High Definition (HD) video is all the rage right now. I don’t think you can find a new digital camera these days does not record video in HD. With video being easier to capture and all of the video sharing sites out there pocket video cameras are really popular right now. They are small devices to make it really easy to record video and most record in HD. Today we will be looking at one such device, the Zi8 from Kodak. It features 1080p 16:9 video capture, an SD/SDHC card slot, and an external microphone jack to record stereo sound. Geeks.com was nice enough to send the Kodak Zi8 Pocket HD Video Camera over, they are a great place to find cheap camcorders.
General Features:
– Raspberry color
– Sensor Type: 1 / 2.5-type 5 MP CMOS
– Lens: 6.3 mm, f/2.8, fixed focus
– 35 mm equivalent: 61 mm (1080p), 46 mm (720p/60 fps, 720p, WVGA), 42 mm (still)
– 4x Digital Zoom
– 2.5-inch Display
– 128 MB internal memory*
– SD/SDHC card expansion slot
– Focus Modes: Normal, Macro
– Automatic White Balance
– Video File Formats: H.264 (MOV), AAC LC
– Still File Format: JPEG
– Monaural Microphone
– Built-in Speaker
– Li-ion Rechargeable Battery
– Tripod Mount: 1/4-inch standard
– Capture HD quality 1080p video with 16:9 aspect ratio
– Plenty of room for more – record up to 10 hours of HD video with the expandable SD/SDHC card slot that is capable of holding up to a 32 GB card
Capture Mode:
– 1080p (1920 x 1080, 30 fps)
– 720p/60 fps (1280 x 720, 60 fps)
– 720p (1280 x 720, 30 fps)
– WVGA (848 x 480, 30 fps)
– Still (5.3 MP, 16:9 widescreen interpolated)
Camera/Camcorder Features:
– Landscape / Macro Focus Switch
– Recording Indicator
– Power button
– Charging Indicator
– Settings button
– Delete button
– Record / OK button (Up, Left, Down, Right)
– Built-in Wrist Strap Loop
– Tripod Socket
I/O Ports:
– One (1) Built-in USB 2.0 Type A Male connector
– One (1) 5V DC in jack
– One (1) 3.5 mm External Stereo Microphone jack
– One (1) A/V Out jack
– One (1) Mini HDMI Out jack
Power Specifications:
– Input: 100-240V~50/60Hz, MAX. 0.2A
– Output: 5V, 1A
Dimensions:
– 4.5 x 2.4 x 0.9-inches (H x W x D, approximate)
Packaging
Since this is refurbished Zi8 from Kodak is comes in the certified refurbished product box. Inside we find everything nicely packed.
Getting everything out you have the Zi8 video camera, rechargeable battery, user guide, wrist strap, AV cable, mini HDMI cable, USB power charger, software CD and a soft carrying case.
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?
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