RCA announces Small Wonder EZ201 MPEG-4 digital camcorder

Thomson has announced plans to introduce RCA's Small Wonder EZ201, a solid state storage based MPEG-4 digital camcorder that will sell for the relatively affordable price of $129, sometime later this Spring. The camcorder is similar to a lot of solid state camcorders in that it features an SD card slot: we'll take the failure to mention the specific amount of built-in storage as a clumsy hint to potential buyers that they should bring their own storage if they want to get the most out of the camera. Unfortunately, in their efforts to keep costs down, RCA didn't include a rechargeable battery: instead, you'll have to feed the EZ201 2 AA batteries at a time, which will only keep it going for a pitiful 2 hours tops. Externally, the device looks to be not much larger than a pack of cards, and has a 1.5-inch, 180 degree swivel LCD display. The Small Wonder can also be plugged directly into televisions, and can transfer its MPEG-4 files to a PC without software. Later on this year RCA also plans to release what it calls the Memory Maker, a DVD dock and recording system for the EZ201 that lets users burn footage onto a DVD without the use of a PC.

[timothylord @ Mar 25th 2007 2:31PM]

"Unfortunately, in their efforts to keep costs down, RCA didn't include a rechargeable battery (etc)"

This writeup makes it sound like this camera comes out of the thin blue sky! It's part of a series which has been AA-only from the start (and mentioned quite a bit here on Engadget). And that's a good thing :) 2 hours of rechargeable AA goodness is just about right at the moment; the sweet spot for SD cards right now seems to be at the 2GB point -- it's safe to predict that 4GB cards will get more attractive, of course, 2GB + 2AAs works well, especially if this camera uses space at the same rate as its predecessors (the half-gig version is half an hour, the full gig an hour); I'm thinking about one of these for my niece's next birthday.

My big question is whether this model incorporates the swing-out USB "cable" (appendage is a better word perhaps) -- very handy.

(AA batteries rule! :))

timothy

[TJ @ Jan 7th 2007 8:28PM]

It's nothing more then a upgraded CVS One Time Use Camcorder marketed by RCA made by Saturn

[AussieJimbo @ Jan 29th 2007 11:45PM]

I second the comment about AA batteries. It's a positive not a negative.

Why would you want a propriety battery solution that will be difficult and expensive to replace when the time comes when you can use rechargable AAs?

[Bob @ Jun 12th 2007 7:38PM]

Any plans to have a telescopic lens on this camcorder.

[James A @ Jun 24th 2007 11:21PM]

Any word on the offial release date of RCA DVD Memorymaker? Also, would you know the price of the unit?

[maryann1804 @ Jul 19th 2007 4:30PM]

the memory maker will be released this fall. They did not have a price listed but said they would make it as affordable as the camcorder.

[Bob McGovern @ Sep 22nd 2007 10:21AM]

I like the EZ201 video. The sound is lousy and there are no provisions for ear buds. I tried to adapt the A/V connection for sound to no avail. I replaced the alkaline batteries with 2500mAh rechargeables and so far so good.The button controls work good and the picture quality is acceptable. Better viewed on a small TV for good video quality. The software could use some upgrading but overall I like it. I bought mine from ExpoElectronics.com for $95.00 and am pleased with it.