You . . . the Next YouTube Star?

Web-ready video cams too pricey? Too tricky?
Not anymore. Next generation video cam
Blasts through these barriers

If you’re tuned into the online world at all, you’ve been astounded by the recent growth of online video sites like YouTube. When search giant Google purchased YouTube for $1.6 billion it was an amazing vote of confidence that online video is not a passing fad.

Still, you may have wondered just how you could take advantage of it.

After all, if digital still cameras are north of $200, the kind of camera that can capture digital video has to be even pricier. Plus, the last thing you need is another gadget that requires a technical degree to understand, or the dexterity of a brain surgeon to implement.

Well you just might be in for a surprise.

On a recent trip to Costco, I discovered something that blew me away: A point and click video camera for under $100 that can turn you into the next YouTube star.

Its called the Point and Shoot Video Camcorder from Pure Digital Technologies, and it may be the opening salvo in a cavalcade of easy to use video cams for the YouTube generation. Imagine, a video camera that:

• Doesn’t use tapes
• Doesn’t use expensive confusing rechargeable batteries.
• Transfers recorded video easily to your computer
• Comes with a minimum of controls for easy operation

Well, you don’t have to imagine it. The Point and Shoot can record up to 30 minutes of video on its built in memory that you can transfer easily to your home computer via the built in USB connector. It runs for about two hours on traditional AA batteries (dirt cheap when bought in bulk at Costco).

You can even upgrade to 1GB of memory for a solid hour of video.

If you’re on a PC, the file transfer software automatically appears when you connect the camera to your computer to transfer the files. If you’re on a Mac, you do need to install the software separately, but that’s still a pretty basic operation. You can also take your camera to a CVS drug store and walk out with a standard DVD of your footage. The process takes about an hour and runs $10-$15 bucks.

But most importantly, this camera makes it easy to take advantage of the burgeoning online video scene. Simply point, shoot, transfer your video to your computer and upload. And since the most successful online video is obviously shot by amateurs, you can check your 70mm widescreen perfectionism at the door.

Yes, these cameras do have a few drawbacks:

• As we just said, picture quality is nice but not eye-popping. Nice for the web, but may not be the best for precious family memories.
  
  
• Audio is through a built-in mic, so you’ll have to speak loudly and avoid noisy environments with a lot of competing noise.
  
  
• There are a few issues with format compatibility on a Mac, so Mac users will want to contact Pure Digital Technologies to see if those have been ironed out before buying.
  
  
• And the 2x digital zoom reportedly creates more problems than it solves.

However, this inexpensive, fun little gadget is designed to blast away the ease of use and affordability barriers that stand between you and the exciting online digital world.

Early adapters of the web also had a lot of issues to deal with. But many of them are wealthy because the chose to jump in before conditions were perfect.

The suggested retail price is $129, but you can find it for less if you shop around. The model I spotted at Costco went for $89.95.

If you’ve thought of testing the online video waters, this little baby may be just the thing that gets you to jump in.