What�s Up Prizefight Fans! I�m Brian Tong and videos cameras come in all
shapes and sizes so we�re facing off two that fit in your pocket!
It�s throwdown showdown between the second Generation Flip Mino HD and Kodak�s
Z-i-8.
We�re bringing in CNET�s finest from the NYC to judge this battle, Executive
Editor David Carnoy, Senior Editor Joshua Goldman and yours truly will do the
honors.
We�ll take all three judges scores and average them out to the nearest tenth
each round. The FINAL Prizefight score will be an average of all rounds, using
the same decimal system.
Let�s get physical. First round is Sexiness.
= = = = =
The Flip Mino HD is the most compact camcorder to date, and we all like its
classy metal finish, smooth lines and its almost buttonless design. This guy
screams sexy.
The Kodak Z-i-8, not so much. It�s not ugly, but its bulkier and not as pocket
friendly. I like its large 2-point-5 inch LCD The dark color design is nice,
but there is plenty of room to improve its form factor.
The Mino HD takes this round with a 4-point 3 and the Z-i-8 gets a 3-point-3.
Next round is audio and video quality.
= = = = =
Audio quality is going to be about the same, and Kodak gives you the option to
connect an external mic. But there were differences in the video quality.
Both cameras shoot 720p video, but Kodak kicks it up a notch with a 1080p AND
720p shooting at 60frames per second for ultra smooth video.
Flip has been the benchmark for video quality and we found that it had
slightly warmer and fuller colors, and it also performed better adjusting to
different light conditions.
Both cameras shine in this round, but Kodak, JUST gets the edge with a 4-
point-3 and Flip Video gets a 4.
So after averaging two rounds, the Mino HD leads by 4 tenths of a point,
there�s plenty more battle to go, next roud is Features.
= = = = =
Flip�s line of cameras are really known for their simplicity and not for their
features. The Mino HD has built-in memory, you won�t need a cable to charge it
since it charges through USB, and all you really need is just the camera, but
geeks might want a little more.
If you�re looking for a little more Kodak�s Z-i-8 brings unique features like
an expandable memory slot, for the storage size of your choice, a Macro mode
switch to focus on really close objects, and the ability to connect an
external mic. Plus HDMI AND composite video outputs.
The Z-i-8 hits hard with a 4-point-7 and the Mino HD gets a 3.
Round 4 is Software
= = = = =
Both cameras come with built in software to share your videos, but not all
things are created equal.
Flip brings its Flip Share app that is compatible with both PCs and Macs. It
boasts a cleaner interface and more publishing features like creating video
greeting cards, your own private �Flip Channel� and online publishing to
Facebook, Youtube and others. I also found editing clips to be easier with
FlipShare.
Kodak�s Media Impression Software is only PC compatible, but you can easily
drag and drop files onto the Mac to edit them in a different program. It has
basic editing and a movie maker feature plus publishing options from the
expected online services including MySpace and �
Flip takes the cake here with a perfect 5 and Kodak gets a 4.
Now after averaging 4 rounds, we are tied a 4-point-1, the FINAL ROUND that
decides it all is VALUE.
= = = = =
The Flip Mino HD is a great pocket camcorder, but for $229 dollars retail, you
would think they could AT LEAST throw in an HDMI cable. Well you won�t get one
here, and you feel like you might not be getting a bang for every buck.
The Kodak Z-i-8 starts at $179 dollars retail, and you�re getting everything
you can think of in this package with all of its shooting modes, an expandable
memory slot for up to 32 GBs, plus anHDMI and composite video cable included.
Kodak shines in the final round and gets a 4-point 7 and Flip gets a 4.
So after going into the final round tied, The Kodak Z-i-8 pulled out of this
neck-and-neck battle 4-point-2 to 4-point-1 and is YOUR PRIZEFIGHT WINNER.
Both of these are great pocket camcorders and with a prizefight this close,
the REAL winner is you.
I�m Brian Tong, thanks for watching and comback next time, for ANOTHER
prizefight. Wah-PAW!
