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On the heels of the success of the disposable cameras, drugstore giant CVS Corporation is going to begin selling single-use, disposable digital camcorders.
Retailing for about $30, the camcorder will work on the same premise as disposable cameras. A camcorder with about 20 minutes of recording time can be used, and when finished can be taken to CVS. The person will then receive a DVD with the recorded images for about a $12.99 processing fee. Pure Digital will be the company producing the DVD mini-lab machines - similar to the one-hour photo processing machines already in use.
Such a single-use camcorder has some advantages. It weighs only 5 ounces, making it much lighter than more expensive camcorders. Further, it can be used more often outdoors, where it may be more dangerous to use an expensive camcorder.
There are drawbacks to this concept, though. Since many photo-capable cell phones are also equipped to record simple digital movies, there may not be much of a market for this type of product. It is assumed, though, that a product like this would be useful for people looking to record small pieces (such as Junior's baseball game or parts of a wedding reception) without the hassle of carrying around a heavy, expensive camcorder.
As a sign of things to come, Target Corporation will be testing a similar product in the coming year.
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