You've accurately listed the top 3 products in this category.

None of the products in this category perform well in low light. This is a relativity new product line and just like when pocket sized digital still cameras were released, manufacturers need a little time to implement the features that will make these a viable alternative to larger units.

My suggestion is that you try out each of these at a retail store where the sales people are commissioned. Take each one off of the security strings and try them in the "back room" where you'll easily be able to find dark spots and irregular light.

Those digital word wizards over at Engadget mention 3 products and one possibility.

These cameras are all currently tied for "first place" in the reviews of Cnet and others. The review sites do however easily concede that there are still improvements to be made in this niche.

In my opinion, Creative's Vado HD 720p pocket camcorder looks like the best one.
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadgethd.com/media/2008/12/12-9-08-vado-hd-handson.jpg

This review (http://www.gearlog.com/2008/12/hands-on_creative_vado_hd.php) mentions a few important qualities:
"The screen size is the same--still the largest of this camcorder genre. This fact is especially important in light of the improved video quality: When you're shooting in HD, the image letterboxes because of the different aspect ratio. The camcorder has three video settings--VGA, HD, and HD+. The improved video quality is definitely noticeable in preliminary tests."

Other contenders in the mini-hd camcorder arena include:

Flip Mino
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/11/puredigitalflipminohd-withlaptop.jpg

Kodak's Zi6
http://www.blogcdn.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/09/9-29-08-kodak_zi6.jpg

While the round edges and pink color may be in-line with wardrobe choices, the Kodak unit is likely the least attractive of the bunch.

However, Red has started a whisper campaign for a "pocket professional": http://www.engadget.com/2008/01/02/red-to-unveil-the-scarlet-pocket-professional-camera-at-nab/ . Red is well known for creating the absolute best HD cameras and while a "pocket professional" could be a DSLR, it's conceivable that it could be a mini-hd as well.

Personally, I like to be the coolest kid on the block with gadgets like this, so I'd likely wait until the second quarter when Red will release more information. If they do release a mini-hd... everyone at every conference you go to will want a peek at it.

Regardless, the coolest gadgets in this arena come from Asia. If you happen to have a contact over there near one of their super-mega-electronics malls, it would be well worth the back-and-forth of a few digital pics and shipping to bring one over.

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