Kodak Zi8 Test (1.06 Firmware)

Kodak Zi8 (Black) - I spent some time researching HD pocket camcorders and narrowed my options down to the 2nd generation Flip Mino HD and the Kodak Zi8. I chose the Zi8 based on its features (mic jack, 1080p, image stabilization, expandable memory slot, 2.5" view screen, etc.) and seeming overall image quality. So far, I'm pretty impressed.

This was the first footage I shot right out of the box. You'll see that the lighting makes the shot. Indoor is so-so, outdoor (day) lighting is best and outdoor low-light (evening) is okay. But hey, what can you expect for $149?

This footage was shot in 720p (30fps) mode. There's also a 720p (60fps) mode but that's reserved more for action shots (sports, etc.). I didn't think there really was a reason to shoot in 1080p for this YouTube video but I did capture some shots in 1080p and burned them to a DVD-R-- put that on the 60" HDTV and it looked great.

The 1.06 firmware was already included on the camera right out of the box. I've heard/seen issues re: v1.05 so don't worry about that now, Kodak has resolved those issues. No weird lines on the view screen or the shot. No "jello" movement, etc. The 1080p can be a little extra jittery but that's why it's probably better to use the tripod.

2nd video uploaded: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbTrZY2nLtY

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• Kodak
• Zi8
• HD
• pocket
• camcorder
• test
• footage
• 720p
• 30fps
• wine
• pizza
• basset
• hound
• high
• definition

[snoopyalien24]

song please?!?

[thegreatgoodbye]

@snoopyalien24 Snow Patrol - Lifeboats (off their most recent album, A Hundred Million Suns)

[patrickinamerica]

Thank you for your videos, i appreciate it! They look really good and you give various footage from dark to light et cetera. So thanks a lot. I have one question: What software do you recommend? Because I heard the software that comes with the kodak isnt that good, so what could you recommend me? Also, do you have to convert them or something like that? Or can you just transfer them to your edit programm and edit it in there and thats it? Thanks in advance, and oh your dogs look really nice!

[thegreatgoodbye]

@patrickinamerica I use a Mac, so after I export the videos (no conversion necessary) I just use iMovie to edit the clips. The on-board software is not supported for Mac users. If you're a Windows user you can really use just about any basic editing software to make your clips. There's really no conversion needed, the end file is ready to go format! Thanks for the comment.

[FATMIME]

Great video. Nice crisp video. Love the wide screen. Does the HD editing bog down on your PC, versus Standard Definition? Thanks.

[thegreatgoodbye]

@FATMIME The larger the file size the more resources needed on your machine to edit the clips. But, overall, I don't feel that the Zi8 footage is really any more intensive than the Flip camera I used to have.

[anthritVlog]

I HATE TEST VIDS LIKE THIS ... I WANT TO HEAR THE AUDIO OF THE CAM, I am getting sick of running into test footage like this. EPIC FAIL.

[johnnybrazil01]

beautiful video!

thanks!

[jonnydturk]

I especially love the "marco" mode! (Just messin' with ya.)

[b1gnasty69]

She was hot!

[jmm1000]

my experience has been that the audio actually excellent! adjustable sensitivity for loud shows, natural sound, no hiss - amazing for a built in mic.

So far, my VIDEO on the other hand, seems "soft" (not detailed) and choppy (not "fluid) - even at 720/60- particularly in indoor shooting...

and i have "brightness bursts" when zooming - see my clip on my page...

[snoopyalien24]

@thegreatgoodbye thankyou!!!!! and btw i think there recent album is "Up to Now" ?