Between these 2 cameras the title of better HD camera would go to the Kodak Zi8. Though both are very capable cameras, the Kodak Zi8 slightly edges out the Flip UltraHD. For the relative same price as the UltraHD with the Zi8, you get all the same features with the addition of higher resolution shooting (at almost 1080 p), 4x optical zoom, a larger LCD screen, and the ability to shoot still photos. Though both cameras are great for outdoor shots, it is noticeable that the Flip UltraHD has a greater brightness feature. Moreover, one of the biggest selling points of the Flip UltraHD is its ease of use and easy uploading to Youtube.
| Overall Winner: | Kodak Zi8 |
| Final Score: | 8 pts (Kodak Zi8) to 5 pts (Flip Ultra HD) |
Overall Comparison Details
| Kodak Zi8
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Flip UltraHD
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| Specification Score | 7 pts | 3 pts |
| Comparison Reviews Score | 1 pt |
1 pt |
| Video Samples Score | 1 pt | 0 pt |
| TOTAL: | 9 pts | 5 pts |
Flip Ultra HD vs. Kodak Zi8 Specifications
In terms of specifications on paper the Kodak Zi8 beats out the Flip UltraHD camcorder in many areas. Price-wise the Kodak Zi8 is slightly more expensive than the Flip UltraHD. However the Kodak Zi8 takes higher video resolution at close to 1080 p, offers larger memory for recording, and offers a 4x optical zoom (Flip UltraHD has no optical resolution).
| Specification Winner: | Kodak Zi8 |
| Specification Score: | 7 pts (Kodak Zi8) to 2 pts (Flip Ultra HD) |
Specification Comparison Details
| Flip UltraHD | Kodak Zi8 | |
| Price | $154.99 check latest price | $179.99 check latest price |
| Video Resolution | 720 P (1280 x 720) | 1920 x 1080 |
| Zoom Capability | No Optical Zoom / 2x Digital Zoom | No Optical Zoom / 4x Digital Zoom |
| Recording Media | 8GB internal flash memory | Expandable SD/SDHC card slot up to 32 GB |
| Approximate Recording Time | 2 hours | 10 hours |
| Battery | AA ,includes rechargable battery pack that charges via USB plug | Rechargeable batteries and charger included |
| LCD Monitor Size | 2.0 inches | LCD display – TFT active matrix – 2.5 in – Color |
| Still Photos | No photo capability | 5 megapixel |
| Camcorder Dimensions | 4.3 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches (volume: 11.4 cubic inches) | 4.3 x 2.2 x 1.2 inches (volume: 11.4 cubic inches) |
| Camcorder Weight | 11.2 ounces | 3.84 Ounces |
| Better Specifications Total | 2 | 7 |
Flip UltraHD vs. Kodak Zi8 Comparison Reviews
Looking at current online comparison reviews of the Flip UltraHD and Kodak Zi8 it is difficult to draw an overall winner as the number of true expert comparisons is few. However, based on a few comparison reviews, the Kodak Zi8 has a slight advantage over the Flip UltraHD due to its additional features.
| Comparison Reviews Winner: | Undecided (Tie) |
| Comparison Reviews Score: | 1 pt (Kodak Zi8) to 1 pt (Flip Ultra HD) out of 3 sources |
Comparison Reviews Details
| Flip UltraHD | Kodak Zi8 | Verdict | |
| cnet reviews |
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Undecided |
| Camcorder Info |
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Flip UltraHD |
| Amazon |
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|
Kodak Zi8 |
Flip UltraHD vs. KodakZi8 Video Sample Comparison
Looking at just video samples alone, the Kodak Zi8 produces better quality videos as compared to the Flip UltraHD especially since Kodak Zi8 can shoot with higher resolution.
| Video Sample Winner: | Flip UltraHD
|
| Video Sample Score: | 0 pt (Flip Ultra HD) to 1 pts (Kodak Zi8) and 1 tie |
Outdoor Bright Video Sample Details
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Sample Video
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| Kodak Zi8
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| Flip UltraHD | |
| VERDICT: | Kodak Zi8. Both cameras shoot very vibrant outdoor videos. However, the Kodak Zi8 looks more natural than the Flip UltraHD. |
Indoor Low Light Video Sample Details
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Sample Video
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| Kodak Zi8
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| Flip UltraHD | |
| VERDICT: | Tie. Both camcorder looks great in indoor or in low lighting. |
Flip UltraHD and Kodak Zi8 Additional Info
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Manufacturer: Kodak Avg. Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (view all customer reviews) List Price: $259.99 Sale Price: View Most Up to Date Price FREE Shipping (Ship and sold by Amazon.com) |
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Manufacturer: Flip Video Avg. Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars (view all customer reviews) List Price: $199.99 Sale Price: View Most Up to Date Price FREE Shipping (Ship and sold by Amazon.com) |
Love love love my zi8. Let’s not forget the external mic slot, which FlipHD also does not have. The expandable memory, which you mentioned, is also huge. I take multiple batteries, 2 16GB cards, and a mike with me. I love it. Zoom is nice too.
Great reviews and comments here – really good to read up on so many peoples questions, challenges and experiences with both cameras.
I’ve been testing them both and generally use the Zi8 for most shoots, unless I want a super quick video with no mic set up fuss (even though it is super easy!)
I prefer the colour richness andn warmth, sharpness of picture and love using the remote.
The only problem with it is th mic records on one side (left) only which aside from being in one ear(!) sometimes leaves the other (right) side with alot of noise and hiss.