Life After the Flip – 4 Alternatives

The announcement earlier this month that Cisco would be discontinuing the Flip sent shockwaves across the Internet. While the Flip was the camera of choice for our Candidio service, there are many compatible alternatives that, in some cases, surpass the Flip in functionality, usability and price:

iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad: It’s no secret that all-in-one smartphones played a major part in Cisco’s decision to kill the Flip. Not only does the Apple iPhone 4 shoot 720p HD video (the same quality as the Flip), but it also boasts basic, in-camera editing through the Camera app. The latest-generation of the iPod Touch does the same. There is apparently some other Apple device – the iPad – that is somewhat popular, I guess.

Sony Bloggie Touch: The Bloggie is a kissing cousin to the Flip – touch screen interface, flip-out USB arm and proprietary editing software for your PC or Mac. It beats the Flip on picture quality, however. The Bloggie shoots full HD video and 12.8-megapixel stills.

Kodak Zx Series: Over the past few years Kodak has been quietly releasing their Zx line of pocket cameras that many prefer to the Flip. The Zi8 matches the Flip’s quality with two added features – the ability to connect a microphone for more pro-quality sound and an SD/SDHC memory card slot for additional storage. The newest Zx5 Playsport is even waterproof.

Creative Vado HD: The Vado was one of the Flip’s first competitors. Now in its 3rd generation, the Vado will probably give users the closest experience to the Flip available. At a comparable price, The Vado can shoot 720p video and has storage capacity of 4GB.

All four cameras create files in a format that is compatible with our Candidio service. While the Flip is going away, we urge you to explore the many alternatives in the world of handheld video cameras. Upcoming posts will walk you through how to get video from these cameras to your computer and submitted to the Candidio service.

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