This thread discusses the Content article: The ION Twin Video Camcorder

Ion is getting into some interesting areas these days. They're doing a pretty good job with all of their media migration tools, but this is the first I've seen of a purely contemporary based device.

I could see this being really successful. I've just started seeing other gimmicky attempts to dethrone the Flip. Like ths camera, the recent mode I've seen is to allow the lens assembly to flip around and record the shooter. This is an even better realization of the same thing, especially with the playful built in stuff to monkey around with the picture in picture effects.

I've been surprised by the audio quality captured by the Flip and the Zi8, but then agan my expectations were really, really low. I'll be interested to learn whether this cam simply mimics the look of a better mic assembly, or whether it indeed sounds better. Then again, upgrading from the usual 5 cent microphone to a 25 cent microphone might make all the difference too!

The killer app would be an audio-only mode and an external mic jack. I would love to bring this to live music shows to capture some performances in stereo.

Curious they don't mention expressly that it's HD, or did I miss it?

Bohus! Heya!

Yea, the quality with the pocket cams is staggering. I really need to do a full compare Pocket vs. Consumer HD Camcorder vs. Panasonic HVX200 vs. Canon T2i, and not just in terms of quality, but all around (including convenience, workflow, total cost, flexibility, etc.).

Hey, maybe we can shoot that when you come visit!

I agree that they are stunning for the money, for sure. I realize that at these kinds of prices they have to really pick and chose what features to include. None of them are the ideal all around camera - each has features I wish the others did too. I like that the FLIP Ultra HD can use regular batteries when the rechargeable pack goes flat, and I like that the Kodak Zi8 has a card slot so I can pop in more while in the field shooting. For these reasons, I wish the two cameras would sneak off into the dark and create a nice hybrid.

The Zi8 is my axe of choice right now to have on me all the time. I don't use the 1080i mode because it is absurdly susceptable to that horizontal shearing that all these cameras are prone too. I consider that mode for tripod only i.e. not ready for prime time. I like the built in still camera feature, and it yields pretty good stills. Wish it had a flash tho.

I could bounce back and forth a bunch, but best to get together and burn some memory cards. I'll bring both.

It's no exagerration that these cameras have brought back a lot of delight for me. In my long career of owning cameras, it's almost always been pro stuff. I've seldom had a "bombing around" home movie camera. Having these little pocket cams, and joining the rest of the world monkeying around with online video is a real treat.