Skip to content

works for you

Member access:

Kodak Zi6 versus the Flip pocket camcorders Easy to use digital camcorders

Flip mino lifestyle

The USB connection allows you to upload videos to the internet with ease.

The best camcorder software

Anyone who owns a decent camera phone might question the need for buying an additional pocket camcorder. Yet the one advantage the Flip Ultra, Flip Mino and Kodak Zi6 have over most camera phones is the usability of their computer software.

All three camcorders are designed for making it as easy as possible to share videos, principally through websites such as YouTube, and the software reflects this.

The Zi6 requires you to install its software through a packaged CD, but things are even easier with the Flip camcorders. Both models are plug-and-play – simply connect them to your computer and you are prompted to install the software stored on the camcorders themselves. The process is quick and easy.

In all cases the software has dedicated modes for instant uploads to YouTube or similar websites, and it is easy to do so using the Flip software or Kodak’s own software. By simply entering your own YouTube registration details, the upload process begins.

Loss of resolution on YouTube

One major disappointment however is the loss of the HD quality from the Zi6 footage as it is uploaded onto YouTube. Due to the compression of videos uploaded by users onto the YouTube website, the smooth frame rate and higher resolution of the Zi6’s footage is lost along the way – though videos are displayed in a larger screen than you would get if uploading VGA footage.

Editing videos is slightly easier with the Flip software – you can easily select segments from your videos and stitch them together, even adding music from your MP3 collection.

If you are keen to try something a little more ambitious with your video editing, check the Which? reviews of the best video editing software to see which packages we recommend.

Kodak Zx1

We tried out the rugged Kodak Zx1 at the CES 2009 show in Las Vegas.

All three camcorders also allow you to transfer your recordings onto DVD, and the video files can easily be stored on your computer as well.

The verdict

If you’re looking for a camcorder which won’t stretch your pocket, then the Flip Mino is by far the smallest of this group – however, it’s also the most expensive, and its video performance is no better than that of its cheaper predecessor, the Flip Ultra. 

Flip’s models are marginally easier to use than the Kodak Zi6, with better-delineated buttons and straightforward plug and play software. However, thanks to its superior HD video quality and the flexibility of having an SD memory card slot, the Kodak Zi6 outperforms its pocket-sized rivals.

However, a Flip Mino HD camcorder will be reaching the UK in early 2009, so we'll be keen to test its performance once it becomes available.

We also had the chance to try out the Kodak Zx1 at the 2009 CES show in Las Vegas. The Zx1 is more rugged HD pocket camcorder which is shock and water resistant, and also has much better spaced out buttons than the similar Zi6. Check our first look Which? review of the Kodak Zx1 for more on this pocket HD camcorder.

For more on taking your own video footage, be sure to check the Which? reviews of the best camcorders.