Zen Camcorder has 13% of the market

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/20/technology/personaltech/20pogue.html?_r=1&oref=slogin

by rms • 18 years ago

19 9 18 years ago

tim22• 18 years ago

...maybe it's just the price and size. I'm sure people wouldn't stop buying it if it got more features.

sarosh• 18 years ago

I believe the lack of extraneous features is the appeal; the Flip is successful because the user accomplishes their goal with only the most minimal effort.

tim22• 18 years ago

Just trying to speculate as to what the most important aspects were. History is too often rewritten later by writers who didn't understand why something was popular at the time that it was actually taking off. So they just pick whatever glamorous reason sounds the most revolutionary.

He may be right though.

Prrometheus• 18 years ago

Some basic features wouldn't hurt, such as an optical zoom. Otherwise, I would consider buying one.

eusman• 18 years ago

it wouldnt be theflip if it got more features

nreece• 18 years ago

Too bad they are not selling it outside the US.

wallflower• 18 years ago

Word of mouth.

My mom was showing me her Flip Video about three months ago. I'd never heard of it and she was like "what? You have to see it" She pulled out the unassuming little brick videocorder and with enthusiasm demonstrated it. It makes cute Tivo'esque sounds when you press a button. She is not very technically savvy yet she has used it to shoot video and share video (via USB copying, not YouTube) with friends and family (baby videos mostly). The video quality is decent and it fits in her purse (important). She has shipped at least one FlipVideo overseas.

randomhack• 18 years ago

Hmm there is a Sony camcorder called Network Sharing Cam which is also a basic, really lightweight and cheap camcorder. Pretty similar to the Flip and priced at around $200. Video is at 640x480. I have one of these Sony cams. The Sony model predictably runs on a memory stick and can also shoot stills at 5 MP. There are 2 buttons : one for taking photo, press the another to take video. Its a nice pocketable design and now I keep it with me at all times. I was not too enthusiastic about videos b4 i used this easy to use cam. The Flip looks an even simpler design.

edit : The sony model has some additional controls like (digital) zoom etc. So slightly more features than the Flip which can either be a "feature" or a "put-off" depending on your perspective.

jeroen• 18 years ago

The Sony cam seems to have 14 buttons on it. I imagine that'll be a bit intimidating for a non-techie, whereas how to operate the Flip is very easy to understand.

Zen Camcorder has 13% of the market

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