Review of Kodak Zi8 HD Video Camera Part 1

[jjbas74]

Hello.

Could you tell me how long can be the video recording without cuts. Many cams only record videos of 30 min. Can i record videos of one hor for example recording concerts.

[jjbas74]

@jjbas74 djf

[AsktheTechies]

@jjbas74 I think the maximum is 10 hours depending on what size SD card you buy for it and while quality recording you use. I think Kodak's website has a chart showing this.

[npadul30]

@AsktheTechies

I really like the Vivatar 990hd much better it cost 100 dollars less, has an optical zoom, very big screen, macro setting, slow motion, and 16 MP camera.

[AsktheTechies]

@npadul30 There are certainly a lot better cameras out there but many of them, like the Vivatar you mention, are bulkier. Cameras like the Zi8 can easily fit in a shirt breast pocket because of their small size and weight. It all depends on how portable you want to be.

[Rski1234]

I have a Zi6 and it works great but I'm getting a Zi8 ....Image stabilization and External mic. Are very cool features not offered on the Zi6.

[bymacorg4]

Cool! This camera is great for Time Lapse Photography too! you just need this device: (copy address to browser):  tempusALL.bymac.org

I got very professional time-lapse videos with thiscamera! cool sunset videos!

[treatsandeats]

Great review.

How would this compare to a Droid X video capabilities?

[TheVideosfactory]

i have one everything is all most perfect pic and video awesome but i have a isuue i power charged it and the turn in fine but still freezing mean it do nothing just freezing i want " reset " but i dont know how can u help me plz???? (i may be too much time charged it ) thanks

[Jovan14606]

I like the upside down tip you said! Thanks!

[Fadoosh12]

what about battery life ?

[ThePurpleDrumStick]

wich is better?! kodak zi8 or kodak playsport zx3?!

[tubeyouSachy]

it should be noted that a 32GB SDHC card will give you just over 5 hours of recording time with 720p @ 30 fps.

[rockykimpel]

GO DUUUUUUKES!! 

[daW0LF55]

is there a pause option while your recording

[AsktheTechies]

@daW0LF55 Not really. You can stop and start it again, but it will make a new clip every time you start recording again.

[InTheNameOfBoredom]

COULD SOMEONE PLLLEEEEAAASSSSEEE RESPOND??? I got this today and when I try to get it on Windows Movie Maker, it says the proper codec isn't installed. Where is the codec and how can I get it???

[skolarlee]

@InTheNameOfBoredom Buy a Mac. You'll be happier.

[InTheNameOfBoredom]

@skolarlee Really? Ironic cause my dad is getting one soon. Thanks!

[AsktheTechies]

@InTheNameOfBoredom I havent' encountered that problem, but I avoid editing video withe Windows Movie Maker like the plague. Try Adobe Premiere Elements or any other program and it should be able to handle it.

[StealthyPotatoes]

Hey Guys can you help me out by subscribing? I have tech reviews and giveaways! thanks!

[PocketVideoMarketing]

great camera

[PocketVideoMarketing]

great camera

[swagguy1]

@johntieh it has little space so it is like a practice video so you know that's what you want

P.S. I had the same problem

[swagguy1]

@TheTechTheory about 15 hours fully charged

[BRUGIA25]

MUY BUENA EXPLICACION , GRACIAS POR MOSTRAR TODO EL CONTENIDO DEL MENU :)

[TheTechTheory]

Whats the battery life

[johntieh]

i have a question , but like why does mine only give me a few seconds to let me record ?? do i have to let it charge or something? please answer. anyways great review :)

[mrspinkysocks]

Thanks for your reply :)

[mrspinkysocks]

Would you recommend this for a mom wanting to shoot video of the kids - just something I can put in my handbag? Great review.

[AsktheTechies]

@mrspinkysocks I think so. The only minus is that you don't have a zoom for things like sporting events. It is very lightweight, making it not a problem to carry even in a pocket.

[johnjjst]

I NEED HELP!!! I don't know what is wrong but when i upload it its in 240p whats going on?!

[MetalBeyFight]

Then how do people get vids in 1080p?

[Xqrement]

Best review of the zi8 on the web, thanks!

[MsYeahBlah]

can you zoom in while on macro mode??

[AsktheTechies]

@MsYeahBlah The zoom is only a digital zoom, so don't bother using ...ever.

[HownottoplayCOD]

Thanks for the help. i just ordered it! lol. One question tho, does it come with the cables to connect to the TV? or will i have to buy them seperatly

[TheFootyFirst]

@HownottoplayCOD It comes with all necessary cables (HDMI, composite etc.)

[YungMicroTv]

looks like a blackberry

[VidsBySS]

@YungMicroTv,

I was thinking the same. If you're in a place where you shouldn't be recording video (grocery store, mall, etc.), the Kodak Zi8 makes it look like you are just using your Blackberry. The Playsport looks like a non-Smartphone cell phone.

[tripleC3productions]

haha i ordered mine off amazon a couple days ago and arrived as i was watching this:D

[larryc2321]

very simple...i will buy this now....excellent review.....thanks...larryc sandrac and "Mikey Cat"..thanks

[SadieW22]

Do you know if this is any good for outdoors action shots?

I'm debating whether to get this or the Playsport, but i do like the macro on this one.. What do you think?

[AsktheTechies]

@SadieW22 Good expect that it can't really zoom in on the action the way a real camcorder can. I reallllllly like the playsport because of its waterproof capability ...from the dolphin show to the trip on the lake or dive in the pool. -D.Lee

[SadieW22]

@AsktheTechies Ok, thanks :)

Going to go with the playsport :D

[yourilohuis]

Do you think I should buy this one, or the Toshiba Camileo S20 :)

[Darthvex]

I've liked the review but it's unfair to have it filmed with a Canon insanely expensive as the XH-A1... hehehe And why that? The most expensive has better exposure? I'm trying figuring out why these are still bought. I can't see it clearly on their specifications. Thank you!

[AsktheTechies]

@Darthvex In my opinion, the difference is in the lens and a few others settings such as manual control of focus, more customizable zoom with larger button for manual control. The larger lens provides a clearer image with less distortion or graininess. However, I do find the XH-A1 to be a bit bulky at times and it does not do well in low light situations. - D.Lee

[DiscomfortFree]

It does not appear to have a way to see myself when I record myself for demonstrating something like you are doing. My current camcorder flips a screen so I can see myself. Is there a way to do that with with the Kodak Zi8 ?

[300kike]

@DiscomfortFree no

[VidsBySS]

@DiscomfortFree No. But the Sanyo Xacti and the Aiptek have flip out screens.

[BkLiveWire]

This camera is on sale for only $98.00 on amazon!!!

[TheMaddenBeast]

so which 1 has better image stabilization

[LuBellaCoils]

Very helpful, thank you!

[gmadiva]

OMG - I went to James Madison University in 1967 when it was still James Madison College!!!! I am a 60 year old grandma who wants a decent cheap video camera to shoot videos for YouTube. Can you recommend anything that would be under $100.00. I really appreciate your help. Do you teach at JMU?

[AsktheTechies]

@gmadiva Hi JMU alumnus! I teach faculty how to use technology to aid instruction and research, particularly in regards to multimedia. There is no good camera for under $100, but you can still get some fairly decent video out of webcams, and even some iPod and mobile phones. Sorry, I don't have any recommendations at this time on any specifics, but if you can go to some stores and see if they will let you try out some models to see.

[basketBallboy235]

@gmadiva your the first grandma i know who uses OMG

[08cct353rajanh]

Amazing! 3:09

[CearaaXD417]

wow i never knew about the microphone adjustment!

[WendyColby]

At around 3:25 you mentioned how Youtube only uses 720... so if you take a video in 1080, it won't upload to youtube?

[inutichow]

@WendyColby Its not that youtube only uses 720p its just that most people watch youtube on a smaller screen and so 720p and 1080p are no different on a smaller sized screen. And to answer your question it will upload and play it in 1080p just wont really see a difference.

[RandomKidsRule]

The Best Portable Camcorder.

[AverageJoechannel]

I picked up the Zi8 but when I upload videos to youtube they still look low def and kinda blurry (like VHS). What video editing software do I need to use to have it look HD on youtube? Thanks.

I am currently using Pinnacle 2.0

[4zion4life]

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

[Shell360girl]

im getting one for my birthday in august whats some advice for accessories i should buy? thank you :)

[bigshiz27]

very very good review!!

[1BiGdAvE63]

Does Imovie import these files ok because I heard you have to import them through Iphoto. Very professional review...Thanks

[acoolmanproductions]

watch my Kodak Zi8 video

[lucidreams007]

Hi,

I got a zi8 and am comparing it with the zi6 video quality and am finding out the the zi6 has better video quality. I got the zi8 because i can use an external mic. Is there a setting that I have to use for the video quality to be as good as the zi8?

[lucidreams007]

Hi,

I got the Zi8 and I find out that the video quality of the Zi6 is far more superior with image quality. Any tips you can give me to achieve similar video quality of the zi6?

[UItimatesnake]

4:44

I thought you were going to drop it lol. Nearly had a heart attack

[Purrkins]

Get a patriot 10x card (8 gig) and it is better than class 6 speed.

[Thatkid5465]

so can you switch the up close button half way trough the video?

[realjuvelive]

how much is this ? and made in what ?

[mareskino]

Sorry, There are no problems to import the video on iMovie? Thak you

[realjuvelive]

1-how much time can you record ?

2-and what about mega pixels ?

3-how much is this ?

[skjoyner]

Do you know a good store bought editing software have will import MOV file and edit them?

Thanks for info.

[AsktheTechies]

@skjoyner Personally, I like Adobe Premiere Elements. -D.Lee

[skjoyner]

Love the Kodak's, hate having to convert the MOV files to put it in sony vegas. That just plain sucks

[AsktheTechies]

@skjoyner Blame Sony. .MOV has been a standard for a long time.

[TheUKvideo]

@AsktheTechies The ArcSoft software that comes with the Kodak Zi8 can convert the audio to a format that Sony Vegas can work with. There is a tutorial on youtube.

[Jurkowski1987]

Great review, what's a good video editing program that is reasonably priced that will work with the Kodak Zi8 on a PC?

[BeeRich33]

Thanks for the video. Any chance you know if when powered with DC, if the video/audio signal can be read realtime by a laptop (iMovie)? I used to be able to get a realtime signal from my MiniDV cam over FireWire.

[fishycomics]

@BeeRich33 no this cam is not firewire, or live feed, it goes automatically to playbck.

[BeeRich33]

@fishycomics OK, that's what I thought.

[fishycomics]

@BeeRich33 you are welcomed.

[mgsolis9]

Yes, I was wondering what kind of camera you used to film this tutorial, and what video settings did you use, you did a great job with this video, it looks just as good as the Apple tutorials online. thanks

[AsktheTechies]

Two cameras were used: Canon XH-A1 for the shot on the host, and Canon HV30 for the closeups of the Kodak Zi8. Thanks for the comparison to Apple. :-) -D.Lee

[mgsolis9]

Thanks for the quick response I just checked out this camera online its a very nice camera a bit out of my price range, thanks again

[halehaler]

are there any camcorders like this with an optical zoom?

[roughangels]

i think apitek.... but i don't remeber wich model... (sorry for my english)

[fishycomics]

@roughangels AIpTEK

[dajazster]

Cant you just delete videos on it after you save it on your computer,and keep recording so you dont have to keep buying new sd cards?..

[AsktheTechies]

Absolutely! But if you can't get to your computer (i.e. you're on vacation), you can just pop in another one to record more (unlike the flip cams).

[dajazster]

Oh yeah thanks for the replay!Im thinking of buying it,but its kinda price 175-180$ i think?

[Halunlimited]

1) Can you use the Zi8 camera as a webcam? 2) Can you film with it connected to a laptop and record on the laptop's hard drive directly? 3) Does it only work off battery, or can you use an a/c power (i.e. if I do a tripod setup and want to record for six hours? Thanks for considering answering.

[naryanr]

yep, very nice, good work

[BIKERMETOO]

Good review , quality presentation

[profitsmakeover]

Great content. Just to let you know the volume on video is low and I had speakers hooked up to my laptop (unless the problem is at my end). Thanks so much for making this video as I have 2 flip cameras.

[kvfive]

Superb review :-)

Thank you very much.

[gobbisharon]

great review, thanks very much

[Twinsfan28]

HEY! Just a quick comment. During the section you talked about adjusting the sound, the internal microphone, it's actuallly an External Microphone Gain. Youc an't adjust the internal microphone. Unless I'm mistaken.

[xXxEmbrac3xXx]

You actually can adjust the internal mic.

[fishycomics]

@Twinsfan28 ye the Mic gain is adjustable by four inraments internal and externally.

[Twinsfan28]

Hey, awesome review! Thanks a lot, it was very helpful.

[GraffitiToronto]

i need to know if it has a light or night vision

[psevery33]

no it does not

[fishycomics]

@GraffitiToronto the cam has a ISOupt to 800, and the Playsport the same, playsport is a brighter cam over the zi8 at night.

[11danzizzle11]

what camera are you filming with in this video.

[th3el1t3]

Thanks for the great Review. I was going to get the Flip, but after seeing this video, I'm going to Best Buy and getting the ZI8 in a few days!

A+ Review

[swagbucks13]

can you upload it straight to youtube?

[AsktheTechies]

Yep.

[arunand]

is it possible to view the video on a remote laptop screen when recording? using the AV/HDMI/USB port?

[mAKEsOMEnOISE47]

I would have to say so pretty sure

[fishycomics]

@arunand it is possable to view only the sdhc card, and total media impressions no you cannot view the cam while it is plugged in

[chessdude67]

Great review so far! It blows my flip away!

Thanks.

On to part two. :-)

[ejaluv2sk8]

hey since you have one of these cameras, i was wondering, is the bottom part of the camera that says "youtube" and "facebook" a sticker or is permanent? also i was wondering, can you erase footage? or does it save permanently to the memory card?? thank you

[chessdude67]

Sorry about that comment. I was trying to say, from the review, it blows away my flip mino. I do not own the one D, is reviewing.

[fishycomics]

@ejaluv2sk8 a sticker covering a speaker hole