| Camcorders Reviews : High Definition |
 | Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)
works great! -- 2010-09-08
I bought this little video camera a couple of weeks ago. Purpose was to have something ultra portable which still records decent quality video. I have to say I'm quite pleasantly surprised, the video and audio quality is great! The battery will last 120min recording, but only if you don't keep replaying videos that you just shot. If you keep this in mind battery life shouldn't be an issue. I didn't test the software that was included, using my mac worked just as fine. The only drawback I could find was the zoom function which is very limited. But for the intended purpose it still works ok for me. Don't expect to get great shots of some object far away.
Ultra Flip Limited Life -- 2010-09-08
I loved the Ultra Flip when I first got it. It was easy to use. I could also upload videos with ease. However, it quit working after about six months. I tried to reset the camcorder as instructed, but it still doesn't work. I also tried recharging it. From what I have read, others have had similar problems. I don't know if I will buy another flip camera or not. However, I may have just purchased a lemon and might have better luck next time. The price was certainly good.
|
 | Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (Black) NEWEST MODEL
Great waterproof camera/video - but no flash! -- 2010-09-09
We love this camera, but it needs a flash to replace our regular camera. We've used it several times since we purchased it in May (the Great Barrier Reef, Grand Turk and our friends used it in Hawaii). It took wonderful day-time videos and pictures, and better than disposables underwater pictures and video when we figured out the proper setting. We've been able to take a ton of pictures on 8gb with a decent battery life. Our underwater videos would've gone much longer than our snorkleing dives, but were enjoyable to watch (you can only hold your breath for so long!).
WELL WORTH THE PRICE! BUT, it needs a flash for most indoor pictures/videos!
Better than the Flip! -- 2010-09-09
All of my sisters have a Flip, and I haven't been that impressed, so I figured I'd try the PlaySport. I've loved this thing! The first place I used it was at a waterpark and it goes underwater just fine! HD looks good on my 46" 1080p TV.
Pros:
-Build quality seems solid
-Waterproof!
-Uses SD cards for storage
-No USB switchblade that breaks easily like the Flips
-Good HD picture
Cons:
-Screen scratches fairly easily. I had it in my pockets for a few minutes with my keys and it got a few small scratches
-Picture quality isn't the best. Only 5MP, but I have an older camera that takes much better pictures at 5MP than this does
-Doesn't do really great in low-light situations, but I've seen worse.
Worth the money though. Best device on the market in this price range. Much better than the FlipVideo IMHO.
|
 | Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Black)
External Microphone jack came defective -- 2010-09-09
After a few days of testing the nice video features of the Zi8, I received an Amazon shipment with two microphones to be used with the Zi8, so I decided to test the external microphone sound.
The jack was defective and sound was not being recorded. Gain level remained at the 3rd or 4th line. Sometimes I was able to record, if I moved the 3.5mm plug about 1-1.5 mm out . I tested with four different microphones. Finally I decided to go for a RMA.
Video features of the Zi8 are very good, except in low-light conditions. The zoom is almost useless as the video at 3 or 4X becomes very grainy. On-board sound is not good either.
The problem is that while I expended $115 for this camcorder, I expended twice as much for accessories, some of them non-useful if I decide to buy another brand in the near future.
I never have problems with devices purchased and delivered from Amazon, but this camera was from Willoughbys. I thing there is some possibility that this camera was dispatched used or refurbished by Willoughbys. They should have made some functionality testing before shipping.
Kodak Zi8 Worth the money? Yes it is..... -- 2010-09-06
This is not a 4000.00 camcorder.
It's a pocket camcorder.
Good points
Shoots in HD
Editing software comes preloaded in camera.
Has Macro mode.
Good color balance.
Has more controls than just one big red button.
Image stabilization.
Looks good, feels good in the hand.
Standard tripod screw hole. 1/4" 20 thread pitch.
Digital zoom, which is better than nothing.
Works fantastic on a tripod.
Easy video upload to the internets. Yes I added an "S" to internet.
SD Card up to 32 GB.
Here's the best feature- IT HAS AN EXTERNAL MICROPHONE JACK!
You could actually use this for more than just stupid movie clips.
Caveat-Kodak is releasing a newer version of this camera that is about 1/2 as thick and about 1/2 as small.
You Will carry that camera every where.
Bad Point
The video is not as good as a $4000.00 camera.
But it's not a $4000.00 camera now is it?
It's dam* good for the money.
I would recommend it.
|
 | Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (White)
works great! -- 2010-09-08
I bought this little video camera a couple of weeks ago. Purpose was to have something ultra portable which still records decent quality video. I have to say I'm quite pleasantly surprised, the video and audio quality is great! The battery will last 120min recording, but only if you don't keep replaying videos that you just shot. If you keep this in mind battery life shouldn't be an issue. I didn't test the software that was included, using my mac worked just as fine. The only drawback I could find was the zoom function which is very limited. But for the intended purpose it still works ok for me. Don't expect to get great shots of some object far away.
Ultra Flip Limited Life -- 2010-09-08
I loved the Ultra Flip when I first got it. It was easy to use. I could also upload videos with ease. However, it quit working after about six months. I tried to reset the camcorder as instructed, but it still doesn't work. I also tried recharging it. From what I have read, others have had similar problems. I don't know if I will buy another flip camera or not. However, I may have just purchased a lemon and might have better luck next time. The price was certainly good.
|
 | Flip Ultra Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Black)
Fabulous for Family -- 2010-09-07
I LOVE this product. I am a very busy Mom with very busy kids. I took the camcorder out of the package and had it working in less than 5 minutes. It's so easy to use, my 5 yeara old does self-recordings with it! Great product, great size, and great price. File transfer is super easy too. I have recommended this to friends and they have purchased it also.
easy! -- 2010-09-03
i am technically challenged and this is a breeze
as a new Mom i can get it to operate really fast and
catch a moment in a pinch!
|
 | Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 2 Hours (Brushed Metal)
What a Piece of CR......AP! -- 2010-09-06
I have a very expensive Cannon GL and it is great for staged video but I need a easy portable camera for quick video with the children. I had seen the FLIP at the store and decided to try it. What a joke....the quick start says it ships with a partial charge, well the first one didn't so I took it back and got a second...it didn't, so I got a third. It did start and I was alb eto set the menu. I then plugged it in to get it a full charge...and it never came back to life! took it back...4th would not start and 5th worked fine. Shot video with it and when I needed to charge it, plugged it into the computer and...it never worked again. Should not be this hard to charge or connect. DONT BUY THIS CAMERA!
Why release products with such major flaws?????? -- 2010-09-03
Very disappointed with this product - it worked for about 2 minutes out of the box then has failed to charge. On reading online this is a widespread problem and one that has NOT been fixed with this model. The documentation is equally pathetic - the general consensus on how to fix this revolves around taking it apart - removing the battery pack - plugging it all back together when it starts to charge and then rinse and repeat until you get lucky. Not something you should really have to do with a brand new piece of kit. Cisco should do better than this......
|
 | Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (Blue) NEWEST MODEL
Great waterproof camera/video - but no flash! -- 2010-09-09
We love this camera, but it needs a flash to replace our regular camera. We've used it several times since we purchased it in May (the Great Barrier Reef, Grand Turk and our friends used it in Hawaii). It took wonderful day-time videos and pictures, and better than disposables underwater pictures and video when we figured out the proper setting. We've been able to take a ton of pictures on 8gb with a decent battery life. Our underwater videos would've gone much longer than our snorkleing dives, but were enjoyable to watch (you can only hold your breath for so long!).
WELL WORTH THE PRICE! BUT, it needs a flash for most indoor pictures/videos!
Better than the Flip! -- 2010-09-09
All of my sisters have a Flip, and I haven't been that impressed, so I figured I'd try the PlaySport. I've loved this thing! The first place I used it was at a waterpark and it goes underwater just fine! HD looks good on my 46" 1080p TV.
Pros:
-Build quality seems solid
-Waterproof!
-Uses SD cards for storage
-No USB switchblade that breaks easily like the Flips
-Good HD picture
Cons:
-Screen scratches fairly easily. I had it in my pockets for a few minutes with my keys and it got a few small scratches
-Picture quality isn't the best. Only 5MP, but I have an older camera that takes much better pictures at 5MP than this does
-Doesn't do really great in low-light situations, but I've seen worse.
Worth the money though. Best device on the market in this price range. Much better than the FlipVideo IMHO.
|
 | Flip SlideHD Camcorder, 4 Hours (White) NEWEST VERSION
Great video camera for baby boomers -- 2010-08-29
My daughter bought this camera for me for my birthday. It is easy to use and fun to share my photos and video with my family and friends. I carry it around in my pocket all the time, so I don't miss anything.
Interesting hybrid of camcorder and video player -- 2010-08-17
Flip pioneered the "instant camcorder" concept and has prospered by it.
Now that everybody else is piling in, Flip perceived a need to expand its space and came up with the SlideHD.
The basic Flip functionality is present: you can record up to 4 hours of truly gorgeous 720p HD video, Audio quality is acceptable if your subject is nearby and ambient noise isn't too loud. Low-light performance isn't great, but considering the physics involved, there is no surprise there. The minimum focal length of the lens is longer than I would like meaning you can't sit across a typical restaurant table and capture two adorable grandchildren being - well - adorable. The minimum focus distance is also a bit on the long side.
Bottom line is that the Flip SlideHD is a very good instant camcorder that is ready to go on a moment's notice. It is a lot faster to get a Flip into action than most dedicated camcorders, still cameras with a video capability and smartphones.
In terms of features and usage, the SlideHDis very different than other Flip models. It is the largest and heaviest of the entire line. Instead of a LCD screen and physical buttons on the back, there is a large LDC screen with graphical buttons. The onscreen buttons are very responsive. Speaker output is surprisingly loud, even if tinny. There's an HDMI output (no cable supplied), a standard tripod socket and a headphone jack.
The big feature though is that you slide the back of the unit and it tilts up to reveal a 3" touch sensitive screen and a capacitive slide panel below it. You can play back your videos or load up to 12 hours of video that has been converted with the included FlipShare software.
Is this useful or just a gimmick? I haven't really decided yet. The 3" screen is adequate for getting a better view of Little Junior playing soccer and, with some technically savvy manipulation on the conversion, can also be used to play back other video. Overall, I think the Slide feature is handy, but not vital.
The battery won't give you a full 4 hours, but compiling 4 hours of video in a single run is pretty difficult. Typical of Flip camcorders, there is an arm that plugs into your USB port. But I really prefer to use short USB cables instead of putting that kind of load on the Flip or my computer's USB ports.
Overall, I like the idea of the SlideHD, although I think the capability of using readily available AA batteries makes the UltraHD a more utilitarian camcorder, with half the capacity.
One thing is for sure: the Flip is still a leading contender in the niche they invented.
Jerry
|
 | Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (Purple) NEWEST MODEL
Great waterproof camera/video - but no flash! -- 2010-09-09
We love this camera, but it needs a flash to replace our regular camera. We've used it several times since we purchased it in May (the Great Barrier Reef, Grand Turk and our friends used it in Hawaii). It took wonderful day-time videos and pictures, and better than disposables underwater pictures and video when we figured out the proper setting. We've been able to take a ton of pictures on 8gb with a decent battery life. Our underwater videos would've gone much longer than our snorkleing dives, but were enjoyable to watch (you can only hold your breath for so long!).
WELL WORTH THE PRICE! BUT, it needs a flash for most indoor pictures/videos!
Better than the Flip! -- 2010-09-09
All of my sisters have a Flip, and I haven't been that impressed, so I figured I'd try the PlaySport. I've loved this thing! The first place I used it was at a waterpark and it goes underwater just fine! HD looks good on my 46" 1080p TV.
Pros:
-Build quality seems solid
-Waterproof!
-Uses SD cards for storage
-No USB switchblade that breaks easily like the Flips
-Good HD picture
Cons:
-Screen scratches fairly easily. I had it in my pockets for a few minutes with my keys and it got a few small scratches
-Picture quality isn't the best. Only 5MP, but I have an older camera that takes much better pictures at 5MP than this does
-Doesn't do really great in low-light situations, but I've seen worse.
Worth the money though. Best device on the market in this price range. Much better than the FlipVideo IMHO.
|
 | Sanyo VPC-FH1A Full HD Video and 8 MP Digital Photos (Black)
HD camcorder -- 2010-09-08
When I went out and experimented it on shoots, it did a fairly good job. But a camcorder with weak autofocus is a bug. Otherwise it is a good design, with a good assortment of features and fairly priced.
the best camera i've tried -- 2010-09-03
I tried a Sony, a Canon, and this Sanyo. The Sanyo is FAR AND AWAY the best camera of the three. It is simple to use and takes amazing video.
|
|
|
|
|