My New Kodak Zi8
Get Web Graphics Wherever
Just bought a new Kodak Zi8. I’ll post some sample videos later. In the meantime, here is some good info about why I picked this model.
The Kodak Zi8 is the greatest pocket video camera I have seen to date. It hits all of the angles and hits them nicely. The Kodak Zi8 includes a 5 MP sensor, a substantial jump from the competition, which only offered 1.6 MP sensors. The Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera features a 6.3 mm, fixed focus lens with not one but two focus modes: normal and macro. The Kodak Zi8 has obviously been made with a focus towards ease-of-use, and it shows both in the camera’s design and the way it interacts with software. Macintosh users will experience a fast and easy video clip editing and import process.
The Kodak Zi8 sets the standard for all pocket video cameras. And not only by a little bit, but by a huge margin. The Kodak Zi8 weighs about 3.9 ounces (110g) without a battery. The battery weighs in at about .63 ounces (17.5g). The Kodak Zi8 takes a mid-range approach to memory, coming with just enough to shoot a couple of test shots. Nevertheless, this memory isn’t enough to shoot any amount of video which would permit the buyer to avoid having to purchase an SDHC card .
The Kodak Zi8 supports up to 5.3-megapixel (16:9 wide screen) JPEG image capture. The Zi8 also includes a monaural built-in microphone, I/O interface including USB 2. (high speed), AV out, HDMI, DC in plus an external stereo microphone jack. It has a standard 1/4 inch tripod mount and is powered with a KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Camera Battery KLIC-7004. The Kodak Zi8 approaches a $500.00 high definition video camera in terms of quality. The Kodak Zi8 produces a great image that rivals any pocket HD camera available on the market, however buyers will need to endure some annoyances which could sway them to other camera options. The lack of flash memory requires users to buy an SDHC card (preferably a class 6 8GB or higher card) so that they can comfortably film and transfer files.
The Kodak Zi8 uses removable SD/SDHC media cards, which Kodak says can store as much as 10 hours of video on a 32GB card. The Kodak Zi8 is available in many colors including metallic black, blue, and burgundy.
I went for the burgundy model myself. It does not come with a case, so you’ll want to get one. Another suggested accessory would be a tripod, or at least a monopod which will really help improve panning quality. Kodak also offers a remote control for the Zi8 which is available for under $15.00. This is perfect for shooting video of yourself.
June 24, 2010 zi8 web graphics update.
I’ve been using this hand held video camera for about a month now. I just wanted to report that I’ve been very happy with the results. The 720 dpi 60fps works great for catching the grand kids in action. With double the standard 30fps, slow motion looks really nice. I’ve also used it for 5 Mega Pixel stills and, of course, I’ve shot a bunch of 1280 dpi video.
The hand held stuff looks good, but if you can manage it, I’ll reiterate the fact that it’s even better if you use a monopod. I wouldn’t buy a large tri-pod for this little guy for a couple of reasons. One, you are no longer portable, which is kind of the point right? Two, the mount pads on most full sized tripods cover the USB latch, so you have to take it off just to get your videos.
That does lead me to one little design flaw which I’ve identified. The bottom of this portable video camera is rounded, so it won’t stand on end on its own. For that reason, you may want a small desktop tri-pod to allow you to shoot video of yourself. By the way, I did pick up the remote on Ebay and I like it very much. It was only about $12.00. All in all, I handy little tool that I can easily take anywhere which makes it easy to get whatever web graphics I need, both photo and video. Happy shooting…
john
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