Record all the action in high definition with the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry). With this affordable and easy-to-use camcorder you can record 1080p or 720p HD video and 5MP widescreen (16:9) digital stills. And the camera utilizes flash memory, known for its ease of use. Store your footage to either SD/SDHC memory cards up to 32GB (not included) or to the 128MB built-in flash memory.
A short tour around the Zi8 reveals a 2.5" LCD screen for composing and playing back video and stills. It also features a swing out USB arm, HDMI, USB 2.0, and A/V outputs; all of which make the sharing process more user-friendly. The camcorder also features a microphone input that provides the option of recording stereo audio.
Other features of the camera include one function generally unheard of in the point-and-shoot camcorder market: image stabilization. This means that your video will be sharper and have less blurring motion than regular handheld video. There's even 4x digital zoom for getting closer to your subject. Another feature that's rare on the scene is Kodak's smart face tracking which helps to capture in focus shots of your friend's smiling faces.
When you're ready to upload your videos to YouTube, Facebook, or other social networking sites, the built-in software makes it a breeze. The software also lets you edit and trim videos, make picture/music mash-ups, and capture still images from video. If you're looking for a point-and-shoot camcorder that offers a few more options than the norm, the Zi8 has the extra bells and whistles you just might be looking for.
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 5 Megapixel 1/2.5" CMOS |
| Lens |
Fixed Focus 6.3 mm f/2.8 |
| Zoom | Digital: 4x |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1920 x 1080p (30 fps) High Definition MPEG AVC/H.264 1280 x 720p (60 fps) |
| Audio Format | 1-Channel |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2.5" |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Accessory Shoe | None |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
Mac
|
| Power Adapter | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.4 x 4.5 x 0.9" / 6.10 x 11.43 x 2.29 cm |
| Weight | 3.9 oz / 110.57 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviewsPros
Cons
Best Uses
Most Liked Positive Review
Zi8 delivers really nice HD video
I am a professional videographer at a corporation and use this as a checkout camera at work for people that want to do their own videos. I have also used the Flip HD camera and...Read complete review
I am a professional videographer at a corporation and use this as a checkout camera at work for people that want to do their own videos. I have also used the Flip HD camera and I really think this one is significantly better for a lot less money. The things I like about it are:
It has a external mic input and some control over levels. This is vital if you ever want good audio.
It has great color.
The image stabilization makes it a little less shaky than the Flips I have seen.
It has fairly impressive Macro capability.
It has multiple modes such as 1080p and 720p.
It is easy to use.
As for things that aren't so great about it, it is a bit more complicated than the Flip. I probably offers a few more features than most people need which has the tendency to increase the complexity of the camera. I personally feel like those extra features are worth a little bit more complication.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Bundled software damaged my computer
Bought this camera and all the extras (class 6, 16 GB SDHC, pro24cm microphone, tripod, card reader, remote control, mic mount,etc) before I knew about all the probs getting the ...Read complete review
Bought this camera and all the extras (class 6, 16 GB SDHC, pro24cm microphone, tripod, card reader, remote control, mic mount,etc) before I knew about all the probs getting the video to DVD. The bundled software took over all my files and changed them to run on their media player, would not burn DVD. Tried uninstalling sw then reinstalling, caused my computer to repeatedly crash then lock down. Lots of time invested just to get it back online. [...]If you've never dealt with this AVCHD format, check it out good before you invest hundreds of dollars and can't even watch what you recorded. Like I did.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 26 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
This was exactly what I was looking for. I went to B&H with a different camera in mind, but the sales rep gave me a list of pros & cons comparing the one I had in mind with this one, pointing out that my description of what I wanted suited this better. He was right. It's easy to use, the video & stills quality is great for the price, and loading/editing on the mac is automatic & needs no further software or conversions. Highly recommended for mac users.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
The ZI8 is user friendly and easy to use. The instructions are simple to follow. It has a built in microphone which enables you to interview people. There is also a camera where you can take photos. I give the ZI8 two thumbs up. [...]
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
I use it to record on-site interviews. I bought it because of good reviews, and because it accepts an external microphone. It is easy to operate and hold. The external Audio Technica lapel mic (also from B&H) does an excellent job.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
I did some searching for a small pocket video camera. A friend recommended the Kodak Zi8 and B & H for the purchase. Every part of the purchasing process was positive. [...]We are delighted with the purchase and would certainly use B & H again.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
Firstly,the Zi8 got the attention of people around me. It's an amazing camera and the cheapest price on the web here on(bhphotovideo) after long search [...] Secondly,I started shooting educational videos for Facebook and Youtube and WOW incredible sound and great quality(HD)videos. I like the Raspberry color and I got the remote control to control the camera from distance and I also got 8GB memory card. This camera is designed for web videos and you can also use it for fun and memorable moments. Thirdly, you can shoot videos while driving or even skateboarding and catch scenes that $5000 camera barely catches. You can also get a microphone if you care about your sound on your videos. There's something I might consider negative is that after shooting one of my videos and replayed to watch the camera has sort of a bug so it stuck and I had switch it off even I got the battery out. Even-though that happened I still love it especially for a cheap price like that and high quality videos.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
I just go this but the only thing I don't like is when you record it to the computer I realized that it recorded it in different movie segments that i cant figure out how to combine. THe segments are for every time you press stop and then play again they become different movies segments. I haven't figured out to make them one. Otherwise it's great
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
I've had the Kodak Zi8 for about a week now. It's easy to use and delivers a good video for the price. I like the option to add a microphone and the ability to use the SD cards for easy storage.
I have a Cannon XL2 that I use for some indie film work, but this is great for shooting something quickly for YouTube or general internet/home TV stuff. (Image is not great when moving quickly from object to another object at a different distance...but not a deal breaker by any means!)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
Videos are terrific. Easy to use. With two granddaughters this is in almost constant use.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
It's so much fun to use -- especially with a supplementary card for storage. The mic input was the main selling point. My only complaint is it's relatively poor performance in low light.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
I got the Zi8 as an early Christmas gift and have already been having a great time using it. We were hit in Nashville with 4 inches of snow and I was able to use the camera to capture some great HD footage of the winter weather. The still pictures and digital movies are beautiful. The camera is very easy to use; it's great that it takes a full SD card so no having to find an adapter for a mini or micro card. I also love the fact that Ikelite makes an U/W case for it so that my husband can use it for shooting video while snorkeling. Great job Kodak!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
Easy to use!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
In our company we use this to record speaking topics and create video testimonial!!
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
I bought this camera to shoot at-home videos that I could later post online (fitness workouts mostly.)
The camera works great with a tripod, though digital stabilization is not the best if you want to shoot something on the go.
The main feature that got me sold was the external mic jack. For my project I needed good sound and most cameras (even expensive camcorders) do not have built-in microphones that could give me that.
Zi8 seems to be working fine right now. It does a great job at shooting online videos and works wonderfully with a wireless mic.
Of course you will not get the same quality of HD picture as you will with a regular camcorder but you also pay 4-5 times less. Another factor is that editing videos is so easy because you do not have to convert them into different formats (that is the case with my Sony camcorder.)
Anyway, Zi8 is a great option for everybody who needs to shoot small videos that can be shared online. You would not want to watch these videos on a 52" screen :-), but this is not the purpose of this camera.
If you wan
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
For the price you can't beat this little gem. Easy to use right out of the box, great video quality, even in low light and quick to upload to your computer. I love It! I have another HD video camera, but use the Kodak Zi8 on the go. Very easy to fit in your pocket or pocketbook. Sound could be better, but I can use an external microphone with great sound quality.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
An excellent camera with video quality as good as Zip's, but with far more features. Not least a replaceable battery an SD card memory
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
I haven't used it alot yet, but it looks like it's simple enough to use. Which is what I need.[...]
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
It's exactly what I wanted. Small camera, easy to use. Great looking shots. Easy to upload the footage. I've already recommended it to three other people. Definitely worth the investment.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
This is ok for the money but fails to meet expectations. Low light is a real issue when recording but doesnt matter when the batteries will only last 45 minutes. If you but it order extra batteries so you can keep one ready. I use this on my motorcycle to record rides and it dies after 45-60 minutes and I ahve to insert another battery. I have a 3hr sd card but the battery dies
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
Excelent camera - Very light and the battery last long enough to shoot all day. Really satisfied with the cam.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry):
I am a professional videographer at a corporation and use this as a checkout camera at work for people that want to do their own videos. I have also used the Flip HD camera and I really think this one is significantly better for a lot less money. The things I like about it are:
It has a external mic input and some control over levels. This is vital if you ever want good audio.
It has great color.
The image stabilization makes it a little less shaky than the Flips I have seen.
It has fairly impressive Macro capability.
It has multiple modes such as 1080p and 720p.
It is easy to use.
As for things that aren't so great about it, it is a bit more complicated than the Flip. I probably offers a few more features than most people need which has the tendency to increase the complexity of the camera. I personally feel like those extra features are worth a little bit more complication.
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »