Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera - Black (Discontinued by Manufacturer)

I recently purchased the zi8 and would like to write a review comparing this unit with three other units I own. The other units are the Kodak zx1. RCA 300ezHD and the Flip Ultra 120 min 2GB(not mino or HD.Before I begin let me explain what I use the cameras for. I am not a professional by any means. I use the cameras for use only on occasion, the same as probably most of you reading this. I might use it a lot for a 2 week period but then I'll go weeks or months with very minimal use. I'm just your average person looking for a small camcorder to fit in my pocket, take pics/vids on demand, and all of this at a decent price.To start off, let me say that all of these camcorders are pretty similar to one another. Each unit has a feature or two that the others do not have. For example, the Flip has the ability to turn off the red recording light when you are recording. A nice feature if you are "spying" on someone. The RCA has a flip out lens that allows you to record yourself and see yourself in the LCD screen. A nice feature. The kodak zx1 has a weatherproof shell, making it ideal for some extreme sports fanatics. And the zi8 has the external mic jack, unique only to this camcorder right now.One huge negative about the Flip is it's limited storage. Depending on the model (I had the 120 min model) you are limited to the amount of video you can store. Once the unit is full, you must transfer the videos to a computer before you can record. There is no expansion slot - so no SD cards. This is no big deal if you KNOW you are not going to go beyond 2 hrs, but in my case it was a deal breaker and was sent back. The video on the Flip was good, no complaints. I would say it was near the top, if not the top, in terms of audio/video quality at the comparable settings. The audio was very good. I like the fact that the unit runs on 2AA batteries or a flip battery pack. A nice feature. I don't know much about video size but I do know all the other units, except the RCA, stores the moves in .mov or mpeg4 which for some reason are LARGE files. The RCA is in .avi and the files are pretty small. I don't really like the large files but it's workable. I would recommend this product to someone if, again, they KNEW they were not going to need more than 2 hrs. of video before being able to transfer.The RCA 300ezHD was the first camera I got. It is a nice little camera and retails now for less than $100. As stated before, one nice thing about the RCA is the flip around camera lens. It also has an expansion slot. You can get A LOT of hours of video on even a small SD card. For some reason the videos on the RCA are "smaller" in total size than all the other models. It must be a quality thing. Although the quality of the RCA does not match the other units, it is definitely decent quality. The biggest problem with this unit is it's audio. The audio on this unit is HORRIBLE. Very, very bad. I did keep this unit because of the expandable memory but the audio is really bad. It is by far teh worst audio of all the units. Where the other units are still easily heard, this unit is non-existent. You just can't hear it unless the volume is high or the speaker is close up. It does not run on 2AA but you can buy a few cheap rechargeable batteries which are nice.The Kodak zi1 is a nice camera. The video quality is comparable to the Flip and zi8, though the zi8 is better than both. The audio on the zx1 is not as good as the flip but not as bad as RCA. It's acceptable though for most any type of regular video shooting. The zi1 runs off of 2AA batteries, just like the flip. I like that feature. Plus you can buy a few rechargeable batteries to make sure you have enough juice. This unit does not have a flip out usb like all the other units, but that wasn't a big deal to me. Just like the flip and zi1, the video files are large. I don't know why. A minute can give you a 300mb file on the low setting. Again, not a big deal.I purchased the zi8 after owning all the other cameras. I would not say the zi8 is really better than the other cameras, except the RCA. The video and audio quality is comparable to the Flip and Zi1. It does have the ability to do true HD but that feature doesn't matter to me. I like the external mic option, which is why I bought it, but after taking some video with it, I don't know if it is really necessary for what I plan do use the camera for. The internal audio works very well. It does not run on AA's but runs on batteries similar to the RCA. A few extra batteries will ensure enough juice. I do not like the usb flip out on this camera. It is not rigid like the RCA and Flip. It is flimsy and seems like over time it might break. Time will tell. The video files are similar to the flip and kodak zx1, they are very large. The one big negative about this unit is that you have to buy an SD card for it and because the files are so large a 2GB SDHC card only gives you about an hour of video (on the lowest setting). So be prepared to spend a decent amount of money on the SDHC card. Although this is a good camera, depending on your needs, this camera doesn't seem to be much better than the zi1 or the flip, of course it does offer a few more features.All in all, I like the zi8 but again, it's not tremendously better than the flip or zi1. I'll be keeping the zi8 but for the money I don't necessarily think it is worth it, but again, depends on your needs.If you have any questions, feel free to email me at steveessie123 at yahoo.UPDATE:I have owned the zi8 for several months now and have been very happy with it. Although I still agree with my original post, I would probably give it 4 stars now. The clarity of this thing is great, even in the lowest mode (which is all I ever use it for). Also, when combined with a wireless mic system (kodak customer support says a wireless mic won't work...it will) this system is awesome. I would definitely recommend this unit.

I did quite a bit of research before purchasing the Zi8 which I picked up Black Friday weekend for 150 bucks (thanks Amazon!). I was impressed with the video I saw on sites like Vimeo, YouTube and even Flickr - what sold me is the external mic jack.I work for a local TV station and work with high-end digital video cameras all day so I was really looking forward to the Zi8.It was easy to use out of the box - the rechargeable battery takes 2 hours to charge which is no time at all (a second battery for "just in case" moments will run you less than $30. The booklet that comes with the camera is very easy to read but if you have additional questions you'll have to get them from the extended guide on Kodak's website. (The booklet gives you the exact web address so it's no big deal but yet a little frustrating).The camera is just a little bigger than my Blackberry, a little heavier but still easy to drop in my pock and go. I actually kept it in my jeans during an event with no problem.IMPORTANT: The firmware (the camera's internal software) that ships in the box is 1.03 - you will need to update the firmware to 1.06 or you will get reddish streaks in your video. You will notice them like I did if you take test footage against a white wall. The update is easy to do and fixes the problem in less than 10 minutes.Like most reviews the shaky video is a problem. I could understand a little trembling when the cam is zoomed in - that's a common problem with cameras. BUT the video suffers in all modes even when fully zoomed out. You're best bet will be a really steady hand and/or tripod.The color is amazing. The Zi8 picks up colors you don't notice with your own eyes. For instance, when shooting a brown chair next to a window with red drapes, the video actually picked up the red on the chair from the sunlight tinted by the drapes...I never noticed that in person. Now, that can be a drawback since you will notice an abundant of colors in your video from various light sources. For instance, in the living room you will pick up yellow light from lamps, blue light from the TV (if it's on) and yet more colors from other sources like the xmas tree.The sound from the Zi8's internal mic is impressive. I was shooting a wide shot in the living room, TV on and the cat playing on the floor. Not only did the cam pick up the TV sound but you could hear the tinkle from the tiny bell on the cat toy. I recorded a conversation with someone in a room with a noisy carpet fan blowing about 6 feet away. I thought that had blown the interview but to my surprise our voices were still easy to understand.The external mic is a wonderful extra and the option that talked me into buying the Zi8. This is a nice extra if you're planning to use this camera for interviews or record people telling stories/explanations at special events like conferences, reunions or weddings. You can also have the ability to set the audio level so you don't get distorted sound from your mic.I got a couple of SDHC cards on sale (Patriot 8G) and they work really well. They do upload fairly quickly and there is a little lag but for a cheaper price I don't mind.Some think the rechargeable battery is a drawback but I think it's a good thing. Although AA batts would be more convenient in a pinch, even strong ones would drain quickly when using the Zi8's features.So am I happy with the camera? Yes, very...because I knew ultimately it fits the use I intend for the camera. That is quick, on-the-fly interviews (with a tripod and an external mic) to upload to websites. Plus, keep in mind these cameras are not intended for optimal video quality but instead for portability with a good picture and sound - that, the Zi8 does. If you are going to nitpick the video then spend more on a real camcorder.I suggest looking at sample videos on [...] - watch video similar to what you would use the camera for; especially check out the mic test videos - they will impress you with the sound quality.Keep an eye out for the shakiness on samples videos. If that is going to bother you then maybe wait for the next generation of the Zi8...I imagine with the negativity surrounding that problem, Kodak will hopefully address it with the next line.PROS:- SOUND QUALITY- EXTERNAL MIC JACK- HDMI / AV CABLE INCLUDED- SDHC MEMORY (ALLOWS YOU TO RECORD AS MUCH AS YOU WANT)- EASY TO USE- VIDEO QUALITY- VARIOUS MODES WGVA UP TO 1080P- RECHARGEABLE BATT INCLUDED- TAKES 5 MEGAPIXEL STILL PHOTOS- FACE RECOGNITIONCONS:- VERY SHAKY VIDEO- NOISE IN LOW LIGHT- RECHARGEABLE BATT IN PLACE OF AA

I'm fairly happy with this camera, but if you are interested in purchasing one, here's my two cents:PROS: relatively inexpensive; unlike the  Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black) , it does 1080p; uses SD or SD HC memory cards, which means you'll never run out of space (and you could get more than the Flip's 120min, though battery life might be a limiting factor); there's 2 lens settings--extreme close-up, and everything else; easy to use; very portable, with built in image stabilization (which I'll qualify, as it is not as good as it sounds); HDMI cable included (these are notoriously expensive in stores, and since it's not a standard HDMI cable, you'd have to be careful when ordering online); plug and play in your HD TV; the free ArcSoft software is something you'll get a kick out of--try the "watercolor" effect, it's pretty cool; replacement (rechargeable) batteries are inexpensive as well (around $10, shop around and you can get 2 for $10, see  High Capacity KLIC-7004 Digital Camera Replacement Lithium-Ion Battery Compatible with Kodak KLIC-7004, Fuji NP-50, Pentax D-LI68 ); microphone jack allows you to upgrade the sound quality (microphones range in price from $10 to over $250 depending on how much you love this toy).CONS: though it does 1080p, in low light, you'll have a tough time believing it is indeed so--low light image is sub-par; there's a zoom feature, but it's really the opposite of smooth; audio from the built in microphone is really poor (but even a $10 to $20 external microphone will make up for that in a very noticeable way); an SD HC memory card is not included, and the on-board memory is simply not enough (to qualify this, you can get an 8GB card for $20 , a 16GB for twice that; at the present 32GB are waaay too expensive to consider for this camera); for those that are gadget happy, the menu options are best described as spartan; lastly, no case is included.If you've recently purchased a digital camera, it might double as an HD camcorder, and you wouldn't need this.My advice is, before you purchase it, go to a brick and mortar store, ask a salesperson to hook it (or a similar product, as most stores won't carry this brand) up to an HD TV to get a notion of what it can actually do (this is horrible advice--I'm recommending you take advantage of the sales clerk when you don't intend to purchase from the store--but viewing the recording on its tiny screen can be deceptive in terms of video quality). Also, be aware that you'll need to spend some extra $ for an SD card at the very least.Added on: some other reviewer has a maddening problem with me pointing out the poor audio, and does not seem to understand why I'm saying this--the Kodak people must agree with me however--see their product description, it points out you can get great audio, stereo, IF YOU USE THE JACK FOR A MICROPHONE! I've tried recording without a microphone, and it sounds like "this", and I tried with a cheap Sony stereo microphone (used costs $10) and it sounded like "T H I S". Jeez, I gave it a good review, why do some have to take it so personally; I find people with 60" tvs can be very touchy, and somewhat condescending... I've come to love this camera, I use it even for photos and half the time they turn out great (so I just take twice as many photos); but I don't sleep with it under my 60" pillow, and pet it while whispering "my precious, my love". The only thing that bugs me is that I paid almost full price... Flip UltraHD Camcorder, 120 Minutes (Black)High Capacity KLIC-7004 Digital Camera Replacement Lithium-Ion Battery Compatible with Kodak KLIC-7004, Fuji NP-50, Pentax D-LI68

First off, don't believe any of the negative reviews on this product. Some people simply do not read instructions and/or do not know how to work the unit or shoot steady video properly!. It shoots great video and takes great pictures....period!. I own a 60 inch hi-def T.V and the video shot on this pocket camcorder is great....even video shot in low light!!. Also, contrary to some other reviews, the Electronic Image Stabilizer works great, and is WAY ahead of other pocket camcorders in this regard!. Remember folks, when you take video with ANY recorder you must hold it VERY steady and pan across SLOWLY !!!. You have to use your imagination and think about what this video is going to look and feel like on a large screen!!!. Move slowly and steadily....always!.Now that being said, I prefer the 780p/ 60fps mode on this unit because at 60 frames per second, the video is really smooth and very nice. I would only use the 1080/ 30fps mode if the thing you are recording is quite still.....like a stage show, landscape or something relatively stagnent. Also, contrary to what others have said, and I can't understand this, the built in mic on this unit is really very good. NO problems there. I recorded a music show my daughter did at school and the audio was great!.Now on to the built in software included with the unit (ArcSoft Media Impression). The software works great and allows you to upload all the video and pictures onto your PC. Once that is done, you can reformat the SD card inside the camera, clear it and get all your memory back. I installed a 8GB SD card and got more than enough recording time for a single event (2hrs approx). You have to be somewhat computer literate to work the software as there is ZERO support from ArcSoft if you have any questions. You basically have to figure it out yourself sadly. Once the data is uploaded into ArcSoft from the camera, you can then view it on the pc or rip a DVD of the movie. One great feature included is the ability to rip a hi-def movie in Blu-ray codec on a blank dvd that only a Blu-ray player can read. This will give you a 1080 wide screen presentation that you can watch on your widescreen tv. One caution though, it takes HOURS to do this so once you start the process, walk away from your computer!!. You can also burn a regular resolution dvd but for whatever reason, the presentation has letterboxed bars on the top and bottom of the tv. I Could not for the life of me contact ArcSoft to find out why the dvd would not automatically be formatted for widescreen televisions since the camera recorded it that way but to no avail!!. Therefore, I always use the Blu-ray codec option. Viewing the video directly from the camera via the HDMI cable is also an option but it's infinetely better to store the data on disc or pc and free up the card. The cards are very expensive ($30.00 for an 8 gig card). It will cost you a lot of change to store your movies and pics on SD cards, believe me !!This is all in all a great product and perfect for events and family vacations. It's compact, lite, and shoots great video and takes very nice pictures as well. Remember though....hold it steady and move slowly !!

Dommage que Kodak soit boudé par plusieurs magasins, car ils nous présentent ici un produit tout à fait remarquable. Son compétiteur le plus près, le très populaire "FlipVideo", devra faire du chemin avec sa prochaine version afin de rejoindre la qualité du Zi8. Celui-ci offre la flexibilité d'une mémoire SD, accepte les entrées de son externes ainsi que l'utilisation basique d'un mode macro tout en restant dans la même gamme de prix que le "FlipVideo". Avec une qualité vidéo HD bien intéressante (incomparable à une caméra de qualité mais très impressionante pour un format portable) et un fonctionnement tout à fait "user friendly", cette petite caméra saura plaire aux amateurs et divertira sans doute les professionels du domaine.Ses défauts?? Un aspect luisant qui démontre très bien les traces de doigts, une lumière rouge à l'avant pour (avertir??)les acteurs lorsque l'appareil enregistre.. peu pratique si l'on filme quelque chose de près car on peut y voir son reflet (je conseil de coller un petit morceau de carton noir par dessus ce voyant lumineux). À noter Le logiciel donné avec l'appareil est très facile d'accès et pourra satisfaire les besoins de montages rapides.Bref, un appareil parfait pour être trimbalé un peu partout sans avoir trop peur de le briser, vu son petit prix!

I've been using the Kodax Zi8 for the last month. With bright light (snow) and low light levels, the exposure and video quality suffer, but this is the cost for an automatic exposure system that does not have any manual override. The battery lasts long enough indoors, but is quickly drained during cold weather outdoors, but buying extra batteries is cheap. Recording while moving does not work well as there is a constant jitter from the camera. Overall video quality is good and certainly much better than my standard def. tape based video camera (although the tape based player tracks better and has better exposure). Portability is the biggest reason to have this camera - I can take it anywhere without having a lot of gear, which means I can take more footage of my son. The best camera is the camera that you take with you.

I have owned this for over a year. One improvement would be to have the possibility to turn off the screen. Because it drains the battery. If you're setup on a tripod you don't need to see the screen all the time. And for better results in a stable image you need the remote control (not included) so you don't handle it and create camera shake.All the specs and features add up to a nice pocket camera.Cheers