The Kodak Zx1 ($149.95 MSRP) is another entry in the ultra-compact camcorder market. None of these tiny, affordable camcorders offer much in the way of high quality video, but they are easy to use, easy to carry, and easy on the wallet. With the incredible popularity of the Flip series from Pure Digital, Kodak is just one of several manufacturers trying to carve a slice out of Flip's corner on the market. Will the Zx1 steal some of Pure Digital's profits? Possibly. The Zx1 is simple, durable, and has a couple features that the Flip cams lack. All for $50 less than Pure Digital's cheapest high definition model.

When you're paying less than $200 for a video camera, portability, ease of use, and aesthetics are probably more important than video performance. Fortunately for Kodak, the Zx1 has what counts. This little camcorder comes in five different colors (pink, red, blue, yellow, and black) and has a pleasing design, with some curves and features that Kodak's Zi6 lacks. It's more comfortable in the hand and a better fashion accessory than the Flip UltraHD. For $80 more, the MinoHD looks even sharper than the Zx1 and comes in an infinite number of designs and colors. Perhaps the best feature of the Zx1 is its durability, with very few moving parts and two rugged covers that protect the USB, HDMI, and SDHC ports. This is a fashion accessory that you can throw in your bag without fear of damage.

With portability and aesthetics taken care of, it all comes down to ease of use. Unfortunately, few ultra-compact camcorders have been able to match the Flip series for sheer simplicity. The Zx1 has some downright frustrating interface issues. For starters, the buttons surrounding the d-pad are labelled only with mysterious icons. Even deciphering these icons won't completely solve the obtuse interface. Compared to traditional camcorders, the Kodak Zx1 is less fettered video experience. It cannot, however, match the perfect simplicity of the Flip. 

Performance (read in-depth lab performance at CamcorderInfo.com)
Although video performance may not be the most important factor in purchasing an ultra-compact camcorder, we believe in giving every camcorder fair and equal representation in the labs. The Kodak Zx1 underwent exactly the same tests that all of our products undergo, from the $100 Creative Vado to the $1500 Sony HDR-XR520.

In bright light, the Zx1 couldn't quite keep up with the competition from Flip or the new Webbie HD series from Sony. The Zx1 had trouble with color temperature and a lot of indoor footage appeared yellowish. In low light, however, the Zx1 did quite well, producing a bright, accurate image despite dim conditions. It performed much better than the Sony MHS-PM1 and even a little better than the Flip UltraHD. The Zx1 also has one thing the others lack: 60fps footage. In any lighting conditions, the motion of the Kodak Zx1 looked smoother than video recorded by the competition.

Comparisons (read in-depth comparisons at CamcorderInfo.com)
Many people will choose the Zx1 (or the Flip, RCA, Webbie, or Vado) because it has some particular feature that the others lack. What might those features be on the Zx1? Well, it is more durable than most of the ultra-compacts on the market, has multiple video modes (including 60p), records to removable SD/SDHC memory cards, and runs on AA batteries. In fact, the camcorder ships with two rechargeable batteries, a wall-mounted battery charger, and an HDMI cable. All for $150. It doesn't have the integrated USB arm or internal memory of the Flip or the options and swiveling lens of the Sony Webbie HD MHS-PM1. It also isn't quite as easy to use as any of the Flip camcorders, though it does manage to provide an easier experience than anything from Sony.

If you're looking for an inexpensive, portable, and rugged video recording device, the Kodak Zx1 will certainly fit the bill. It's easy to use—if not as easy to use as the Flip—and will look good when you pull it out of your pocket or purse. The video is nothing special, although its performance in our low light testing labs was some of the best offered by an ultra-compact. All in all, this is a good package for $150 and if you like the look of it, the Zx1 may just be the camcorder for you.