Cavalcade of external mics with the Kodak Zi8

[CurleysPizzeria]

why does no one test outdoors with wind?? Even the built in mic's work perfect indoors, not much of a test.

[thoughtgrenades]

Did you get rid of the hissing sound? When I insert my mic, I get an annoying hiss/buss. I'm running firmware 1.06

[23SarahBeth]

Can you use a Zoom H2 as the external mic for the zi8??

[vwest7ife]

@23SarahBeth You could connect the Zoom's headphone output to the Kodak's microphone input, but I'm not sure how good the quality would be.

[inalchemy]

hi I placed your video on my site learn kodak hd.com

[Laurencia7]

and yet still the fake mic sounds better, score 6 for fake!

[xsabers]

How can you tell the fake SONYs from the real ones (except they are only $5)?

[thoughtgrenades]

@xsabers the shape. Real ones are more rounded, fake looks more rectangular

[jandbrare]

You answered the question whether a battery-powered mic is required: Not. I bought an Olympus ME52W and I don't think it sounds as good as the internal mic.

[wutang4life36]

hey great vid, where can i get that extension cable from?

is that what it called?

P.E.A.C.E.

[vwest7ife]

@wutang4life36 I just used an ordinary 1/8" headphone extension cable.

[wutang4life36]

@vwest7ife Thanks for the reply :)

[gaitan3]

Hello! thank you for your nice video.

I see that the sony microphone needs and adapter.

where did you buy it?

what is it's name?

thank you!

[vwest7ife]

@gaitan3 It is a 1/8th inch stereo right angle adapter, and I got it at Radio Shack.

[gaitan3]

@vwest7ife thank you so much!

:)

[gaitan3]

@vwest7ife thank you for the answer! I have a second question:

do you know if it's possible to connect 2 wireless microphones in to the Kodak zi8?

I would like to make a video interview with 2 persons talking to each other.

[vwest7ife]

@gaitan3 You will need an external mixer in order to use multiple audio sources.

[gaitan3]

@vwest7ife thank you!!

[gaitan3]

hello! I guess the sony microphone needs an adapter.

what model is it?

... and where did you buy it?

thank you!

(this was a very useful video, thank you!).

[deadendkid1968]

I happened to have a Zoom H2 before I bought the Zi8...it had alot to do with that choice since I was waiting for something with a stereo mic input and HD to tandem with it...I get killer results

[sbflash311]

It's nice to know you don't have to spend $150 for a microphone. That's three times what my camcorder cost.

[dnodwg]

Does the GE mic plug directly into the Kodak without having to hold the mic? Or does it plug in and you have to hold the kodak and hold the mic as well?

[vwest7ife]

Yes, both GE mics can be plugged directly into the Kodak and stay in place.

[fishycomics]

5-stars the GE 10.00 mic if iam correct its a omni directional stereo mic. you said Momo. LOL

a excellent review. I still like the idea of Low budget mics you show, somewere the same as mine great job

[vwest7ife]

Both GE mics are mono. They use a stereo plug, but there is only one mic element inside and it is wired to both channels.

[jefferyb304]

I have the same webcam. Junk isn't  it

[DrCassette]

Very interesting test! My first mic was built just like the 90s desktop microhone you showed. That thing sounded HORRIBLE!

[ReviewTechUSA]

i have the zi6...how are you liking the zi8 so far?

[vwest7ife]

The Zi8 is a very good upgrade from the Zi6. In addition to the addition of the mic input, the shutter lag in low light is eliminated, the standard definition mode is now widescreen (WVGA, which I used for this video), and the focal range of the macro mode is increased.

[ReviewTechUSA]

does it have image stabilization???

[vwest7ife]

The Zi8 has "Electronic Image Stabilization" (EIS). It does help to reduce shaking when you're standing still and holding the camera in your hand, but when you're walking around it doesn't seem to make any noticeable improvement.

[pcwalker]

Now this is a mic test video.  Good job.

[wilkes85]

Did you buy that Sony ripoff from Hong Kong just to show how crappy they are? I can't imagine someone as intelligent as you giving into something like that.

[vwest7ife]

For only $5, I couldn't resist. Once I get the real version, I'll give the fake one to poopooGarret so he can microwave it. :-)