I've been trying to do research and play with this and other mini-camcorders(above water) to come to some decision. I could use some additional input. What advantage does the JVC or flip for that matter have over a point and shoot camera that can record 720p video at 30fps? Would the focal lenght of the camera make it a better choice, or do these mini-rigs shoot video that is that much better? The point and shoot camera I was playing with was a Canon SD780.
Cmaha, that's the quandary. For ~$160, cameras like the Flip have a slight price advantage, if you can do without optical zoom lenses, flashes, image stabilization, more settings, etc. Since they have small, fixed lenses, they also tend to be pretty fast ones too, the Flip has an f/2.4 lens, which can help in low light. These flash camcorders are also really easy to use, and typically come with video editing/uploading software built in. The Flip also comes with 8GB flash built in, saving you a $30 or so of buying an SD card.
For about $100 more, you can get a real kickass pocket camera with a 24-100 or 28-120 image stabilized zoom lens and video quality that is probably at least on par with the Flip. And it shoots real pictures. IMO, as the months/weeks roll by, the strict economics continue to swing steadily in favor of the digicam.
But you can't deny that the flash cameras are really gaining popularity. I think it has something to do with the idea of "doing one thing and doing it well." There's also something to be said for simplicity. Lastly, for the same price I wouldn't just walk into a Costco and buy a Canon Powershot. But for some reason, I have fewer qualms about picking up a Flip and duct taping it to the grille of my car to video the drive home
For underwater video, I keep harping on one thing - unless you're trying to shoot close-up (and the minimum focal distance of the Flip is still too far for true macro), the lenses on these flash camcorders just aren't wide enough without a converter, and those things aren't cheap. You can get acceptably wide shots without a converter using the wide angle lens of a 24mm or 28mm digicam, which really makes up for any extra that the digicam.
