Kodak Zx1 Camcorder Review

Kodak Zx1 versus Flip UltraHD
• Flip has better color accuracy and less noise; Kodak has smoother motion and better low light • The Kodak records to SD cards; the Flip has 8GB of internal memory • The Kodak is more rugged (sturdy port covers vs. exposed ports and a flimsy USB arm) • The Flip can't take still photos and has no video recording options; the Kodak takes poor quality stills and has three different video qualities, including standard definition • The Kodak is more stylish and has more color varieties available • The Flip is easier to use (both the camcorder and the built-in software)
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It's a close contest between the Kodak Zx1 and the Flip UltraHD. Both camcorders are small, fashionable, and easy to use. The Flip has more accurate colors and less noise in bright light, but the Kodak has the edge in low light and has much smoother motion in all conditions. If performance isn't going to be the deciding factor, it's probably going to be one of the other features that set these two camcorders apart.

The still photos taken with the Zx1 are nothing exceptional—your cell phone could probably do just as well—but the Flip doesn't take still photos at all. The Flip is a hands-down winner when it comes to ease of use, but the Kodak gives you more options (like standard definition video recording). You might prefer the buttons on the Flip, but the Kodak is more durable: we much prefer the sturdy rubber port covers of the Zx1 over the exposed HDMI output and flimsy USB arm on the Flip UltraHD. While both camcorders run on AA batteries, keep in mind that the Kodak comes with rechargeable AA batteries and a wall-mounted charge station; the Flip battery can only be recharged by plugging it into your computer or buying the wall charger separately. The Kodak also records to removable SD/SDHC memory cards, while the Flip records only to the 8GB internal flash memory.

While both camcorders are exceptionally easy to use, the Flip is almost Zen-like in its simplicity. If you're really looking for a completely idiot-proof video experience from camcorder to YouTube, the UltraHD might be worth the extra $50. Otherwise, consider picking up the sleeker and more stylish Kodak. (And don't forget that it comes in blue, pink, yellow, red, or black—the UltraHD is available only in black or white.)

	Comparison Specs
	Kodak Zx1	Flip UltraHD
Price	$149	$199
Primary Recording Media	SD/SDHC memory cards	8GB internal memory
Secondary Recording Media	30MB internal memory	None
Image Sensor	1/4.5-inch CMOS	1/4.5-inch CMOS
Effective Pixel Count	1,600,000	Unknown
Mic Input	None	None
LCD	2.0-inch	2.0-inch
Viewfinder	None	None
Weight	152g (5.36 oz.)	170.1g (6.0 oz.)
Dimensions	50.1 x 107 x 20mm (1.97 x 4.21 x 0.79 inches)	56 x 108 x 30mm (2.19 x 4.25 x 1.17 inches)
HD	Yes	Yes
Frame Rates	720/30p, 720/60p	720/30p
Compression	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264	MPEG-4 AVC/H.264
Maximum Bitrate	Unknown	9 Mbps
Optical Zoom	None	None
Stabilization	None	None
Battery	AA (ships w/ two AA batteries, rechargeable via DC wall charger)	AA (ships w/ battery pack, rechargeable via USB arm)

Noise Comparisons
Kodak Zx1 100% Crop	Flip UltraHD 100% Crop

Battery Life Comparisons