Skip to main content

Handheld Camcorders: Flip, VADO or Playsport

Handheld camcorders are totally under-rated.  People look at them and think, "I've already got a phone that takes videos."  What they don't realize is that these are not just a cheapo recording devices--they've got the power of a full-featured HD camcorder, but MUCH smaller and MUCH easier to use, for a fraction of the price.  Society has failed to see what handheld camcorders truly have to offer.

The Flip is no longer in production.  For that reason, prices are being cut.  In a year, they may not even provide service, but this camcorder DOES produce excellent quality video with very good sound quality and it IS very easy to use.
So now, Flips are selling at incredibly low prices; but not for long.  Check out the following two deals, which I highly recommend (Mom).

PROs

  • Great-grandma could use this--you're paying for simplicity (More simple than a "Mac.")
  • Start recording HD video in less then three seconds from power up.
  • Mac and PC compatible
  • No chord necessary--USB direct (+ HDMI w/ chord) 
  • Both offered for low, low prices right now.
  • 8GB of Flash memory (120 min. of HD recording)

CONs

  • No audio jack for professional recordings (but the native audio is phenomenal).
  • Since these HD Flips only offer only one level of picture quality: 720P [1280 x 720 60fps H.264/AVC with an MP4 file extension]; while this is good, the files obtained are quite large and time consuming to upload.  If you want to quickly share, consider a non-HD handheld camcorder.
  • You need to use the software to extract still images.
  • One sacrifice or simplicity is that the rechargeable batteries must be recharged inside of the camera.  This means that you can only use the camera for 2 hours before needing to recharge for 3-4 hours in a computer or 2 hours in an adapter. But if that doesn't bother you, then it's not an issue.
    • Have access to a computer all the time.
    • Don't take it to 2.5 hour-long dance recitals.
  • Typically a 3-5 year battery life.  (Only a 90-day warranty.)

Ultra Flip (Non-HD)


  • PERFECT for posting to the web. (640x480)
    • Get this one if you don't care about HQ, or you do care about low file size.
  • ONLY $40!
  • AA alkaline batteries (doesn't need the more powerful litiums.)
  • I've already purchased this one because the deal was to good to refuse.

UltraHD Flip (Generation?)

Click to see details

PROs


  • This is the one you want if you want both low cost and HQ.
    • $60 (BEST VALUE!)
  • This one and the non-HD one are kind of brick-shaped, so it can stand on its own without a tripod.
  • 6 hours of battery life* using the Flip Video AAA rechargeable Battery Pack (recharges when connected to USB); also supported by standard AAA lithium batteries.
  • Only one with premium AAC, stereo audio.

    *The official website says about battery life: "2 hours of recording time."


    MinoHD Flip (be sure to get the 3rd Gen.)

    Click to see details

    PROs


    • You will not find any easier-to-use, full-feature, HQ camcorder for this price!
    • Much thinner (even easier to transport than the Ultra).
    • Image stabilization (unique feature)
    • Flip Video Lithium-ion Battery
      Pack (included) or 3 AAA Lithium Batteries.
    • Today, it's selling on Buy.com for only $94!
      • THIS PRICE WILL NOT LAST.

    CONs

    • May not be able to stand up, on its own, like the UltraHD can.  But maybe it can.
    • May not be a snug fit in the underwater case. 
    • Reviews indicate that this one might be more likely to have problems after 6 months; it's always a gamble.  (Walmart reviews--they probably flushed it down the toilet or something.)
    • Unless you are using a laptop, the USB puts an inordinate strain on the the Flip while plugged in.

    Additional Flip Info


    • Flip Official Website
    • Compared Specs (difference between camera)
    • Perfect for vacations--non-stop action--and if you are ever going to do some underwater filming, this is the best I've seen in write ups. Check out this underwater case that works for both models.
    • Rechargeable Lithium-ion batteries make it easy to recharge anywhere, either in any USB port, or in this recharger.


      Flip Alternatives



      Oh snap.  Here are alternatives to Flip?  You bet!  Some might consider these to be much BETTER than the Flip.

      1.  Creative Labs's VADO! (Heather and Rick)
      • Offers multiple recording-quality levels.
      • Snaps still pictures.
      • Still holds two hours of HD video, BUT AT 1/2 THE FILE SIZE!
      • This is the ideal blogging camera





      2. Kodak's Playsport (Scott and Stef)
      • Waterproof (10 feet)
      • Snaps stills (at 5MP) or can take frames from video (1080p x 30 fps or 720p x 60 fps)
      • Removable SDHD media card (typically 16-32GB)
      • Drop it--no problem (For hardcore outdoors folks.)
      • Comes with Mini-HDMI cable in the box.
      • $120
        • But accessories are very inexpensive, e.g. an extra battery costs about $10
      • Ergonomic layout for right handers.


        Bottom line

        • Buy the non-HD Flip right now if you ever want to post video to the web, $40.
        • If you want cheap and EASY and HQ, buy the $60 Flip.
        • If you want a CUSTOMIZABLE, HQ camcorder and you can handle a few extra features, I'd go with the VADO.
        • If you LOVE features and want to take this repelling off of waterfalls, definitely buy the Kodak Playsport.
        • I'm buying two: non-HD flip for quick, web stuff and the Playsport for vacation/adventure stuff that I would want to make into a HQ movie later.

        Labels:

        Comments

        Post a Comment

        Please share your thoughts.

        Popular posts from this blog

        Rummi-"CUB" vs. Rummi-"CUBE"

        The "Rummikub" Pronunciation Debate Affirmative Constructive: "Cub" For years, I have been a firm advocate and defender of the pronunciation, Rummi-"CUB".  The game box I grew up with spelled it, Rummicub  on the box. However, other productions of the game have variant spellings: Rummykub , Rummy Kube , Rummy Tiles , etc.  Based solely on box spelling, the game's true pronunciation is open to interpretation. Therefore, Rummi"cub" is equally acceptable to any other given pronunciation. Negative  Constructive : "Cube" My opponents argue that since the game originated over seas, we ought to respect and maintain its original pronunciation. Affirmative Rebuttal: Americanization of the Term When the game was brought to America and given Americanized rules, its name was also Americanized. Pronunciation loyalists then counter my rebuttal with, "there are lots of adopted foreign words that have retained their original pron...
        5 comments
        Read more

        The Secret Reason Why "Good Witch" Feels Emotionally Off

        TL;DR It's the Botox. For the past 3 months, my wife, Stacia, and I have been watching  Good Witch  (via Netflix and Amazon Prime). Stacia adores winding down to "Hallmark-y shows." We can rely on Good Witch episodes to always resolve happily. The episodes are never too intense. The height of conflict revolves around things like someone's inability to locate the perfect spot to snap a romantic photo for a new tourism brochure. I consider my time watching these shows spouse bonding time , and emotional training. My favorite thing about watching feel-good shows with Stacia is getting to observe her facial reactions to the on-screen drama. When two people lean in for a long-anticipated kiss, Stacia tucks her knees into her chest and frowns with her forehead while lifting her chin and bottom lip. While I'm typically unable to suspend my disbelief, Stacia seems completely entranced by the various characters' emotions. Wishing I could join her in being swept aw...
        4 comments
        Read more

        Who's Got The Funk?

        I am an amateur guitarist, and I've got no funk. My musical skills seem to lacking that special something . Great musicians have it . Those fortunate enough to have gotten hold of  it , create timeless hits. While musicians without it  fade into oblivion. After spending hours searching through Blues history websites and 1970's band documentaries online, I discovered what that special something  is thank to a (70% Man, 30% fish) character from the BBC show "The Mighty Boosh" named Old Gregg. He identified that  thing  as  The Funk ! But what exactly is The Funk ? Here is some dialogue from the show to help explain its origin and purpose: Old Gregg: You're a musician, yeah? Howard: Yes I am. Old Gregg: Butchya ain't very good, are ya? Howard: I'm one of the best in town. Old Gregg: Come on, I read your reviews. Hmm? You know what your problem is? Howard: What? Old Gregg: Ya ain't got the funk. You're all rigid. Hmm? You're l...
        2 comments
        Read more