I spent the afternoon testing this video camera in various "torture test" lighting conditions. It auto corrects well for environmental brightness. For the most part it handled them well with good video quality and color saturation. The camera does not work at all in low or very low light conditions. This is not the camera to use in a dimly lit club environment for example. The camera records the best quality video in brightly lit rooms and daytime outdoor environments.
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br /The camera captures at 448 by 336 pixels at 30 frames per second using the MPEG-4 XVID codec. It records audio using Microsoft ADPCM at a bit rate of 64kb/s. The audio quality is good considering the mic is inside the camera's case. The problem with this mic setup is that anytime you press zoom, click record or stop you hear that button click sound very loudly during video playback. I would consider this the single worst aspect of the camera. Another problem I encountered is that the video software supplied with the camera would not install on my up to date Windows XP PC. However you can still easily access and retrieve your recorded videos by opening the camera as a hard drive via the computer. The camera sets itself up automatically as a hard drive when connected via the supplied USB cable to the computer. In my tests, 3.5 minutes of video yields an AVI file about 26.5 MB in size.
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br /Video playback directly from the camera via the supplied composite cable to a TV looks pretty pixilated. The quality worsens when video is recorded in lower light levels. Video file playback on a computer display looks much better.
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br /The interface on the camera is extremely minimal. There are 4 buttons: Power, Play, Record, Delete and a 4-way directional pad for digital zooming and cycling through record videos. There is no ability to adjust any other settings.
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br /All in all, the RCA Small Wonder an inexpensive and relatively quality solution for recording up to 30 minutes of video in normal lighting conditions. Good for recording quick movies and sending them to friends via the Internet. And not so good for recording important life events and watching them on a TV.

I bought this camera for my 9-year-old son to "make movies" with and he loves it. The best feature is the ultimate simplicity of the camera -- it has only 4 buttons (power, record, play, delete) and a 4-way directional pad and uses plain old AA batteries. Press the power button, press Record, and you're making movies. Press Record again to stop. You can give it to a child and he'll literally be shooting video 10 seconds later -- it's that simple and easy.
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br /Each "movie" is saved to its own file on the camera, so you can use the directional pad to scroll through them and play them back instantly, right on the camera. The screen and speaker are surprisingly good. And the built-in USB connector and software make it ridiculously simple to transfer the video to your computer. I was worried that 30 minutes wouldn't be enough storage between transfers, but it's actually a very long time as video goes.
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br /Most of all, this camera is just plain FUN. Because you know the quality of the video is just average (though better than you might think), you don't have to worry about it. Use your "real" camcorder for capturing important memories, but give this little camera to a kid and watch him have a blast with it. You'll enjoy seeing the world from a kid's perspective, too, when you watch the resulting clips.
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I bought this camera on a whim and I love it. Put it in your pocket. Simple to use, a 7-year old can 'film'. It is point--shoot easy: push a button, it films, push again, it stops. Press play and show your friend what you just filmed. That's a lot of fun(!) and appeal of the camera.(Simply fun.)
br /Downside: NO MEMORY CARD SLOT, only 30 mins video/no volume control/slight digital zoom/TV viewing shows large green timer/Cannot film while plugged into TV/So-So color
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br /Upside: Cheap camcorder/Take it anywhere-dinner/party/park, etc./Plug into late-model TV and see video/You will take more video because it is no big deal/Very good in light dark/special feature: compress video into small email file and send to parents. Camera has a popout usb port.
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br /I love this camcorder. Very light weight, easy to use, on a whim I take a video of the kids with NO big-deal camcorder, "I'm video-making now" documentation. It is fun like a disposable camea. Capture moments meaningless now, but will be fun to see when the kids are older.
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I just purchased the Small Wonder a couple of days ago and I can't believe how simple it is. Our kids (age 9 and 11) love it's simplicity and the ability to take instant videos. It is incredibly easy to use and as small as a compact digital camera so we will be able to take much more candid videos while traveling on an upcoming trip to Ecuador without that intrusive feeling of a larger video camera. It is unbelievably easy to flip open the USB plug, insert it into the computer and instantly load the videos. No disk to load...its all included within the "Small Wonder". I never thought I'd see the day when you could fit a video camera into your shirt pocket. I highly recommend it to anyone, especially a traveler!!

The playback color is very crisp and clear.
br /The buttons are very simple and easy to use.
br /Downloading to the computer is no problem; you can use either the long USB cord, or just pop out the USB plug on the side. It goes back into the side when you're done.
br /No disc needed to download the viewing program; once you plug in the computer to download video, the program downloads.
br /It comes with two AA batteries and a free video DVD offer.
br /A memory card can be purchased, but you get 30 minutes without a card, so that's good enough.
br /Overall, it's small and lightweight, and I highly recommend it for anyone. Heck, senior citizens and anyone not up on technology can use this easily.

I love this little video cam. The only problem I have is that it will not save directly to my hard drive. It shuts down the system. The only way I can save it is by e-mailing it to myself as an attached file and saving it there. My computer is new and has adequate memory, so I am not sure why I have the problem. Tech support at RCA was not very helpful. This is a great little recorder and it would be perfect if this problem could be resolved. If anyone else has experienced this, please e-mail me at piggypo@aol.com.

I don't have a bunch of kids, but I do seem to have difficulties in figuring out the fancy video cams. But this is SO SIMPLE...I tried using it before getting to the instructions - I was so happy - I never got to the instructions as it worked, intuitively, the 1st time. Even when I wanted to delete the previously filmed items...easy as pie...done in a moment.
br /Now if only other items were 1/2 this easy...
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br /it does not utilize a memory card or stick, just connects via USB to your computer (how easy is that!?)
br /it does have an internal hard drive (or similar), so I don't have to have tape - yay (someone told me it's solid state? whatever!, it's great!)
br /even better, it comes w/EVERYTHING it needs to work on your computer - yay!!
br /at a $100.00, it's fantastic!!

The Small Wonder is great for carrying around in your pocket and capturing impromptu moments on video.
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br /It's the easiest video camera to use ever made - bar none. It's the video equivalent of a point and shoot camera.
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br /Loading the videos on to your computer couldn't be much simpler either. Excellent ease of use and that's important.
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br /Nice video and audio quality for computer use. It's also easy to email video clips with this unit.
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br /This little pocket video cam is indeed a small wonder.
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I bought this camera because I like to film and produce movies (just as a hobby). Overall, the camera is good; it is small, has good resolution, and easily connects to most computers. One big problem is the zoom button. I've found that once I load the videos onto my computer, I can hear the click of the zoom button when I pressed it while filming. I feel that it takes away from my movies and distracts/annoys the audience.

For quite a while I have been looking for a truly inexpensive camcorder to use to record ESL lessons. I need to have 2 or 3 cameras, and couldn't afford $500+ for each camera. I tried buying a used camera on eBay, but what I got didn't live up to the description - it was old and worn out.
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br /So when I found this camera I was surprised and delighted. I realized quickly that it is not the "perfect" camera. How perfect could it be for only $70? Actually, it is pretty good, considering. It produces decent video. Video format is a simple AVI file, apparently in XviD format, whatever that means. All I know is that the files are easy to play in Windows Media Player. I assume they will play in RealPlayer also and probably just about any other AVI player. In Media Player it displays as a full screen video and is pretty good resolution.
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br /The camera also has an onboard microphone. Maybe it has two, I don't know. What I do know is that the microphone is problematic. For one thing, it doesn't always capture sound at the best volume. Sometimes voices can seem muted. Secondly, it does pick up camera noices, such as pressing the zoom button. This records as an audible "click" on your video and is definitely a major distraction. Reminds me of 8-track tapes from a while back. Whenever they changed tracks there was a huge click. But, while it bothered me, most of my friends said it was no big deal and just ignored it. Maybe some others will feel that way about the click produced by this camera.
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br /Anyway, for my application these are easily dealt with. I use a static setup with cameras set at certain angles and zoomed to precise requirements. Once it is all set up, it doesn't change - so I don't get clicking noises from changing the zoom. I wish the audio was more consistent, but what can you do? The camera does not have a plug for an external microphone.
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br /To me, the absolute best feature of this camera is the USB plug. The camera I got from eBay had tapes and it was fairly difficult to get the video into the computer. That is why I love this camera. Just plug it into the computer's USB port and it is recognized as a portable disk drive. It has onboard software to download the video and even create videos you can email to friends and family. I've never used the software. I just copy the videos straight to my computer and play with them.
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br /Another good thing is that the video files created are generic in terms of editing. Just about any digital video editor can handle this format. So if you are making something other than, for example, a video of the family dog being silly, then you can record several 30 minute segments and easily edit them together to create a polished video.
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br /By purchasing these cameras during a sale I was able to get them for only $70 each. That is less than even one good JVC or Sony digital camcorder. True, this camera is not in the same league, but it is still a nice, friendly camera, that produces acceptable video and is totally fun to use.
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br /I carry one with me all the time. You never know when you'll see something that is cool enough to share on YouTube.

I have captured wonderful moments with my grandchildren that I would not have been able to enjoy with regular photos. I can visit my grandchildren anytime even though they are miles and miles away. I would highly recommend this little "wonder".

I love this little gadget. It's perfect for my needs. I'm a senior and we have a lot of little programs, birthday's, activities where you just need a short amount of filming time. Its easy to handle and carry around in your pocket.(waiting for just the right moment) I find it is handy for shots to put in blogging rooms(My Space-You Tube). Just all around O.K.

Carry it around in your pocket and shoot quick movies, then just plug it the USB port on into your computer and save them in two sizes, one small enough to email. You don't even load software on your computer - it runs off the camera. Microphones picks up sound well (two mikes - one pointing toward you in case you are narrating, one pointing forward). Obviously not as good movies as a full sized digital video camera but for $100 you can have a lot of fun, never buy tapes, and save it to your computer to email to friends and relatives.
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br /The resizing of movies doesn't work as well on a Mac as on a PC (a friend tried it) and I wish it could take quick still snapshots too (so I could carry just one camera).
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br /It is exactly the same as the Pure Digital Point 'N Shoot so compare the prices and shipping then buy either (software says pure digital).
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br /Lots of fun.

I have wanted a digital camcorder for a while but did not want to spend a great deal since I am very much an amateur. This fits the bill, it is affordable enough that I do not mind my 9 year old making silly movies and it fits easily in my purse to have on hand without having to lug around extra luggage. I am very pleased with this and would recomend it for anyone on a tight budget and amateur expectations.

This little camera more than lives up to my expectations! My videos turn out great in spite of the fact that I am a "tech" disaster. And they look good whether on my computer screen or the huge flat screen TV in the living room. Easy to use, limited buttons to figure out, and its small size have resulted in a camera I actually have with me when special things happen.... and I know how to use it without double checking a manual. Wonderful is this Small Wonder! Ability to use a memory chip of some sort would be my only request for improvement.

I bought this problematic beast because of all these glowing reviews and I have to wonder if all of you are RCA employees.
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br /Good- Sure this scrap heap records video.
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br /Bad- It has a corrupted little mind of its own. I can erase every last video then turn it off and later when I need to use it, it will list 22 minutes recording time remaining, sometimes its 24 or 28 but hardly ever a full 30 minutes.
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br / It doesn't use memory cards so you're stuck running back to your laptop to upload the video's every time its full, even though it has some kind of slot in the top that NO ONE knows what for?!
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br / I can record a special moment only to find out later that this creature fails to save it. This has happened to me several times and RCA's advice on reformatting the recorder and installing the latest software from their site hasn't solved anything.
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br / Sometimes I have to turn it off and on again just to stop the endless cycling of recorded video's and get it to read ready to record.
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br / It drains battery life quick, I really suggest buying rechargeable's for this vampire.

This is a very simple to use video camera. I absolutely love it! I do have a full-sized expensive camera to film special occasions, holidays and memories that I want saved on a dvd. However, this "small wonder" comes in handy to grab and shoot fun things spur of the moment. This is an awesome, user friendly camcorder for kids. The size of the camera also allows you to throw it in your purse for spur of the moment video to capture those neat unexpected moments in life. Most of us do not want the responsibility of lugging around our "nice" video camera and exposing it to damage or theft. This is a perfect addition to anyones household gadget treasure trove!

a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R2RQZCOLW2EW0"Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R2RQZCOLW2EW0/a The RCA Small Wonder is fantastic. Considering its size and weight, it packs a wollop in terms of visuals and sound. Simple to use. Simple to upload and share. Handy to take everywhere. I've found multiple uses for work and created the character above for safety and product promos. Everyone loves him -- fundamental production quality, but that's part of his charm!

The RCA Small wonder camera is a tiny and easy-to-use device which is great for packing along on trips or recording simple things BUT should not be used as a substitute for a standard video camera. First of all, the picture is of moderate quality as the lens simply can not handle distance. Second, sound quality is pretty awful and becomes worse with the advent of any wind. Third, if you do any reviewing at all before downloading the info (or delivering it to your local CVS store), you had better back extra batteries because it will eat through your AAs like a drunken sailor.

The RCA Small Wonder Camcorder is quite easy to use and is extremely portable -- it easily slips into one's pocket for quick access. The quality of the recording, both video and audio, are very good.

In a world of empty promises, Small Wonder is the exception that delivers. You press the on button, you point, when the screen says "Ready" you press the red "record" button and presto! you have a movie. The control buttons are well placed, the video is clear, the sound is good. A great value at a reasonable price. And I love there are no cards to mess with, the machine is entirely self contained (I was also surprised at how long 30 minutes is when actually recording). Highly recommended.

i have used it once already and for small momentos its good but i wouldnt take it to the family reunion. but its a good deal for 100

This camcorder has been great for our 9 year old daughter. She immediately started recording right out of the package. Everyone has been very impressed with the quality of the video. Give it a try!

The small wonder camcorder is ideal for my use. I use it primarily to record dances at my line dance classes. After recording, I download to my computer and practice the dances at my leisure. It is so simple to operate and stores away in my purse so I can use it at a moments notice.

the RCA Little Wonder produces great pictures for such a small camera. The movies are easily stored on i-Photo and edited wiith i-Movie. The images viewed on a lcd TV are really great. At $75 this is really a great buy!

This was recommended to me by new parents. I sent it to my daugter and soninlaw. They love it. Compact and easy to use. I get a new video of my grandson daily. Just put it in your pocket and go. Very simple to use.

i recently purchased the RCA small wonder cam recorder and so far have enjoyed using it completely. it's just so neat and easy to use.
br / Sincerly, Mr. G

I got this camera because it was inexpensive and there was not much to loose. I have never done video before, so I was starting from the ground level. The quality, as expected, is not high end, but it works fine for my expectations and purposes. What is remarkable is how simple this is - it is some of the best engineering of any device I have ever encountered. The directions that came with it were sparse, but actually completely unnecessary - there was no point at which I have ever wondered what the next step was. Transfering images to the computer was so easy with the built in USB plug in. I wish I was getting commissions on this - I have shown the camera to several people, and three of them have since gone out and bought one. Right now I'm just having fun with it. While this is may not be good enough to shot professional video, I do anticipate using it for various public-facing projects. For example, I provide marketing support for a small garden center. I will be able to use this to shoot short segments showing current stock of plants and shrubs, which will include some promotional narrative. This can then run on the company's Web site. It will be easy to update this every week or two. Yes, this is a great little rig!
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After searching the RCA website and finding that they had no information there, I finally tracked down information on this camera since the only manual was a txt file on the camera's memory: according to what I read THIS THING DOES NOT TAKE A MEMORY CARD. I bought it under the assumption that it did, but from what I read it just doesn't. 30 minutes is what you have, and all you will ever get. If 1/2 hour makes you happy, go for it.
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br /I am also missing some time. I rarely get all of my 30 minutes. There seems to be no rhyme or reason to how long I get.
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br /Apparently some folks wanted to tell me how stupid I was for thinking it would have a slot for a memory card in the first place, but it was actually in one of the product reviews I read where it specifically stated that it did. And yes, I thought "WOW! What a great price for something that will take a memory card!" I just wanted to clarify this for anyone who read that same review. No card. That's all. Kind of a neat little thing, but no card.

Product is fine, but never recieved the $20.00 off coupon the site said I would get.

great little camcorder for the price. Easy to use and stylish!