Final Thoughts
This pocket video camera is a great addition to the line of digital video cameras from Kodak. We already looked at the Zx1 and they do have the Zi6. The Zi8 adds the Full HD 1080p recording and some other things that many people would have wanted on the Zi6 and Zx1. One of the biggest additions is the inclusion of an external microphone jack. This means you can connect a microphone to the Zi8 and record audio in stereo. This is perfect if you are going to use the Zi8 for interviews or if you need really clear audio.
Using the Zi8 is extremely easy and anyone can pick it up and use it. I didn’t have to look anything up in the manual when I was testing it out. You just point and shoot really, not much to it at all. The mini HDMI connection allows you to connect the Zi8 to a TV or and high definition display, which makes showing people your videos very easy. Also the USB connection on the Zi8 makes getting the movies off your SD card easy. You do not have to carry around an extra card reader as the Zi8 acts as one when you plug it into your computer.
Being able to shoot at 1080p, 720p, and 720p at 60fps on a single device is pretty sweet. And the video quality is very good! This camera makes me want to go out more and shoot videos! Right now you can pick up the Zi8 refurbished from Geeks.com for $135.99 and directly from Kodak new for $175.99. You will also need to pick up an SD card. A 16GB SDHC card can be found for around $35 these days so add that on to the price.
Overall ThinkComputers gives the Kodak Zi8 Pocket HD Video Camera a 9 out of 10 score.
Pros:
– Easy to use
– Shoots in 1080p, 720p, and 720p at 60 fps
– External microphone jack
Cons:
– Not the greatest camera to use in low light
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.