The mini-video-camera revolution was born back in 2006 with Pure Digital's Flip, an inexpensive, no-nonsense, compact USB device that captured 640-by-480 VGA video that you could upload to a PC or to sharing sites like YouTube quickly and easily. While the Flip has become synonymous with this type of device, the category has grown by leaps and bounds with multiple entries from the likes of Kodak, Sony, Creative, and others. And these cameras keep getting better: These days they all record HD video, while some capture high-resolution still images, and come with extra features like touch screens and in-camera effects.

You shouldn't expect the same features you'd get with a full-size, dedicated camcorder, however. Very few of these devices include an optical zoom lens, and only some of them include image stabilization, or a macro mode, for example. If those are must-have features, you should check out a full-blown camcorder, a point-and-shoot digital camera, or a D-SLR that shoots HD video.

On the other hand, most pocket camcorders do include an easy-to-use, retractable USB arm, a decent-size screen, and on-board upload and viewing software. Many of them, like our current Editors' Choice, the Sony Bloggie Touch, capture full 1080p HD video in a variety of frame rates. Currently, Flip models top out at 720p, but if all you want to do is share your video online, or watch it on your computer or HDTV, they should do just fine.

While they're not for everyone, a pocket camcorder can be the perfect solution if you want to catch life's memorable impromptu moments but don't want to tote—or spring for—a large, expensive dedicated camcorder, or fuss with its sometimes-complicated controls. All of the cameras here are dead simple to use, capture good-quality, high-resolution video, and they'll slide right into your pocket. Best of all, many of them ring up for less than $200.

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