Manage updates with the Download AppKodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (black)
Manufacturer: Kodak Part number: 8796062
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- With the Zi8, Kodak finally surpasses Flip Video's video quality and feature set.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (black) price range: $459.95
- Reviewed by: David Carnoy
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 07/30/2009
- Released on: 09/01/2009
The good: Video capture up to 1080p HD resolution; image quality is quite good for a mini camcorder; SD card slot; removable, rechargeable battery; bundled composite and HDMI cables; strong low-light performance; external mic jack; electronic image stabilization; 5-megapixel still capture; macro focus mode.
The bad: Bundled software isn't Mac compatible but necessary for smooth playback of 1080p video; price doesn't include an optional memory card.
The bottom line: With the Zi8, Kodak finally surpasses Flip Video's video quality and feature set.
User reviews
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Incredible Picture
by beatenintern on August 28, 2009
Pros: I got this camera for the birth of my baby and wanted something with good quality that was also portable. I was astounded how good the pictures looked on my 48 inch television on the 1080 mode.
Cons: The only problem is that my computer cant run the picture smoothly at 1080 so I have to play it through the recorder for now (I assume faster processors in the future will make this run more smoothly). Also remember you have to purchase a memory card
Summary: A great camera that is a little ahead of my computer.
Using "Any Video Converter" and changing the format from .mov to NTSC movie (.mpg) ...
Updated on Aug 28, 2009Summary: A great camera that is a little ahead of my computer.
Using "Any Video Converter" and changing the format from .mov to NTSC movie (.mpg) I have found video to be good on the computer although not quite as good as directly playing it through the camera onto the TV.
Updated on Aug 28, 20098 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Bad design
by saamvapi on September 17, 2009
Pros: 1080P, image stabilization, still pictures, external memory and removable battery support
Cons: Worst indor video, and bad sound
Summary: I had flip for 3 weeks, loved it and only complaint was image stabalization. when I saw ZI8 review from CNET editor, I just returned flip and order ZI8... Big ...
Summary: I had flip for 3 weeks, loved it and only complaint was image stabalization. when I saw ZI8 review from CNET editor, I just returned flip and order ZI8... Big mistake.. Not sure CNET did enough testing befor posting it's review.
Do not go for Kodak ZI8, 4 of my friends ordered it along with me and all of us returned the ZI8 within 3 days. Couple of major issues as follows
1 Indoor(with full light) video quality is very bad, Flip is way much better.
2 Internal Mono microphone is just next to the image stabilizing motor which end of picking up (chiiiii) noise all the time while playing video, which is very annoying, Kodak accept this technical issue and suggest us to use external microphone. Ya sure..
3 Zi8 is pretty wide model, it is not comfortable to hold in hand while recording video in compare to flip if you have used in past.
4 Button of ZI8 are not as friendly and soft as Flip.
Flip's lens is very good in compare to ZI8, I hope by end of the year Flip comes out with new product which support 1080P, image stabilization, still pictures, external memory and removable battery support12 out of 19 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Sound issue
by lukega on August 26, 2009
Pros: Easy to use, pretty good video.
Cons: Sound issue - high pitched whine while recording.
Summary: Received unit today and there is an audible high pitched whine in the background while recording. Contacted Kodak and they acknowledged a sound issue with some units. Attempting to return ...
Summary: Received unit today and there is an audible high pitched whine in the background while recording. Contacted Kodak and they acknowledged a sound issue with some units. Attempting to return the item.
7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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outstanding, replaces camcorder and digital camera
by steinbej on October 9, 2009
Pros: picture, size, ease of use
Cons: sound is mediocre, but what do you expect from tiny built-in mic, at least it has jack for external mic
Summary: I am really very very happy with this product. I went from a bulky miniDV cassette camcorder and a bulky old digital still camera to the Nikon Zi8. It's ...
Summary: I am really very very happy with this product. I went from a bulky miniDV cassette camcorder and a bulky old digital still camera to the Nikon Zi8. It's lightweight, it takes brilliant movies in multiple resolutions, and it takes great still pictures, which is all I would ask of a point-n-shoot digital camera anyway. Buttons and screen icons are intuitive and easy to use, I haven't had to use the manual even once. Transfer to my computer is sooooooo easy with the built-in USB connection, no searching for where I left the cord like the old days. Battery could be better but that's what I'd expect for such a small battery in a device which drives a nice screen constantly, and battery is easy to replace with spare if no time to charge the one I have. Does pretty well in low lite. The sound isn't great, but it's good enough for simple shooting, and if I really want the sound better, I can attach an external mic which I own to the mic-in jack. I wanted a Flip, but when I saw this could take good still images and had better ease of use, I took a chance on this new product and I'm very glad I did. Because it's lightweight and small, I'll bring it to many more activities with my family and pull it out for use more frequently, and that's the whole point of having something to record special moments -- ease of actually doing so. I'm very pleased.
6 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wonderful Performance
by bajadaze on September 25, 2009
Pros: Received this camera a few days ago. Video quality is fantastic. The image stabilization works but don't expect miracles. I've had no sound issues. Low light performance seems quite reasonable. Easy to operate. Just copied files to my mac and played.
Cons: Need a large SD card. Pictures reasonable but just ok quality.
Summary: This is a fantastic little video camera. For well under $200 to think you can get a device that is this convenient to take everywhere that takes high quality video. ...
Summary: This is a fantastic little video camera. For well under $200 to think you can get a device that is this convenient to take everywhere that takes high quality video. IMHO it beats the FLIP HD hands down. Kodak is certainly going to push it's competitors with the Zi8. This product is a winner.
5 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Simple, Effective, Affordable - Perfect if on a budget!
by melhsap on December 5, 2009
Pros: Cost, Quality of Video (True 1080p), Simple Controls, Variety of Settings for Video Format, 3.5mm Exterior Mic Input Jack - HDMI cord included!
Cons: Doesn't ship with a SDHC Memory Card
Summary: I bought this video camera to take family videos of piano recitals, basketball games, etc. to save for posterity, to post for the grandparents to watch, and other typical uses......
Summary: I bought this video camera to take family videos of piano recitals, basketball games, etc. to save for posterity, to post for the grandparents to watch, and other typical uses...just the sort of niche in the market it is supposed to fill. The 1080p video is crisp, indoors or out, and putting it on 720p/60fps for action video like the directions tell you to do, makes a huge difference. Yes, it isn't quite what it could be in low light, but it is not as bad as some reviews make it seem - at least not in my opinion. Besides, it not really designed to be a serious movie maker.
While the price isn't bad, I got mine for $149 with free shipping, you will have to invest a little more to really get the most from it. I bought a 32gb SDHC card for $80, an extra battery for $10 (look around on the internet), an external stereo mic (Mine - Sony ECM-DS70P Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone - works great) for $24, and I added a $10 case from Wally World. Total (including camera) - $273ish, but you may be able to do better THE EXTRAS WERE WORTH EVERY PENNY! I get great video, great stereo sound, and have plenty of power.
I am sure something better will come along soon. I've long since accepted that as a fact of modern technology, but for the price and my needs, I'm quite satisfied.
Oh yeah, install the latest 1.06 firmware upgrade, it solves the sound problem that some people are whining about (pun intended)!4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great for New Filmmakers!
by selectro87 on January 28, 2011
Pros: HD, easy use software, OUTSTANDING VIDEO/AUDIO (little to no background noise-no hummms, unbelievable price point,
Cons: The side panels may be hard to open if you have large fingers (I have small hands and long nails), need bright light for best quality filming
Summary: I have been researching various cameras under $200 for the past month. I went into Best Buy and sampled quite a few and wasn't all that impressed, even with ...
Summary: I have been researching various cameras under $200 for the past month. I went into Best Buy and sampled quite a few and wasn't all that impressed, even with Canon and Sony. Initially, I avoided the "shoot & share" , but now I am so glad I have this little baby.
UPDATE- I've now owned my camera for about 2 months and it continues to amaze and perform well. I have since bought a tripod for it and external lighting since I am in video production. I am about to buy the Sony Condenser mic for improved sound quality. Filming in HD makes it look like a real movie (very high quality). I recently shot a "how to" HD video for Youtube. Clarity is excellent. None of that cheap internet video look. My opportunities are growing and I am so proud to own a decent camera that captures excellent video. Don't take pictures with this camera because the resolution is too low. If you buy good video editing software, you can capture HD shots directly from your video.
Since I am starting a career as a filmmaker, I needed something easy to understand, use, tote along and CHEAP! I really wanted a HD camera, but most of those are very costly and I never in a million years thought I could afford one right now. When Best Buy put this on sale last week for $99 I couldn't believe that it would be any good, but after reviewing the CNET reviews and a ton of other reviews on other sites, I decided to spend the money--after all, I could also return it.
I am pleased to report that within just a few minutes of my first use, it delivered the video quality that I need in order to create sophisticated looking films for the internet and HDTV (I hooked the camera to my Vizio tv). I immediately made several short films and saved them to the memory. I also just bought an 8GB SanDisk SDHC card since I am sure I will be using this camera for the immediate future until my filmmaking skills improve enough to justify buying a more expensive machine.
I am fairly savvy when it comes to electronics and as I mentioned, I did my homework before purchasing.
Most people are pleased that it makes good home movies, but I can assure you that this camera is EXCELLENT for true films. So if you are a person who wants to start making real movies, buy this camera. Obviously for expert filmmakers, it may be a little lowbrow, but this is absolutely perfect for newbies.
I'm giving it 4.5 stars instead of 5 since I haven't made a full length film yet but am quite certain that this is a 5 star camera.
Updated on Mar 14, 2011
CONS: Lighting and sound. I bought external lighting and about to buy a stereo mic, but for amateurs who don't want to buy extras, just make sure you are in very good light and the internal mic WILL pick up every little sound.4 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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My hopes were too high
by periwinkle123 on May 22, 2010
Pros: Small, light and easy to use. Indoor video looks ok and bright light quality looks great on the computer. Still quality is poor or well below average compared to a regular point and shoot camera
Cons: Video looks poor on the HDTV. Lots of motion blur and noise especially in shaded areas or indoor lighting. Still image quality is poor or well below average compared to a regular point and shoot camera.
Summary: I bought this based on all the rave reviews but I should have come to my senses when I looked at the sensor and lens size.. you just can't ...
Summary: I bought this based on all the rave reviews but I should have come to my senses when I looked at the sensor and lens size.. you just can't defy physics. Most reviewers probably rated it while watching it on youtube or the computer screen. ... but plug it into the T.V and you see a different story. Still image quality is poor in bright light or indoors (very compressed and grainy)
I returned it to the store the next day and spent 90 dollars more to buy the Canon Powershot SD 980IS point and shoot camera which has the option to shoot video. WOW what a huge difference in quality. I wasn't expecting it to be much better on video since that is not it's primary purpose. It was much lower in noise so it appeared higher in resolution. Also there was no motion blur. I ran the test under the same type of lighting and same subject.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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best pocket camcorder yet
by ckubber on December 29, 2009
Pros: 1080p, macro focusing mode, face detection, large bright screen, 5MP camera
Cons: video can be choppy if you don't have steady hands, EIS drains battery quicker, doesn't come with carrying case
Summary: After researching and trying most of the pocket camcorders on the market, this is by far the best one to date (and in some cases, cheaper). It will definitely not ...
Summary: After researching and trying most of the pocket camcorders on the market, this is by far the best one to date (and in some cases, cheaper). It will definitely not replace a real camcorder, but is great for on the move/ultra portable video recording.
3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good value for a mini camcorder that does HD video.
by dkdrum on September 12, 2010
Pros: Excellent bright HD colors, especially of outdoor daytime video. Comparable to High Definition cable channels. My wife noticed how super clear the sound was when we recently watched some family amusement park footage from our zi8.
Cons: Not good with close up video. The picture quality can become grainy quickly, and when I turned "on" the close up switch, it did not seem to help the video much. But, I think there are more positives than negatives with this camera. It's a keeper.
Summary: Overall I like the zi8 because of the excellent HD quality video you get from far to medium distance video shooting. Close up shots are not that good, but the ...
Summary: Overall I like the zi8 because of the excellent HD quality video you get from far to medium distance video shooting. Close up shots are not that good, but the 1080p video recording option, and the crisp sound that you get is worth the price of admission.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kodak
- Part number: 8796062
- Description: Whether you're out on the town or just hanging with friends, the KODAK Zi8 Pocket Video Camera captures every experience in stunning 1080p HD video. Stay in focus while you're on the move with integrated image stabilization. Then kick back and watch all the action on your HDTV or share your scene on Facebook or YouTube with a flick of the built-in USB arm. The Zi8 has all you need to define yourself in high definition.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080p
- Enclosure Color Black
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 5 megapixels
- Digital Zoom 4 x
- Camcorder Interpolated Photo Resolution 5.3 megapixels
- Total Pixels 5 megapixels
- Camcorder Media Type Flash card
- Optical Sensor Size 1/2.5"
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Digital Video Format H.264
- Shooting modes Digital photo mode
- White Balance Automatic
- Exposure Modes Automatic
- Camera Flash Built-in
- Image Recording Format JPEG
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
- AV Interfaces HDMI,
Composite video/audio Exposure & White Balance
- Light Sensitivity ISO auto (50-800)
Lens System
- Type Lens - 6.3 mm - F/2.8
- Lens aperture F/2.8
- Lens system type Lens
- Max focal length 6.3 mm
- Focus Adjustment Focus free
- Min Focus Range 3.3 ft
- Macro Focus Range 6 in
Additional Features
- Additional Features Built-in speaker,
YouTube capture mode,
USB 2.0 compatibility - Software Drivers & Utilities,
ArcSoft MediaImpression - Included Accessories Wrist strap,
HDMI cable,
Power adapter,
Audio / video cable Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type 2.5 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x HDMI output,
1 x Composite video/audio output,
1 x DC power input,
1 x Microphone Memory / Storage
- Media type Flash card
- RAM Installed 128 MB
- Memory Card Slot SD card
- Supported Memory Cards SD Memory Card
- Included Memory Card 128 MB
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support Apple Mac OS X 10.4 or later,
MS Windows Vista,
MS Windows XP SP2 - Peripheral Devices USB port,
CD-ROM drive Battery
- Supported Battery Kodak KLIC 7004
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
- Microphone technology Electret condenser
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Power
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Built-in
Physical Characteristics
- Width 2.4 in
- Depth 0.9 in
- Height 4.4 in
- Weight 3.9 oz
Accessories
- KATA D-Light Capsule-181 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033784)119.89
- KATA PRO Video Collection CC-195 HDV Case - case for camcorder (34565096)135.00 - 146.37
- Canon TC80N3 Timer Remote Control for EOS D30, D60, D10, 1D, 1V 20D SLR Cameras (33615634)135.99 - 144.95
- Hoodman EX KIT PRO LCD screen hood loupe (34409067)150.39 - 159.95
- Sony ACC-HDV7 digital camera accessory kit (33969762)129.99
- Sony DCRA-C171 Handycam Station camcorder docking station (34881248)174.08
- Canon CA 950 - Power adapter + battery charger (33615515)164.99
- Canon FS Series Camcorder Starter Kit - camcorder accessory kit (33612496)119.99 - 151.14
- KATA D-Light Capsule-183 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033782)149.89
- KATA D-Light Capsule-185 DL - protective case for camcorder (35033780)129.95
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Kodak products on Shopper.com
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- Manufacturer:Kodak
- Address:
343 State Street, Rochester, NY 14650
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