My favorite $70 camcorder

Because I produce how-to DVDs, I have a lot of video equipment - some of it quite expensive.

But my favorite video tool is a pocket-sized camcorder that cost me just $69.95.

With this camcorder, I click one button to shoot a video. Then click another button to put the video on my computer.

And with just one more click, my video can be posted to YouTube - where it can be seen by the world, and can be used to bring traffic to my web site.

To see an example a video that took me less than 5 minutes to shoot and upload to the web with this camcorder, check out //www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myzj6sxcsBU.

When you watch the video, keep in mind that I shot it with a $70 camcorder and it took me less 5 minutes from the time I shot it until I had it on the web.

This is the kind of tool every product developer should have - one that is easy to use, affordable and gives you the power to accomplish tasks in minutes that might otherwise take days.

The camera is the RCA Small Wonder camcorder. To see it in action, watch this video tour of my studio at //www.youtube.com/watch?v=MozL2UzWmbU.

Addendum: If you want to spend a little bit more and get a 'real' camcorder, I would suggest either the Canon ZR500 (available for $214) or the Canon Elura 100 (around $340).

Both of the Canon's mentioned above have the all important external microphone jacks, video stabilization, record to miniDV tape, and have have quality optics.

Either would be a great choice for producing your own YouTube or even 'how to' videos.