New Flip camera Rival has External mic jack!

[Dave Lovelace]

I know a lot of warriors use the Pure Digital Flip as do I. But the biggest draw back to the Flip has been that it doesn't have an external mic jack.

I just found out that Kodak solved that and is releasing it's Zi8 HD pocket camera in Sept.

Some brief features:

- Image stablilization (flip doesn't have)
- External mic jack (flip doesn't have)
- HDMI cable for direct to tv viewing
- Re-chargeable batteries
- SD/SDHC card expansion slot (flip doesn't have)
- video format: H.264 (MOV), AAC LC
- Large 2.5–type LCD

The only downside is the built-in recording time. Only 128 MB internal memory.. ouch! So you're basically forced to get the memory card. *But, on the up side, you get up to 32GB with the card!

The flip's min internal memory is 4GB!

Amazon is pre-selling the Zi8 and the card for $268 or $179.95 for camera only:
Amazon.com: Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry): Camera & Photo


Read the specs from the Kodak site here:
KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera Specifications

To compare specs to the flip, go here:
Flip Video - See the Specs

*NO affiliate links listed here. Just providing some useful info as a lot of warriors use the Flip for marketing purposes.

Hope you Flip Users found this useful info.

Dave

[David_Thompson]

Hey Dave, that looks like a wicked little cam,
it looks like it will be released in September.

--David

[Frank Bruno]

Interesting little camera but now it seems with all the features its really pulling away from simplistic and low entry cameras to migrate to the rest of the crowd of cameras saturating the market.

Thanks for posting though.....

Frank Bruno

[Dave Lovelace]

Originally Posted by Frank Bruno

Interesting little camera but now it seems with all the features its really pulling away from simplistic and low entry cameras to migrate to the rest of the crowd of cameras saturating the market.

Thanks for posting though.....

Frank Bruno

Hey Frank

How's it going? I've seen your videos in the past. They look great. What equipment do you use?

I don't see the new Kodak release as stretch from low-entry. They've just taken some needed features that the Flip didn't have and added them.. improving the options for low-entry consumers. Of course, we can only compare "on paper" untill September.

It's like information marketers. We look at an existing product and look for something that's missing that would make it better and create a better version.

Dave

[Nightengale]

I have a question about the Flip:

If you're using the Flip and shooting yourself, how on earth do you know if you have yourself in the shot???? Since it doesn't have a flip out screen where you can see what you're shooting (yourself), how do you know you're centered in the shot?

I've posted this question before and no one has bothered to answer it. I've seen the Flip camera recommended everywhere, but when I look at it, I don't see how you can use it to shoot yourself very easily.

??????

Michelle

[Dave Lovelace]

Originally Posted by Nightengale

I have a question about the Flip:

If you're using the Flip and shooting yourself, how on earth do you know if you have yourself in the shot???? Since it doesn't have a flip out screen where you can see what you're shooting (yourself), how do you know you're centered in the shot?

I've posted this question before and no one has bothered to answer it. I've seen the Flip camera recommended everywhere, but when I look at it, I don't see how you can use it to shoot yourself very easily.

??????

Michelle

Hi Michelle

That's a great question and I have an answer...

I do a test shot

I put it on a tripod and aim it where I'm going to stand or sit. I do a test recording. If I'm in the shot where I want to be and the lighting looks good etc, then I'm ready to roll.

Maybe I have "good aim", but I've been able to hold the Flip in front of me and get myself in the picture pretty well. Maybe I'm lucky. But of course, you can test that too, to see if you have "good aim" also.

Hope that answers your question.

Dave

[Dave Lovelace]

Originally Posted by David_Thompson

Hey Dave, that looks like a wicked little cam,
it looks like it will be released in September.

--David

How's it going David?

Yeah. Unfortunately, it's only avail. in the U.S. at launch time (according to Amazon). That may change later.

How's the scenary in Sweden this time of year?

Dave

[Nightengale]

Yes, that DOES answer my question.

Sorry if that seemed like a dumb question. Of course, doing a test shot is the obvious solution. Easy enough to do if you're standing or sitting in one place. If you're moving (walking for example), it might be a bit trickier.

Ok, next question (if you don't mind),

I know the Flip comes with it's own pre-loaded video software. I know that Camtasia is THE video software to use. Right now, it's not in my budget, but how good is the Flip video editing software? Good enough to use until I could afford Camtasia?

Thanks,
Michelle

[Dave Lovelace]

Camtasia is best used for screen capture videos. If it's not in your budget, I recommend Cam Studio Pro by my buddy Dave Guindon for less than $40. You'll get great looking videos and people will think you've used Camtasia.

Yes, the Flip software is basic but will easily convert and upload to YouTube, etc with the push of a button. You can do basic editing for trimming sections of the video on each side of the video segment you want to keep.

For more robust editing, you could use Microsoft Movie Maker. It's free and comes on most PC's.

Dave

[Josh Anderson]

External mic jack on a camera in the $200 range is a great deal and the features look pretty cool...

However, it does not have a swivel lcd which was a really handy feature on the Sony GC1 netsharing cam which put the first gen flip to shame.

A few questions to ask before you jump on throwing a couple hundred away on a camera:

1. How long does a battery charge last? Generally these devices only get about an hour on a charge. So if its above that its an improvement.

2. What is the lifetime of the battery? Can it easily be replaced? Can you swap the battery for a spare easily for extended use?

3. Does the camera also have option of external plugged power cord for wall powered use?

4. Does the camera also work as a web cam? The flip doesn't.

At the price you can pick up the Canon HV30 these days (under $500 used and $550 new) always remember... you want to buy as few cameras as possible and when you can get prosumer features for just $300 more think twice about what you will need now or in the future. before you throw away a couple hundred bucks.

For mobile out of the pocket use this looks like an exciting camera.

[MichaelHiles]

Finally. I have the first Zi6 and the Z1X. I also have the Sony MHS-PM1 (eggplant purple), which I like because it has the pivot lens that can spin all the way backwards to shoot yourself while watching on the screen. The Kodak audio quality ROCKS, but they still have a frame dropping issue that can really create blurred video in lower light conditions. I'll be watching for this one though. External mic would be really good.

I'm still holding out for sub $1000 SLR video from Nikon.

[articlemaddness]

I have the bought Kodak Zi6 HD last March 2009

Uses standard AA batteries ("Great")
No Flash :-(
Uses SDHC HD Video Cards (4 GB)
Has Tripod hole on bottom.
Takes HD / HD60 /VGA / JPG
Macro mode / AV / HD jack on side
In answer to Nightengail Question "How do you have yourself in the shot"
The Zi6 has a silver chrome button in the front when that you push it bring the USB connection to pop out. This can also be used a crude mirror for self portraits

The external Microphone sounds like a good idea but I would like to test it first to see if it is worth the upgrade.

[quiescen]

The only bad thing I've heard about HD camcorders is that they create HUGE files. Anyway around this?

[Dave Lovelace]

Originally Posted by quiescen

The only bad thing I've heard about HD camcorders is that they create HUGE files. Anyway around this?

They do create larger files. Can't get around that. But they do render to MPEG-4 files which provide the best quality in a compressed format if putting on the web.

You can learn a ton about web video from Dave Kaminski at Web Video Secrets Podcast - WebVideoUniversity.com and Web Video University Blog

Dave

[dalvia]

The fact it has a external mic is a huge selling point for me. The mic on the Flip is very good but you can't beat having an external mic,

Dale

[jukeboxhero]

I bought one of the most recent kodaks and had to bring it back because i shoot alot of videos at arms length and their permanent zoom is too close, so I can't fit myself in the lense....F

[Justin Mandel]

I'm always looking for a better camera.

I have the Flip Ultra now and am seriously considering going HD because of the severe difference in image quality.

This stuff is like buying a car!

So difficult to choose

[Justin Mandel]

As far as using an external mic I'm curious about the options for that?

I have used a wicked Sony cam and it has a super cool Bluetooth external microphone - so if this thing can do THAT then that would be awesome!

Can anyone comment on this?

[InternetMarketingIQ]

If you are looking for High End on the Cheap look at the Sanyo Product line. And make sure you can edit the Hi Def Video Files.

[mmancha]

I love my Insignia video camera.(A Best Buy brand) It is the size of the flip video camera. No internal software, but it comes with software on a disk. Takes great quality video. Has a flip out screen which I love. Several settings. Flash, HD, wall charger. Uses a chip, so there's no limit to how much video you can take. Great little camera.

[Fendi Salim]

Dave,

Another rival to the Flip is Creative's Vado

>> Shop Creative Vado: Vado Pocket Video Cams, Creative Vado HD, Video Cameras, Vado Camcorders, Accessories (Non-Affiliate Link)

It comes in HD-ready format as well.

Fendi

[wisecrone333]

Perhaps not the right place to ask, but you all sound like you know what you are talking about with regards to cameras for online videos - can anyone recommend a starter model for a newbie that would be suitable for YouTube or own site? (For starter read "budget")

Thank you
Lisa

[TheUltimatePublishing]

Originally Posted by Dave Lovelace

The biggest draw back to the Flip has been that it doesn't have an external mic jack. I just found out that Kodak solved that and is releasing it's Zi8 HD pocket camera in Sept.

Thanks for the recommendation! Anyway, which mic do you think will go well with it?

[garyv]

I have the Flip Mino HD and I love it. However, I have very shaky hands, and it really shows up in my videos. This Kodak Zi8 I notice has image stabilization, that's a huge plus for me. I can't wait to see some test videos on youtube next month.

[David Frey]

Here a very cool flipcam alternative with all the bells a whistels.

HD

external mic

flippable viewing screen

image stabilization

expandable sdhc card slot

The Action-HD
AIPTEK USA

Here's a pretty good review of the
camera on youtube.

YouTube - Aiptek Action HD GVS FUll reivew: Poor...

David Frey

[Josh Anderson]

Hey David,

Thanks for posting that.

I tested a few Aiptek models against other popular models in the $200 range a while ago and Aitek was my favorite except for one thing...

The problem back then though was that the lower priced models did not have external input jack and the on board audio was terrible. It basically made their cameras useless except for close up shots or shots where you did not plan on using the audio.

So this new model with a jack input looks nice, sdhc card slot is a plus.... looks like it has internal rechargeable battery though. I wonder what the use time is on that and if its swappable for a replacement easily?

Originally Posted by David Frey

Here a very cool flipcam alternative with all the bells a whistels.

HD

external mic

flippable viewing screen

image stabilization

expandable sdhc card slot

The Action-HD
AIPTEK USA

Here's a pretty good review of the
camera on youtube.

YouTube - Aiptek Action HD GVS FUll reivew: Poor mans review

David Frey

[Jill Carpenter]

According to some reviews I'm seeing on the kodak, you would be wise to use the mic jack as it looks like there is some really annoying camera noise on some of these.

They seem to be backed up on the production right now. I wanted to go test one in a store today but they are still awaiting delivery.

[DrewG]

FINALLY! That's awesome. I used my flip for a school project once, and you could hardly hear a thing lol.

[Sophist]

It's about time somebody came out with a mini hd cam with a mic input. Way to go Kodak. I was racking my brain over which one to get a few months back but none of them had the external mic jack. Then I got my Iphone 3Gs and that did the trick. Minus the flash, it's perfect. I setup my external mic with my 3Gs and Im good to go. But, if you have a cell phone/pda already than the Kodak seems like the next best thing.

Cheers

[Don Schenk]

The Kodak Zi8 I ordered will be here tomorrow according to UPS tracking.

This thing looks perfect for making youtube videos. It is a little less wide angle on the lens than the Flip so it shouln't give the "big nose" fisheye look on closeups.

Samples I saw online at youtube show the image does not fall apart when using the digital zoom either.

The camera is already on the market, but is hard to find...

Best Buy didn't have them
Target didn't have them
Costco didn't have them
I went online and...
B&H didn't have them
Adorama didn't have them

Guess what? Kodak has them!!!!!!!

Go to Kodak's site and get to the Kodak Store. Two days ago Kodak actually had the Zi8 on sale for $161. Go figure.

Apparently the camera has a removable battery, and gets reasonable life out of a charge. I'll play with it over the weekend an see.

:-Don

[Jill Carpenter]

Originally Posted by Don Schenk

The Kodak Zi8 I ordered will be here tomorrow according to UPS tracking.

Oh, just rub it in.

There was some kind of deal at amazon to also get an additional battery and the big memory card but I think it is gone now.

Please let me know what you think when you get it!

I have a wireless mic, but don't want to use it everytime I video with it to avoid sound issues.

ps: what color did you get?

[Don Schenk]

Uh, black I think, but then again maybe they will just surprise me.

I believe it records in stereo even with an external mic. From what I could see/hear on youtube it appears a mono mic will just record on both channels.

I have a little LS-10 PCM recorder from Olympus and an external mono mic records only on one channel. AAAArrrgggghhhh.

Audio Technica makes a small, inexpensive external, condenser mic that uses a small battery. I believe the model # is ATR35s or something like that. It has an awesome sound for a cheap mic. I believe Amazon carries them.

Years ago when I and my friends all reached midlife-crisis age, they bought sports cars, I bought audio/music recording toys, and this little AT mic gives as good of a sound as some $500 and $600 mics!

:-Don


Update: Amazon still has the ATR 35s mics, but Audio Technica says that mic is discontinued. Butttttt there is a replacement called the ATR 3550 also at Amazon and it has a lower price!

[Glenn72]

The trouble with a lot of these cameras including the Flip models is that they use CMOS sensors which capture the image from top to bottom over time (called rolling shutter), instead of capturing the whole frame at once, as is the case with cameras using CCD sensors.

Why it bothers me is because I've noticed that a LOT of marketers using these cameras will take them out and shoot hand held. As a result, not only do they end up with shaky footage, but they also end up with lots of skewing and sickening 'jello' like artifacts. Not exactly their fault because they don't know the technology, but very difficult to watch!

Ok, so here's my recommendation. Canon have a number of still cameras out now with 12mp CCD sensors that capture 720P HD video. I bought one model, the Canon SX200 IS the other day, and the image quality is top notch! The other models to look out for are the SX20 IS, SD980 IS and the SD940 IS. Although to be honest, I would recommend the one I bought, the SX200 IS, or the slightly more expensive SX20 IS with 20x zoom, as they let you lock the exposure so the light won't change as you're recording. They also record at 24mbps which is the same as what many good prosumer video cameras record at, keeping the image quality high.

The downside to these cameras is that they don't include a mic input. That said, the built in mic sounds great! I was really surprised at how good it sounds. They're fairly cheap too.. Around $300 US I believe, maybe less?

I found a good review here - Review: The Video Mode on the Canon SX200 IS which is pretty much what persuaded me to buy one myself, and another here

YouTube - Canon Powershot SX200 IS Digital Camera

dealing more with the photo features the camera has.

[Josh Anderson]

You may want to compare the reviews of the aiptek Action HD that has an advantage with the swivel screen and remote control as well as the external audio jack input:

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Aiptek Action HD GVS 1080P High Definition Camcorder with 5x Optical Zoom (Silver)

To the reviews for the Zi8:

Amazon.com: Customer Reviews: Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera (Aqua)

The Aiptek Action HD has better reviews and has better hardware features as well considering the swivel screen and remote option.

I have tested Aiptek before and I liked them except for the bad audio that all of these compact portable models suffer from... with the new addition of external mic input that concern disappears for me.

[Alan Petersen]

I've been checking out the Zoom Q3 which looks pretty awesome. I have a zoom portable recorder for audio on the fly and the audio is pretty sweet but now they have a flip like video with two condenser mics built into it!

Amazon.com: Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder (Metal...
Zoom Q3 Handy Video Recorder | BSWUSA.com

[Kevin Riley]

Originally Posted by wisecrone333

Perhaps not the right place to ask, but you all sound like you know what you are talking about with regards to cameras for online videos - can anyone recommend a starter model for a newbie that would be suitable for YouTube or own site? (For starter read "budget")

Thank you
Lisa

Lisa

For easy to use and low price, I'd highly recommend the Flip. You point and shoot. Then, flip out the USB and pop it into your computer. It has it's own basic editor for trimming the ends, and then a simple upload to You Tube.

You can't add text and stuff like that, so I import the videos into Camtasia to add all my text and other images. But, for a starter the Flip's editor would do.

[Kevin Riley]

Originally Posted by Don Schenk

The Kodak Zi8 I ordered will be here tomorrow according to UPS tracking.

Don
You going to be at George's Friday Night Chat tomorrow? If so, I may drop by and get your review on this camera.

[James Pateman]

Hi Dave,
The one reason I haven’t bought a flip is because it hasn’t had an external mic jack. I’ve been using Kodak products for 30+ years and love their stuff, so now I have the solution.
Thanks for the tip
Regards,
James Pateman

[Don Schenk]

@Kevin

UPS just dropped it off, it is charging now. My external mics are at home. I'll test that when I get home.

I'll know more in a little while. You are still asleep, 'cause it's night time in Japan. Yeah I will try to get to the chat tonight. If not, you can skype me donschenk or I can skype you. Hmmm... That sounds obscene!

If you want to get a Zi8 I can order it from Kodak and bring it to the warrior event.

@Alan

Yep, Zoom has some cool portable audio devices. I have the older H4. Which do you have? The new H4n seems to have a much better, more user friendly menu system.

I just looked at the Zoom website, and see the Q3's video resolution is only 640x480.

:-Don

[Dave Lovelace]

Update..

Just saw an independent review of the Kodak Zi8 and 2 other cameras on Dave Kaminski's site..

An Independent Review of 3 Video Cameras : Web Video University Blog

Thought this might be useful.

Dave

[DASHBOY]

I still love my flip

[Dr Dan]

the only thing keeping me from buying the flip in the lack of ext mic plug. This looks awesome. Right now I am using my HV30 and a audio-tech mic ATR-35 I bought on amazon for $30 which works awesome! I have a rhode shotgun video mic $140 and also a rhode NT3 mic I bought for around $300. Out of all of them I love to use the $30 lapel mic because it sounds great and it easy to use.

Looks like I will be checking out this kodak one next cause I need something easy to carry in my pocket at times.

[kurtyordy]

I was looking at this purely for the external mic feature. However, the amazon reviews are spotty. About 1/3 are three stars or less.

[William Bell]

I've used the flip ultra HD when I need quick and fast videos, versus my Sony Digital cam. I bought the Zi8 Kodak for the mic feature and am totally unimpressed with it. It's a more fragile camera with too many little plastic pieces that require delicate handling. In my opinion if the Flip Ultra had an external mic feature, it would be a total knock out.

[julesw]

the new flip ultra hd 3rd gen now has all of it

image stabilisation, a flip port for 3rd party accessories (blue mikey superior add on on camera mic, mic input for a clip mic, a wireless mic areall on the way, plus an sd card holder plug in.

yes they are add ons but still...

else go for the recently release kodak playtouch (nice big playback screen) the zi8 is out dated now

[James Campbell]

Originally Posted by julesw

the new flip ultra hd 3rd gen now has all of it

image stabilisation, a flip port for 3rd party accessories (blue mikey superior add on on camera mic, mic input for a clip mic, a wireless mic areall on the way, plus an sd card holder plug in.

yes they are add ons but still...

else go for the recently release kodak playtouch (nice big playback screen) the zi8 is out dated now

Where are you finding this info? Even on their site they don't have this listed with an external mic option.

[louiefrias]

I'm "flipping out" over this! I am now going to put this on my Christmas wish list?

[danicat]

Originally Posted by William Bell

I've used the flip ultra HD when I need quick and fast videos, versus my Sony Digital cam. I bought the Zi8 Kodak for the mic feature and am totally unimpressed with it. It's a more fragile camera with too many little plastic pieces that require delicate handling. In my opinion if the Flip Ultra had an external mic feature, it would be a total knock out.

Delicate handling? Bwahahaha. Tell that to my little kodak. I take mine horseback riding. Its been dropped, been in a fall with me, kicked, knocked around by my toddler, tossed onto the floor by my cats while on a tripod...you name it ive done it. Still works like a charm.

You can bet itll be broken in 3 days now that ive said that....