Flip Video vs. Kodak Playsport Zx3

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Kodak Playsport Zx3 - A Better Pocket Video Camera

We recently bought a Flip UltraHD video camera for our 5 year old son and he's been having a blast with it. In fact it's so much fun that I was going to write a product review on it. While I was looking for info for my product review, I discovered another pocket video camera - the Kodak Playsport Zx3. The more I read about the Zx3 the more I found to like about it - in fact I liked it so much I decided to buy one for myself. It seems more rugged than the UltraHD and it's waterproof. It comes with rechargeable batteries - an extra cost option for the 4GB UltraHD. Video quality of the Zx3 is better than the Flip UltraHD (the Zx3 can record full 1080p HD at 30 fps). The Zx3 has AV output so you can connect it to a TV that doesn't have an HDMI port. The internal memory is small but the Zx3 can accept SD memory cards up to 32GB. The UltraHD is still a good pocket video camera but I think the Kodak Zx3 Playsport is even better.

The Kodak Playsport Zx3 Video Camera

Waterproof and so much more...

Dollar for dollar and feature for feature, the Playsport Zx3 from Kodak is a better value than the Flip UltraHD. Check below for my experiences with the Playsport Zx3 and a comparison of features, then check Amazon for low prices on the Zx3.

Flip Video vs. Kodak Zx3 Side by Side

Flip vs Kodak Playsport video camera review
by telegraphtv | video info

17 ratings | 9,056 views
curated content from YouTube

Flip UltraHD vs. Kodak Playsport Zx3

Which video camera do YOU like better?

Is the Zx3 a better value than the Flip UltraHD?

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Yes - it records better quality video and it's waterproof.

No - the UltraHD's ease of use can't be beat.

 

Best Prices on the Kodak Playsport Zx3

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Why I Like my Kodak Playsport Zx3

The Zx3 has more features than the Flip UltraHD

Just as Simple to Use, With More and Better Features
The strong points of the Flip UltraHD are its simplicity and ease of use. I found the Kodak Playsport Zx3 just as easy to use though, and its features leave the UltraHD in the dust. Here are some of the features that make the Playsport Zx3 a better pocket video camera than the Flip UltraHD.
Waterproof
Out of the box, the Zx3 is waterproof - one of the few waterproof video cameras available. Even if you don't plan on shooting underwater video, this makes the Zx3 perfect for using when you're kayaking, skiing, snowboarding, or anything else where the camera is likely to get wet. You can buy a waterproof case for the UltraHD, but you'll pay at least $30 for it.
Expandable Memory
With the Flip UltraHD, you get at most 8GB memory with no way to add more. While the Kodak Playsport Zx3 only comes with 128KB of internal memory, it can accept SD memory cards up to 32GB.
AV Output
HDMI is nice if you want to connect to a device that has it, but if you want to play your videos on an older TV you'll need a camera with AV output. The Zx3 has AV output while the UltraHD doesn't. Also, the Zx3 includes AV and HDMI cables - for the UltraHD you'll have to purchase an HDMI cable.

Rechargeable Batteries and Charger
The Zx3 Playsport comes with a rechargeable battery, cable, and charger. With the 4GB UltraHD, you get to either use AA cells or buy a rechargeable battery pack. The 8GB does come with a rechargeable battery, but charging is via the USB port. If you want a wall charger you'll have to buy one separately.

More Video Modes
With the Flip UltraHD you're limited to just 1 video mode - 720p (30 fps for the 4GB UltraHD and 60 fps for the 8GB UltraHD). The Kodak Zx3 Playsport can record full 1080p HD video at 30 fps, as well as 720p (both 30 and 60 fps) and WVGA (848 x 480) at 30 fps. For still pictures, the Zx3 offers 5 megapixel (MP) while still images on the UltraHD are limited to 1.6MP.
Conclusion
I've found my Kodak Zx3 to be fun and easy to use. I appreciate the rechargeable batteries and AV output (our TV is really old. Prices between the 2 cameras are about the same, but the Zx3 comes with all needed cables and the UltraHD doesn't. While it's true you need to buy an SD memory card to make the Zx3 useful, that only adds about $12 to the cost - less than the rechargeable battery you'd be buying for you 4GB UltraHD. Did I mention that the Zx3 is waterproof? If you're in the market for a pocket video camera I don't think you'll be disappointed with the Zx3.

Features: Flip Video vs. Kodak Playsport Zx3

Which one is a better video camera?

Comparing the 4GB Flip UltraHD and Kodak Playsport Zx3  4GB Flip UltraHDKodak Playsport Zx3Dimensions  4.25" X 2.19" X 1.17"4.4" X 2.3" X 0.8"Display  2.0" Diaogonal, 320 x 2402.0" Diaogonal, 154K pixelsImage  No Stabilization [1]Image StabilizationVideo  720p HD | 30 fps10800p HD | 30 fps [2]Lens  2x Digital Zoom4x Digital ZoomFocus Range  1.5m to infinity1.0m to infinityAperture  f/2.4f/2.8AV Out  NoYesWaterproof  NoYes [3]Memory  4G | 1 hour128MB Internal [4]Battery Type  2 AA Batteries (included)KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable  or Flip Video AA BatteryDigital Camera Battery  Pack (sold separately)KLIC-7004List Price  $149.00 [5]$149.00 [6]User Guide  PDF (2.8MB)PDF (4.8MB)Notes:
[1]Imaga stabilization standard on 8GB UltraHD
[2]1080p HD @ 30 fps, 720p HD @ 60 fps, and WVGA (848 x 480) @ 30 fps
[3]Waterproof to 10 feet (3.2 meters)
[4]The Kodak Zx3 accepts SD Memory cards up to 32GB
[5]Check Amazon for lower prices on the Flip UltraHD
[6]Check Amazon for lower prices on the Kodak Zx3

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xiaohuaz

I moved to the US from China in 1997. My husband and I have 2 sons, one is 4 years old and the other is 19. I like cooking traditional Chinese food, g... more »

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