6. Kodak Zx1

• X1 Pocket Video 128MB...
• • Newegg.com
  • $119.95
• • Buydig.com
  • $118.99
• • Crutchfield.com
  • $149.99
• • Mwave.com
  • $134.99
• • NextWarehouse
  • $141.84

$149.95

First, there were webcams. Maybe you could call these Tubecams—palm-sized 720p camcorders just right for snagging video destined for quick upload as YouTube HD clips. Flip’s MinoHD is probably the best-known of these, but Kodak’s Zx1 has several advantages. First, there isn’t an integrated USB plug. Some will see this as a disadvantage, but my MinoHD had its USB plug split in half the first time it got knocked off a table while still inserted. Better yet, Kodak builds in a firm rubber panel that seals off the mini-USB and HDMI ports. Under normal use, the exterior is sealed for improved resistance against water and dirt—a true plus for dads on the go.

Also unlike the MinoHD, Kodak builds in no storage memory. This is both good and bad, depending on your perspective. Yes, you’ll need to spring for SD or SDHC flash cards, and make sure you buy Class 4 or 6 cards so they’re fast enough to handle the Zx1's high-def video stream. But on Flip-style phones, it’s not hard to fill the internal memory, and having removable media can make all the difference in the world when you’re shooting in the field. For instance, I lost the climactic fireworks finale during a day at Disneyland because I couldn’t fit more than an hour of footage in the MinoHD. The Zx1 cures that problem. One gigabyte can hold about 20 minutes of 30 fps 1280x720 footage.

Similarly, the Zx1 uses removable AA batteries. You can’t recharge these through a USB connection, which is one design weakness, but Kodak includes a pair of NiMH cells and a mini-charger. You can also opt for CRV3 lithium or Li-Ion KLIC-8000 rechargeable batteries. Again, this is a great benefit when shooting for hours without the benefit of a powered USB port nearby.

The Zx1 lets you choose between 60 and 30 fps modes. The 60 will look smoother, but it also chews up twice as much storage space. Also consider the source footage. Do you need 60 fps if you’re shooting freehand and will have jerky video anyway? This is where using the tripod mount on the camera’s bottom could be useful. (Also consider investing in the optional bike handle or helmet mountings for some really jerky but very cool footage you couldn’t capture with a regular camcorder.) If you’re running short on storage, you can switch down into standard VGA recording mode.

Kodak throws in all needed cables, including HDMI, and software to get you running. Best of all, the Zx1 is far less expensive than most competing HD Tubecams. The indoor/low light image quality isn’t quite as good as some other options, but taken all together, the Zx1 is a killer deal and a great gift.