Which Pocket Cam should you pocket?
As the warmer weather approaches, I am looking forward to getting outside with my girls more. Of course it seems that the more outside activities we do, the more videos I shoot. From my four year old learning to ride her bike without training wheels to two year old running through the sprinkler…I’m hoping to catch each of those moments on video this summer. But what camera should I trust those memories to?
It’s no secret that Pocket Cams are quickly replacing the bulky camcorders and when I say “bulky” I have to laugh because the camcorders on the market now are a fraction of the size of the camcorders we used when I was a kid! I digress, back to the Pocket Cams!
The Flip has been the front runner of Pocket Cams since it first hit the virtual-shelves in 2007. It’s compact design, easy connectivity, and affordable price tag took the market by storm and the Flip still seems to be a hot commodity with it’s updated design and features. However, the Flip isn’t alone in the Pocket Cam family. So, let’s compare a few!
The Flip
Flip now offers the Ultra and the Mino. Both versions are available in a HighDef model and range from 2GB to 8GB, capturing 60 – 120 minutes of high-quality video. They feature a convenient playback screen for easy viewing and a nifty little USB connector that flips out and plugs your camera directly into your computer for easy downloading (thus the name, Flip).
Flips range in price from $149.99 to $229.99 and now come in a variety of colors and designs. You can even create your own custom design, pick from an design gallery (which has some very cool designs), or upload your own personal image, making the Flip even more desirable and fashionable.
With the latest FlipShare software you can even upload your videos directly to Facebook, making the Flip MinoHD
Kodak’s Zi8
With their finger on the pulse of photography and videography, Kodak took a little more time developing their amazing Pocket Cam. This makes the Zi8 less known but also means they have put some pretty cool features together in this compact video camera.
The Kodak Zi8
Those cool features I mentioned include the ability to take 5 MP 16:9 HD still photos, image stabilization, and smart face tracking technology. The Zi8 only comes in three colors, so it’s not as fashionably fun as the Flip but I do love that the SD/SDHC card slot allows me to shoot a ton more footage without having to offload to a computer right away. At $199.95, the Kodak Zi8 is definitely a contender!
iPod nano
Yes, I said iPod! The newest release of Apple’s iPod nano
While the Nano may not be the best on tech specs, it does scream fun! Of course it comes in a range of vibrant colors and has the whole music player side of things, but the Nano also comes loaded with 16 fun video effects. As you shoot your footage you can add trippy effects (like Kaleidoscope or Twirl), robotic effects (Cyborg), or the classic Film Grain effect.
The iPod nano is currently priced at $149 for 8GB and $179 for 16GB.
The Verdict
So, where does that leave us? Well, it all depends on what you’re looking for in your pocket cam. All three brands are comparable in price, are small enough to throw in your pocket or purse and each has it’s own set of special features.
If you’re looking for something fun and aren’t concerned with HD footage, then the iPod nano might be a good fit. Fun colors, small, and serves a dual purpose (video and music player).
If you’re looking for high quality video and like to personalize your gadgets, the Flip is a good option. But, if you’re fine with a camera in the standard color, the Zi8 seems like the best bang for your buck! High quality, room to expand, and great price! And the image stabilization and smart face tracking technology seems perfect for catering those kids on the move!!!
Good luck with your camera shopping and your video shooting!
