Looking for an inexpensive HD video camcorder

[ChuckB]

I am wondering if anyone has any opinions on the below camcorders. I am thinking about buying one of the below examples for documenting an upcoming trip and also for general events. I would like to stay at or below $200 and don't need a professional grade camera. I'm just looking for something to record video for Blogs, Facebook, YouTube etc.
I am open to other suggestions as well. TIA.

FLIP ULTRAHD

Flip MiniHD

Kodak ZX1HD

Sony Webbie HD

 

[mountainpete]

The Flip is a good camera. I don't own one, but I had a chance to try one and a collegue uses one for v-blogs. Clear and easy to use.

Pete

 

[Martyn]

I have a Flip non HD.

I really like it, very simple to use, I think you'll do a lot more videoing because it's simple and easily fits in your pocket.

On my Flip the zoom is useless, the picture becomes very pixelated. May be better on the HD version.

 

[bajasurf]

I have the Flip Ultra( non HD) and love it. Three friends that watched my videos of the recent Baja 500 immediately purchased one for themselves. I went online and ordered from Amazon.com the Ultra and a .5 wide angle and a 2 x conversion lens kit. These came with step up rings that I then super glued to the camera. Made a world of difference. I have attached 2 photos of the setup. The first is of the Flip Ultra(taken this morning) with the wide angle conversion lens attached. The second photo was taken on June 3rd, 2009 as I was videoing the Baja 500 pre-race and getting use to the Flip. I do have a few vids of the Baja 5oo race posted on you tube. I have seen video taken with the Flip Ultra HD and they are great. Plus for and additional $25 you can get an underwater case that is made for the Ultra. The Mino does not have a underwater case available.

 

[arcteryx]

I have the Flip non-HD. Worked great until I traveled over the winter and had it in a cargo box on the roof. Now it's stuck on the splash screen. So....

I bought a Vado HD. Good camera. Deals can be had for well under 200. I use a Mac, so Perian was needed, but no issues so far.

 

[ChuckB]

All, thanks for the input! Wasn't expecting 4 positive responses right away. I am leaning toward the Flip Ultra HD.

My wife and I are driving cross-country in October and will report back how I like the device.

 

[bajasurf]

I received an email this morning from a Baja 500 Trophy Truck Team and they asked for my permission to use one of my videos. that I had taken with the Flip Ultra, in an upcoming movie they are producing.

 

[ChuckB]

Bajasurf,

Do you have a link to the video? I'll search youtube to see if I can find it, is it under "Bajasurf" screen name.

 

[bajasurf]

Chuck I am Bajasurf1 on youtube, There are 4 videos I posted of trophy trucks during the Baja 500 of June 6th. These videos were taken with the Flip Ultra with the .5 wide angle conversion lens attached as shown in my previous post. May I suggest, if you have, wearing headphones or cranking your speakers up to high volume to really absorb the incredible power of the trophy trucks. Awesome!!! George

 

[ChuckB]

George, I just watched the videos. They look great! I'm sold and will be ordering the Flip Ultra HD soon.

I'm interested in what you did exactly for the lens conversion. What brand are the lens did you buy? Did you have any pictures of the adapter glued to the camera without the lens attached? TIA.

Is this it?

Also, found this one that has a magnetic mounting ring (10-17mm).

 

[bajasurf]

Chuck, Go to Amazon.com and search for "digital concepts 37mm tele and wide angle camcorder lens kit" You will find it priced at $15.69. The kit comes with a variety of step up rings. Once you get it I will help you to attach the step up ring. I will take a photo of my set up later as you requested and I am going to look for couple of sites that will show you how to set it up.

 

[ChuckB]

Chuck, Go to Amazon.com and search for "digital concepts 37mm tele and wide angle camcorder lens kit" You will find it priced at $15.69. The kit comes with a variety of step up rings. Once you get it I will help you to attach the step up ring. I will take a photo of my set up later as you requested and I am going to look for couple of sites that will show you how to set it up.

Sweet thanks!! I am going to order the camera within the next week. I'm going to also get the waterproof case. But, I might have to look into if it will fit with the rings attached to the camera.

 

[bajasurf]

Chuck. I doubt the case will work with the step up rings. if you think you would use the waterproof case I would forgo the step up rings and wide angle conversion lens as I don´t see the Flip with the step up ring fitting inside the waterproof case. If I had the water proof case and conversion lens I would try and use velcro strips so I could attach and then quick release the step up rings. The underwater case would be great to have and I am also going to get one but figure out another way to attach the ring and lens. Using Velcro sounds interesting. George

 

[ChuckB]

Might also have to look into these magnetic attaching lenses. Looks like I have some more decisions to make...

 

[bajasurf]

I don´t think the magnetic rings will work . Not enough metalase around the lens to attached a step up ring. You will be very happy with the underwater lcase and just the lens that comes with the Flip.
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