Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camcorder Reviewed
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The Kodak Zi8 pocket camcorder has been available to consumers for over a year now, but because Kodak has released an update to the onboard software, we thought it was worth a second look at the camcorder. And we're glad we did, because the Kodak Zi8 could possibly be the best in its class if you consider the length of recording time available, and the best HD quality resolution available on a pocket camcorder. And to complement both of those factors, the Kodak Zi8 camcorder is also cheaper than its competitors ($100 less in some cases)! So, let's take a look at what we do and do not like about the Kodak Zi8 in our review below!
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camcorder for Sale at Amazon
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Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera - Black
Sale Price: $449.00  |
First of all, the Kodak Zi8 camcorder is capable of creating video at 1080p resolution. Not too many of the pocket camcorders are capable of this, and in fact usually stop off at 720p. Granted, the Kodak Zi8 does only record at 30 frames per second at 1080p, but still the quality is right there! Because Kodak focused on getting to 1080p, they actually made the lower resolution of 720p better with its 60 frames per second capability.
New and Used Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camcorders for Sale
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BLACK KODAK POCKET Zi8 CAMCORDER- WITH 4GB MEMORY CARD
Selling for Only: $46.50 Sale Ends In: 1d 4h 47m |
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Kodak Pocket Zi8 128 MB Camcorder - Black ***With 16GB Memory Card***
Selling for Only: $90.99 Sale Ends In: 2d 23h 48m |
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Kodak Pocket Zi8 128 MB Camcorder - Black
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LIGHTLY USED Kodak Pocket Zi8 128 MB Camcorder - Black
Selling for Only: $39.99 Sale Ends In: 3d 8h |
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Kodak HD Pocket Zi8 128 MB Camcorder - Black (With 8GB SD Card)
Selling for Only: $200.00 Sale Ends In: 3d 20h 14m |
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Kodak Pocket Zi8 128 MB Camcorder - Raspberry
Selling for Only: $58.00 Sale Ends In: 5d 2h 7m |
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Kodak Pocket Zi8 128 MB Camcorder - Black - Great condition- with extras
Selling for Only: $68.00 Sale Ends In: 6d 35m |
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Kodak Pocket Zi8 128 MB Camcorder With 8GB SDHC Card- Black
Selling for Only: $70.00 Sale Ends In: 6d 3h 58m |
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Kodak Pocket Zi8 128 MB Camcorder - Raspberry includes NEW 8GB SanDisk
Selling for Only: $149.95 Sale Ends In: 6d 4h 37m |
The Kodak Zi8 camcorder has a 2.5" LCD screen for the photographer to use in capturing video or photos from up close or at arm's length. To make sure you got the shot you wanted, the Zi8 features immediate playback on the LCD screen. Video can also be slowed down to "slo-mo" to help find the right spot to start playing. The Zi8 also features fast forward and fast reverse to help locate a specific spot of video.
As far as video capacity, the Kodak Zi8 camcorder can create a maximum of 10 hours of video on one file before its necessary to switch memory cards! That's a tremendous amount of video, and so probably will never be used for just one shoot. But it's nice to be able to create a stream of activities at once. The battery will never hold out that long, however, stopping somewhere short of 2 hours, based on what mixture of video and still shots you create, and what options you have turned on. With just video, and without using the 4x digital zoom and image stabilizer too much, you are looking at around an hour and 45 minutes before it's necessary to switch the battery. Shoot a lot of photos, or leave the image stabilization system (EIS) turned on throughout, and battery power dwindles down to an hour and half and less.
The EIS, or electronic imaging stabilization does help a bit with those blessed with unsteady hands, but don't expect miracles either! The Kodak Zi8 camcorder is meant to be an "on the go" camera, and as such expects video to be taken in fast moving instances. If you want all video to be clear and sharp, no matter the movement, you may need to spend $1,000 or more to get that kind of satisfaction. A $100 camcorder just won't provide crisp, sharp, and blur-free photos if there is a lot of movement.
Face detection is also available with the Kodak Zi8 as well as automatic scene selection. Both help the camcorder stay in focus while taking video, but just a bit differently. Face detection can recognize 6-8 faces and automatically focus on them when it "sees" them in the video. Scene selection automatically determines the scene you are shooting, and adjusts the camera for the scene. Low light, night, macro, and direct sunlight are all recognized by the Kodak Zi8 pocket camcorder.
Older versions of the Kodak Zi8 camcorder had a few issues with the microphone being too noisy, but the latest update to the camera's software has fixed that problem, and all new models sold should have the fix already installed. Digital zoom also had a tendency to create darker photos and video as the zoom was used, and that has also been fixed. (If you already own the Zi8 and want to fix these problems, just visit Kodak to download the firmware).
The Kodak Zi8 camcorder has a couple of options as far as playback is concerned. It has a built-in USB port that flips out of the side of the unit, which can be used to connect to any computer for playback, using the included ArcSoft Media software. You can also download the files to the computer and play them with other installed media software, or load them to social sites like Youtube to share immediately. An HDMI is also included with new packages of the Kodak Zi8 for a quick connection to your HDTV or home theater system for HD, 1080p playback of all your video and photo files.
The Kodak Zi8 camcorder is exactly what we like in finding bargain cameras! It has all of the quality of his competitors, even a few upgrades to those other cameras, and it's much cheaper than the best of the rest! Plus, the Zi8 camcorder is backed by one of the best camera companies around, and provides much needed support when a problem needs to be fixed. Take a look at the Kodak Zi8 pocket camcorder above to see if it will fit with your "on the go video needs.
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camcorder Photos
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Camcorder Specs
* Model / ASIN: (8796062, ) / (B002HOPUPC, )
* Colors Available: Black (most popular), Raspberry, and Aqua
* Video Recording: 1080p resolution at 30 frames per second maximum; 720p at 30 or 60 frames per second; 640x480 WVGA can also be selected
Lens: 6.3 millimeter Kodak lens with fixed focus (no optical zoom)
* Digital Zoom: 4x digital zoom
* Resolution: 5 megapixel resolution for still photos using a CMOS sensor
* Minimum Focus Range: 100 centimeters in normal; 15 centimeters in macro mode
* Aperture: f/2.8
* LCD: 2.5" (diagonal) LCD screen for shot setup, shot selection, and playback of video and photos
* File Format: JPEG format for still photos; MOV and AAC file format for movies
* File Storage: 128 megabytes of memory built into the Kodak Zi8; expandable using SD or SDHC memory cards of up to 32 Gigabyte capacity
* Outputs: USB (x1); HDMI (x1); A/V (x1)
* Power: Uses a rechargeable Li-Ion camera Battery (model #KLIC-7004) Battery lasts for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, based upon options selected
* Dimensions: 2 1/5" x 4 1/2" x 9/10" (W x H x D) and weighs a little less than 4 ounces (without the battery and memory card installed)
* Release Date: July 2009
Reference
Kodak Zi8 Camcorder Review - Flash Memory - CamcorderInfo.com
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B. Daniels is the lead review expert with Find Cheap Bargains. B. was more than likely the person responsible for the hands-on review of every product on the site. He also spends time searching for sale bargains when not conducting and writing the reviews.
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