Kodak Zi8 1080p Test Footage + Review

For clip commentary, please go to the Vimeo version: http://www.vimeo.com/9920578

I just received the Kodak Zi8 from Adorama and took it around NYC for a little while to get some test footage and see how this thing holds up. I decided to purchase it instead of a FlipCam because it seemed it had a better feature set let's see!

Pros:
So for under $200, this really isn't a bad unit. It does NOT come with internal storage, which one might consider a bad thing, but that's actually something that led me to purchasing it. It takes SD cards, and with those being so cheap nowadays, I felt it was a better choice that being stuck with the internal memory. I mean, you can carry around an infinite number of SD cards, but you can't do anything about increasing the internal memory on a FlipCam. Also, this means I can just pop an SD card into a card-reader rather than having to plug the actual unit into the computer. With the Zi8, either is an option it has a handy little USB plug that pops out on the side of the unit.

There is an HDMI output on the unit and it comes without the proper cable for using it, unlike many more expensive camcorders.

Allows you to shoot in 1080p, 720p as well as standard def... it even allows for snapshots.

The landscape-macro switch on the top is a nice touch, as you could see in the "fountain" footage.

I'm a fan of the 3.5mm microphone input, this gives me some options in the case that I'd like to record better-quality audio.

It's a slim and sleek unit, with a relatively large and vibrant screen.

There is a tripod mound on the bottom, if you are so-inclined. This would be good for situations where you want to record yourself talking, which would result in an upgrade to your iSight's video for your vlogs and whatnot.

Cons:
The unit doesn't feel particularly sturdy or strong. Though it looks nice, it feels cheap.

Menu/navigation system might be a little over-simplified. Symbols for what you're adjusting could be backed up with words describing the functions, it's just a bit vague at times.

Though the rechargeable battery which comes with the unit will last for quite a while, I'd prefer the ability to use AA or AAA batteries. I foresee the situation where I run out of battery power before I run out of space on my SD cards While on the FlipCam, I've definitely run out of battery power before running out of space, but then I can simply put in another pair of batteries and be on my way. You can charge the unit with the included power adaptor or via the included USB plug, which is convenient.

It'd be nice if they had some sort of stereo microphone, especially for when you're capturing casual musical performances.

There is no headphone jack I'd like one of these so I can go through footage without annoying those around me.

Final thoughts:
Kodak has definitely made a worthy competitor to the FlipCam. I'll be using this unit to gather B-Roll footage on an upcoming shoot, definitely looking forward to it! For under $200, this thing definitely does the trick, especially if you already have a few SD cards lying around.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• zi8
• kodak zi8
• kodak
• test
• footage
• test footage
• review
• 1080p
• 1080
• hd
• oresti
• tsonopoulos
• flipcam
• flip cam

[8Theater]

Not to be rude but how much was the camera?

[orestimusic]

@8Theater it's an affordable camera, when I bought it I think it was about $150, but now it goes for over $200... perhaps because flipcam is no longer in business.

[Kilgore98]

why is there so much yellow in this video?

There`s the yellow taxi, the yellow gmc bus, the yellow school bus ,and the yellow penske truck.

[orestimusic]

@Kilgore98 NYC is a very yellow city.

[jampop77]

did someone finally hack the zi8 firmware?

[orestimusic]

@jampop77 no clue, what would you like to change?

[jeffchapmanjc]

Saw your comments on Vimeo. I picked up the Kodak Playsport (aka ZX3) which has some similarities. The wobbly "jello" effect you complained about can be eliminated if you disable image stabilization. Use 720p/60fps with most handheld scenes and only switch to 1080p/30fps when mounted on a tripod.

[CovingtonOfficial]

NYC is such a pretty city! <3

[chadmuskabeatz]

1.07 do you know the name of the song?

[8Theater]

@orestimusic thank you

[480hiphop]

the water is also yellow

[saffant]

@orestimusic Yes it's full of asians... im kidding.

[iMovieTraiIers]

I dont like how the EIS squiggels so i just rec. Without it