Usage & Testing
Getting the Zi8 setup to use is really simple. First you want to make sure it is fully charged. You can charge it either by just plugging the USB connection in to your computer or using the AC adapter. I prefer using the USB connector, because it’s one less thing to carry along with me if I want to use the AC adapter.
Once you have the camera charged up you can go ahead and insert your SD or SDHC card into the camera on the left side and go ahead and turn it on. When you first turn it on you can set the time and date easily with the controls. If you ever need to change anything you can easily go back into the settings by hitting the settings button. In the settings are a few basic options and the option to format your SD card.
When you are ready to shoot you can select the mode you want to shoot in. You can select from, 1080p (1920x 1080, 30 fps), 720p/60 fps (1280 x 720, 60 fps), 720p (1280 x 720, 30 fps), WVGA (848 x 480, 30 fps), and still (5.3 MP, 16:9 widescreen interpolated). When you select the mode it will also show you how much time you have left in your SD card.
So how easy is it to shoot video? All you do is turn the camera on and select the mode you want to shoot in and start recording. The large LCD screen provides you a great view of what you are shooting. You can easily zoom and in and out with the directional button. Here is a video I shot in 1080p.
Here is another video I shot in 720p at 60fps.
With all pocket camcorders it is sometimes hard to hold the camera completely stable. You can see that in the 1080p video. The image stabilization is pretty good though. Also to note this camera work great in good lighting conditions, but where there isn’t much light video come out very dark. This is the same for all pocket camcorders.
You can also take photos with the Zi8. This is a nice feature if you do not have a digital camera with you. It is a 5.3MP camera, but the quality is that of a cell phone. So if you have a digital camera with you, you would be better capturing that moment with the digital camera. Here are 2 photos that I look with the Zi8.
The Zi8 is pretty neat, but the decision to use a Li-Ion battery instead of staying with AA hurts the power users. I have a Zi6 and recorded several talks in one day (http://bioslevel.blip.tv/) using the Zi6, changing batteries between each 30-60 minute talk. I could usually get through two without changing, but it's safer to change between each. I had plenty of rechargeable NiMH batteries with me.
I do agree that the Lithum battery does hurt the power users, but if you consider yourself a power user are you using a “flip” cam in the first place? The idea behind a camera like this is not the purpose that you are using it for. It's not designed for it and not marketed for it.
The lithum battery is a must in a camera like this. It's the same reason you see rechargable OEM batteries (whether they be Lithium or NiMH or NiCd) installed in the majority of lower end comsumer digital camera's. They arent meant for “power users” or people looking to do professional work.
It actually through me off the first time I used my Flip HD camera and I had to install the rechargable Lithium battery and couldn't figure out how to charge it… (USB port, duh). An internal battery is just one less thing to worry about and that's how it's designed. A no-worry, one button, shoot what you need too, style camcorder.
Thanks for the comments. Any ideas on using a digital camera to record video for Youtube or Facebook?
Ron Hori
Idea's in regards to what? Flip cams are always a great options for just general point and shoot fun but if you're looking for more of a traditional camcorder feel with the ease of youtube/facebook uploading you could try the Samsung SC-MX20.
Saberwolf: “Idea’s in regards to what?” The answer to your question is in Ron’s initial comment.
Saberwolf: “Idea’s in regards to what?” The answer to your question is in Ron’s initial comment.
Quadro SDI Output card – provides an integrated graphics-to-video solution, enabling 2D and 3D effects to be composited in real-time with 2K, HD and SD video. It can be genlocked to external house sync, or synced to the SDI Capture card.
Does this one allow external mics to record in stereo? I work for a music company and we’d love something like this if it let’s us record stereo audio externally (from a sound board)… so it would be greart to see if that is possible!
what about card speeds? any difference in recording/shake with faster classes?
Laptop batteries are a very important accessory for any laptop. They provide a laptop power to maintain itself, and long life. They are lightweight and above all environmentally friendly, but a little expensive. There are different types of batteries available, Depending on one of these laptops owned by Acer 5500 series batteries.