Kodak Zi8 test with DIY steadicam 720p 60fps

[samkonetsky]

i get footage like that just by putting it on a tripod and walking around....i think its your steadycam

[blitzkriegZkl]

is it posible that if instead of a mic you conect and ipod it will record the song playing while recording?

[justex07]

@blitzkriegZkl technically, yes you could do that but I would advise against it. Just pull the audio in when you're editing the video. It will sound much much better. Plus using the external mic jack disables the internal mic so you would get only the iPod audio only, not the live audio.

[fuertesyrobustos]

or either your DIY steadycam sucks or this camera doesn't really work for movement shots.

[gertsy]

With a lead weighted monopod it would be even better...

[JazzFiveO]

Can you recommend any cheap tripods, more of a stickpod I am thinking of really

[OneMenOnePug]

are you shure..... you use a steadycam

[celticirishkeith]

U need to up the speed of your memory card. Faster cards = smoother playback. Get at least a class 6 SD card.

[InTheNameOfBoredom]

Could someone PLEASE respond? I'm making a short movie in the summer with some friends and I'm looking for a good HD camera for a low price. What is the price of this camera? Any other suggestions???

[fitforsoccer000]

bad quality eh?

[domtriga]

this camera is bad.. I can say this because I have one .. the video is so shaky its ridiculous and 1080p has a weird shaky swirly effect when you move its retarded

[weedfan]

freakin the cops! cool cam

[TheCollagestudio]

Bad Bad Bad Bad... youre stedicam is bad

[Xploratio]

Love the choice of music here

fits the lighting :)

wheres that by the way ?

[samus919]

This is a pocket video recorder and it is amazing for what it is. You can't compare high end features to this camera. For what you pay for this is an amazing camera. It sounds like you want a high end video camera for nothing and good luck getting that

[fetymann]

60fps my anus. Is image stabilization turned on? this looks like butt.

[BorkaBonum]

@fetymann

You'll never see a video on Youtube close to 60fps.

[justex07]

@jcytee071 yes. It is $230. Supposedly it has better low-light performance. It has a 1/3.2 sensor vs the Zi8's 1/2.5 so better low-light is surprising.

The lens is also a good bit wider so more will fit in the frame.

The biggest difference are the on camera editing and navigation options, thanks to the capacitive screen.

I would opt for the Zi8 and spend the extra $100 on a decent microphone and/or home-made steadicam or tripod.

[jovialduke]

What is this music?

[RLBP90]

This video as made me decide between the ZI8 and the Flip Mino HD :D

Thanks :D

[justex07]

@RLBP90 Glad to know it helped :D Kodak has a new camera coming out soon.

[klv400]

@justex07 what is the name of it? thanks

[littlesoldiergraba]

@justex07 what is it ? 

[albertobebes]

@RLBP90 get this one. you with get 1080p with this camera.

[blue9z]

it's better to turn IS off when you are moving the camera

[realjuvelive]

@blue9z IS ? you mean EIS ? which means electronic image stabilization?

[blue9z]

@realjuvelive

Yes IS = image stabilization and can be both electronic and optical. However the Kodak has only electronic.

[realjuvelive]

@blue9z You mean there is a difference between IS and EIS ?

[justex07]

@realjuvelive Optical image stabilization is almost always better than electronic.

[realjuvelive]

@justex07 However they are the same aren't they ??

[justex07]

@realjuvelive There are typically three ways to adjust for camera shake.

Shift the lens elements to compensate for camera shake.

Shift the camera sensor to compensate for camera shake.

Zoom and pan the image to compensate for camera shake.

Each has a benefit, each has a caveat.

[chappmantv1]

someone know the title of this song ??

[realjuvelive]

@chappmantv1 it's scary !! isn't it ? XD

[justex07]

@chappmantv1 I'll see if I can figure it out, I can't believe I've forgotten!

[wandomtv]

Does the software u use change the picture quaility? Like if you dont use the software that camer with the camera and use pinnacle ultimate collection? Will it change the picture quality? Thanks!

[justex07]

@wandomtv depends. If the software requires heavy conversion, video quality will suffer. I use FinalCut and iMovie which can natively handle the formats.

Unfortunately, the camera records to h.264 which is an output format, not editing format, so most applications will need to do a file conversion.

[xKonFuZaH]

how did you get it in 720p 

[fetymann]

too bad YT doesn't play 60fps

[acoolmanproductions]

the kodak is a great camcorder. I subscribed and hope you do the same.

[ChillToTheBones]

I built a $12 version (you both have stabilizer and tripod) link is here ʎıp8ız/ɯoɔ˙ןɹnʎuıʇ//:dʇʇɥ (turn upside down to see link)

[fetymann]

@ChillToTheBones how convenient!!!

[PIXscotland]

You really need to switch off the internal image stabilization when using external equipment. Most of the juddering movement in this video is probably down the the internal IS.

[UItimatesnake]

1:19

The Shining O_O

[00000000000000o0]

do you have parkinson disease? lol

[riverbenddrummer]

I love my zi8, checkout the vids I shot for my drum covers

[realjuvelive]

which music is this ?

[realjuvelive]

how much is it dude ?

[realjuvelive]

how much is this and made in what ?

[jcradford]

Avoid walking with pocket cams

[realjuvelive]

@jcradford haha why ?

[lunarparcel]

Thanks for posting this test clip. But judging from your clip description, it occurs to me that you demonstrate a general lack of understanding about what constitutes a "prosumer" cam. These ultra portable low-end point-and-shoots ain't it. They serve a specific market for a specific purpose, at very low entry level price point, and the Zi8 provides great value for the $. But in general, discriminating videographers will benefit from higher end cams and a more disciplined technique.

[shot311]

ABSOLUTE NON-SENS ! in wich part of the video the camera is stable for a second ? can't see that... try handheld, it will be a few times better.. i mean, you don't see that horrible shaking ? i'm seek !

[dezavu]

can we see a glimpse of this diy steadicam? that's what i'm more interested in...

[jovialduke]

maaaaaaaan where did you get the music? it's so atmospheric.

[TheAnimalDen]

i would still pic the flip over this,flip cam has a built in softwere

[ninjatune718]

Doesn't look too much steadier than without the DIY steadycam. Small pocketcams like this tend to magnify every slight movement.

[Subfightr]

bummer..

[VidPro95]

Kodac Sucks get a real camera.

[roughangels]

Fine video! 5 Stars!!!

[liveshowgrlz]

The music makes the video so suspensful, like in a horror flick. I was expecting someone to jump out one of those dorrs and start stabbing you.

[FrekeOne]

You can easily build a bettar steadycam cheap no problem!

[taez1]

wat will be a good video editing software to use wit tha kodak zi8? does it come wit a software??

[ratking58]

@taez1 yea but it isnt that good. i only use it if the video im making MUST be in HD and doesnt need that much editing.

[chui101]

there's some visible tearing during panning 1/4 of the way across the frame from the left, is this a youtube artifact or is it in the original as well?

[dysfunction26]

It does not look like you used the software that came with the Zi8...that is why it is so jumpy.

[justex07]

@dysfunction26 The Acrsoft video editin software for the Zi8 does not work on the Mac.

Image stabilization is done in camera, not via software. Software image stabilization crops the images to compensate for sensor movement.

Bad firmware from Kodak is the reason it is so jittery, the updated firmware fixed much of the problem.

[2ClassClowns]

so how do i get the updated firmware

[Collin2377]

WOW. I love your city. So calm...

[squarecnix]

@justex07 hey i just bought the kodak zi8 got it 2 days ago in the post. How do i download the new firmware? is it alrdy on?

[dysfunction26]

I had the same issue when I tried to play directly to my HDTV, but when I used the Arcsoft software, I did not have the same issue.

[pollux446]

you gotta take eis off the picture looks better

[astoniz]

Much Better if you use 1080 p .. But nice Video.. Thumps uP :-)

[d47lLd4y]

ducati monster 1:12 ? !

[boosh222]

your steadicam aint workin

[Laxmast369]

i need a good hd low light cam , suggestions ?

[ngvgnDOTcom]

@Laxmast369 Sanyo 1010, Fli Mino, Canon HF200 or HF20 just set to manual and 24p that's for the canon. Sanyo maybe go down one F stop or lower the ISO sometimes camcorders let to much light in.

[instantwagner]

heh that was creepy going down that hall with the music.

[TheSkillionaire]

Any details on your build for the stabilizer?

[radiotevee]

would i have any problems using a mac with this guy?

[pollux446]

I use a mack and i have no complaints it works well

[kammi02]

Thanks for the vid!

[cinepost]

Where was this shot?

[justex07]

The University of Missouri of Columbia.

[immiketran]

Watching you leave the front door was breathtaking haha. Such nice scenery. Was the grass actually that green?

[justex07]

Thanks! Yeah I didn't do any editing of the film in regards to exposure/contrast/saturation etc. That's just how the Kodak Zi8 saw it!

[JamalGleeson]

good video though :)  yours and one others (forgot who's) video made me want the Zi8 instead of the Flip Ultra HD. Also, to give a little credit the Ultra HD did have faster stransitioning and basically the same color, but not enough menu... or at all >_>

[justex07]

yeah I played with the UltraHD, happy with this choice. The more I use the Kodak Zi8 the happier I am with it.

[JamalGleeson]

OMG i know this issa test vidio, but if a zombie came out at the end, that music would make sense... that music is creepy *chills*

[justex07]

lolz I guess I should think about doing a remake with the undead! The shot a zombie movie in that building a few years ago!

[ronormil]

does the image stabilization really work on this cam?

[justex07]

with the latest firmware update, image stabilization is much improved.

[NothingRarer]

stabilize this with Deshaker and it'll be perfect

[atomspace]

The steady cam needs a lot more weight. It is not heavy enough to hamper the shaking of the camera.

[justex07]

I think the problem is actually with the metal rod, it needs to be a bit more rigid. Going to try a few different designs before I settle.

[Axcelaration]

Kodak Zi8 or Flip Ultra HD

[atomspace]

@Axcelaration Zi8 mos def

[Byron718]

Zi8 without a doubt, i got mine today

[Axcelaration]

alright thanks man, ill order it sometime next week

[justex07]

yeah, I vote Kodak Zi8, like the look of the UltraHD but the Kodak wins out IMHO.

[derekisdman]

yeah, this was mostly unacceptable; although once you got inside with the lockers, it got significantly better.  what did your diy steadi cam consist of? pictures or instructions?

[CarlosMerighe]

By the way, I turned face recognition off and things improved with mine. EIS must be on.

[justex07]

I've installed the latest firmware and will try this again with face recognition off and see how that works :D

[CarlosMerighe]

Well, it's $145. People expect to compete with a Canon XL-H1A 3CCD HDV?

[statikeffeck]

there is still shaking, but what's interesting is that while going down stairs or up the curb the shakiness doesn't change so I do get the feeling that the camera is floating through the air.

[sgnx]

dude, you should totally hold a crowbar in front of the cam while walking around :-)

nice vid, great color!

[Bosingr]

What model steadicam were you using? Anything expensive?

[Bertziethegreat]

DIY, and Model of Steadicam don't really go together.

[ajaxm13]

turn EIS on

[IMCrazyQuick]

I find it amazing what people now consider to be quality video.... This digital stuff SUCKS when it comes to video quality compared to the old analog stuff. It all seems to be jerky. Which is much like the people who think it's so great.

[wbsmietana]

Firmware 1.05 is a major improvement for EIS and ZOOM! You need to take the SD card out, create a folder named SYSTEM then copy the firmware files directly to that folder then insert it into the Zi8, After a couple of shut down/restarts you are using a much improved camera. This camera is awesome!

[woutwoutwout]

Download the new 1.05 firmware and software for the Zi8, it greatly improves picture quality and image stabilization. I've just recorder a movie (me walkin around, similar to this movie) and it's a lot better

[justex07]

oh yeah? Thanks! I'll definitely do this and reshoot the video for a comparison.

Thanks again

-justin

[xgotarox]

did you have image stabilization on? or face detection? i noticed the white balance adjustment was really slow when focusing on a face in another video. could it have something to do with it?

how would you compare this camera to the flip ultra hd?

[justex07]

image stabilization was on as well as face recognition, just on by default. Perhaps that was part of the problem.

[4BICCHI]

Its kind o shaky

[magicalhats]

wow, even with the steadycam, its still that shakey??? unless your new to steadycams and still learning how to hold it properly

[justex07]

Found out today that the processor in the Kodak Zi8 just isn't powerful enough to handle 1080p at 30fps. It apparently drops frames pretty badly, even with a fast card like the one I'm using. MacWorld, in an article reviewing the recorder, stated that they averaged 20fps. Even at 720p 60fps, they noted a significant drop in frame rate.

These dropped frames are the main reason behind the shaky video.

Pretty horrendous.

[MartinTheMad]

I'd love to see how you made a steady cam.

The last part when you were walking between the lockers seemed like from a scary movie. hehe

That neighborhood looks really nice.

[MartinTheMad]

So shaky. I dunno why every video I see of the zi8 on youtube is like that. All the footage I've taken with it seems much smoother.

[justex07]

what are you using to keep the video smooth? Here it's incredibly shaky. Going to try with a sturdier, heavier steadicam soon.

[MartinTheMad]

I think it's to do with the way you hold the camera in your hand. I assume most people are holding it like a cell phone (using their fingers only, wrist bent, holding close to their body). I'm holding mine by resting it on my palm and gripping it with all of my hand. Also keeping my arm half extended and purposely making smooth movements. Just like any camera person would do.

[MartinTheMad]

Of course, when the zi8 is in my helmet, that's a totally different situation. =P

[MartinTheMad]

Why do I forgot to type this stuff in one reply? hehe.

Anyway, I know you're using a DIY steady cam. I guess the problem is your walking. Not that you walk like a spaz or anything. You're walking normally. You need to walk with the camera in mind. I'll stop replying so much now. haha ;-)

[slhimages]

Prosumer? You must be kidding! This is a basic Granny cam and a darn good one at that. You are expecting way to much from a device like this. A Canon Vixia HD it is not and isn't promoted as such. Kodak did a very good job here. Give 'em some credit! Under $200 bucks ... wow !

[fishycomics]

could not agree more. stab is awefully shaky.

[chadprater]

Pretty much every video I have seen for the zi8 has some image stabilization problem. I think I will just wait for the Flip to come out with a 1080 camera.

[Darrick25]

but how long will that be?  I haven't even seen a pre-review on the "mystery" Flip cam. =/

[chadprater]

I'm betting it will be before xmas. I have access to a Flip Ultra right now so I can afford to wait.

[uploadandsharevideos]

youtube shows a maximum of 30fps.

so we can't see how the original video looks like.

[tenplex]

What is the soundtrack to this video? Sounds like something I've heard before.