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Question for sixpackers

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pDigital32Dawg

Freshman
Aug 29, 2009
2,996
85
48
I am going to purchase a camcorder soon and was looking for some insight on what kind of camera to get. I don't want one that is big and I just need one for personal use and is easy to carry around. I've been studying up on the Flips because they are small and get 2 hours of footage which is almost perfect. Anyone recommend going with a Flip or should I try something else.

Like I said it is just for personal use and not for any serious filming. I would like to be able to record spur of the moment situations and any possible projects/hunts/etc.
 
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bulldogbaja

Redshirt
Dec 18, 2007
2,683
0
0
Flips are idiot proof and have basically no features. It has a power button, and a record button. Maybe a simple menu. They are perfect for shooting vids and uploading them to youtube. It is not what I would pick for my personal camcorder; but, I guess it's personal preference.
 
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pDigital32Dawg

Freshman
Aug 29, 2009
2,996
85
48
But like I said I just want simple videos. Anything beyond that I would wait until after college unless I really got into recording.

What would you recommend as far as camcorders? I'm not working with a big budget and I need it to be decent enough size to carry in my pocket.
 
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lawdawg02

Redshirt
Jan 23, 2007
4,120
0
0
But they use SD cards instead of memory, so you don't have to upload every video you want to keep - just buy a new card if you want (which is also handy on a trip, so you don't have to take your computer for uploading).

The one we got was actually cheaper than the flip, and had a better zoom and video quality. It's also HD. Check out Best Buy online - they have some there that they don't carry in the stores.
 
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ArlngtnDawg

Redshirt
Oct 28, 2003
312
0
0
I have a Flip and a full featured (though not expensive) camera.

I love the Flip but my only complaint is the zoom is complete crap. For use videoing the kids around the house it is great, when I was videoing their baseball games I had to switch to the other camera because I couldn't get it to zoom enough when they were in the field.

They may have models with better zooms. Ours was a gift so I have never actually looked to see if we got a basic model.
 
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pDigital32Dawg

Freshman
Aug 29, 2009
2,996
85
48
What is the battery life like? I am interested in one that allows memory card usage. I have three SD memory cards which would be more than enough for the length of times I go without uploading.

//ETA how do they hold up in low-light situations?
 
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lawdawg02

Redshirt
Jan 23, 2007
4,120
0
0
It may be a different model, but I think this is it. The battery life has been great, though I can't really tell you how long it lasts. It just sits around the house until we want to record something, and the charge stays for a while.

The zoom is definitely a plus, but it's not a superzoom or anything. The SD card was the main reason we chose it. It was nice on a weekend trip that we just took an extra card, instead of having to take the computer if we filled it up. The size is great, and it definitely works well in low-light areas inside the house. Haven't really used it outdoors in low light, but I imagine it works fairly well there too.

Check Best Buy online - the model we got wasn't on display, so if you just go in looking, they may not know what they have under the counter.
 
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pDigital32Dawg

Freshman
Aug 29, 2009
2,996
85
48
Haven't decided yet but I'm interested in the bloggie. I'm going to research the Kodak's as was mentioned earlier and will probably decide between the two. Found some better deals for the bloggie on other sites too.
 
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codeDawg

Redshirt
Nov 13, 2007
2,102
0
36
The answer I keep giving is buy a point-and-click camera with good video capabilities. The quality will be better than most of the low-end hand-held video recorders, plus you get a still camera. For between $200 and $300 you can get a great still and video camera.

It amazes me how good the point-and-clicks have gotten at video.
 
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pDigital32Dawg

Freshman
Aug 29, 2009
2,996
85
48
So I'm not interested in still shots. I have been wanting a camcorder for sometime but most have been too big for me to carry around. Obviously that isn't a concern like it was a few years ago. If I had the money I would definitely shell out the extra cash for a better camcorder but right now that is an issue. But like I said to begin I am open for recommendations. If you have a suggestion of one that offers enough extra features for the few bucks then I will gladly consider it.

So far from what I have gathered... Flip UltraHD wins in simplicity. Sony Bloggie wins in versatility with the rotating eye. Kodak's Zi8 might have the best overall video quality and uses the wide-angle lens unlike the Bloggie. As of now I am interested in either the Bloggie or the Zi8 and pricewise I have found sites with nearly equal prices for a new one.
 
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opieT

Redshirt
Jul 21, 2010
279
0
0
I love my flip cameras I have. I have them set up in a couple of spots. They are very discrete and fit well behind my two way mirrors. The two hour footage time length is ok, but when I review what I have it always seems to cut off at some of the best times. All in all its a great camera.
 
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BigMotherTucker

Sophomore
Aug 20, 2006
6,760
114
63
<span><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7FBp9i4_5sQ?fs=1&hl=en_US" width="640" height="385" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowScriptAccess="never" ></embed> </span>
 
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pDigital32Dawg

Freshman
Aug 29, 2009
2,996
85
48
I have put enough time in this to say Kodak is my favorite and I have found the best deal on it. $50 discount + free shipping. And it offers everything the others do if not more and uses memory cards which I prefer. Also in close up situations the Kodak doesn't have a blur thanks to a mode switch. Meanwhile the Bloggie suffers in that perspective and by not using a wide-angle lens.

//ETA Regardless any of the three should be a good addition before football season begins.
 
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