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Kodak Zi8 Review

9 Responses (Add) | Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009 at 6:24pm


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You might remember my review of the Kodak Zi6 awhile back. The folks at Kodak recently sent me the new Zi8 to review – and I’m very thankful they have. I really like what they have done with it!

For one thing, this video was recorded using the Zi8, and no tripod. I wanted to show off the amazing Digital Image Stabilization on this little machine. Pretty awesome, isn’t it? The Zi8 also allows me to hook up an external microphone, to allow for better sound quality. That, my friends, makes this gadget priceless in my book. The frame-rate is perfect in low-light situations!

I recorded in 720p at 60fps! That may not be apparent if you’re watching on YouTube, but it will be if you use the download link below. Kodak also kept with the macro feature. You can see while looking at my Bamboo tree, the tree comes into focus and fades away the background. You can easily switch between focal points with just the flick of a button.

There is, of course, a built-in USB port, allowing you to connect to your computer and upload direct to YouTube and other sites if you wish. The Zi8 has a slot for additional storage of up to 32GB. That will hold more pictures and videos than you will likely ever take.

I highly recommend the Zi8. It’s a great recorder, with excellent quality video output. At less than $200.00, it’s an excellent buy, as well.

Want to embed this video on your own site, blog, or forum? Use this code or download the video:

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9 Comments

Jason

September 23rd, 2009
at 7:00pm

Chris, you said you were going to include an mp4 link, but I don’t (yet) see a link.

A.Young

September 23rd, 2009
at 8:19pm

There seems to be a lot of complaints about the audio on the Zi8

steve Garfield

September 24th, 2009
at 6:34am

Excellent.

Here’s my video with a test of three mics:

[Video] Kodak Zi8 Entry Level Mic Tests http://bit.ly/19gmeJ

Chase

September 24th, 2009
at 9:48pm

Hey Chris,
This seems like the premier pocket HD recorder.

Question though….were you using an external microphone for the video or were you using the internal one?

- Chase

Terry

September 26th, 2009
at 10:03am

Hi Chris – I’m sold, just waiting for it to arrive in the UK.

How is the central joystick/button/directional pad to use ?

Chris

October 4th, 2009
at 1:17am

hi Chris

which one would you say is the best out of:

flip ultra hd
creative vado hd
kodak zi8

at the moment i think the kodak zi8 is the best but i am not sure.

great review

regards

Chris

K Callan

October 21st, 2009
at 6:20pm

I loved this camera and wanted to keep it but the zoom was jerky. I called Kodak and was assured that the camera has a smooth zoom, but when I returned mine to Best Buy as defective and exchanged it for another, we tested it before I left and the zoom was jerky on that one too as well as there demonstration model.
Please tell me that some place they have one that is not jerky because I really want that camera.

fish

November 10th, 2009
at 8:16am

visit steves forums the hybrid section for more fun and continous feedback

the zi8 was rushed and nota perfect one but gets the job well done

can you say HD

klaatu42

November 14th, 2009
at 7:29pm

Hi, Chris. The MP4 download is at 29.97fps, not 60fps according to QuickTime’s Inspector window.

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