JVC Picsio GC-FM1

The JVC Picsio GC-FM1 and the Flip UltraHD are made in the same mould: they are both ultra-compact, budget camcorders designed to make the video experience as simple and seamless as possible. Their compact size and low price tag also mean a sacrifice in video quality: you'll find much better looking video from higher-end consumer camcorders.

Streamlining the process, however, means making is easier for people that might be a little intimidated by camcorder technology. And it means making something that can easily fit in your purse or pocket. If these are the main goals of these two camcorders, the Flip UltraHD triumphs over the Picsio. It's easier to use from the moment you record to the moment you upload to YouTube. The USB arm is built right into the camcorder, which makes it more convenient to hook up to your computer. We also prefer the AA-battery operation to the invisible internal battery of the Picsio. And, to be honest, the UltraHD is a better-looking device. We don't even like the aesthetics that much, but strange metallic look of the Picsio is... an acquired taste.

The Picsio does have some slightly superior video performance, but it also has that unreliable tele-macro switch that sometimes results in a half-blurry image. You might also prefer the SD-card recording media, as opposed to the internal memory of the UltraHD. And one significant advantage of the FM1 is its higher resolution (with 1080p recording) and its still photo capabilities. The Flip Ultra maxes out at 720p and can only record videos.

	Comparison Specs
	JVC GC-FM1	Flip UltraHD
Price	£163	£159,99
Primary Recording Media	SD/SDHC memory cards	8GB internal memory
Secondary Recording Media	34MB internal memory	None
Image Sensor	1/3.2-inch CMOS	1/4.5-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	Unknown	Unknown
Mic Input	None	None
LCD	2-inch	2-inch
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	100g with battery	170.1g with battery
Dimensions	53 x 97 x 17mm	56 x 108 x 30mm
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	1080/30p, 720/60p, 480/60p, 240/30p	720/30p
Compression	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Maximum Bitrate	Unknown	9 Mbps
Optical Zoom	None	None
Battery	Internal lithium-ion rechargeable (rechargeable via USB)	AA (ships w/ battery pack, rechargeable via USB arm)

Low Light Comparison
JVC GC-FM1	Flip UltraHD

Noise Score Comparison