Need Advice for Videos

by alan.t
11 replies
Hi Dear All,

I'm new to video recording.

- I'm basically looking for a video recorder that could enable me to shoot some video clips with decent quality (better than hand-phone) so that I could upload to sites like YouTube etc.
- I would mainly be shooting the videos infront of my computer and some times outdoors.
- I did think of getting a webcam but that would mean it's not so portable like those small portable video recorders.
- I have some thoughts on getting the Flip Video or Kodak Zi8.
- I'm not thinking of getting a proper camcorder as it's bulky and I don't want to spend so much money on one.
- I understand these days compact digital cameras are also able to capture videos. Any good and affordable ones to recommend? Or the quality isn't as good as those portable video recorders like Flip Video, Kodak Zi8 etc?

Would appreciate any other recommendations, advice and comments.

Thank you.
#advice #videos
  • Profile picture of the author MarkH45
    You may want to check out: RCA Small Wonder I just bought one from Amazon and I'm really happy with it so far. It is a good alternative to the Flip and it's a little cheaper.
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  • Profile picture of the author dean_holland
    Hi

    I have the flip ultra HD ... Fully recommend it my man !!

    I have a standard camcorder too but the flips picture quality is far greater. Not tried the other flip cams but I can certainly say the Ultra HD is way cool !

    Dean
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Search this forum for the Zi8 - you can see some example of video shot with it.

      If I had no cameras and was starting again, that would be my choice.
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      • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
        I've got a Flip and use it for everything now. But, Don Schenk is showing me his Zi8 this weekend and I may be swayed to the Kodak side from the sounds of it.
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        Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

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        • Profile picture of the author alan.t
          Thanks for the advice guys & gals! Appreciate them, do keep them coming.

          I have taken a look at one of the forum member here using his Kodak Zi8, pretty impressive quality plus the fact he uses a lot of lighting techniques from studio lighting. I also read through some reviews for Zi8, looks like it's taking on Flip video head on!

          Bad news is that Kodak replied me saying that Zi8 will not be available in Singapore. So if I want, I have to order online and have it ship to me. Same for Flip video too. People here are so keen on gadgets but guess portable video recorders aren't the 'in' thing yet over here!

          Cheers!
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          • Profile picture of the author alan.t
            I posted a similar question in a gadget forum and some were recommending me to get a proper video camcorder so that I won't regret my purchase later on. Do you all think there's such a need? I don't really want to stretch my limited budget. I also saw Don's video, pretty outstanding plus the nice lighting effect & backdrop.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dr Dan
    I just bought the new Kodak zi8 and about to go pick it up right now. I found a pretty awesome deal! Check it out on my blog: The Kodak Zi8 Rocks! | maketheworldyourstage.com No affiliate links ;-)
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    • Profile picture of the author alan.t
      You won't believe it guys, Flip Video and the Kodak Zi8 isn't available until lately. Took almost 6 months for them to appear in my local market!

      Anyway I understand there are newer models available now. Saw one from Toshiba Camileo S20 and Sanyo VPC-CS1. I need some advice here, should I go for the Toshiba S20 or Flip Video or Kodak Zi8 or Sanyo VPC-CS1?

      Understand so far it seems that only the Kodak Zi8 has a microphone out where I could connect to an external microphone for better sound quality, the rest of the models doesn't have this interface.

      I will be going to the computer trade show and I believe there will be some good deals so now got to decide which is a better choice.

      Would appreciate any good advice/feedback. Thanks!
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  • Profile picture of the author Midas3 Consulting
    Been looking at both recently as well , after no less than 1 bazillion Youtube
    reviews, I came to the conclusion that...

    Zi8 > Flip for image quality.
    Zi8 > Flip for the fact it has an external mic .

    Neither Zi8 or Flip allow you to use them as a webcam -grrhh.

    Hmm, actually quick question to Zi8 users, presumably you can
    turn the little screen towards you while you film so you can see yourself ok?
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  • Profile picture of the author tyroneshum
    If you're looking for a Flip HD, I recommend a Flip MinoHD at Flip MinoHD? which I've been using to record my regular tutorial videos on YouTube.

    Otherwise, when it comes to professional presentations, I have here Canon HD Video Camcorder which could be found here:http://www.youshop247.com.au/store/home.php?cat=93 . I use this one for green screen recordings and other high quality videos that I distribute to my students in the program.
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    • Profile picture of the author alan.t
      Thanks for the feedback guys.

      A couple of quick questions. Just wondering with the new iPhone 4 with HD video, could it possibly be as good as a HD Flip Video? And for current iPhone users, are you all able to connect to external microphone for sound recording?

      Thanks in advance & have a nice weekend!
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