Tell me about these pocket camcorders...

[MAGICX2]

I am trying to choose a pocket camcorder. I have never owned one before and would like some input on these three different brands:
Flip Ultra HD 4 Hr recording time
Sony Bloggie
Kodak Play Sport Zx3 (waterproof)

All three are on sale right now at Target. Any information would be helpful, especially anyone with hands on experience. Thanks!

 

[njsweetP]

I just got the Kodak Playsport in August for our trip to the lake. Right now it's cheaper at Amazon than target, and no sales tax and for that price it's very much worth it. I actually bought mine at Best Buy and they price matched Amazon's price. I had gift cards to use otherwise I would have bought it thru Amazon. Check it out there as well as the reviews. I love ours. I haven't had the opportunity to take full advantage of the waterproof feature, but can tell you it takes great video AND it's soo easy to use. Upload to computer is easy too..a big plus for me. I think though that I need a better class SD card for mine..I'm still looking into that.

 

[NYCDiane]

I have the Flip --- I won it in a contest at work. It's a great little camera, very simple to use. The only "thing" I have with it is that it's only meant for close filming. For example, I wouldn't use it to tape my child's play or anything like that. It seems that the further away you are, the less quality in the images.

It's good, though, for vacation-type stuff though --- lightweight, you can slip it in your pocket, one button use, and if you lose it, they are so inexpensive it's no big deal.

 

[minniebeth]

I'd like to get my DD the Sony Bloggie, so I'd love to hear if anyone has personal experience with that too~

 

[rynosmom]

I got the Kodak Playsport in April and just love it. Video is super easy to watch on our flat screen tv. We got ours at Best Buy and I think it was $149.99.

 

[seashoreCM]

Caution: You will never get more recording time with the Flip if you don't bring your laptop on vacation. Nobody in town can change the memory or burn a DVD for you.

 

[Mom_Rides]

We bought a Playsport prior to taking our trip to the World in June. We used it several times on our trip, including in the pool with the kids) and WE.LOVE.IT! Its great for our busy family to throw it our pocket or purse and have it available during sporting events or just family outings. DH bought a sturdy cell phone case and kept it clipped on his belt during our trip.

 

[At World's End]

It's not one of the ones you mention, but I have the Kodak Zi8. I chose it over the Flip because the Kodak uses sd cards for memory. I don't have a laptop to download the video to while on vacation, so that was a big concern for me.

 

[pipervali]

I was just about to make a post identical to this one. Glad I used the search forum button first lol

I've already eliminated the Flip from my choices because of the lack of expandable memory. If I can't switch out memory cards, I don't have any use for it.

I'm debating mostly between the two Kodak models mentioned here. And then I came across the Sony Bloggie, so now I'm back to the drawing board.

Our old camcorder is a big ole boat of a thing, and we're not looking to spend more than $250, so it seems as though the pocket cams are the best bang for the buck, yes?

 

[NYCDiane]

Caution: You will never get more recording time with the Flip if you don't bring your laptop on vacation. Nobody in town can change the memory or burn a DVD for you.

What about the chain drug stores like CVS?? At their photo kiosk, you can burn video to DVD.

 

[eroilersgal]

We love our Kodak Playsport too!! We bought it at Sam's Club and it came with a wrist strap that floats (the camera, while waterproof, does NOT float). It was perfect for Sundays on our pontoon boat. Haven't used it for pictures but it is supposed to do both.

 

[kalliyan1]

I have the playtouch and I also got one for DS for xmas but I'm going to return it for the playsport due to the waterproof feature. We chose this because of the expandable memory over flip.
Also you can get the playsport much cheaper than the 149.99. bhphotovideo has it for $115 with free shipping. I've ordered from them lots of times with no trouble.

 

[mdrob214]

Love, love, love the Kodak Playsport. I got it on AMazon for $129. It's purple, but I don't care. One thing: it doesn't float. So use the wrist strap! The video is amazing. I record in 720p and it looks fabulous on or HD tv. I like that you can use SD cards with it--so buy a couple of the hi-speed 16gig cards. We used 2 for our weekelong WDW trip.
It's so small and easy to carry, too.
It doesn't have a flash, so that may be of some concern for you.
It takes great video of fireworks shows, though.

 

[AmberHeartsDisney]

i have the kodak zi8 and i really like it.

 

[njsweetP]

For the people who own the Kodak Playsport - what 'class' SD card to you use? When I playback the video sometimes it's a little choppy and I don't know if it's the card or user Thanks!

 

[mdrob214]

For the people who own the Kodak Playsport - what 'class' SD card to you use? When I playback the video sometimes it's a little choppy and I don't know if it's the card or user Thanks!

I use these:
PNY Optima 8GB (4GB x 2) Secure Digital High-Capacity (SDHC) Flash Card 2-Pack Model P-SDHC4G4X2-MF

 

[LoriNSC]

Yep-I love my Kodak Playsport. I got the purple one from Amazon for $129. I keep it in my purse & use it often. I chose it because of the extra memory capabilities.