Plate or "Foot" Compactor? What's the right one for the job?

I have had some problems compacting base rock for smaller projects. I used a plate compacter that worked well in most areas, but I wasn't able to get good compaction in the corners.

I've seen the "foot" style compacters and wonder how sore I would be the morning after using one. It does not appear to me that they would do a good job over a large open area. The next pad we are planning on pouring is only about 80 sq ft.

Does anyone have any advice on which type of unit I should use to compact the base for this project?

Is there a way to do a good job in the corners with a plate compactor?