Kodak / Sony / Flip - Pocket Camcorder Comparison

After hours of research I've decided that the Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera Bundle (Black) gets my vote - and my purchase. While I did come across some negative feedback in the reviews of this camcorder, I found the positive reviews outnumbered the negatives by about 3:1 and that impressed me enough to give it a shot.

This model boasts features that really caught my attention, like the ability to record under water (up to 10 ft.) in 1080HD, the ability to take 5MP still shots, and a simple user interface they say a child can operate easily. For those whose hands are not the steadiest, it has a built in image stabilization feature and can zoom up to 4X.

If the sun is a bit too bright the LCD viewfinder screen has a LCD Glare Shield feature which gives you two filters to choose from that help you see your subject on the display screen in reflective outdoor situations. These filters are only applied to your display screen, not your footage-so everything you record will look as great as the moment you shot it.

It is designed to handle the impact of little drops, which is probably a good thing since my daughter is two and loves anything with buttons and a screen. It has face tracking technology, and with it's built-in software and USB cable the Kodak Zx3 PlaySport makes editing, uploading, sharing on Facebook, Twitter or YouTube and sending video e-mails easy. You can even playback in normal or slow motion speeds right on the cameras LCD screen.

With the removable and expandable SD/SDHC (up to 32 GB) card slot, it can record up to 10 hours of HD video and the rechargeable Lithium ion battery charges right in the camera. It also comes with HDMI cables and AVI cables so viewing your videos on your computer or your HD Television is easy as plugging it in, another great feature - no extra cables to buy!

It also comes with ARCSOFT MEDIA IMPRESSION Software for Kodak (PC only) that will allow you to edit and trim videos, add a voice-over to narrate your footage when editing on a PC, add pictures and music to your videos to make cool mash-ups and grab and edit still images from video frames to get that perfect shot.

I am ordering the Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera Bundle today. The bundle includes a Kodak Remote Control so you can get in the pictures too, a Kodak Flex-Pod Tripod, and a Kodak SDHC Video Memory Card - 4GB that will record up to 90 minutes of video.

Once I receive what I think will be a great little camera, I will add to this site my review of how the actual product performs and its ease of use, as well as post a few videos to share its capabilities with those who are trying to decide what camcorder to buy.

*** Update*** You can check out my full review and samples of the video quality by viewing my full page review of the Kodak Zx3 PlaySport. I am thrilled with my choice and should you choose it I am sure you will be too!

The Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL looks like a decent camcorder but there were several issues that I felt downgraded the value even though it is currently priced higher than the Kodak Zx3 Playsport.

The Flip UltraHD is not waterproof like the Zx3, the HD video only goes up to 720p / 60fps whereas the Zx3 tops that with its 1080p. I like the ability to use the SD card instead of the built in limited 8GB flash memory of the Flip UltraHD, I tend to be lazy in uploading things so being able to just swap out the card ensures that I have storage space available when the 'Kodak moment' strikes.

The Flip has a built in USB connection that flips out to plug into your PC or Mac, but I personally like the cable, portability and space constraints could interfere with the ability to plug the Flip into my PC and the location of my computers USB ports would make directly plugging into the computer an issue.

The price of the Flip UltraHD is also about $50.00 higher than the base Kodak Zx3. While the Flip does come with a rechargeable battery pack, wrist strap, soft protective case, user guide, the other accessories like the tripod, cables and an A/C power adapter are all an additional expense on top of the price of the camera.

The deal breaker for me on the Flip UltraHD was the recent announcement by its manufacturer Cisco, that it would be exiting the Flip business. Although support would continue within the terms of the Flip Video warranty, which is 1 year from the purchase date. FlipShare and technical support for Flip video cameras will cease on December 31, 2013.

Details From the Manufacturer
Flip UltraHD (2 Hour) Overview

* Shoot up to two hours of best-ever HD video-now with image stabilization for incredibly clear and steady video
* Press the big red button to start capturing vibrant HD video (720p / 60fps) on the super-simple user interface
* Comes with 8 GB of built-in memory, letting you capture 2 hours of HD video; no additional memory cards required
* Capture video on the go anywhere now featuring an even-slimmer design
* Power up with the included Flip Video Rechargeable Battery Pack (recharges when connected to USB); 3 lithium AAA batteries may be used as a back-up power source
* Connect the built-in USB arm to your PC or Mac® to launch pre-loaded FlipShare%u2122 software
* Use FlipShare software to organize and edit your videos, capture photos, send video greeting cards and create custom movies
* Share videos privately using FlipShare's attachment-free email or by creating Flip Channels; post publicly with direct video shares to Facebook%u2122, Twitter%u2122 and YouTube%u2122
* Watch your videos on your HDTV by connecting your UltraHD to your HDTV with the Flip Video HDMI%u2122 Micro Cable (type D) [sold separately--coming soon]
* Extend the capability of your UltraHD with Designed for Flip products, a new expanded accessory line from Flip Video and partner companies
* Record high-quality H.264 HD videos that are compatible with most video-playing applications, including Windows Media Player, QuickTime Player, and iTunes
* Video: 16:9 widescreen, HD 720p (1280 x 720) at 60 frames per seconds (fps) progressive scan; recorded as MP4 files
* Included in package: Flip UltraHD video camera, rechargeable battery pack, wrist strap, soft protective case, user guide

The Sony Bloggie Touch (MHS-TS20/B) Looks like a sharp, stylish little camcorder, but it lacks in features in the same way the Flip UltraHD does. Both of these cameras feature the built in flip out USB connection, and built in flash memory. I like the flexibility of the cables and the SD card.

The one thing I liked about the Sony Bloggie is the big LCD screen to view your shots and playback video. It is also boasting still capture images at 12.8MP which is more than double the 5MP of the Kodak Zx3, but since I use a DSLR for my digital still photography this was not a deciding factor. The increased price of $60 over the Kodak Zx3 and lack of flexibility and the waterproof feature of the Zx3 was the clincher for me.

The folks over at Camcorderinfo.com reinforced my decision with this comparison of the two devices:

* The Playsport is less stylish than the Bloggie Touch, but it has a more durable design and it is waterproof.
* Overall, the better camcorder, although the video performance of the two were similar.

In many ways, the Kodak Playsport is the opposite of the Bloggie Touch. The Kodak features a utilitarian design that is both waterproof (up to 10 feet) and rugged, but it doesn't have the sleek, stylish look that you get with the Bloggie Touch. The Playsport is also more versatile with its removable battery and memory card slot that accepts SD/SDHC memory cards. The Playsport is a bit thicker and heavier than the Bloggie Touch, but the size of the two camcorders isn't all that different.

The big advantage of the Bloggie Touch is its 3-inch LCD, which is the best screen we've seen on an ultracompact camcorder. We also think the all-inclusive nature of the Bloggie Touch, with its internal battery and flash memory, makes it an easier camcorder to use than the Playsport (but it's also far less adaptable for multiple shooting situations).

Both of these camcorders are very good ultracompact models, but we like the Kodak Playsport more-especially if you don't care much about the style or look of your gadgets. To top it off, the Kodak Playsport is a bit cheaper than the Bloggie Touch MHS-TS10, which makes it a better buy if you're trying to keep your costs down.

This is what Sony has to say about its Bloggie Touch MHS-TS10:

BEHOLD SIMPLICITY
Tap into the action.

One beautiful 3.0" (diag.) touch screen, one giant record button. The all-new Bloggie Touch camera features a capacitive-touch screen for touching and sliding effortlessly through all of your photos and HD videos.

SHARE YOUR WORLD
Visually stunning.

It's hard to take your eyes off of the expansive screen. Sporting ultra-vivid colors and remarkable clarity, it makes framing your subjects and showcasing your shots a pleasure. The view even auto-rotates depending on how you're holding the camera.

Full HD 1080p video.

Shoot amazing-looking HD video no matter where you are. And because Bloggie Touch videos are recorded in the web-friendly MP4 format, all of your footage can be easily uploaded to your favorite sharing sites. The handy HDMI out even lets you watch your videos on your HDTV.

12.8 megapixels

That's right. This ultra-compact camera captures gorgeous, 12.8-megapixel still photos with impeccable detail for cropping shots or large prints. You can even use the Dual Record feature and take snapshots while recording video.

Technical Data from Amazon.com

* 1920x1080 HD MP4 recording: The Bloggie Touch camera lets you record your favorite moments anytime, anywhere. Using the MP4 format, the Bloggie Touch shoots video in 1920x1080 high definition, as well as captures 12.8MP still images
* 12.8MP still images: Enjoy capturing clear, crisp still photos at 12.8MP resolution. The high resolution yields incredible detail while giving you the flexibility for large prints and cropping
* Capacitive touch-screen LCD: The touch screen LCD utilizes an easy to use touch & slide method for searching through your videos and pictures
* 3.0" LCD with vertical/horizontal operation: The 3.0" touch screen LCD (measured diagonally) will rotate its orientation automatically; however you hold the camera - horizontally, vertically, left, right, even upside down
* Up to 4 hours HD video: Record and store up to four hours of high-definition video footage (default setting) to the Bloggie Touch camera's 8GB of built-in flash memory