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From: DumbDuck44
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  • The external mic connection on the Kodak makes it a value.

  • what would be a good choice for recording a live show? do any record sound well at high volume levels or is there any tricks?

    \

  • hey i have a zx3 right now, it's not bad but it's so bad in low light

    so what do u suggest me to buy? zx5 , zi8 , creative vado hd 2nd or 3rd gen....???

  • y does the vado make everything brownish plz respond to both comments

  • y does the vado make everything brownish

  • so does the vados picture actually suck that bad i men it wass wayyyyyyyyyyyyy of compared to the zi8 and hom many mp do both of them have

  • Dam you talk fast D

  • @dumbduck44 Nice Trek Man! I want to get the Kodak, but is the IS fixed with the update? Also are there any new Kodak coming out for 2011? Thanks man.

  • great just what i needed thanks:)

  • Excellent test ty

  • I'm considering replacing my FLIP minoHD with the kodak zi8. How has it fared in the 13 months since you shot this video?

  • I have both and vado hd is MUCH better!

  • Lots of people get fooled by the price of Kodak Zi8

    You need to pay attention - most of the time the cheaper price is on the 1.6 MP model and not the 5 MP model

  • so which is better

  • God I cannot tell you HOW LONG I've been looking for a guy to post a motorcycle-specific camera review! Just bought a Zi8, but now I'm stuck between this, the Kodak Playsport and the Vado. Could you do an in-helmet comparo of both?

  • why is the zi8's video so shaky? was it just your hand?

  • @qtieapril My hands are shaky holding both together, the older firmware (recent at the time) on the Zi8 offered no stabilization, and the narrower the viewing angle like on the Zi8 the more obvious shaking looks (and visa versa wide angle always looks smoother since its effectively zoomed out). Add it all up, and the Vado looks smoother.

  • @DumbDuck44

    the zi8 does have stabalization

  • Kodak is much nicer colors and image quality BUT... the reaosn why I'll go for the VAdo - Kodak is just waay too shaky.

    if Kodak fixes the shakiness - it's gonna be unbeatable.

  • How's the Vado?...I ask because I realise that I'm replying to your comment which is 4 month old and I'm thinking of buying it since I'm a very tight budget after having to replace some PC components. =)

    The colors aren't too much of a bother for me...that's what colour correction is for in a video editing suite. ^.^

  • great review.

    

  • Comment removed

  • Hi DumbDuck44,

    I just bought my Kodak Zi8 from Amazon.co.uk and it will reach to me soon, as my friend will come back to Malaysia from UK. Thanks for the review it's much helpful. =)

  • where you got it from ?? pleaseeeeeeee answer

  • AWESOME REVIEW BRO!

    AWESOME SRT4!

    Just bought a zi8!

    And im buying a wide angle lens for the zi8!

    THANKS!

    POw™

  • Great review man keep it up...

  • what does the EIS mean ? sometimes it comes EIS sometimes PC.MAC i mean that is under the 1080p why ?

  • @astoniz Firmware is internal software that controls the camera. Just like operating system. New firmware versions fix problems and sometimes add new features to the device.

  • Thanks alotfor that man iv been trying 2 choose a good camera for weeks

  • Which one one is the real color?

  • Very nice review. Well done. ={D

  • Zi8 wins ,,, You have a sports car ???

  • I would be really interested in seeing a side by side comparison with the newest firmware drivers for both, especially the Zi8 (in relation to improvements in color and digital image stabilization).

    Thanks for the vid

  • 2:09 thats what she said

  • That's what she said.  LMAO

  • That is extremely helpful.

  • The Zi8 has a terrible high-pitch noise thru the mic.

  • Thats been fixed through a download update.

  • Saxon Band Dad uses a Zi8, check out the videos.

  • excellent side-by-side comparison at 4:55 !!

  • hi folks, thanks 4 the great review... u mentioned about making a simple, cheap tri-pod.... can u advise about that? ta :)

  • or did i c that somewhere else? .... anyways all tips welcome

  • when u get the distortion it wont show wen uploaded, i dont get it

  • wait so does the firmwar fix the shaking and choppy zoom?

    oh and also is the color on the Kidak zi8 really that bad or does the firmwar fixes that to?

  • @IvanRod182

    Hi, the Fw 1.06 fix the zoom problem.

  • how do you talk that fast.....its scary lol

  • so that is Firmware??? i thought Firmware is a software for camcorder to much better good.

  • get a Sanyo CG10 I tried all the kodak Vado and CG10

    CG10 is way way superior than these, cannot be compared, especially when you are moving or walking, believe me the kodak and Vado HD sucks, the flickering annoys

    The vado and Zi8

  • very helpful video. i never even heard of the vado hd so i am just gonna assume its not there lol

  • Got mine with 1.05 version so flashed to new firmware and it's great.

  • the kodak zi8 that i bought seems that is a lot more better than the one in the video.. they have fixed a lot of the features, like EIS an dthe color problem

  • Very nice video, and convinced me to stay with Vado until the I.S. gets fixed on the Kodak model. Getting a better microphone hook up just is not worth it yet. Thank you immensely...

  • actually theres a few sites where i already found them in stock... what i realizes is that there really isnt any stores the are currently selling them so i opted to getting one online

  • i currently have a samsung u10 but am not happy with it simply be cuz theres no low light feature so am thinking about getting a sanyo cg10 but i heard kodak zi8 is wayy better is this true?? if you got any know abouts if this is true please send me a message

  • @urvato try finding a zi8 there out of stock everywhere

  • Try Crutchfield.... Ordered two last night!

  • Try Crutchfield, I ordered two last night!

  • @Standard4130 which color? shoot.. i already bought an all black one from future powerpc with 2 day shipping for total of 190 and it says theyll restock this week :(, should have bought the rasberry,.

    Have they already shipped? they are in stock?

  • I order 2 black ones, They could guarantee delivery by 12-31-09 for $18.95 or by Jan 5 for free.... I chose the free option so I'll be looking in the mail on the 5th! LOL

  • Oh, BTW.... I paid $179.99 ea. & they are out of stock now!

  • Why do you keep saying Helmet?

  • why is the Vado so much less shaky than the Kodak?

  • @cinepost Stabilization is on.. but it gives it a jell-o effect which makes things worse

  • the zi8 has a macro mode for up close objects

  • It sticks to a plate on my Corvette and inside my chinpiece on my motorcycle helmet to record rides. =)

  • You're still talking too fast.

  • Which one would you recommend?

  • I'm planning to get one of these two but i have some question for both of these cams:

    - can you record while charging?

    - how long you can record continuously without any cut or pause?

    I need a cam that can record non stop for my fyp so charging while recording is necessary. And some of the cam just stop recording after 30mnts or so, despite of their memory capacity..

  • There's a review on Amazon that the max is 16 gb.

  • I was referring to the quick-swap of being able to carry multiple with you.

    I didn't even know 64gb SDHCs were even on the market yet, lol! :D

  • @DumbDuck44 Scandisk has developed a 2TB card. Don't know when they are going to release it. You can search it...forget where I read it. But the future is bright.

  • So?..What Cam is better?

    Does sombody know it??

  • Firmware fixes motion issues?

  • The firmware definitely helps, you notice it zoomed in. Kodak is on its third firmware update already, lol! It appears they released the product in an unfinished state, as I did update the firmware to the newest one available at the time of this test. =)

  • thks good review.

  • I've seen three other test footages of the Zi8 and I haven't seen any stabilization problems. It should have been at par with the Vado.

    Maybe this is an older firmware.

  • haha thats what she said

  • need a cheap external microphone have any ideas?

  • wtf , for me the zi8 never shakes like taht

  • The vado seems It picks up more Color but with out u comparing them side by side their both great cameras

  • I'm definitely getting the Vado HD.

  • Look at the fountain and rocks. Holy overexposure, Batman! The VADO wins by a landslide!

  • In my opinion the Creative Vado HD still edges out the Kodak Zi8 in quality and performance. Do not let the "numbers" from the Zi8 fool you. At first glance 1080 and 720 @ 60fps all sounds better right? The proof is in the pudding my friends. When you look at the side by side comparison footage the Vado HD's wide angle lens and slightly enhanced color saturation does look better to me. I have owned the Vado HD for nearly a year and have been very pleased with it. I think you will too! :-)

  • which one should i get?

  • Kodak!!!!! easy! more battery life and filming capacity

  • HAHAHAAH!!

    The Creative Vado HD comes with a

    "protective condom"!. Lmfaoooo!!

  • great review!

  • so which one should i get ?

  • Get the kodak zi8, hands down.

  • @Tyler4Now i would get one but the color does not look so good

  • The color of the camera or the video? The camera comes in black, red, and aqua and the color of video is great on mine. Youtube degrades all videos so its hard to get a complete comparison

  • The color is near perfect to real life. The vado above in my opinion is very off color and is way too over exposed unrealistic to what the picture would look like in person. My zi8 has tested wonderful in my comparison to video picture vs real life picture. I cant complain, this is a great camera.

  • @Tyler4Now oh ok so you think its better to buy the zi8

  • i have decided on a video camera for christmas but im not really shore wich one to get. i will be filming skateboarding and biking so it would help to have a higher frames per second. and the sound quality doesnt matter because i would put a song over the top eny way...oh yeh and im only 13 so it would help if it was quite robust. thankyou

  • With all those factors and the new firmware out that fixes some of my earlier complaints, I would recommend the Kodak Zi8. =)

  • 1080p needs a tripod

  • I've been tearing my hair out on trying to decide between which camera to get. I'm just going to bite the bullet and get the Vado HD. I want to record vlog type videos so I had to take mic quality in to consideration, the video on Vado is too good to pass up, the audio on the Vado has more clarity where as the Kodak sounds muffled.

  • Remember that the Kodak has a stero mic inputt. I uses this with a small Sony mic. I get grate, very pro like sound from it.

  • awesome, detailed, fair, comparison ... thanks for taking the time !!

  • Yes, the "Choppy Zoom" issue your having along with the other issues, is because you need to update the firmware to v1.06 which takes only 2 minutes. And then do a real comparison, the kodak will no doubt win. I updated my zi8 and now have 100% better quality on smooth zoom, picture and everything else.

  • Thanks bro! I had already updated the firmware on the Zi8 to the latest available at the time of making this video.

    I see that v1.06 just came out this November. I will apply it right now. Thanks again. =)

  • are you guys still having problems with 1080p shots with video being shaky even with the 1.06 fw?

  • As with all of these mini hd cams, your going to need a tripod for the more shaky scenes, I got mine for like 15 bucks at walmart, and wallah, no more shakes. Mine at 1080p seems just fine, especially since the firmware update, make sure you install it correctly

  • "Wallah"? Seriously... *facepalm* voilà perhaps, heh! =p:::

  • I have the zi6 and zi8. The zi8 BEATS the Vado by miles. Kodak has made an outstanding un-matched mini HD camera and I couldnt be happier! Also kodak just uploaded a new firmware so that if you exp. any low light issues or problems, just update to v1.06 and solved! PM me if you need the link to the update

  • wait inside your helmet?

  • Ya, I made this video originally to help out fellow motorcycle vloggers (we put cameras on our motorcycles or in our helmets to record our adventures).

    If you check my playlists, you can see me goofin around on my dual-sport bike. These cellphone sized cameras are great for shoving in the chinpiece, as that way you get first person view and can be heard speaking w/o the wind noise of external bulletcams!

  • Hi, Thanks for the great review! You mentioned for the Zi8, the 720/60f is better. So why not just get the Zi6 since it also has the 720/60f?

  • There are considerable differences between the Zi8 and Zi6, not just the lackluster 1080P and image stabilization. White balance, focus, low light, transitions, the lens, all little changes. There are youtube videos that show side-by-side splitscreen footage. =)

  • The Zodak Vi8? 0:15

  • yuck fou! =p

  • awesome video, cheers  you rock ===> \m/

  • thanks!

  • One can get rid of inherent tints on FCP and other NLEs just like you can re-white balance.

  • If you use a tripod and show the final result on a 40" HD tv (1080) then you will appreciate 1080p.

  • thats a good point, the warble may not show itself if the camera is still. I'm checking that right now.

    still, for sharing online, 720P is the way to go, as not only is that the native res for HD uploads on just about every online host, but 1080P converted to flash would MURDER most computer's processors trying to play it!

  • I agree, besides proper exposure, color rendering and contrast are very important factor. Also some people have a tendency to exaggerate the difference about 720 and 1080. There is a difference, but it's small.

  • The kodak imho wins with it's more realistic colors. It looks fantastic!

  • i think colors of zi8 are more natural. the vado have more red tone.

  • Pretty good ! But , you totally forget the dedicated switch for wide angle/makro for the kodak Zi8. FAIL.

    I think you better do this review all over again ?

  • I don't fail, YOU fail! =p

    1) I did mention the macro switch

    2) the macro switch only changes the focus, not the lens angle. so the image would not be wider, it'd only be blurry if you try to tape something more than a foot away.

    me = 1

    u = 0

  • (i thought i typed this in already, but i guess i didn't.) Has anyone tried going to the Kodak site to take advantage of the Zi8 discount? I don't know if im just crazy, but i don't see any "Add to cart" buttons for it, but i so see the button for the Zi6 & the Zx1. Any idea duck?

  • The link is in the info, but if the "add to cart" button is missing from the site, which I can confirm it is right now, then it is sold out. According to a thread on slickdeals (dot) net, its coming in and out of stock. *shrugs*

  • ooh shoot, ok, thanks for the reply

  • the vado looks way more stable...

  • Any luck on getting a smoother video with 720/60p without IS or is it still jittery?

  • The IS makes no real difference. To clarify though, the video is very smooth at 720/60P, it just isn't stabilized, which the majority of little cameras are not and is quite the norm.

    Is only disappointing since they advertise it as having IS, even though the effectiveness of it is next to nil. I don't have the steadiest of hands though, so fact that in, but zooming without a stable tripod is a definite no-no.

  • Great thanks for the info!

  • Comment removed

  • Just an update guys:

    Kodak Store has Kodak Zi8 1080p Pocket Video Camera for $180 - 15% off auto in cart - 15% off stackable coupon KODAKGOLF09 + $9 S/H = $139

    They are usually $170.

  • Ugh, the deal might be too good to pass up. I'd be picking up one of these for recording some musical performance. I guess that the Zi8's 60 FPS would be especially beneficial with that type of recording

  • BLABBERING BLATHERSKITE!!! (sorry, couldn't resist). nice review. how about one comparing the zi8, flip ultra hd, and a samsung hmx-u10

  • The one big advantage the ZI6 has over the ZI8 is, it uses AA batteries. In a pinch you can stop in a dollar store and get a pack. Cant do that with a ZI8.

  • Not sure thats a big advantage personally. Pound for pound, lithium polymer batteries give you quite a bit extra run time.

    Pull down on the front panel of the ZI8 and the cover pops right off. Under it is the battery. primary_centre seller on ebay has two extra batteries + an external charger for under $20 shipped. =)

  • Oh, and I forgot to mention, BING cashback is 8% + I think its 2% off for ebay bucks. So basically for around $18 you can have three quickly swappable lithium batteries (w/ are easier to carry since they're so thin and light) and a external charger. The other option is to plug the USB plug on this (or another handheld cam) into the Tekkeon TekCharge MP1800 external battery. Its literally just a big battery w/ a USB connection on it, w/ can power various devices like your phone or whatever.

  • what would you recomend between the 2 if its for youtube reviews or any other pocket cam for around the same price

  • Sweet!  Close, its a C5, 2001 fastback. Got lots of goodies though; lg pro longtubes, ceramic coated GTP heads, cam, borla, etc. 460hp naturally aspirated! :D

  • it depends on the software you use. for which camera to get, there are always pros and cons to everything. check local prices, sample videos, features, and go to a store and pick one up and handle them if you can.

    The zi8 and vado shown in this video are very small, like cellphone size. The Vado is like a RZR phone, and the Zi8 is like a blackberry in size.

  • .I did notice when you zoomed out on the Zi8, a high pitched sound. It was more noticeable in the 1080p mode than the 720.

  • 1080P on the zi8 is a gimmic IMO. the 720P 60FPS is the way to go for smoothest video w/ great quality.

  • have you tried comparing the zi8 with the other kodak products, i.e. 720p@60fps on the zi8 compared with the zi6 or the kodak z980? is the still photo capture on the zi8 any good? am trying to decide on whether to get one of the zi's or the z980.

  • the zi8 and zi6 are very similar. aside from obvious feature differences, it does have improved lowlight. in low light situations though, best quality will be w/ the camera stationary on a mini-tripod or you can use the string + washer trick (get a properly threaded bolt, tie a string to it that goes to the floor, and tie a washer on that end. step on the washer and pull the string tight and it makes holding it extremely steady while you pan around and when done it all fits in shirt pocket).

  • Yeah get the sanyo cg10 for sure. Its great!! At radio shack I got the camcoder, a nice tripod, and the 2 year walk-in waranty for about $240 total. The waranty is really worth it when it comes to camcorders. It also replaces batteries which cost about $40 just for one without the warranty and the 2 year waranty is only $35.

  • So, I can pick up the Vado for around $115 and the Kodak for $180. Which do I pick? I suppose I don't care how nice the Kodak picture is if it is always shaky. To me the Vado is clearly better than any product that Flip has out. Is there something on the horizon I should wait for?

  • The shakiness could have been the way I was holding it poorly as well, which made it more pronounced, but yeah there is definitely no shake reduction going on thats for sure. For the price difference, if the Vado HD is $115 and can't find the Kodak for less than $180 (thats the MSRP), I'd do the VadoHD unless you had to have the external mic input capability.

  • the sanyo cg10 is actually pretty small. I don't think a lot of people realize that. Fits in my pocket no problem. And bigcat2010 the sanyo would be better at a concert especially if your holding the cam above you and people. With the zi8 you can't really see what your recording to well and with the sanyo you can tilt the screen down to see exactly what your recording. That's one thing that i don't like about candy bar video cams

  • and 5 MP stills on the zi8. Not sure I heard that in this review. Does the vado take stills at all?

  • ya, but its just 1280x720 and I think is just a single frame from a movie basically. wont compare favorably to any "real" digital camera.

  • The sanyo is best. I've tryed them all. It's lightweight and it fits in your pocket. One of the smallest pistol grip camcorders u can get. Plus 10mp stills, come on!!! Yeah no flip out USB connector but who cares? Really?? The other ones are good to but not as good. You will not be dissapointed with the sanyo.

  • So did you say you like the Sanyo VPC-CG10 better than either Creative Vado or zi8?

  • look up this one...

    Sanyo VPC-CG10

    way better quality

  • Looks like a great camera, but while it is technically a subcompact, its still dwarfs these little guys. =)

    The weight is 170% of the Zi8 and almost 190% that of the VadoHD, but biggest difference is physical size and form factor. These are more cell-phone size/shaped if that makes sense.

  • true..

    am on budget and I wanted to know which is the best camera to buy..

    my budget is like $200..

    basic videos,reviews,basketball clips,etc...

  • definitely the zi8 because it is around 175 dollars

  • the sanyo cg10 is better I think even though it does not shoot in 1080p... but

    its either the sanyo,the webbie, or the new samsung u10, or the new toshiba camcorders...

  • Wait, so do you like the Sanyo VPC-CG10 better then Creative vado and zi8?

  • I think you meant to reply to xxAO2012xx. The Sanyo Xacti is a larger, heavier, and a totally different form factor. Its really a different animal.

    It has an excellent 3" screen and because of its design it not only has optical zoom (these two don't), but 5x optical zoom (thats great) AND a stereo microphone. Lens is big but soft and easier to damage though, so they provide a lens protector for carrying around, and no 60FPS, USB connector, or mic in like the Zi8.

  • I second this. I want something that will slide into my pocket. I have the ZI8 and love it. I am going to slide it in my pocket for a concert I am attending tonight.

    The Sanyo wouldn't even be a consideration for me.

  • Great review. Very informative. Thanks.

    Have u checked out the GoPro cameras? I use them for riverboarding, kayaking and surfing. They mount really well to helmets.

  • As a motorcycle vlogger though, my issue is audio. There is no good way to capture voice on em, and they suffer a bit from the wind noise (we get up to 100mph while videoing at times... not quite so fast kayaking and surfing heh).

  • i have both of them, just got the Zi8 in the mail today....and just from the few hours i spent with the Kodak Zi8 - it's really not worth getting if you already have the Creative Vado. Might be worth the upgrade if you have the Zi6. The wide angle lens, the smaller body, and the better image quality, even tho it's a little over saturated, on the Vado makes it a better choice. Just my opinion

  • Thank you for sharing Sampcyn! I agree, except if you want the SDHC and external mic capability (and perhaps the 60fps). I am using my VadoHD the most though, I really like its wide angle lens. BUT if riding with others, I think the Zi8 might look better since it would appear you are physically closer to your riding buddies (wide lens they look kinda far away). Little pros and cons. *shrugs*

  • Very good review!

  • These are great but I gotta stick with the Sanyo HD CG10

  • awesome. could you make one between the Zi8 and the MinoHD? im really stuck between the two.

  • Sure thing boss, I'll send you my address so you can ship me a free MinoHD, heh! I'll try though if I can find a coworker or buddy who has one I can borrow. =)

  • haha alright. thanks

  • Excellent review. Great job.

    The Kodak's video still looks very jittery. The Creative's color may seem off but it still seems smoother...

  • Even though the kodak zi8 looks like it would be "better" and "newer", I think I'll buy the Creative Vado because it takes WAYYYYYY better movies. The Wide angle makes it look a LOT more proffesional. Thank you for this video, I've been wanting one like this.