Tuesday, April 12, 2011

No More FLIP Across the Curriculum

I wrote a post a while back with ways to use the FLIP Camera Across the Curriculum.  Well, today it appears that Cisco is shutting down the FLIP Video Camera production.  Kind of disappointing news considering how inexpensive the camera is, how easily it is to use, and how simple it is to use the software as well.  Technology Departments loved the FLIPs because of the cost, and teachers loved them because they were easy to use.  Now the attention will have to turn to alternatives.

Personally, the best alternative is going to be mobile devices.  Cameras on cell phones and tablets are getting better and better.  There is a BYOT (Bring Your Own Technology) movement going on in many districts across the country due to budget concerns and lack of funds.  If the students have them, why ban them and why pay for them (cost and maintenance) when students can bring their own...since they do anyway.  But since so many districts are not embracing this method, there has to be alternatives to the FLIP camera.  Well, there are; in fact, there are several.

Kodak Zi8 (Approximately $160 new, less on Amazon) "The Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera captures every experience in stunning 1080p HD video. Stay in focus while you’re on the move with integrated image stabilization. Then kick back and watch all the action on your HDTV or share your scene on YouTube with the built-in USB. The Zi8 pocket video camera has all you need to define yourself in high definition."
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Black)

Kodak PlaySport which can take some hard use because it is meant for rugged use (Approximately $100) This little camera can plunge up to 10 ft under water and capture the entire experience in full 1080p HD. And you don’t need to worry about blurry footage when things get a little shaky. With built-in image stabilization, the KODAK PLAYSPORT will stay steady as a rock.
Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera (Black)

Samsung E10 (Approximately $75 new, less on Amazon) Includes a 270 degree swivel lens so you can record yourself and then swivel it to film other scenes.  Also includes a touch screen and HD capability. 
Samsung HMX-E10 1080P Pocket Camcorder with 270-Degree Swivel Lens (Black)

Sony Bloggie Duo (Approximately $160) Star in your own HD videos and photos with the dual-screen MHS- FS2 Bloggie Duo camera. Front and back LCD screens makes self recording easy.
Sony Bloggie Duo Camera (White)

Coby Cam4000 (Approximately $50) Swivel digital camcorder 2.4" TFT LCD screen flips and rotates 270°, with 4x digital zoom, LED photo flash for low-light situations, Video resolution; VGA (640 x 480), 32MB built-in memory (expandable to 8GB with optional SD/SDHC card).

New Coby Electronics CAM4000 Digital Camcorder Flash Memory Memory Card 2.4in Active Matrixtft LCD

FLIP started a trend in "Shoot and Share" cameras, so there are several others, but this is a good starting point with several different price ranges and features.  I encourage you to do some investigating of reviews and see what other people are saying.

1 comment:

  1. Check out the Zoom Q3 also: http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/q3/ We like it because of the quality of audio. We can create better pd videos because it doesn't pick up the surrounding noise, but it's just as easy to use for kids.

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