Are you thinking about getting one of those new mini high-definition camcorders smaller than a cell phone, such as the Flip Mino Ultra HD or Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera? Their tiny size and ability to record crystal clear video with great sound opens up a whole new range of possibilities. These great little gadgets are less than 0 but give you a high definition camcorder with one-touch recording and digital zoom that can fit into your pocket. Plus, USB connectivity makes uploading videos to YouTube or sending emails of graduation or baby's first step a snap. But this is not a product review, this article is about providing you with ideas on how to get the maximum potential out of your new gizmo--for fun and profit!
1. Digitally record your photographs for posterity. As our relatives get older and pass on, many precious items like old photographs are often tucked away in photo albums where they have started to fade or yellow with age and even crumble, or become lost or stored and never seen again. The next time you take your family to visit your great aunt, pop out the mini video camera and capture those images in HD! Add some titles and music and you have a great family keepsake!
2. Create a video inventory of your household goods. Use your pocket cam to document your valuables for insurance purposes.
3. Create games on the road. On the next family road trip use these small video cameras to create fun games like memory (record different objects in the car or on the road and have the kids look at the video quickly then try to remember what they saw) or a guessing game (partially record something, like the edge of a book or the closeup of a car key and see if anyone can guess what's in the image!)
4. Break out your personal shopping assistant. Use your camera at the department store to record the outfits or shoes you try on. Look at your video online or on TV to help you make the best fashion decision. Send the video to your friends or family and get their two-cents as if they were right there with you at the store.
5. Improve yourself. Use your tiny camcorder to record yourself in just about any setting. Need to rehearse a presentation or performance on the fly? Record yourself quickly with one-touch operation and fix anything that needs last minute brushing up.
6. Real time mirror. Don't have a mirror or forgot to bring one? Use your camcorder to check yourself from head to toe.
7. Convert your camera into a periscope. Use your camera to see around corners and into spaces that are physically out of reach. Trying to locate the source of a rodent infestation? Cracks in the foundation of your house? Need to see on top of a shelf you can't reach? Attach your mini cam to a broom handle or other object shaped to fit where you need to reach and the problem is solved!
8. Make a video note card. Taking a photo can be useful if you want to remember something. But what about harnessing the power of image, sound and motion by recording the things you want to remember, from a song you hear playing while in a certain store to the secret route to a lovely restaurant or bookstore you found while on a walk.
9. Become a news reporter. If you happen to find yourself in the middle of a breaking news story, film it and send the footage to a television station. (If it's exclusive, you might be able to get some cash for the video.)
10. Record live performances. Create your own personal concert library of live bands or spoken word performances from live acts you might not see again. Make sure you check with management that recording is okay--It often is!
11. Turn into a private-investigator. Use the size of these little recorders to your advantage by setting up an unobtrusive surveillance system when you have to leave your belongings for a short while. Use it in your car, at your office, at home or on the road and protect yourself!
12. Protect your child. When you go out to a public place, make a video of your little one, what they are wearing and carrying, in case you get separated.
You could advertise and offer to do most of these services for others and make a tidy profit for yourself at the same time. These are only a few things you can do for fun and profit with these powerful recording devices. Use your creativity and the sky is the limit!
