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Question

Flip UltraHD Camcorder vs Other options

Oct 25, 2011 2:05PM PDT

Hi, I wanted to buy a new camcorder mostly to shoot some things for school as well as personal things. A good camera will help my grades to a certain extent so not looking for anything crazy just under $130. I got my first video project marked and the only major problem was the shakiness of the video, and a bit better quality would also add 2 percentage or so to my mark. I shot it with my camera phone so anything would be an upgrade, would just like to get the best performance for the money.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
If "shakiness" is an issue
Oct 25, 2011 2:38PM PDT

then some sort of stabilizer is required. I don't think any of the cams on your short list has built-in electronic (or optical) stabilization - so use an external stabilization device... tripods are most common. But there are monopods, shoulder mount devices... lots of gadgets. Basically - ANYTHING other than handheld is preferred.

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Thanks for the help...
Oct 25, 2011 4:42PM PDT

ok thanks for the help, I am not sure if the one I posted has image stabilization, but it should because i know that the 8gb one does. Also the 8gb version is only $20 more, if i go with the Flip UltraHD is it worth $20 more for 4gb extra?

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Limke I said,
Oct 26, 2011 2:09AM PDT

If shakiness is an issue, then use an external stabilizer. Even large camcorders with good optical stabilization cannot compensate for extreme shakiness. There are LOTS of reasons why the pros rarely shoot handheld. This is one. A reason to shoot handheld is to record shakiness and lots of times the video is shot on a stabilizer and the shake is added during editing.

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Appreciate the help, another question...
Oct 28, 2011 5:47AM PDT

OK, I see, i don't have a medical condition and my computer and software are capable of editing HD videos, I have done it before with other footage (not my own). I know that Flip is out of business so future support may not be available. I understand that its all up to my preference but i might just buy one of the hd mini camcorders and buy a compatible tripod, seems the best option, like you mentioned.

I was leaning towards other options seeing as how flip may not have future support. (taking price vs support into consideration as well)

Though I found this camera with 1080p and water proof (wont go underwater just good when its raining).

Kodak Zx3 (refurbished)- $90
OR Kodak Zx3 w/ 4gb SD card, camera case & floating strap (Brand new)- $120

I am looking for your opinion if you personally would pay that extra to get a brand new camera with a few extra stuff.

I am in no hurry, so if you think there will be better prices if I wait for boxing day (or other promotional event) let me know.

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Pricing on
Oct 28, 2011 10:20AM PDT

consumer gear is very elastic. I have no opinion on that area of the industry. There is always the next latest thing or the better deal around the corner. Sometimes we need to draw line in the sand and just go for it. If the refurb'd unit is from Kodak and carries some sort of warranty, I would consider it - but you'll still need to get a memory card so weigh that purchase... In this case, the model is the same so no technical differences. But it does sound like you get a case and strap and memory card that you don't get with the refurb...

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Answer
Shakiness
Oct 29, 2011 1:05AM PDT

Whatever camera/camcorder you get, make sure it has a tripod mount - a 1/4 inch metal opening is standard on almost all cameras. You don't necessarily need a tripod to stabilize your camera and eliminate shakiness. Here's some tips I find useful: