with me in my purse everywhere I go. Because it is so easy to use, I end up using it far more than I use any other camcorder I have ever owned. I especially like that the software and the USB connector are both right there on the camera. If I visit my relatives or friends and they want a copy of some of the videos, I can easily attach the camera to their computer and load them on - no worries about dragging along cables and software. This also makes me more inclined to transfer the videos onto my own computer rather than leave them on the camcorder for ages. In addition, the special cable that comes with the camcorder that allows one to connect it to a television is easy to use, so it was a snap to do an impromptu "video show" when we had some friends over. The RCA Small Wonder has virtually replaced our full size camcorder due to its many conveniences.
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great video quality, can't use the bundled software
by k9mom007 on January 29, 2008
Pros: great price, and good video quality
Cons: could not use bundled software
Summary: I bought this camera merely to take short clips of my dogs in action, and take with me on walks to video neat things in nature. While I'm quite ...
Summary: I bought this camera merely to take short clips of my dogs in action, and take with me on walks to video neat things in nature. While I'm quite satisfied with the quality of the video, the lighting aspects, and the audio, I COULD NOT get the avi files it produced to play in anything but VLC media player. I actually had to bypass the internal software and just access the camera (when it's plugged into my computer via usb) as an external drive and then get my video that way. If I used the software, and tried to play the videos on Windows Media Player, Real Player, Gom Player, or anything BUT VLC, the video would sometimes be sped up to sonic speed, and the audio would ALWAYS be sped up. I know this may be a codec problem and/or a sound card problem. I exhausted every means I could, talking to techies on message boards, updating my sound card drivers, and installing all the new and correct codecs (divx, xvid, etc). I was going to return the cam, but when I realized I could bypass the software, I kept it. I chose this cam over the flip video for 2 reasons: the sd card option, and the flip out screen. I'd like to try the flip video cam and it's internal software on my computer to see if I have the same problem with the players. All in all, if your computer configuration is ok, this is a great cam. For the record, I'm running Windows xp/sp2
Specifications
- Manufacturer: RCA (Thomson CE)
- Part number: EZ201
- Description: The RCA EZ201 is perfect for spontaneously recording every day experiences and can easily hold hours of recordings by utilizing both the on-board memory and additional SD removable memory. The unit runs on two standard "AA" batteries that last up to two hours of continuous use, making the EZ201 Small Wonder an ideal option for vacations and travel.
General
- Product Type Camcorder
- Digital Zoom 2 x
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Digital Video Format AVI
- White Balance Automatic
- Exposure Modes Automatic
- Camera Flash Built-in
Main Features
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 0.3 megapixels
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture AVI - 640 x 480 - 1800 sec, AVI - 448 x 336 - 3600 sec
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory Flash - Integrated (soldered memory - 512 MB )
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Floppy Drive None
- Media Type Flash card
Lens System
- Type Lens
- Lens system type Lens
Additional Features
- Additional Features Built-in speaker, USB 2.0 compatibility
- Software Drivers & Utilities
- Included Accessories Carrying pouch, Wrist strap
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 1.5 in - Color
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included USB cable, 1, A/V cable
Power
- Battery type - AA Alkaline
Battery
- Supported Battery 2 x AA ( Included )
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 90 days warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 90 days
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Form Factor Rotating
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.5 in
- Depth 1 in
- Height 4.5 in
- Weight 3.5 oz
Product series
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RCA Small Wonder EZ201 (silver)
Manufacturer: RCA (Thomson CE)
Specs: Camcorder, CMOS, Flash card, 3.5 oz
Manufacturer info
- RCA (Thomson CE)
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse RCA (Thomson CE) products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.thomson.net/EN/home
- Address:
1002 New Holland Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17601 - Email: ato-sales@tce.com
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