Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Checking Our List #3: RCA Small Wonder HD Digital Camcorder {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Mrs.Smitty!}

When I was a kid, I did gymnastics. I can remember my mom faithfully coming to my meets to watch me tumble through my floor exercise or cringe while I wobbled on the balance beam. Ah, those were the days.

I can also recall the time that she lugged a massive video camera to one meet in an attempt to preserve some of my young athleticism on record. I'm pretty sure the camcorder itself weighed as much as she did... and I seem to remember some sort of mishap connected with it being up on a tripod. Needless to say, I don't think I ever saw that tape.

Times sure have changed now, haven't they? As a mom I don't want to miss a single highlight of my kids' lives and pretty much want to be ready at a moment's notice to record everything from their laughter and joy while playing to the smiles of pride of their new accomplishments. Fortunately, Audiovox and their high quality, well-known brand, RCA, make that completely possible with their EZ209HD Small Wonder High Definition Digital Camcorder.

Arriving in a modern, simple box, right away I liked that I could flip open the front and see not only the camcorder itself but a great deal of information about it was listed right inside the flap.

Taking the camcorder, cords, carrying case and wrist strap out of the packaging, all that was needed to do in order to start recording was plug the Small Wonder in to ensure it was fully charged.

Accessing the USB port on the side was easy, I simply flipped up the rubber cover and plugged the charger right in. When I returned to look at it later, the camcorder had a full battery and was ready to go.

Heading outside to play with the kids, I tossed the Small Wonder in my pocket (it measures 4.3" x 2.5" x 0.9" and only weighs 11.2 ounces, so the slim design fits great into pretty much anywhere you want to carry it) and waited until they were happily immersed in a patch of sand and dirt to examine things further.

Without having looked at the directions, the clear labels and simple point-and-shoot capabilities of the Small Wonder made it straightforward and easy to aim and record without having to do more than push one button.

By sliding the power switch (you sort of pull it down and hold it for a second), all of the information that I needed to know was right there on the 2" screen. One glance and I could see the mode (video, camera or playback), the recording quality (there are 3 levels of resolution) and how much battery and time was remaining.

I was surprised to see that I only had about 5½ minutes of time, but, after checking the manual, found that the EZ209HD Small Wonder features 256MB of internal memory on its own and has a Micro SD card slot on the top that can expand the memory up to 16 GB. Once that card is in place, you actually have 8 hours of HD recording and even more in the lower resolution sizes.

As I'm one of those people that takes video and then just leaves it sitting on the camera, having eight hours of space is great! That means I still have 7 hours and 59 minutes to fill up with more of this, right?


But that wasn't all. One of the features that I especially like about the Small Wonder is that as well as a camcorder, it takes photographs. By pressing the Photo button once, it told me that it was "Preparing for photo mode" and then a second later it was ready. As there is no option for a flash, of course, I probably wouldn't use this in low lighting situations...

But the fact that we were outside and I had it in my hand made it possible to catch one of my new favorite pictures of Fall:

What a great way to have both action and still shots available all in one small device! Plus, with the possibility of moving the micro SD card out to a phone or other camera, this camcorder becomes conveniently cross-compatible.

When I was done recording the fun outside, I came back in to find multiple options of how to view my video. I could watch it right on the large LCD screen in playback mode, connect the Small Wonder to my television with the provided cable or download onto my computer using the USB cord.

There is even Memory Manager software built right into this camcorder so, depending on your computer and its processing system, any downloading and editing to be done is just as easy as the recording. Then just pop this back into your pocket or purse or diaper bag and never miss a moment!

Although I had a few slight issues with the RCA Small Wonder High Definition Digital Camcorder (mainly that I felt the zoom was choppy, that there is no way to stand it up on its own due to the rounded bottom and that when I first uploaded my videos they had odd spots that seemed to be in fast-forward), it really is extremely portable and very handy to take along to capture events that you otherwise wouldn't with a traditional video camera.

With a retail price of $149.99 (but found much lower on various websites, including RCA itself at a steal for $89.99), this camcorder would make an amazing gift for pretty much anyone on your list. Do you know someone who might like to take great HD videos anytime, anywhere? Thanks to the generosity of Audiovox, one person will be able to make their holiday wishes come true, because...

One lucky person will win an RCA EZ209HD Small Wonder High Definition Digital Camcorder from Audiovox!

To enter to win: Visit Audiovox and tell me another of their innovative items that you would love to own.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you head over to A Mom's Balancing Act and enter to win an awesome 7" Portable DVD Player from Audiovox!
1 Extra Entry (per method) if you sign up for news and offers from RCA, follow them on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook. 1 more Extra Entry if you leave the following message on their wall: I just entered to win an RCA Small Wonder High Definition Camcorder at Thanks, Mail Carrier - what a perfect holiday gift! http://bit.ly/bBZJ1d
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the Holiday Gift Guide giveaways (Checking Our List giveaways ONLY) running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Checking Our List 3: WIN an RCA Small Wonder High Definition Digital Camcorder ($150)! #thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/bBZJ1d #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email or become a fan on Facebook.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you have our Checking Our List {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Audiovox. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on November 26th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to Audiovox for providing an RCA EZ209HD Small Wonder High Definition Digital Camcorder for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

2445 comments:

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Jenn said... 1

I was cracking up reading your post remembering our first video camera when I was a kid. It was *HUGE* and had a tripod, just like you mentioned. And I think my dad had to actually carry the VCR in a bag over his shoulder for it to record to the tape inside or something. We had that thing forever...and we thought it was SO COOL.

I don't have a video camera and would love to win this one so I can get some decent video of the kids instead of using my cheapy little phone. But I also like their home audio stuff ~ we need to get an iPod dock/speakers for the house, too.

ShadowsTomes said... 2

I would get the ECCO
Personal navigation device! This would save me so much time spent finding the car after I've forgotten where I parked!
must.read.faster@gmail.com

RaettigFamily said... 3

I really like the DPF708 7 inch digital picture frame. I have been looking for one of these!

Jus and Kat said... 4

Wow, I would love to own the VOD129 overhead mobile tv for my car.

Frugal Couponing Mommy said... 5

I am a new follower via welcome wednesday blog hop. please follow me back at www.frugalcouponingmommy3.blogspot.com

Jus and Kat said... 6

I entered the Audiovox giveaway over at A Mom's Balancing Act.

Jus and Kat said... 7

I entered your Little Tikes giveaway.

j868jenn said... 8

Love the post - I'd love a portable TV by Audiovox

Haven said... 9

I also would like to have the portable dvd player or tv!

Haven said... 10

entered on a mom's balancing act

Haven said... 11

signed up to rca's emails

Haven said... 12

follow rca on twitter @HavensTwit

Haven said... 13

like rca on fb Tee Jay

Haven said... 14

posted on their fb

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=446648250372&id=16908765372

Haven said... 15

follow on twitter & tweeted

http://twitter.com/HavensTwit/status/29585016098

Haven said... 16

gfc follower 1

Haven said... 17

gfc follower 2

Haven said... 18

RSS subscribe 1

Haven said... 19

RSS subscribe 2

Haven said... 20

email subscribe ducks.are.people.too at gmail dot com 1

Haven said... 21

email subscribe ducks.are.people.too at gmail dot com 2

Haven said... 22

fb fan 1 Tee Jay

Haven said... 23

fb fan 2 Tee Jay

Haven said... 24

have your button havensinformer.blogspot.com 2

Haven said... 25

have your button havensinformer.blogspot.com 3

Haven said... 26

have holiday button havensinformer.blogspot.com 1

Haven said... 27

have holiday button havensinformer.blogspot.com 3

Haven said... 28

blogged 1

http://havensinformer.blogspot.com/2010/11/113-giveaways.html

Haven said... 29

blogged 2

http://havensinformer.blogspot.com/2010/11/113-giveaways.html

Haven said... 30

blogged 3

http://havensinformer.blogspot.com/2010/11/113-giveaways.html

Haven said... 31

entered checking list giveaway 1

Haven said... 32

entered checking list giveaway 2

bukaeyes said... 33

I would love to own the Audiovox 9 Inch Digital Photo Frame
bukaeyes@aol.com

Niurka said... 34

I like the RC59I
Clock radio with built-in iPod dock


tainalatina1980@yahoo.com

Niurka said... 35

http://twitter.com/lindalatina/status/29587587914

tainalatina1980@yahoo.com

Niurka said... 36

subscribe

tainalatina1980@yahoo.com

Anonymous said... 37

I woukd love to own one of their digital picture frames
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

bukaeyes said... 38

I follow RC on Twitter @bukaeyes

bukaeyes said... 39

I like RCA on Facebook (Betsy Hoff)
bukaeyes@aol.com

bukaeyes said... 40

I signed up for the RCA Newsletter
bukaeyes@aol.com

bukaeyes said... 41

I follow you on Twitter @bukaeyes and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/bukaeyes/status/29587737828
bukaeyes@aol.com

Billie said... 42

I would get the Lyra MP3 player. kekagel(at)yahoo.com

bukaeyes said... 43

I entered your Little Tikes Giveaway
bukaeyes@aol.com

bukaeyes said... 44

1. I follow on GFC as bukaeyes
bukaeyes@aol.com

bukaeyes said... 45

2. I follow on GFC as bukaeyes
bukaeyes@aol.com

bukaeyes said... 46

1. I'm an EMail Subscriber
bukaeyes@aol.com

bukaeyes said... 47

2. I'm an EMail Subscriber
bukaeyes@aol.com

bukaeyes said... 48

1. I like you on Facebook (Betsy Hoff)
bukaeyes@aol.com

bukaeyes said... 49

2. I like you on Facebook (Betsy Hoff)
bukaeyes@aol.com

Cheri said... 50

I'd love a digital picture frame - still don't have one of these and I REALLY want a couple of them! cheriliko@rogers.com

Cindy said... 51

OMG.. did you see the talk and set voice recognition alarm clock?!? I SOO need that!! I wonder if it stops when you say shut the he- - up?! Just curious..

I need this too ... you'll be seeing a lot of me on here :)

Julie said... 52

I would love the Audiovox VE927 9" Kitchen TV

Cheri said... 53

follow via GFC cheriliko@rogers.com

Cheri said... 54

2 follow via GFC cheriliko@rogers.com

Cheri said... 55

1 subscribe via email cheriliko@rogers.com

Cheri said... 56

2 follow via email cheriliko@rogers.com

Cindy said... 57

now why do you have to go and send me somewhere else to enter at the beginning... I have short term issues and I might forget what I'm doing... ok.. I entered and now I have to remember to GO BACK and try and win that too! ..

oopsy... left off my email addy above... love2bgigi@gmail.com :)

Cheri said... 58

fan on FB Cheri S-H cheriliko@rogers.com

Cheri said... 59

2 fan on FB Cheri S-H cheriliko@rogers.com

Cindy said... 60

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you sign up for news and offers from RCA - Done!

love2bgigi@gmail.com

Billie said... 61

Signed up for news and offers from RCA. kekagel(at)yahoo.com

Cindy said... 62

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow them on Twitter -

done

love2bgigi@gmail.com

Billie said... 63

Follow RCA on Twitter. @rowellowl kekagel(at)yahoo.com

Cindy said... 64

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you Like them on Facebook.

done

love2bgigi@gmail.com

Billie said... 65

Like RCA on Facebook. kekagel(at)yahoo.com

Cindy said... 66

1 more Extra Entry if you leave the following message on their wall: I just entered to win an RCA Small Wonder High Definition Camcorder at Thanks, Mail Carrier - what a perfect holiday gift! http://bit.ly/bBZJ1d

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? I don't want anyone to know about this... competition is NOT my friend...

OK FINE!! I did it... under protest, but I did it! :)
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Kimberly said... 67

Love the Audiovox 8" digital picture frame.

Billie said... 68

Tweet http://twitter.com/#!/rowellowl/status/29588814196 kekagel(at)yahoo.com

Cindy said... 69

twitter follower :)
love2bgigi
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Kimberly said... 70

Entered to win 7" DVD player at Mom's Balancing Act

Cindy said... 71

SERIOUSLY... did we not have this discussion on the Keurig?? Tweeting will drive people here and I don't want that LOL

http://twitter.com/#!/love2bgigi/status/29588793178

love2bgigi@gmail.com

Kimberly said... 72

Signed up for news and offers from RCA

Kimberly said... 73

Follow RCA Scoop on twitter (@kcoud33)

Kimberly said... 74

Like RCA on Facebook.

Cindy said... 75

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect - now this is more like it....

love2bgigi@gmail.com

GFC Follower :)

Cindy said... 76

GFC follower
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Cindy said... 77

RSS feed

love2bgigi@gmail.com

Cindy said... 78

RSS - yup
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Cindy said... 79

email subscriber - love2bgigi@gmail.com

Cindy said... 80

fan on Facebook
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Cindy said... 81

fb fan
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Kimberly said... 82

Posted about entering your contest on RCA's Facebook wall.

Cindy said... 83

3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.


it's adorable so I must have it!

http://cindyseesit.blogspot.com
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Cindy said... 84

button 2
http://cindyseesit.blogspot.com
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Cindy said... 85

#3
http://cindyseesit.blogspot.com
love2bgigi@gmail.com

Kimberly said... 86

Entered Neighborhood market giveaway.

Kimberly said... 87

Follow you via GFC 1

Kimberly said... 88

Follow you via GFC 2

Kimberly said... 89

RSS subscriber 1

Kimberly said... 90

RSS subscriber 2

tieleedee36 said... 91

I would love to own a Audiovox VE727 7" Kitchen TV

Kimberly said... 92

Like you on Facebook 1

Cindy said... 93

Checking Our List is at
http://cindyseesit.blogspot.com

love2bgigi@gmail.com

Kimberly said... 94

Like you on Facebook 2

Show Me Mama said... 95

I would love the Back Up Monitors
showmemama at ymail dot com

Erika said... 96

I would love to get the Portable audio system with built-in dock for iPod and iPhone!

tieleedee36 said... 97

I follow @http://twitter.com/#!/tieleedee36

tieleedee36 said... 98

I tweeted @http://twitter.com/#!/tieleedee36/status/29589796114

Anonymous said... 99

I entered the portable DVD player giveaway
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said... 100

I follow RCA on Twitter @michellemx6
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said... 101

I entered the little tikes market
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Erika said... 102

I entered the Audiovox giveaway at A Mom's balancing Act!

Erika said... 103

I signed up for news & offers from RCA

Erika said... 104

I follow RCA on FB

Erika said... 105

I follow RCA on Twitter

Anonymous said... 106

I follow you on Twitter @michellemx6 and tweeted
https://twitter.com/michellemx6/status/29590251598
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Erika said... 107

I posted on their FB wall

Erika said... 108

I follow you / Tweet: http://twitter.com/Erika105/status/29590382051

Erika said... 109

follow with GFC

Anonymous said... 110

I follow through google connect
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Erika said... 111

follow with GFC

Erika said... 112

subscribe to RSS feed

Anonymous said... 113

I follow through gfc 2

Erika said... 114

subscribe to RSS feed

Erika said... 115

subscribe to email

Anonymous said... 116

I subscribe to emails 1
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said... 117

I sub to emails 2

Erika said... 118

subscribe to email

Erika said... 119

FB fan

Erika said... 120

FB fan

Anonymous said... 121

I like you on facebook 1
Michelle mu**** ix
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said... 122

I like you on facebook 2

Anonymous said... 123

Button on my blog
Sweettattletales.blogspot.com
Jessandshelly@gmail.com

Anonymous said... 124

Button on blog 2

Erika said... 125

entered Little Tikes

Anonymous said... 126

Button on blog 3

Erika said... 127

entered Hearthsong

Julie said... 128

Follow on GFC (1)

Julie said... 129

Follow on GFC (2)

Julie said... 130

Follow by email (1)

Julie said... 131

Follow by email (2)

Julie said... 132

fAN ON fb (1)

Julie said... 133

FAN ON fb (2)

Julie said... 134

entered to win Portable DVD Player from Audiovox @ A Mom's Balancing Act

cloud10277 said... 135

I'd like to have the SDSP5V1
Sportster 5 Dock & Play receiver with PowerConnect.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 136

I entered the A Mom's Balancing Act 7" Portable DVD Player from Audiovox giveaway.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 137

I signed up for news and offers from RCA.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 138

I follow RCA on Twitter
@cloud10277
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 139

I "LIKE" RCA on Facebook
Tracy P
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 140

I left a comment on RCA's Facebook page.
Tracy P
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 141

I entered the Checking Our List Little Tikes giveaway.
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 142

I follow you on Twitter
@cloud10277
Tweeted:
http://twitter.com/#!/cloud10277/status/29591999758
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 143

Entry #1
I follow with GFC
Tracy P
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 144

Entry #2
I follow with GFC
Tracy P
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 145

Entry #1
I "LIKE" you on Facebook
Tracy P
cloud10277@hotmail.com

cloud10277 said... 146

Entry #1
Email subscriber
cloud10277@hotmail.com

J.E. said... 147

I would love to have their FPE709
7 inch portable digital television. I actually got some great gift ideas for the husband while visiting their site.

jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Anonymous said... 148

i would love to own the ECCO
Personal navigation device

Anonymous said... 149

#1 i follow you on GFC

Anonymous said... 150

#2 i follow you on GFC

J.E. said... 151

I signed up for RCA's newsletter.

jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Anonymous said... 152

#1 subscriber by email

Anonymous said... 153

#2 subscriber by email

J.E. said... 154

I follow them on twitter- @jmeelle

jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Anonymous said... 155

#1 i like you on facebook
fb name albertdana arsenault

Anonymous said... 156

#2 i like you on facebook
fb name albertdana arsenault

J.E. said... 157

I like them on fB- jemme elle

jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Megsp22 said... 158

I would love to get the little portable television.... Love it!!!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

J.E. said... 159

I left the mssg on their fB wall- jemme elle

jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Megsp22 said... 160

Also entered your Little Tykes Holiday giveaway!!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said... 161

I follow you publicly on GFC!!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said... 162

Follow you GFC -2-

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said... 163

Email subscriber :)

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

J.E. said... 164

I entered the Little Tikes "Checking our List" #1 giveaway.

jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Megsp22 said... 165

Email subscriber -2-

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Megsp22 said... 166

Fan of yours on facebook!!

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

For Our Family said... 167

I like the VE727
7 inch under counter flat panel LCD television

Megsp22 said... 168

Fan on facebook -2-

meagan.paullin@yahoo.com

Anonymous said... 169

I like their Lyra MP3 Players!
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said... 170

google friend #1
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said... 171

google friend #2
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

For Our Family said... 172

Follow on GFC #1

Anonymous said... 173

subscribe to rss feed #1
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

For Our Family said... 174

Follow on GFC #2

Anonymous said... 175

subscribe to rss feed #2
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said... 176

email subscriber #1
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said... 177

email subscriber #2
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said... 178

i follow you on twitter and tweeted
http://twitter.com/#!/DayLeeDana/status/29592911032

Anonymous said... 179

FB fan - Becky Leick Mijal
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said... 180

FB fan #2 - Becky Leick Mijal
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

Anonymous said... 181

i entered another giveaway little tikes

Anonymous said... 182

i entered another giveaway hearthsong

Anonymous said... 183

entered Little Tikes giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

stowelljg said... 184

The Audiovox D7104 7-inch portable DVD would be great because it has a 4-hour playback, which would be great on long trips. Thanks for the opportunity to win an RCA EZ209HD Small Wonder High Definition Digital Camcorder from Audiovox!

Anonymous said... 185

entered Hearthsong giveaway
info(at)mijalphotography(dot)com

stowelljg said... 186

I've entered the contest at A Mom's Balancing Act.

stowelljg said... 187

I am an e-mail subscriber.

stowelljg said... 188

I subscribe to news and offeres from RCA.

stowelljg said... 189

I follow RCS_Scoop on Twitter (@stowelljg).

stowelljg said... 190

I follow Thanks, Mail Carrier on Twitter (@stowelljg).

stowelljg said... 191

Tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/stowelljg/status/29593495202

stowelljg said... 192

I'm an e-mail subscriber (entry 2).

J.E. said... 193

I follow you on twitter~ http://twitter.com/jmeelle/status/29593535286

jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

J.E. said... 194

gfc Follower
1
jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

J.E. said... 195

gfc Follower
2
jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

J.E. said... 196

e-mail subscriber
1
jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

J.E. said... 197

e-mail subscriber
2
jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

J.E. said... 198

fB fan- jemme elle
1
jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

J.E. said... 199

fB fan- jemme elle
2
jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

J.E. said... 200

I have your 'Checking Our List' {Holiday Gift Guide 2010} button up on my blog. jefam.blogspot.com
1
jellerman(at)rocketmail(dot)com

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