It seems almost everything is in HD nowadays, with the two-letter prefix becoming a key marketing term being thrown around in almost every sense.
Yes, we all know you can catch crystal-clear live sports on your HDTV, and you can watch the latest viral videos on YouTube in HD. But lately I've been seeing some far-fetched products and services with 'HD' slapped on. That includes everything from HD sunglasses to HD laser eye correction. Strangely, there was no mention in either of those ads whether your new eyesight would be 1080i or 1080p.
But let's get back on track with what HD really means and where it really came from - video. Which brings me to affordable, mini HD camcorders. These basic cameras shoot video in High Definition (720p minimum) and are small enough to easily slide in to your pocket or purse. Oh yeah, did I mention they're cheap? They're all under $250.
Here's a look at three models: The Flip Ultra HD, the Kodak Zi6 and the DXG-581V. All shoot at least 720p video and come with a case, a wrist strap, editing software and rechargeable batteries.
DXG-581v - Est. $196 Cdn. MSRP (USD $169.99)
The DXG is clunkier but it's got the smallest footprint. Covered in a glossy silver finish, this model looks most like a traditional video camcorder - complete with a large fold-out LCD screen and an array of buttons and switches on the back that let you adjust settings and toggle between modes.
On the front, the recessed lens sits beside a small light. While the hidden lens is better protected from sharp objects than on the other models - it's also more prone to collecting dust and grime in an alcove that could be hard to clean down the road.
The light/flash is a thoughtful feature the other two cameras lack, though it wasn't particularly effective if the subjects are more than a couple metres away. But just as a packed streetcar in a snow storm is better than walking through slush, the light is better than nothing. And when it came time to shoot a still photo or video in low light conditions, the lamp helped the images become recognizable.
Content is stored on an SDHC card, which you need to buy on your own. The supplied battery pack is proprietary, and it comes with a charger for you to power it up. A downside here is that you can't just use any old batteries, such as AAs, that you may have lying around when in a pinch for power.
The fold-out LCD screen is a really nice feature to have since you can tilt it up or down depending on where your eyes are in relation to the camera. You can also fold it around so you can shoot video of yourself - and see what you're getting in the frame.
The DXG-581v has the highest resolution of the three we tested (1080p) and that's visible when you watch its footage on a TV set. Edges and details are richer with the extra lines of resolution, which is nice.
The DXG also appears to have a tighter lens than either the Flip or the Kodak. So, if you want to shoot large scenes, this isn't the greatest feature (you'll have to move back as much as you can). If you want a tight shot (which makes you appear closer to your subjects), this is a good thing. Take your pick.
The colour on video captured by this camera is warmer than what the others recorded, with a yellow/reddish tint that doesn't stray too far from accuracy. I also found the colours were less vibrant than the Flip, and much less vibrant than the Kodak.
This model also looses out to the Kodak when it comes to macro mode. It can't focus from as close of a range as the Zi6.
But what was also a problem with this camera was the sound. It doesn't record as richly as the other two and it's the most susceptible to wind noise. Plus, the microphone also picks up the creaks and squeaks that come from the camera b ody itself while you hold it. That being said, you can use the camera as an audio recorder.
But the DXG-581v stands out with some really handy features that experienced camera shooters will appreciate. Those include the ability to adjust white balance, exposure compensation and colour effects. Don't forget you can use the camcorder to snap 8-MP stills.
To get the the footage off the camera you can connect it with an HDMI cable to your TV, use a memory card reader or use the supplied USB cable.
Grab it: Folding LCD screen, customizable features, 1080p, supplied HDMI cable, lamp
Skip it: Sound quality, proprietary battery
Kodak Zi6 - $199.95 MSRP
At first glance, colleagues and friends mistook this model for a Blackberry mobile phone. It has a nice big LCD display on the rear, which sits above three buttons - including one joystick-like button used to start/stop recording and zoom in or out.
A majority of the body is wrapped in rubberized plastic, complemented by chrome and silver plastic accents. It feels sturdier than the DXG and its thinner than the Flip, albeit a little wider.
The lens is not particularly protected but a bevel around it appears to do a good job of shielding it.
The joystick record/stop button can be a little tricky to press while shooting with one hand because you need to get your thumb right over top of it and press right down, inducing a bit of wobble as you remove support from the rear of the unit. But given some practice, you can find a way to hold the unit and operate it steadily.
Like the DXG, this Kodak stores still images and video on an SDHC memory card (not included). However, this camera runs off two AA rechargeable batteries (included, along with a charger). So, if you're in a bind and the rechargeables are dead, you can pop in normal AAs and carry on.
Unlike the DXG, this one records at a speedy 720p 60fps or or 30fps and can capture 3-MP stills. We tested it at 30fps.
When recording video, overall image quality appears to be on par with the Flip. But it's the colour range that really stands out on the Zi6 with deep, vibrant, high-contrast images that pop out and impress.
But because the contrast appears higher than normal, details in dark, shaded areas are lost in scenes with mixed and/or tricky lighting. Here it's a question of whether you value vivid colours or balanced images. The colours will be richer at the expense of detail in the shadowy areas of your shots.
And while the sound is better than that offered by the DXG, it goes south when you zoom in. During playback, you hear a high-pitched whining noise that detracts from the video. After you've zoomed, the sound goes away - but for purists it may be distracting.
Other than its vivid video quality, the Zi6 also excels with its stunning macro mode which is much better than the DXG's.
You can get your video and still images off the camera by popping out a USB arm by pressing a button on the front.
Grab it: Great colours, fantastic macro mode, slim form factor
Skip it: Noise produced while zooming, loses detail in mixed/dark lighting.
Flip Ultra HD - $249.99 (8GB tested) MSRP
The third camera of the trio is also the most simple. It's available in black or white rubberized plastic with a chrome frame along the edges.
It feels more ergonomic than the other two and I found it was easier to grasp and hold steady. The lens, however, is one of the most exposed of all three models tested, so it could be more prone to damage, unless you keep it tucked away in the supplied case.
Storage comes through 8GB of built-in memory that provides space for about 120 minutes of footage. It's nice to have this feature built in, but perhaps down the road one may want to expand the capacity of their device. For the time being 120 minutes is more than enough.
Like the Zi6, the unit is powered by a pair of supplied rechargeable AA batteries, juiced up by having the camera plugged into your computer's USB port through a flip-out arm similar to the one found on the Kodak.
But unlike the Zi6 and the DXG model, the Flip has the smallest screen. After using the other two cameras with bigger displays, using the Flip feels like you've downgraded.
But the Flip doesn't disappoint where it really matters - image quality is good and balanced. The colours are not as saturated as the Kodak's nor is it as soft as the DXG's. It also does well to adjust to tricky back-lit conditions. Our senior video editor even gushed at the quality of the picture it produced (while editing some footage from the Flip for broadcast use). There is, however, no macro option or still photo option. And unlike the DXG-581v, the Flip doesn't have any customizable features.
The sound quality is the crispest of the bunch, capturing a good range of sounds while doing a great job to muffle out wind noise and such.
What I liked most with the Flip Ultra HD is how easy and simple it is to use. There's no doubt it's about as basic as vanilla ice cream, but it's hard to mess up video by hitting the wrong button. The record/stop button is easy to press and other than that, there's not too many other options to meddle with.
Grab it: Ease of use, sound and video quality, construction
Skip it: No still photo mode, small screen.
Verdict: It's a tight race to the finish when you balance out the pros and cons between all three. Factor in the cost for a memory card, and both the Kodak and the DXG are neck-and-neck with each other.
And while it's hard to go wrong with the marvellous colours the Kodak Zi6 can capture and the big screen it has, the zooming noise and the difficulty it has balancing shadowy and bright areas detracts from its overall performance. But as good as the Flip Ultra HD is, it doesn't have the macro features of the Zi6 nor can it snap stills.
1. Looking for a solid camera that can shoot HD video in almost any situation - go for the Flip Ultra HD. It's the easiest to use of the bunch and it records great video. Plus, you don't have to worry about the added trouble of memory cards. But, it's the priciest.
2. Looking to spend a little less, want great colour and don't plan on shooting in situations with tricky lighting, the Kodak Zi6 is your best bet.
3. Looking for 1080p video and want extra control over how you shoot, grab the DXG-581v.
