With the recent updating of Apple's iPod line of portable music players, many were surprised to find the lack of a photo/video camera in the latest models of the popular iPod touch. Given the recent addition of video recording capability to the iPhone 3GS, many predicted it would be a given that Apple would add a video camera to the iPod touch. Instead, Apple decided to add the video recording feature to its new generation of the iPod Nano, even going so far as to pit the new Nano against the most popular pocket camcorders available now, setting the stage for what will surely be a new battle to see who can come out ahead in the pocket video recorder marketplace.

Playing up the size, features, and price of the Nano, Apple went straight for the jugular of such popular products as the Flip Mino line of camcorders, as well as other offerings from the likes of Kodak, Sony, and Creative. Can the new Nano hold its own against the competition? We put it to the test to find out.

Right out of the box, there is no doubt that Apple has packed a lot of features into such a small package. The new Nano looks virtually the same as the previous model, with the addition of a slightly larger screen, and of course the tiny camera that is now housed in the back of the device. Though the camera will not take still photos, it does a very good job handling casual recording needs. The device also features a built-in microphone and speakers for the recording and playback of sound as well. Admittedly, the microphone could be a little more sensitive, but when recording with a subject closer to the device, rather than standing further away from it, the sound quality is perfectly reasonable. It also gives a fairly good picture, though in low light environments, there is a noticeable difference in quality. The device controls for recording video have proven to be a bit awkward for some, with reports of users finding their fingers or thumbs straying into the frame while shooting. It is a problem easily overcome, however, by simply rotatiing the Nano on its side, and holding the device from the side opposite the camera while shooting. Some have also complained that the Nano cannot shoot video in HD, like some of the cameras offered by its competitors, but that doesn't seem to be the market Apple was targeting with this release of the product. No, Apple's market for this device will be for the person who wants to have the ability to take casual videos while on the go, and maybe share those videos with family and friends online later, someone who would like to consolidate the number of devices they have to carry, rather than being loaded down with numerous gadgets. Though the new Nano can't compete with the HD models of pocket camcorders, it holds up very well to those that record standard definition video, that can be easily uploaded to such sites as YouTube and Facebook once synched back with the owner's computer.