Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera Review

Posted on 12. Jul, 2010 by Raquel in Review, Technology, Zi8

Kodak Zi8

So this past spring I realized my outdated Canon ZR20 miniDV Camcorder (2003) needed to be replaced. I recorded 2 concerts in January and was not happy with the audio and video output from my camcorder. A big factor in making the change was the huge disparity of quality between HD video and everything else. HD is by far the way to go nowadays. While researching my options I looked at the Flip player and was intrigued. I ultimately chose the Kodak because of the external microphone and SD card memory capabilities. Here is the scoop:

Recording Quality (Video and Still)

The Flip MinoHD and its recent successor, the UltraHD, both deliver video at 720 lines of resolution, or 720p, the entry-level standard for high-def video. The Zi8 is the first pocket camcorder on the market to boast 1080p , the high end of high definition. It can also capture still images at 5-megapixel, thanks to its integration of a 1/2.5-inch 5-megapixel CMOS sensor. Like its predecessor, the Zi6, this model also records video in 720p resolution at up to 60fps (frames per second), which Kodak says is “best for sports and action,” as well as 720p/30fps (“best for sharing on YouTube or Facebook”) and WVGA (“best for conserving memory card space”). I recorded at 30 fps 720p as all of my content would end up on YouTube where it would get converted to 30 fps anyway.

SD Card

While the $120-180 Kodak Zi8 is cheaper than Flip’s 2nd Generation offerings ($230 MSRP for the 8GB Mino HD), the Zi8 requires that you provide your own an SDHC memory card. I purchased a 16GB Class 10 SDHC card (Patriot LX) to go with my Zi8 for about $50. The Zi8 accepts SDHC cards up to 32GB ($100), so it can store a ton of video and still images. The Zi8 also comes with more goodies than the Flip such as a wall outlet charger ($20 value) and A/V and HDMI cables to connect to a TV for displaying your latest clips. Videos are encoded as generally compatible QuickTime MPEG-4 MOV files, using H.264 compression. The Zi8 also comes with a Remote Control that is sold separately. It is available on Amazon for $9.99.

Zi8 goodies==> (A/V, HDMI, AC adapter)

Transferring to your computer / Uploading to YouTube/Vimeo/Facebook/Myspace

The Zi8’s got a vibrant 2.5-inch LCD display boasting 230,000 pixels that rivals the 2-inch displays found on Flip’s current products. You can easily transfer images to a computer through a pop-out USB connector on the device or taking out the SDHC card and putting it in a card reader. The Kodak Zi8 will be recognized similarly to a USB drive on your computer. Connecting the Zi8 to a Windows or Mac computer installs software to handle the transfer, and helps to upload videos to sites like YouTube, Vimeo, Myspace and Facebook. The Zi8 comes with Arcsoft Media Impression software (PC only) that can be used to edit videos. I am not a big fan of the software and chose to edit video on my Mac with iMovie software.

Zi8 USB

Battery Life / Charging

The Zi8’s battery is a Li-Ion slab, this replaces the old model’s (Zi6) rechargeable AAs. You can also charge the camera with the USB connector. The exact model of the Kodak Zi8 Li-Ion rechargeable battery included in the packaging is KLIC-7004.

The recording time of the Kodak Zi8 battery is listed at 90 minutes during 720P @30fps recording. The charging time for the battery is 2 hours via wall adapter and 4 hours via USB connection.

Microphone quality / Extra features

When first researching the Kodak Zi8 a big plus for me was the external microphone connector option. You adjust the input gain through the menu settings. I recorded with my  Sony ECM-MS907 condensor microphone.

At the top of the device are 2 macro settings. One is for recording objects less than a foot away from the camcorder and the other is for recording objects that further away, which you will be using most of the time.

There is a standard 1/4“ tripod mount at the bottom of the Kodak Zi8. The ¼” mount is the same size that is featured on normal sized camcorders and cameras. So there is no need to look for a special tripod mount for the Zi8.

The Zi8 has image stabilization, like you find on bigger camcorders. The Flip offers 2X digital zoom, effectively doubling the size of images on the screen, but Kodak gives you a 4X zoom. Of course, digital zoom always degrades image quality, but at the Zi8’s highest resolution of 1080p, the damage isn’t too bad.

Final Thoughts:

I am quite pleased with the Zi8. I like it’s portability and ease of use. I feel I can record any concert easily and discreetly if need be . The HD video quality is much superior to my previous sad camcorder quality. The sound is excellent with an external mic and honestly, not too bad with its internal mic. I have plenty of room/storage for video with the SD card capabilities. A BIG plus is the ease of transferring videos to my laptop as everything is digital. Lastly the price, under $200, is not bad either! I highly recommend this small but powerful camera to any musician looking to record, make a DVD, or add to their Youtube videos. I give it 4 out of 5 stars!

By the way, if have any interest in recording under water,  you can buy the Ikelite Underwater Housing shell ($246.95) or  Aquapac Mini Waterproof Camera Case ($31.95), both are compatible with the Zi8. Here is a link for raw footage of the Zi8 in action with the Aquapac: Click here. Kodak also sells the KODAK PLAYSPORT Video Camera ($149.95) that is capable of recording up to 10 ft underwater in full 1080p HD!

Here are some videos I recorded with the Zi8. The first one was taken at a recital (w/ external mic, at the back of the hall) the second one was at a rehearsal (w/ internal mic only):

Citiscapes-3rd mvt from Raquel Rodriquez on Vimeo.

General Features:
- Black, Aqua, or 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)