Choosing FlipCams & Pocket Video Cameras – What Did I Choose and Why?

Well, after some of the feedback from last weekend regarding the video quality, I decided to go out and purchase a new pocket Video Camera.  I’m going to review the pluses and minuses of each of my cameras.

What I was using:

The RCA EZ201.  I purchased this flip camera late last year, and at that time, it was already dated.  I bought it new off  Ebay after watching the following video footage on youtube. You don’t have to watch the entire video..Just watch the first 20 seconds.   PS.  I bought it new for $55.  (Yes, it is strapped to a model airplane)

Here is video footage of me using it on myself:

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Here is video footage of my new camera (so you can compare them):
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What I liked:

• It uses raw .AVI file formats (though I had to convert to .AVI Techsmith codec after recording each video)
• It has a flip out screen so I could see myself while filming.
• You can “pause” the recording of the videos.

I chose to go with a new Kodak Zi8 pocket video camera.  It has received excellent reviews.  I think I paid about $170 for it at Best Buy.

My Biggest Likes:

• The HD quality is excellent, even after uploading to youtube (which sometimes takes a toll on quality).
• Easy to Use
• This is about the only pocket video camera/flip type camera on the market right now that can take an external microphone.  You can hook up a Lav Mike and record audio from across a room.  That’s sweet.  Will be picking up one of these soon.
• No “AA” batteries to mess with.  Recharges with wall plug.
• The zoom isn’t great, but it seems better than the 2X just due to the High Definition.

My Biggest DisLikes:

• Records in .MOV Quicktime format.  I use Camtasia Studio for editing my videos, and frankly, I had some hair pulling moments getting something acceptable edited, and up to youtube.  In the end, here is what worked really well:  Importing directly to Camtasia Studio from the camera, and then Producing a .FLV video at 65% quality.  Worked like a charm, and looked great on youtube.
• No flip out screen to see what is being recorded.  It is taking me awhile to see exactly how to position the camera at myself for best centering.
• No “pause” capabilities while recording.  You either will have shorter videos, or will record a long video and then edit out the downtimes in it.

Final Results:

So far, I like it a lot.  The jury is still out as I get more familiar with it and get some feedback from all of you as I make some videos with it.  This video above is the first time you have been exposed to it.  I know it’s not long, but hopefully you can see a difference.

I know the videos are different sized, the one only seems to allow me to pull into Camtasia in 320X240.

Anyway, for any of you considering video, hope you enjoy!

Brandon