Phoenix Zoo - ZooLights 2009 - Kodak Zi8 test

Random shots taken at The Phoenix Zoo's ZooLights. Taken on Dec 8, 2009. I used a Kodak Zi8 to take all of my video and images. I disabled EIS (image stablization). It was originally shot in 1080p. I used VideoStudio X2 to edit and add titles. I uploaded a 720p version.

I plan to use a tripod or monopod when possible with this camera. For this video, I held the camera with both hands and held my elbows against my side. Then I just moved my torso as needed. It was very cold so I may have been shivering a little for some shots. I apologize for any sniffling you might hear. I shot this mainly to test the Zi8 since everyone seems concerned about its ability in low light conditions - based on posted reviews I've seen. I'd say it's equal to my old SuperVHS camcorder which I think was rated at 7 lux.

The zoom is digital, not optical. I don't recommend zooming in low light conditions.

I did upgrade the firmware to 1.06 when I got it.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• zoo
• lights
• zi8

[astoniz]

Hi. Can you create a Video or Review of Camera Picture ?? Because I want to see if the Camera Picture is also good "Kodak Zi8" Thank You . God Bless...

[slade307]

I don't really do reviews. I prefer to just use the camera and add a note about using it in the video description. I have more videos uploaded now so there are more samples to view. All of my newer videos were shot with the Zi8 so far.

I've seen several actual reviews posted online showing the video even before I bought it. I added the Zi8 to the title of this video because there were no videos using very low light conditions.

[astoniz]

hi.. Can you create a video of review of Camera Picture of Kodak Zi8 please.. I want to see if Kodak Zi8 is also good in Camera Picture.. Thank You more blessing.

[slade307]

Unfortunately any photo I post would be down graded by the video process. I haven't had that many events take place that allowed much picture taking. It is equal to a 5.3MP camera, but the image quality is not as nice as my Kodak z650. It depends on what your needs are. It's not photographic quality. If you're picky, it looks like a still HD video image - 3072x1728. Should be OK for the average user in decent lighting. Gotta hold it steady in low light - no flash either.

[slade307]

FYI - The Kodak z650 is made for still images. It's not an equal to the Zi8 functions. When set for 6x4 prints, it also takes 5.3MP images. It's a 6MP camera, but at the 6MP setting, the image is a bit tall for prints. It's video functions are very basic. I only mentioned it because both can take 5.3MP images. Just the aspect ratio is different.

[slade307]

(ran out of space) I know 3072x1728 isn't HD, but the still images shot on the Zi8 have that video quality to it. It's really not that bad, but if you start magnifying the image and editing it, you will see the faults.

The Sima bracket I mention in another comment can be used to hold a video light that should help with low light conditions. (Several companies make the same bracket. I grabbed the Sima one from Best Buy.)

[aristeo1]

Hey! That's not a real Giraffe.

[Allisonbaby15]

Wow this was amazing :) i made a video as well, you should check it out

[slade307]

You're welcome.

I now have a bracket (Sima SLB-M) that can be used to hold an external microphone. It gives me a handle I can grip, and I expect it will help me hold the camera more steady without dragging a tripod around. I plan to add a microphone in a month or so.

I don't like the EIS because it seemed to distort the image based on what I could tell. I accidentally shot that first part of this video with it on then turned it off to re-shoot. Not exactly the same but same area of the zoo.

[craig3008]

Thanks for the video...it does a fairly good job for a little camera. It's hard to keep a camera that is so small steady I'd imagine. I'm thinking of getting one of these and was interested in seeing what low light performance was like. I didn't expect miracles but I have to say that it performed better than I thought it would. I appreciate your time taken in uploading this for the benefit of others. Thanks from Craig in Melbourne, Australia.