Video quality
The 720p video quality is excellent. Using H264 codec with AAC audio and mp4 container, this camcorder achieves exceptional results. The only problem is that it doesn't do well with low light. But if you don't want to record in very dark areas, there's no problem.
The 2x digital zoom is fine, but it could have more zoom or even an optical zoom (am I asking too much? :D).
And it doesn't have a image stabilizer, so you have to stabilize your hands or put it on a plane surface or tripod. Kodak zi8 has digital image stabilization but it don't work perfect. The ideal would be optical image stabilization.
Audio quality
The audio quality is also great. Clear and crisp stereo audio (different from other camcorders which just give you mono sound). The only problem is with the left mic which is more exposed (it has more holes so the sound can enter) than the right one. The left mic tends to clip the sound when exposed to loud and low frequencies. But just to very intense and loud low frequencies like a bass hitting strong.
There's is another minor issue: the first video recorded after it turns on will have a small click noise at the very beggining. Maybe it's because the mics are being used for the first time after turning it on. But it can be removed editing the video.
Storage
8GB of memory is plenty of space. I usually record just short small videos (maximum of 10 minutes which is the limit of youtube) so it is more than enough. It will not accept an external memory stick, but for me it is not a problem.
Size
Solid and robust. Although it's a bit larger than others, it is still small enough so you can carry like a cell phone. The advantage of being a little larger is that you can put in on a plane surface (the Kodak zi8 won't let you do that for example).
I don't understand why this cam is asymmetrical. The left mic has more holes than the right one.
Charging
You can use the battery pack that comes with the cam on any type of AA battery. I noticed some temperature issues when charging, but not something that would prevent me from charging. And you can only charge on the USB port. I noticed a temperature warning when charging, but it doesn't occur always.
The battery pack comes enclosed by a plastic which must not be removed. I read some people suggesting that one of the positive contacts is covered by the plastic, but it was designed that way, so please do not remove it! It could be explicit told in the manual.
Interface
The interface is simple and intuitive. This camcorder turns on very quickly and it is ready to record. The buttons are soft and nice to press.
To sum up....
Strong points
- excellent 720p video quality
- excellent stereo audio quality
- it can stand up on a plane surface without the need of a tripod
- soft buttons
- 8GB storage internal memory and 2 hours video recording
- it doesn't work well in very dark areas and it doesn't have image stabilization
- the left mic can "clip" sound when record loud and intense bass (low frequency)
- temperature issues when charging
Comparing it to Kodak zi8, I choose the Flip Ultra HD because it has stereo mic built in and it can stand up on a plane surface without a tripod (although you can use a tripod if you want). Of course the Kodak zi8 can record at 1080p, but as I want to just upload videos to youtube with an acceptable quality, 720p is enough for me (and the files don't get very big as 1080p :D). Kodak zi8 accepts an external mic, but I really don't want to carry a separate mic with me. I just want to point and record (fast ). I saw a video on youtube where the guy uses his Kodak zi8 in 720p mode because he thinks the 1080p mode doesn't work very well... so... ehehe Kodak zi8 can be technically supperior, but it lacks a stereo mic and can't stand up on a plane surface.
So if you want a simple and very good camcorder with excellent video & audio recording, buy the Flip Ultra HD. If you really need 1080p, external storage or an external mic, buy Kodak zi8.
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