RCA Small Wonder Traveler EZ210 Camcorder Review

Conclusion
We never expect much from these ultra-compact, easy-to-use, straight-to-YouTube camcorders (aside from lots of hyphens), but we're still waiting for a manufacturer to beat out the Flip Mino in video performance. The RCA EZ210, also known as the Small Wonder "Traveler," is not the camcorder we've been waiting for. Video is horribly marred by compression, exposure problems, motion trailing, and stuttering. And even though YouTube automatically compresses video a great deal, we know that the worse your original video is, the worse the final product will be.

But what really gets us is that the Traveler doesn't seem to be sacrificing video performance in order to gain something else. True, the price tag is $30 less, but you also have much more simplistic editing software, a less elegant design, and less responsive controls. About the only features that the Traveler offers over the Flip Mino are a more rugged exterior, removable SD card recording, and the ability to take still photographs—poor ones. The Traveler uses AA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable battery, but that could be seen as either a bonus or a disappointment.

It comes down to whether the Traveler can live up to its namesake. Is it a camcorder that you would take when you travel? We think the answer is no. It might be more durable than some of its rivals, but without the video performance needed to record sunny beaches or the shade of a monument, the Traveler might as well stay home.

Comparisons

	Pure Digital Flip Mino Let's face it: the Flip Mino is king for a reason. The small, sleek body is something you would want to show off at parties and the easy-to-use software lets you make simple movie edits and upload to YouTube in a jiffy. And although we weren't impressed with the Mino's video performance at first, it has consistently outperformed every other ultra-compact we've brought into the labs. And now, you can customize the look of your Mino too. For $180, there's no beating the Mino.
	Creative Vado If you want to spend the least amount of money possible, the Vado is certainly an option. Its performance doesn't match up to the Flip Mino, but it's about on par with the RCA Traveler. Some people might not like the cheap plastic-y feel of the Vado, but the Traveler costs $50 more and the only thing you'll get is a little added durability.
	Kodak Zi6 The Kodak Zi6 takes the idea of a cheap, simple product and adds to it the ability to record low quality high definition video. The Zi6 certainly outperforms the RCA Traveler, but has better sharpness and color than the Flip Mino too. If you plan on uploading to YouTube, you're probably better off with the Flip; if you plan to use a site that supports HD video, the Kodak is certainly a good option. But in either case, you probably don't want the RCA Traveler.
	RCA 300HD (Small Wonder HD) Among the various models in the Small Wonder lineup, there is also a high definition option, called the 300HD. It looks a lot slicker than the clunky Traveler and probably shoots better video—though we haven't tested it out yet. If you are uploading to YouTube and only require standard definition video, you may as well go with the Flip. If the possibility of HD intrigues you, it might be worth checking out the 300HD to see how it compares to the Kodak.

Who It’s For

Point-and-Shooters
The entire Small Wonder series is specifically designed with the point-and-shoot consumer in mind. There is no easy mode on the Traveler—the whole camcorder is one big easy mode. But while it is certainly easy to use, so is the competition... and with better performance to boot.

Budget Consumers
At $150, this is the recession special. But why not spend $30 more to get the significantly superior Flip Mino? Or spend $50 less to get the Creative Vado, which may look a feel like a toy, but it's give you comparable, if not better video.

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
In terms of color accuracy and noise, the Traveler isn't bad. But the incredibly low quality stills that are produced simply aren't up to snuff. Plus, the problems that plague the Traveler in video performance appear in still photos as well—especially the horrible oversaturation.

Gadget Freaks
There isn't much to love for gadget freaks. There's an inaccessible USB arm under the ridiculous "carrying handle" and there's the poor excuse for a "self-record mirror." Gadget freaks will not love the Traveler.

Manual Control Freaks
There is absolutely nothing to appeal to manual control enthusiasts.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
About the only thing that can be said for the Traveler is that it is durable. Only pros that plan to put their camcorders through serious trials would be interested. Mythbusters, anyone?