Kodak Zi8 vs. Flip UltraHD - Which is Better?

[pjmuck]

1080p aside, I prefer the color/picture quality on the Flip.

[SUPERDAVIDLEVINE]

the zi8 is okay good for the price but no camera is as good as the light sorce they never menton lighting the intructions they should have very goodligting not so good and the time of day fpr sp,e shots are far better if shot two hours after sun up 2 hours be sun set i had a demo. vidio with an enttry levle sony they didnot mention light oh I miss the optical zoom and special efects some might not even use it but i loved it

[Jerseyboater]

Hi Phil, Great vid, I have a question about the Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional mic. I purchased it and tried to use with my Panasonic camcorder and Zi8. I only get one channel out of it and when you shoot with the Zi8 do you have to change it over to work on both channels. Can you set me straight on how do you do that in a simple way. Thanks in advance.

[steeletraining]

@Jerseyboater - Yes, you can buy a little mono-to-stereo adapter plug that converts it to record in both channels. I think mine cost less than 10 bucks on Amazon.  I don't recall exact model, but search and you'll find one. Cheers, Phil

[7389]

Steeletraining, thank you so much for making these videos. : ) If I want to use the camera for concerts or outdoors where there might be wind etc, which camera would you recommend based on the mircrophones ? I often see concert footage on Youtube where the sound is very distorted from the volume of the music, which defeats the purpose. Thanks !

[clay81000]

I tried putting 2. AA batteries in my flip and it did not work

[NachladenGamingz]

can it also take hd photos

[longboardrider101]

Why is it that all the videos on youtube that were recorded with a Kodak Zi8 Camera. Are all really slow. They take FOREVER to load. Even when they are at 360p they take forever. But all other videos on youtube load just fine. What Is Up. Like if you pay attention to it. All the Kodak Zi8 Camera videos take a long time to load. Which makes myself wonder if I should but this camera. People wouldnt want to wait for a video to load. So people wouldnt watch my videos. Why Is This Like This.

[Herrjbk]

@longboardrider101 what do you mean they're slow? If it's a video on youtube that's slow then it's your computer, it has nothing to do with the camera.

[davidsalomongp]

Since this video was from almost a year ago, do you know any newer, better, same price video cameras?

I've been looking at the Kodak PlayTouch but I think I prefer the Zi8.

Have you heard of any other newer cameras?

[basraw]

The ArcSoft Media Impression software included with my Zi8 is pretty good for 'free' with camera.

ContourHD's software does not even compare. I use the ArcSoft for my ContourHD videos.

I have no idea what software is included with the flip, but I'm sure it does not compare to the Zi8.

[briancraft777]

I purchased the kodak Zi8 and the audio technica microphone, but when I play back the video, sound only comes out of the left speaker on any computer. Do you know what I am doing wrong?

[briancraft777]

I purchased the kodak Zi8 and the audio technica microphone, but when I play back the video, sound only comes out of the left speaker on any computer. Do you know what I am doing wrong?

[SavingNines]

Why is my Zi8 so jumpy!? I cant get the videos to play back smooth is it because I have a Mac??

[lovellespice]

the zi8 has compatibility issues with SD cards... you need to get the SDHC card like a class 6 or something.. i just wasted money on buying a class 4 and it doesn't work with the zi8

[lovellespice]

I have both and pound for pound, the zi8 is better.. here's why.. bigger screen, less grain on video, user friendly controls, expandable memory, has external microphone jack, performs better in low light.. the only advantages the mino has is better on board mic and you can prop it up on a flat surface

[Nabid777]

Ok here is my problem. I am shooting public skits in my town, which means there is potential for external background noise, varied light levels, and lots of movement. Which one of these would be the best for shooting these types of videos? And say if I needed an external mic like on the kodak, is it possible to use that outside or would it just look weird having someone connected to a camera? I am also considering the Sanyo CG102 and the Creative Vado. Thanks!

[TreyOfficialMusic]

can you use the Zi8 on a mac too? im working on making music videos and ive already owned a flip and that was extremely easy, is the Zi8 as easy or compatible?

[theshellest]

thank you so much for this review! it was everything i needed to know

[sk84gs]

expanding on what slavin 73 said, me and my brother also think the flip 3rd generation shine a little brighter in low light indoor settings.

and ALLOT in outdoor shots, If you want to do things like macro mode, zoom in zoom out etc, then just step up to any 250 dollar handycam!!!! DUH-

[InsanityIsNormality]

I actually prefer the sound of the Flip than the Zi8 in this video.

[steeletraining]

@InsanityIsNormality - I agree, the Zi8 did not sound great here, but it's partly my fault because I hadn't learned to adjust the microphone sensitivity very well yet. I sounds better in my later videos, however, some people actually like the "room" sound better than the sound of a clip-on microphone. If you're in a noisy environment, though, the ability to use an external mic on the Zi8 is a lifesaver.

[theshellest]

@InsanityIsNormality i was thinking the same thing! you could hear weird echo-y stuff with the kodak

[TejasM14]

@InsanityIsNormality The flip may sound brighter, but definitely not professional unlike the zi8 which can record some great sound depending on the quality of the microphone.

[InsanityIsNormality]

@TejasM14 I own both cameras...the flip is better. It is simple, it has GREAT sound and video quality and does not need an external mic

[TejasM14]

@InsanityIsNormality You had me wrong. I am not talking about the 'need' for an external mic. The option gives you SO much flexibility. You can attach a lavaliere mic which is excellent for interviews. Or your sound source can even be a line in signal from a mixer, which is invaluable to musicians like me. That way you can send in the collective signal of many microphones. Besides, I still think the 2nd audio clip in this video was way better. It was less bright, but more warm and less noisy.

[slavin73]

I like the flip so much better. Eveb though it cant take photos it can still take awesome still shots in the video which is probably harder to do with the zi8 thing or whatever

[PhantomimeBoo]

This tutorial was wonderful man, thank you so much.

Quick question, what type of files do they record on? How can I watch the clips and movies and check them out on my computer after I have downloaded them?

[Sensation045]

wat video program do u use??

[steeletraining]

@Sensation045 - I use Screenflow.

[torTIja]

Is the image quality of the Kodak Playsport as good as the Zi8?

[ngvgnDOTcom]

The only bad thing about the Zi8 Kodak release a lot of them with bad built in mics that have a buzzing sound. Some people have the problem others do not its a hit or mis with the Zi8.

[itsmyhalovid]

but one question

does the z18 stand like the flip

can either camera be programmed to take a picture every seconds or minute or so

[mudvayne336]

@itsmyhalovid the flip doesnt take pictures... the zi8 does though.

[TheSnackPack1234]

what cam would u recoment for short vids and how would u compare them price wise. pleazz answer back

[EvilRobotFilms]

@TheSnackPack1234 Yes I would also like to know if this is good for short vids but no one replys to my comment :(

[legogunguy001]

Thanks for the review, I work with electronics and circuits a lot and haven't made any videos about electronics because I was not able to get a good enough picture.

[miraclemanaquin004]

Now the price for the Zi8 is cheaper than the flip ultra hd. I do like the ability for an external mic and the ability to take photos. Would you recomend the zi8?

[dummerbube]

Great comparison - it told me exactly what I was wondering about. But: It seems that the picture quality of the Flip was a bit better, wasn't it?

[realjuvelive]

Which is better ? I think zi8 ..

[TejasM14]

Great review Phil. The links lead people to the product page and not to your store page on Amazon. Just wanted to tell you that because although you are leading people to the product, they will end up on the general product page.

[jenjoejalene]

I've just bought this kodak zi8, and I'm impressed at how clear the videos look on the zi8 screen. But when I view these videos on my computer or HDTV the video looks pixelated/ grainy. Any tips and tricks on how to improve the clarity/sharpness?

[TheJerryButlerShow]

Great info!!!!...my question is ...are you using a wireless mic in this video...or what are you using in this video and where do you suggest I purchase it..I do interviews as well....please email me @ askjerryb2004@aol.com...or call or text me @ 757 971 3733...Jerry Butler

[steeletraining]

@TheJerryButlerShow - Jerry, the mic I used wit the Kodak is the Audio Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone. It's a wired mic with a 20-foot cable. Costs less than $30.