The final, final, FINAL Zi8 video...EVER

So, I'm returning it, never to be duped again. The minoHD outclassed it in almost every shot I took, and those extra features dont outweigh the key component, which is video quality. Watch the direct comparison videos I posted, and let me know if I'm crazy. My mind is made up, but watch the videos...did I make the right choice?

Thanks for the views, and have a good one.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• Zi8
• Final
• Update
• Ever
• Flip
• MinoHD
• Alfeetoe
• puppies
• kittens
• babies
• laughing
• god
• satan
• boobs

[jrox007]

I just swapped my MinoHD for the Zi8 yesterday. I'm already planning to go back and get the MinoHD again. I noticed the exact same things as you. In low-light the Zi8 is unusable as hi-def video. The focus sucks on the Zi8, if you're closer than 18" or so it's blurry, but then you can turn on the macro setting which means what? It means you have to be about 4-5" from your object so you have a semi-close range where the camera doesn't focus well at all. MinoHD doesn't have this problem.

[Alfeetoe]

Yeah, I kind of love the minoHD. Much more reliable than the Zi8 and infinitely more portable/pocketable/easy-to-us­e. If you return it, good luck!

[jonmakcharoenwoodhi]

I agree with you and I thought what it came down to was that the sound on the Mino was MUCH better than the Zi8.. This video helped alot.... Thanks!!!!

[Alfeetoe]

The mino does have better sound out of the box, but with a little tweaking and the right external mic, I think the Zi8 can perform admirably. But the mino is much better...good luck with it, and you're welcome!

[Bills777]

There is absolutely nothing professional about either camera. They are for amateur videography. In my opinion both videos look fairly similar in quality, and the Zi8 has improved audio. The big difference between the 2 is the price. The Mino HD is +$74 more. Is the quality +$74 more? It all depends on how an individual values money but I'd say go for the Zi8 and, if your serious about videography save up for a camcorder.

[Alfeetoe]

It's nice when comments are based on complete generalizations. For the Zi8 to have better audio, it has to have an external mic. This costs money. Also, the Zi8 has absolutely no internal memory, so you need an SD card. This, too, costs money. So when you factor in the costs of the camera, the SD card, and the mic, which in your opinion would make the Zi8 better, that "+$74" stops being "+$74" and more like the same, or more. Don't quote price without the full details, please.

[eyceee]

But, the biggest difference was the image stabilization on the Zi8. It is minor, but enough to give a smoother, less jittery shot. The difference is most pronounced when you watch the videos side by side. On the Mino, there is a minute jerkiness and rippling that tires my eyes. The Zi8 smoothes that out ever so slightly, but enough to make a difference (at least to me).

That all said, it's not enough of a difference for me to swap the Mino for the Zi8.

[eyceee]

I too went with the Mino HD (2nd gen).

But, when I played your videos simultaneously, side-by-side, the Zi8 absolutely looked better in the outdoor shots. (I agree that the Mino fared better in the low-light conditions).

First, there is noticeable resolution difference in the opening scene with the bricks on the left -- the Zi8 is considerably sharper. Clearly, this is the difference Im seeing between 720p and 1080p.

[scotsnagr]

excellent point

[Alfeetoe]

How so? Did you look at the low light?