Flip Video Camera vs. Kodak

[bucket o' butter]

I have some money to spend ($125) for my classroom. Of course, it has to be spent by the end of this week. Kind of a "use it or lose it" thing. I have decided to buy some type of flip video camera. I am either going to get the Flip brand or the Kodak vi6. Does anyone have either of these cameras? Can you tell me the pros and cons of them? I would appreciate any input anyone has.

 

[englishteacha]

I'd go for either. If you have a Mac, just make sure what you get is Mac compatible. Our tech guy got us some nice video cameras but aren't Mac compatible. We have only Macs, so they're kind of useless.

 

[Binnie]

I love my Flip. I was really skeptical, but it's perfect for quick (or lengthy!) videos of DD and other stuff, too. It's super easy to use, and I've literally had no problems with it.

Highly recommended.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I purchased the Kodak Zi8 before our recent trip and I'm so glad I did. I had debated back and forth over which one to get and I found better quality reviews with the Kodak and I liked the fact it has removable memory meaning I could use a memory card and remove it and keep it that way. The Kodak also comes with an HDMI cable to play through your tv and I don't think the Flip's do? I could be wrong about that - but I know the Kodak Zi8 does since we already watched ours. They don't do very good in low light situations, however firework type scenes are awesome. Daylight is perfectly clear and awesome. I'm very pleased with the Kodak I purchased.

Good luck with your decision!
Heather

 

[dex08]

I'd recommend Kodak's new Playsport model before a Zi6 or a Flip and you can get the Playsport on Amazon right now for $129. It records in full 1080 and has a 3x zoom whereas the Flip and Zi6 only record in 720 plus only have 2x zoom.

The Playsport is also waterproof!!

 

[dex08]

OH and also the software for the Kodak Playsport is compatible with both PC and Mac.

 

[notsosnowwhite]

If you decide to go with the Flip, I strongly suggest you go to DIGITAL WISH and get the 2 for 1 flip offer for teachers. Digitalwish.com is a legit website that lets educators register for donations and they have offered this deal for educators for the past school year. I have purchased several and the whole process is extremely easy. I ended up calling the company for help as we have to use purchase orders for purchasing, and they were very helpful.

 

[seashoreCM]

If you need to shoot more video than the Flip holds, you must have your laptop with you. There are few (or no) stores that can make a DVD and offload your Flip so you can shoot more video. You cannot swap memory cards.

For classroom or even field trip usage, you probably won't run into this limitation, but you might at Disney.

 

[tjs198]

I'd recommend Kodak's new Playsport model before a Zi6 or a Flip and you can get the Playsport on Amazon right now for $129. It records in full 1080 and has a 3x zoom whereas the Flip and Zi6 only record in 720 plus only have 2x zoom.

The Playsport is also waterproof!!

I second this - got the playsport and LOVE IT. you aren't tied to a limited amount of space like with the FLIP since you can buy and insert your own SD card.

 

[jessandtwo]

Can the Playsport also take still pictures? I'm wanting to be able to record video and take some pictures when we're snorkeling this summer and I wasn't sure if this would do both.

 

[clori]

How would a playsport do in a setting like an auditorium for a kids music concert?

 

[dex08]

Can the Playsport also take still pictures? I'm wanting to be able to record video and take some pictures when we're snorkeling this summer and I wasn't sure if this would do both.

Yes.
The Playsports specs are listed at this link

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

Forgive me but I am truly electronically challenged! Do these devices allow you to transfer the video to a DVD so that you "have them forever"? I see that the Kodak one uses memory cards ... so do the videos transfer to your computer just like you transfer pictures from a digital camera? If so, I would imagine there is then a way to copy them onto a DVD (or worst case order a DVD from Kodak).

I am sorry for having what are probably stupid questions. I am going to read more info on the Kodak site as well as on Amazon but I figured I would get an answer I am more likely to understand from here on the Dis!

 

[dex08]

Forgive me but I am truly electronically challenged! Do these devices allow you to transfer the video to a DVD so that you "have them forever"? I see that the Kodak one uses memory cards ... so do the videos transfer to your computer just like you transfer pictures from a digital camera? If so, I would imagine there is then a way to copy them onto a DVD (or worst case order a DVD from Kodak).

The videos recorded by these devices are files, similar to how your digital camera creates a photo file. They can be treated in similar manner as your photo files by moving them to your computer, an external hard drive or a cd/dvd.

 

[GoofySon'sMom]

The videos recorded by these devices are files, similar to how your digital camera creates a photo file. They can be treated in similar manner as your photo files by moving them to your computer, an external hard drive or a cd/dvd.

Thank you! I think I may have to try one of these ... seems so much easier than the video camera!

 

[JRoyster86]

I've been using the Flip cam in a classroom context this semester and it's really great. Easy to use.

 

[Jodijo]

I had a flip. Yes, I said "had." It lasted about 1 year and stopped working. I called the company and they said there was nothing they could do for me because it was out of warranty. I am a teacher as well and another teacher at my school had the same problem and they did nothing to help her either.

Another concern I had with my flip is that I could not download the videos without an internet connection. I don't know why but it would not. We were on a Disney cruise and I could not download my videos off of the flip without the internet connection. It was very frustrating and I lost a lot of precious moments because the camera was full and I could not afford wireless to download them. Live and learn.