Shoot & Share HD Camcorders (Cisco Flip, Kodak Zi/Zx, Creative Vado, Sanyo XACTI) – A Comparative Review

Flip Camcorders were the dominant players in the Shoot and Share Camcorder market. As mentioned in our comparative review of Flip Camcorders and Flash Camcorders in general, Flip had a tight grip in the Shoot & Share Camcorder segment with an array of products sporting a combination of distinct features (Hand Grip, Integrated LCD, Flip-out USB & Charging) and design compromises (fixed-focus lens, internal flash). In course, a number of competitive products have mushroomed essentially duplicating a majority of the distinctive features of Flip. Cisco announced in April 2011 that they are killing of the Flip product-line just two years after acquiring the company for $590M.

Shoot & Share HD Flash Camcorders have several advantages:

1. Flash Media based camcorders are more rugged and are not sensitive to shake,
2. Comfortably fits in your pocket,
3. HD Videos have good picture quality although the ideal use is video sharing on the Internet.
4. Integrated video editing software.

Overall, Shoot & Share HD Flash Camcorders are an excellent choice for most consumers.
Below is a look at Shoot & Share HD Camcorder manufacturers and their offerings:

Manufacturer	Thumbnail	Models	Comments
Aiptek		Aiptek HD-1 720P - $99, A-HD+ 1080P - $114, A-HD Pro 1080P - $144, Action HD GVS 1080P - $157.54, etc.	Aiptek has a good selection of HD Camcorders at different price points. The mid-range Aiptek A-HD+ 1080P is a great value at $114.54.
Apple		iPod Nano (5th Generation) - $124.54	Apple’s first foray into the S&S Camcorder space is this music player that can also capture videos. The video resolution is 640x480 (SD) and doesn’t compare well with HD (720p or better) that the competition offer.
Cisco (Pure Digital)		Flip MinoHD 120, Flip UltraHD 120, and several other models with low resolution (SD) or capacity. A unique SlideHD product was also released which turned out to be a flop.	Flip Video was the proven leader in the space before Cisco discontinued the product-line on 4/2011.
Coby		Coby CAM3000, CAM4000, and the CAM5000 HD Versions.	Lower priced (starts at $28.45), but reviews are mixed.
Creative Technology		Several models under the Creative VADO branding.	Solid products with a dedicated following that have been with them ever since they pioneered the mp3 player that Apple eventually hijacked.
DXG		Both Shoot & Share and higher end models.	Low-priced (starts at $49), but reviews are mixed for the shoot & share models.
Insignia		NS-DCC5HB09 model with mp3 & voice recording and NS-DCC5SSR09	Lower priced (starts at $39), but reviews are mixed.
Isonic		Isonic Snapbox DV series models	Good feature set, but has quality problems.
JVC		JVC Picsio Models	Waterproof (10ft) design, 3" touchscreen, and Wi-Fi Connectivity..
Kodak		Kodak Zi & Zx PlaySport HD series models	The Kodak Zi6 was a popular model and the new Zi8 model is a worthy replacement. The Zx PlaySport models are rugged versions.
Panasonic		Panasonic TA1	1080p HD resolution, USB charging needs a PC. Original Panasonic replacement/2nd battery will set you back half the price of the camera. Build quality is not comparable to the Flip.
RCA		Several models under the Small Wonder and “Traveller” Small Wonder lines.	Good feature set, very competitively priced, but has quality and software problems on earlier models. The RCA EZ201 at less than $60 is an exception.
Samsung		Samsung HMX-E10 and others.	270 degree swivel lens, sub-par zooming, and no AC charging adapter. Nevertheless good value at $75.
Sanyo		Sanyo VPC-CG20, Xacti VPC-EC2, VPC-ZH1R, and other higher end models.	The XACTI VPC-EC2 is slightly bulkier but has a distinct design with 5x optical zoom and priced competitively at around $165. The new XACTI VPC-ZH1R is a great value as Camcorder/Camera combo.
Sony		Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 and the older Webbie MHS-CM1 models.	The new model has a unique swivel lens, 5x digital zoom along with competitive pricing at around $140. Uses memory stick pro duo card as opposed to SDHC cards.
SVP		Several SVP-T and SVP-HDT models.	The HDT500 model sports 20x zoom (4x digital), 1080p, and low pricing ($179) but the reviews are very mixed.
Zoom		ZOOM Q3	Hi-Fi audio recorder is the key feature that distinguishes it from the competition. Priced at $200.

For a best value comparison, we chose four models that offer the best features at a price point below $200 and ideally closer to $150. Below is our comparison spreadsheet:

Product	Cisco Flip Video UltraHD (3rd Gen)	Kodak Zi8	Creative Labs VADO HD 720p (3rd Gen)	Sanyo VPC CG-20
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List Price	$199.99	$199.99	$199.99	$199.99
Best Price	$134.99	$109.95	$99.95	$139
Date of Release	09/2010	07/2009	12/2009	02/2010
Storage Media	8GB Internal Flash Memory – 120 minutes	SHDC Memory Card (up to 32GB) – Not Included. 9 MB/sec speed or Class 6 cards required for HD recording.	4 GB Internal Flash Memory: 2 hours – HD.	SHXC Memory Card (more than 64GB) – Not Included. 9 MB/sec speed or Class 6 cards required for HD recording. Internal ~40MB.
Video Recording Format	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264	AVI, MPEG-4 AVC/H.264	MPEG4-AVC / H.264
Lens & Focus	F/2.4 Fixed Focus	F/2.8	F/2.8 Wide Angle	F/3.5-3.7
Optical Zoom	None	None	None	5 x
Digital Zoom	2 x - smooth	4 x - smooth	2 x - smooth	12 x – smooth
Image Stabilizer	Yes	Electronic	None	Intelligent Electronic
Resolution	1280 x 720 (HD 720p 16:9 progressive), 60fps	HD 1080p 16:9 progressive	HD+ 720p 1080i, HD 720p	HD 1080p, 60fps
Sensor	1/4.5” HD CMOS Sensor	1/2.5” HD CMOS Sensor – 5 MP Resolution	HD CMOS Sensor	1/2.3” HD CMOS Sensor, 10 MP Photos
Battery Type	USB Rechargeable AAA battery pack (Included). Also supports standard 3 AAA.	KLIC-7004 Li-Ion Removable Rechargeable Battery (70 minutes)	Lithium-Ion Removeable Rechargeable Battery (2 hours)	DB-L80 Removable Rechargeable Lithium-Ion (70 minutes)
Size & Weight	2.2 x 1.2 x 4.2 inches, 5.6 ounces	4.4 x 2.4 x 0.9 inches, 3.9 ounces	3.9 x 2.2 x 0.6 inches, 3.3 ounces.	7 x 5 x 3 inches ; 6.4 ounces
Screen Size	2.0”	2.5”	2.0”	2.7”
Others	HDMI Output, FlipShare software preloaded, Namesake flip-out USB.	HDMI Output (Cable Included), Arcsoft MediaImpression Software preloaded, flip-out USB.	HDMI Output (Cable Included), Vado Central Software Preloaded, flip-out USB,	12 subject face chaser technology, Still Photo Flash, Flip-Out LCD w. 285 degree rotation, Proprietary USB/AV port (cable included).

Summary and Recommendation:

The Flip Video Ultra HD (3rd Gen, 120 minutes) is a good frugal choice – everything required to commence shooting HD videos is included in the box. Maintaining new AAA batteries as a backup is a frugal choice that compares well with investing in a much more expensive Li-Ion battery pack. 120-minute recording, image stabilization, and resolution (1080p, 60fps) makes this a great upgrade, if you have owned 1st or 2nd generation Flip's previously.

Kodak Zi8, sporting a flexible SDHC interface in place of Internal Flash memory is a worthy competitor for the flip. The Zi8 has a feature-set that compares well with the Flip Video Ultra HD –4x digital zoom and 2.5” LCD screen exceed the Flip Ultra HD specification. The Flip is priced around $135 while the Kodak Zi8 is about $25 lower. The cost of the Zi8 would almost certainly trend upwards to $150 as consumers have to invest in an SD card (not included) and most would prefer to have a Lithium Ion battery backup around. Based on reviews, the build quality of both the products are pretty good, making the the purchase decision essentially boil down to whether to get the extra feature-set for about $15 more. For a more rugged choice, go with the newer Kodak Zx3 Playsport HD for around $115.


The Sanyo VPC-CG20 is no less with an outstanding feature set – with 5x optical zoom, Image Stabilization, and an integrated camera with flash. The pricing has come down to $140. Sanyo VPC-CG20 is a wonderful option for people on the look-out for a single camcorder plus camera gadget. Investing in an SD card and a backup Lithium Ion battery pack will push the price past $180, but even so, the feature set and the dual purpose make this is a good choice.


Older models of the Creative Labs VADO HD (3rd gen - 120 minutes) used to be the favorite for frugal shoppers. With this newest model, the feature set has lagged behind the competition. The pricing at $99.99 makes this a reasonable deal. As with the Kodak Zi8, an HDMI output cable is included.

Related Posts:

1. Best Values in Shoot & Share HD Camcorders - A Comparative Review.
2. Best Values in Flip Camcorders - Comparative Review.
3. Best Values in Flash Camcorders - Comparative Review.


Last Updated: 07/2016.

Best Value in Flip Camcorders – A Comparative Review

Flash camcorders are an excellent choice for most consumers, as discussed in the comparative review of the best values in flash camcorders. Cisco Systems, through its strategic acquisition of Pure Digital the maker of Flip Video camcorders, clawed its way into this very competitive market earlier this year. Pure Digital deserves laurels in carving a niche in the extremely competitive camcorder market where giants like Canon, Sony, and Panasonic welded power. Flip Video camcorders hold their own with these distinct features:

• Unique design that reinvented few fundamentals: 1) The simplified hand grip design blew away the concept of requiring some sort of an operating handle, and 2) An integrated approach replaced the snap-out LCD design.
• Flip-out USB design allows connectivity to a computer without entailing a USB chord,
• Functions on just two AA batteries (Ultra models).

A few intelligent design compromises in reducing form-factor were necessary for this feature-set:

• Fixed-focus lens: This is the single-biggest design compromise that helped shape the end-product with its enviable form-factor. The decision was fairly risky as at that time as web-cams were the only products employing fixed-focus lens with success,
• Internal Flash Memory: This risky design compromise panned out only because the integrated USB design simplified connectivity. The capacity of this flash memory can do with tremendous improvement as otherwise it mandates having a computer handy to transfer videos whenever capacity limit is reached.

Below is a spread-sheet that compares the most popular Flip Video Camcorder third generation models:

Product	Flip UltraHD (60 minutes)	Flip UltraHD (120 minutes)	Flip MinoHD (120 minutes)	Flip SlideHD (240 minutes)
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List Price	$149.99	$199.99	$229.99	$229.99
Best Price	$129	$179	$199	$199.99
Date of Release	09/2010	09/2010	09/2010	04/2010
Storage Media	4GB Internal Flash Memory – 60 minutes	8GB Internal Flash Memory – 120 minutes	8GB Internal Flash Memory – 120 minutes	16GB Internal Flash Memory – 240 minutes
Video Recording Format	MPEG-4	MPEG-4	MPEG-4	MPEG-4
Lens & Focus	F/2.4 Fixed Focus	F/2.4 Fixed Focus	F/2.4 Fixed Focus	F/2.4 Fixed Focus
Optical Zoom	None	None	None	None
Digital Zoom	2 x – smooth	2 x – smooth	2 x – smooth	2 x - smooth
Image Stabilizer	No	Yes	Yes	No
Resolution	1280 x 720, 30fps	1280 x 720, 60fps	1280 x 720, 60fps	1280 x 720, 30fps
Battery Type	Rechargeable AA battery pack (NOT included) or regular 2 AA (included)	Rechargeable AAA battery pack (included) or Lithium 3 AAA	Li-ion recharged through USB	Li-ion recharged through USB
Size & Weight	4.25” x 2.19“ x 1.17”, 5.7 ounces	4.16” x 2.11“ x 0.88”  inches, 4.5 ounces	3.94” x 1.97“ x 0.63”, 4.1 ounces	4.13" x 2.17" x 0.98" , 5.9 ounces
Screen Size	2.0”	2.0”	2.0”	3.0”
Others	Easy Press Buttons, HDMI Mini	Easy Press Buttons, HDMI Micro	Touch Sensitive, HDMI Mini	Touch Sensitive, HDMI Mini

• * The 30 minute versions of Flip are older models
• * A 60-minute version of the Flip MinoHD is also a current model and retails for $147.99.

The following three key attributes make it consumer friendly:

1. Diminutive form-factor. Flip Camcorders fits easily in one’s pocket. The integrated LCD and grip design causes very little delay from retrieval to the commencing of video capture.
2. Ease of use: Flip has just three main buttons for Record, Play, and Delete. Around the central bright red record button are the +/- zoom button and a Forward/Backward button. The slide-switch for on/off is on the side. This design is not intuitive at first when switching over from a conventional camcorder interface and then it becomes second nature.
3. Excellent low-light performance: The low-light performance for this low-end camcorder, achieved through a combination of a larger CCD (Charge Coupled Device, a chip that determines the quality of pictures) and a larger pixel size, is exceptional. The larger pixel works well with videos on the web.

The buying decision boils down to whether the price difference justifies the incremental value obtained for the additional feature-set. Flip UltraHD (60 minutes) is priced $50 below the 120 minute model but lacks the following key features: Frame Rate is 30 vs 60 and does not have image stabilization. With MinoHD, the key advantage is form factor, but otherwise the feature set is similar but UltraHD has the advantage of lithuim AAA batteries as opposed to internal battery pack. SlideHD introduces the concept of 'Shoot & Show' by have a 3.0" screen that can be tilted at a good viewing angle. It earns points for the cool factor and has double the capacity compared to other models. All this additional feature set can be had for the same price as MinoHD - the catch is that the new Image Stabilization and higher frame rate (60fps) are missing in this product. Even so, the pricing makes this an outstanding deal.




Last Updated: 07/2016.

Related Posts:

1. Best Values in Shoot & Share HD Camcorders - A Comparative Review.
2. Best Values in Flip Camcorders - Comparative Review.
3. Best Values in Flash Camcorders - Comparative Review.

Best Value in Flash Camcorders (Flip UltraHD, Canon FS300, Sanyo VPC FH1A, Panasonic HDCTM15) – Comparative Review

From various manufacturer models to competing technological choices, options galore for a Camcorder. Canon is the biggest manufacturer with a large number of models followed by Panasonic and Sanyo.

Tape based Camcorders (VHS-C, 8mm, Hi8, Digital8, etc.) have paved way for an array of smart, compact choices, although some of these legacy technologies are still available.

Below is a listing of current recording media and format choices available:

Technology	Media	Compression Format	Comments
Digital MiniDV	MiniDV Tape	DV or HDV	MiniDV Tapes are the latest incarnation of tape-based technologies that dominated the industry in the 90s and early 2000s. MiniDV Camcorders use this older technology but still offers very good quality video.
Flash Memory	SDHC Memory Stick	MPEG-2, MPEG-4 - AVCHD	Solid-state storage media limited by size that currently doesn’t exceed 32GB. Flash Camcorders have low form-factor and robustness making it state-of-the-art.
Digital DVD	DVD-R/-RW/+RW/ +R DL, etc	MPEG-2	Size is a big limitation, although this was a popular option until recently.
Hard Disk Drive	Hard Drive	MPEG-2, MPEG-4 – AVCHD.	With mobile parts chances of failure are high for hard disk drives especially when used in devices such as camcorders, which by its very nature is prone to “abuse”. On the other hand, they can record several hours of high-quality video.

Flash camcorders have several advantages:

1. Solid-state media fare better when compared to hard-drive based camcorders that have movable parts,
2. Very small form-factor allows for minute light-weight designs,
3. Ideal for video sharing on the Internet and a reasonable choice for recording and playing back on a media player.
4. MPEG video editing software allows for editing of recorded videos. The editing is a little better with MiniDV’s as MPEG editing is CPU-intensive.

Overall, flash camcorders are an excellent choice for most consumers. Below is a comparison spreadsheet of the best-selling flash camcorders:

Product	Flip UltraHD (3rd Gen - 120 mins)	Canon FS300	Sanyo VPC-FH1A	Panasonic HDCTM15	Canon VIXIA HF M300
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List Price	$199.99	$299.99	$499.99	$429.99	679
Best Price	$179	$169	$279	$257.99	$379
Date of Release	09/2010	05/2010	02/2006	04/2009	01/2010
Storage Media	4GB Internal Flash Memory – 120 minutes	SHDC Memory Card.	SHDC Memory Card.	SHDC Memory Card.	SD/SDHC Memory Card.
Video Recording Format	MPEG-4	MPEG-2	MPEG-4	MPEG-4	MPEG4
Lens & Focus	F/2.4 Fixed Focus	F/2.0-5.2 Automatic	F/2.0-2.8 Automatic	F/1.8-2.8 Automatic	F/1.8-3.0 Automatic
Optical Zoom	None	37 x	10 x optical (photos), 16 x advanced (video)	16 x	15 x
Digital Zoom	2 x - smooth	41 x Advanced minimal loss in image quality, 2000 x	NA	NA	300 x
Image Stabilizer	Yes	Electronic	Electronic	Electronic	Optical SuperRange OIS
Resolution	1080p, 60fps	0.68MP	8MP (1080p)	1.47MP	3.89MP
Battery Type	Included Rechargeable AAA battery pack, 3 x AAA	Lithium-Ion (Intelligent - Progressive)	Lithium-Ion	Lithium-Ion	Intelligent Lithium-Ion
Size & Weight	4.3 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches, 4.0 ounces	2.3 x 2.2 x 4.3, 8 ounces	2.2 x 4.1 x 2.1, 10.5 ounces	2.5 x 1.9 x 4.5, 8 ounces	2.4 x 2.7, 4.9, 13.4 ounces
Screen Size	2.0”	2.7”	3.0”	2.7”	2.7”

Summary & Recommendation:

The Flip Video (Cisco) UltraHD rule the low-end digital camcorder market - low cost, diminutive form-factor (fits easily in your pocket), and ease of use (just 3 buttons for Record, Play, and Delete along with Zoom) make for a great combination. The standout feature is Pure Digital’s excellent low-light performance. Our 8-year old Canon ES300 was replaced by Flip Video Ultra in 2008 and we are impressed by the video quality. It outperformed its predecessor in quality under low-light conditions – the Canon produced especially grainy videos under low-light conditions. The only feature going for Canon is the zoom - the 2x digital zooming with the Flip is an apology. We might miss the absence of the SD card expansion slot in the long run. Pure Digital, a small private company out of San Francisco got acquired by Cisco Systems for upwards of a half-a-billion dollars, validating the Flip Video technology further. Please see our review for a detailed comparison of the Flip camcorder models.

The Canon FS300 flash camcorder has both a good optical zoom as well as 200x digital zooming along with image stabilization. The SD card slot as opposed to internal flash memory is a welcome feature. It is more than twice as expensive as the Flip Video Ultra and carries a higher form-factor. However, as a replacement for outdated Canon camcorders that use tape-based technology, Canon FS300 is decent choice - it provides a relatively low-cost upgrade path with features intact.

The Sanyo VPC-FH1A is an older model and it shows - the product is bulky and despite the pricing, the feature set is sub par compared to competitive models.

The Panasonic HDCTM15 is a worthy competition to the plethora of Canon models. We are big fans of Pansonic Lumix Digital Cameras and we feel the same way about this product. Low light performance is suboptimal, but a fast lens with decent optical zooming along with Full HD sensor makes this a great choice, if your budget allows the $300 pricing.

The Canon VIXIA HF M300 uses an 3.89-megapixel Full HD CMOS Image Sensor coupled with a DIGIC DV III Image Processor to achieve a bit rate up to 24 MBPS and comparable performance. The battery life is good helped by the Intelligent Lithium-ion battery technology that shows the remaining battery time. The low-light performance is sub-optimal but the mini-video light that can be turned ON can compensate for this.




Last Updated: 07/2016.


Related Posts:

1. Best Values in Shoot & Share HD Camcorders - A Comparative Review.
2. Best Values in Flip Camcorders - Comparative Review.
3. Best Values in Flash Camcorders - Comparative Review.