Best Flip-Style Video Camcorder?

[DJ898]

Hello all,

I am having some trouble deciding between these four camcorders:

http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-Pocket-V...2&sr=8-1-spell
Kodak zi8

http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-PlaySpor.../ref=pd_cp_p_2
Kodak Playsport Zx5

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...R&tag=at055-20
Kodak Playsport Zx3

http://www.amazon.com/Flip-MinoHD-Vi...0675063&sr=8-3
Flip MinoHD

I haven't seen any real reviews of the Zx5 nor any good comparisons between them.

My usage scenario would be taking videos of stupid stuff my friends and I do and not for anything that needs perfect quality. Good low light performance would be a plus because I expect I'll be doing some videos inside at night.

Any insights from the great Anandtech community? Thanks

 

[Kaido]

I have a Zx3. It's nice because it's tiny, shoots full 1080p, and is waterproof. Plus you can get it for pretty cheap (like $110). I think the Zx5 is essentially the same, but is supposed to have better low-light. The Zx3 does fairly well at concerts though, pretty good in low-light situations. If you want something that is really good in low-light situations, check out the Zoom Q3HD:

http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=2062

The mics are phenomenal as well. The downside is that it goes for about $300 online, nearly triple the price of the Zx3. But if you need a small cam with the best low-light, the Q3HD is the best I've seen.

 

[Krioni]

I also have the Zx3. For me, the Zx3 being waterproof was key because my wife will be using it to record the kids at the beach and pool. So, I don't have to worry about an occasional splash. As a note, I shoot mine on 720 @ 60fps rather than the 1080p setting which is lower fps.

 

[AkumaX]

Mini-thread hijack, but recommend a good minicam for newborn baby?

 

[luv2liv]

i have the Kodak Playsport Zx3. this thing is built to last. i can give it to the kids and never have to worry. quality is very good outside with enough light. quality is mediocre inside or anywhere with low light....which is normal for most camera in this class, i think.

 

[SamQuint]

Wow, says the Z-5 has an internal battery that you can't change. I was looking at the Z-3 and was happy to see it had a removable battery. That way you can have a spare on hand when you are going to be out all day. I think I saw a replacement battery at Best Buy for around 40-50 bucks.

I like the Playsport for these reasons, uses SD card and has the removable battery. Something that other cameras in this category don't.