Kodak Zi8 reviewed, compared to Flip MinoHD

Chad Sapieha at Globetechnology.com said:

The popular Flip camcorder might have been the device that brought pocket-sized point ‘n' shoot video cameras into the limelight, but it's now facing some stiff competition from the Zi8, a snappy little HD recorder from Kodak which, if it could speak, would probably say “everything you can do I can do better.”

Kodak Zi8 Specs

Sensor type	1 / 2.5-type 5 MP CMOS
Lens	6.3 mm, f/2.8, fixed focus 35 mm equivalent: 61 mm (1080p), 46 mm (720p/60 fps, 720p, WVGA), 42 mm (still)
Zoom	4X digital
Display size	2.5 in.
Storage	128 MB internal memory[1], SD/SDHC card expansion slot
Focus modes	normal, macro
Focus range	normal: 100 cm–infinity macro: 15 cm
White balance	auto
File formats	video: H.264 (MOV), AAC LC still: JPEG
Capture mode	1080p (1920 × 1080, 30 fps) 720p/60 fps (1280 × 720, 60 fps) 720p (1280 × 720, 30 fps) WVGA (848 × 480, 30 fps) Still (5.3 MP, 16:9 widescreen, interpolated)
Microphone	yes (monoaural)
Speaker	yes
I/O interface	USB 2.0 (high speed), AV out, HDMI, DC in, external microphone jack (support stereo)
Tripod mount	1/4 in. standard
Power	KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-7004, AC adapter
Dimensions	2.4 × 4.5 × 0.9 in.
Weight	110 g (3.9 oz) without batteries

Buy a Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera (Black) NEWEST MODEL


Flip MinoHD Specs

Internal Memory:	4GB (60 minutes)
Screen Size:	1.5” (transflective TFT)
Screen Resolution:	528 x 132 pixels
Video Resolution:	1280 x 720
Frame Rate:	30 frames per second (constant frame rate, progressive scan)
Video Bitrate:	9.0Mbps (average - auto adaptive algorithm)
Video Format:	H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, saves as MP4 file
Lens Type:	Fixed Focus (1.5m to infinity)
Aperture:	f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments)
Zoom:	Smooth multi-step 2x digital
Interface:	8 Touch-Sensitive Capacitive Buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record and 4 way navigation)
Dimensions:	3.94” x 1.97” x 0.63” (H x W x D)
PC Connection:	Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to 2.0 USB speed)
TV Out:	Composite Video (cable included)
Battery Life:	Rechargeable lithium ion battery, charges on both USB and Flip Video power adapter (buy now).
Tripod Mount:	Yes
Operating Systems:	Windows XP, Windows Vista
	Mac OSX

Buy a Flip MinoHD Camcorder 2nd Generation, 120 Minutes (Brushed Metal) NEWEST MODEL


Via theglobeandmail.com

Cisco launches Flipshare TV

Flipshare TV is a small box that plays 720p video on your TV or HDTV. The device comes with a remote and a USB dongle that connects your computer to the Flipshare base station box, which then connects to your TV. The device comes with software that installs on your computer, Flipshare 5.0, to manage your videos. Even if you don’t have a Flip camcorder, you can watch shared videos from friends who do online on so-called Flispshare channels.
The wireless USB adapter and base station connect to each other over Wi-Fi 802.11n, but do not interconnect with other Wi-Fi 802.11n devices, as they are preconfigured to only communicate with each other.

Buy a Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)

Via  Tech Fragments

DXG-567V gets another poor rating

Macworld editor Christopher Breen reviewed the DXG-567V and said:

Pocket camcorders have made shooting high-definition video affordable for just about everyone. Of course, there are compromises. [...] no image stabilization or optical zoom and their performance in all lighting environments is hardly perfect. Still, these cameras produce a decent picture under typical outdoor lighting conditions.

The same can not be said, however, for today’s least-expensive HD pocket camcorder, DXG’s DXG-567V. This pocket camcorder, which retails for around $100, is pretty awful. Before I describe the depths of its awfulness, here are its specs.

Like the Kodak Zi6 and Flip Ultra, it runs off two AA batteries, which is convenient if you’re out and about and the camera runs out of juice. And, like the Zi6, it stores its video on an SD card. Again, another convenience as you’re not limited to an hour’s worth of shooting as you are with the Flip and Creative cameras. The DXG camcorder is about the same size as the Kodak camcorder, meaning that it’s bulkier than the Flip or Vado. It also uses the same kind of joystick control found on the Zi6.

Even at a hundred dollars, the DXG-567V HD camcorder is no bargain.

Buy a Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera

Via macworld

Flip Ultra HD reviewed

Andrew Nusca at ZDNet Blogs has a fresh review of the Flip Ultra HD. Check it out.

What’s it like?

The most recent generation of the Flip UltraHD camcorder fits in the hand rather nicely, curved on the front end, where your fingers would wrap around (you hold the Flip much the same way as you hold a mobile phone when taking a photograph). The back, front, top and bottom faces all are covered in a thin, rubberized coating, lending a soft and slightly tactile touch to the device (the sides shine, and smudge, with a chrome finish).

The device has a nice heft to it, which isn’t to say that it is heavy. The perceived weight actually makes it slightly easier to hold the device steady while recording — wonderful, since it’s very tempting to move your arm with such a small device (the minor heft is not enough to fatigue a hand or arm during use).

On the front is an enclosed, fixed focus (f/2.4) lens; on the back is a two-inch screen that is both surprisingly bright and crisp, and shows a live image quite well (there is a not-unsubstantial degree of motion blur as you move around; I don’t recommend shooting action scenes with a Flip). Also on the back is a big red (you guessed it) record button, surrounded by up, down, left and right keys for navigating the video menu on playback. Flanking the recording button nucleus are play and delete (”trash”) buttons.

Buy a Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)

Read the full review at ZDNet

More Information on Flip Ultra HD

Easy-to-use, pocket-sized HD camcorder featuring one-touch recording and digital zoom. Simple user interface lets you start capturing video just seconds after powering on. Captures 120 minutes of HD video on 8 GB of built-in memory; no tapes or additional memory cards required. Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your PC or Mac to launch FlipShare software... More Built-in FlipShare software lets you easily email videos, edit individual clips, make custom movies, capture still photos from video, and even upload video to sharing sites likeYouTube and MySpace.

Flip Ultra HD unboxing

Gary Gannon at GAXonline has posted a series of shots about his unboxing and power on of the new Flip Uptra HD. Check out the details at the link below.

Via GAX Online

Flip Ultra HD hits US store shelves

The Flip Ultra HD camcorder has hit store shelves in the US making it one of the smallest HD camcorders in the market. The big feature of the new camera is the HD recording resolution.

The new camcorder also gets more storage allowing for 120 minutes of HD recording before you need to delete or download the video on the camera. Other features include an HDMI output for easy connection to a TV.

The camera can run from AA or rechargeable batteries as well. The AA route is great if you are away from an AC outlet for extended periods of time while recording. The camera sells for $199.99 in the US making it cheaper that the HD camera available in the UK.

Via i4u UK

Cisco buys Pure Digital

As rumored previously around the interwebs, the company behind the Flip video camcorder series was aquired by Cisco.

UK site Mirror says:

What does the deal mean for Flip Video? Cisco does wonders with networks, so we could see a new Flip Video service for uploading HD video, a Flip Video model that streams online instantly, or even around your home via a Cisco media streamer.

Cisco to Buy Pure Digital

Cisco (CSCO), looking to move deeper into the consumer electronics industry, is reportedly buying Flip camcorder maker Pure Digital for more than $500 million, TechCrunch reports.

Via BusinessInsider, TechCrunch

Creative Vado HD camcorder reviewed

UK-based PocketLint has a new review of the Creative Vado HD camcorder, a competitor to the highly successful Flip and Webbie pocket-sized HD camcorders.

From the review:

The Vado HD follows the same design lines as the standard Vado that we looked at last year, but now looks slightly less plasticy and a little more meaty, with the gun metal grey body looking a little more serious than the lighter grey of the standard version. The lens now protrudes from the body, but apart from that that, is pretty much the same.

A welcome addition, however, is the mini HDMI connection on the side concealed under a rubber flap. Enclosed in the box you’ll find the cable so you can hook the Vado HD straight up to your HDTV or other HDMI equipped device. We like this move because in terms of practical usage you know you can just plug into your TV and get watching, taking advantage of the high-definition output.

The inclusion of the cable too is perhaps worth a mention, firstly because if you don’t already have a camcorder, you probably won’t have a mini HDMI cable, and secondly because many devices neglect to supply one. Strangely the standard AV cable is not supplied, although they are cheap and widely available, but if you’ve not yet joined the HD revolution, then you’ll need one to hook-up to your TV.

...
The on-board software is simple to use giving you playback options and letting you do some basic editing after the installation of an additional plugin. You don't have to use the software, you can just open up the folder and extract the AVI files that you want for playback or editing in a separate package if you wish.

You also get options to upload directly into YouTube, Photobucket and Box.net from within the software. The YouTube option is likely to be the most popular here, and with YouTube HD picking up popularity, the Vado HD will put up your video for people to view in HD online.

Buy a Creative Labs Vado HD 720p Pocket Video Camcorder with 8 GB Video Storage and 2x Digital Zoom (Black)

Read the full review here.

Deal: Flip Ultra Series F260 Camcorder for $80

Woot has a deal for today: the Flip Ultra Series F260 (not HD). Check it out at woot.com

Features:

• 2GB flash based camcorder can record up to 60 minutes of video, with out the need for tapes, or SD cards
• Built-in USB arm, acts like a typical USB flash drive, drag and drop
• Simple camorder, shooting video is as easy as taking a picture
• FlipShare built in software that makes it easy to organize, edit and share your videos on YouTube, MySpace, AOL Video, or any other online video service
• Capable of playing back on a TV with the help from a composite cable
• Tripod mount, use any standard tripod for steady video

Specifications:

• LCD Screen: 1.5” (diagonal) Transflective TFT (for bright daylight)
• Video Resolution: 648×480
• Video Sensor: 1/4” VGA CMOS sensor Large 5.6 µm pixels
• Light Sensitivity: Very high sensitivity (>2.0V/lux-sec) with automatic low light detection
• Video Compression: Pure Digital Video Engine 2.0
• Video Frame Rate: 30 frames per second (constant frame rate, progressive scan)
• Average Bitrate: 4.0Mbps (auto-adaptive algorithm)
• Video Format: Advanced Profile MPEG-4 AVI
• White Balance & Exposure: Auto-adaptive white/black balance and exposure
• Optical Lens Type: Fixed Focus (0.8m to infinity)
• Aperture: f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments)
• Zoom: Smooth multi-step 2x digital
• Battery Type: 2 AA Batteries (1.5 Volt AA Alkaline, Energizer® e2® Lithium, or 1.2 Volt NiMH rechargeable)
• Battery Life: AA Alkaline – Up to 2 hrs of use, Energizer® e2® Lithium – Up to 5 hrs of use (Battery life may vary depending on batteries and use pattern)
• Camcorder Interface: Easy-press buttons
• Power-up Time: 4 to 7 seconds depending on the amount of recorded content
• Power Saver (Auto Shut-Down): Yes
• Play All Function: Yes
• Pause, FF/Rewind: No
• Set Date/Time: Yes
• Dimensions (HxWxD): 4.17” x 2.16” x 1.25”
• Weight: 5.2oz
• PC Connection: Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to USB 2.0 speed)
• Speaker: Built-in
• Microphone: Built-in, Wide-range
• Tripod Mount: Yes
• Online Sharing: Unlimited private video emails or video greeting cards. Direct Upload to MySpace, YouTube, or AOL
• Video Editing: Video trim – set start and end points. Create movies with multiple video clips – add titles, music and credits
• Still Photo: Snap still photos from video
• Software Update: Automatic and on-demand online updates

Minimum System Requirements for Windows:

• Intel Pentium 4 2.0 GHz
• Windows XP SP2 512MB of RAM
• Vista with 2GB of RAM
• USB port

Minimum System Requirements for Macintosh:

• Power PC G4 1.0 GHz or Intel Core
• 512MB of RAM
• OS X Tiger 10.4 or Leopard 10.5
• USB port

In the box:

• Flip Ultra Video Camcorder
• Soft Case
• TV Cable
• Wrist Strap
• Quickstart Guide
• 2 AA Alkaline Batteries

User-generated Frenzy is Fueling Growth at Flip Camcorder Manufacturer

Via CNN (CNN Money):

One man recently sent footage shot from the front of his dog sled in Alaska. Another shared video of his Lasik eye-surgery. The lead singer of a band recorded his view while crowd surfing. A congressman gave constituents a tour of his D.C. office.

Thanks to such user-generated content, upstart Pure Digital is holding its own in the competitive consumer-electronics world, which is dominated by big conglomerates such as Sony, Panasonic and Samsung.

Since launching the Flip in May 2007, the company has shipped nearly two million devices. Models range from $149 to $230 and are sold online and at retailers like Wal-Mart, Costco and Target.

Pure Digital's edge: It is transforming the camcorder market by making it simple to shoot and share video. "The ease of use is incredibly seductive," says Amazon.com vice-president of electronics, Paul Ryder. "You take a quick video, plug the device into computer, and immediately upload to the web."

Read the full article here.

Flip Mino HD review roundup

It's "skinnable", it does widescreen 720p HD, fits in your shirt pocket and it easily uploads vids to Youtube. What is it? It's the Flip Mino HD from Pure Digital Technologies.

From the product page, here is the list of specs and features:

Features:

Simple to Shoot in HD

• The world’s smallest HD camcorder, weighing only 3.3 ounces
• Convenient flip-out USB arm plugs directly into your computer to launch built-in FlipShare™ software
• Built-in memory for up to 60 minutes of high-quality video
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery— charges via your USB port. Approximately 2 hours of recording per charge.
• Start recording within 3 seconds of power-up
• Advanced playback, pause, fast forward/rewind features
• Records high-quality H.264 videos that work with iTunes, iMovie, and iPhoto
• "Child Safe" mode to prevent accidental deletions of clips
• Fast lens – great low or bright light results, 2x digital zoom
• 1.5” color high-brightness (transflective) display for easy recording and super-clear viewing in bright sunlight
• Silent mode for recording in sensitive situations
• TV connector cable included to watch videos on television
• Tripod mount fits any standard tripod
• Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 30 frames per second progressive scan

Simple to Share

• Built-in FlipShare™ software for instant viewing, editing, and one-click emailing with upgraded features:
• Browse, playback, organize and archive your videos
• Create movies with videos, music & titles
• Edit clips and save still photos from video
• Instantly upload to AOL, MySpace, YouTube and other video sites
• Share your videos using email or greetings cards (free and unlimited video sharing)
• Records high-quality H.264 videos that work with iTunes, iMovie, and iPhoto (MP4 files)

Specifications:

• Internal Memory: 4GB (60 minutes)
• Screen Size: 1.5” (transflective TFT)
• Screen Resolution: 528 x 132 pixels
• Video Resolution: 1280 x 720
• Frame Rate: 30 frames per second (constant frame rate, progressive scan)
• Video Bitrate: 8.8Mbps (average - auto adaptive algorithm)
• Video Format: H.264 video compression, AAC audio compression, saves as MP4 file
• Lens Type: Fixed Focus (1.5m to infinity)
• Aperture: f/2.4 (fast lens for great results in low-light environments)
• Zoom: Smooth multi-step 2x digital
• Interface: 8 Touch-Sensitive Capacitive Buttons (Power, Play, Delete, Record and 4 way navigation)
• Dimensions: 3.94” x 1.97” x 0.63” (H x W x D)
• PC Connection: Built-in flip-out USB arm (up to 2.0 USB speed)
• TV Out: NTSC (cable included)
• Battery Life: Rechargeable lithium ion battery, charges using built-in USB arm
• Tripod Mount: Yes
• Operating Systems: Windows XP, Windows Vista,Mac OSX

And here is the review roundup - all open in a new window.

• Engadget (WSJ)
• geeknewscentral
• obsessable.com
• Electronista.com
• NYTimes video review
• photodoto.com
• macworld.com
• pcmech.com
• digitalcamera-hq.com
• Malika Risley (Mino vs Mino HD)
• Odeo (video review)
• geeks.pirillo
• laptopmag.com
• the look from the bay (video)
• davekemick.com
• digitaldaily.info
• pcmag.com
• galttech.com
• AOL Television (video)
• MobilityToday (video)
• octechnophile.com

Buy Flip Video MinoHD Camcorder, 60 Minutes (Black)

These should keep you busy for a while ;)

Pure Digital Flip Mino HD reviewed by LaptopMag

From the review:

Unlike the Kodak Zi6, which can record at VGA resolution or 720p at either 30 or 60 frames per second, the Mino HD just does 720p video at 30 fps. That’s not necessarily a bad thing; 60 fps is only necessary in the fastest-moving situations, plus it eats up battery life faster than 30-fps video. We respect Pure Digital’s effort to simplify the experience for users.

Overall, we were impressed with the Mino HD’s smooth 720p video. It performed well in a wide range of lighting conditions, always delivering pleasant, lifelike colors and loud-enough sound. Only in fast-paced action sequences—an ice-skating rink, for example—did we miss the Kodak Zi6’s 60-fps option.

Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder + 8GB Accessory Kit

Mino HD Pros

• Very good video quality
• Thin, sleek design
• Responsive touch-sensitive controls
• Intuitive, streamlined software

Mino HD Cons

• Still no memory card slot or digital still capability
• Tiny LCD screen
• Composite video output

Read the full review here.