Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry) - Zi8 Raspberry

I give it 3.5 stars

1/4/2010

This is a nice digital video camera for the money, but it lacks in two categories; sound and zoom. Like other reviewers, I found the sound to be not so good so I guess I'll invest in an external mic. I also wish it would zoom in more. Our Canon digital camera has video and zooms in better and has better sound, but the video quality is not as good as the Kodak. I'm happy with the Zi8 and would recommend it.

Great concept...poorly made.

1/4/2010

I purchased this camera for our 10 year-old, very responsible, daughter for Christmas. She has experience with a friend's Flip camera and after doing much research, the Kodak seemed like a better design especially the removable memory card and battery. She immediately started making videos. A few days after Christmas, while on vacation, the display went out. Nothing but blue lines show up on the screen. Thankfully, Amazon is allowing me to return. Still not sure if we will replace.

A great value in comparison to others in its class

1/4/2010

I wanted a pocket camcorder to fit in my purse and be ready to use at a moment's notice. But, my initial use was to find out which of my two cats was urinating in the living room and where they were going. I ordered the Flip HD and was bitterly disappointed in the lack of any controls and to have to sit through two hours of video and 2X speed was horrible. After checking the gadget review websites, I decided to return the Flip and try the Kodak Zi8. I was very pleasantly surprised at how flexible the contols are and the high quality of the video output. At 16X fast forward it was a breeze to go through 4 hours of video and the included software makes it simple to upload videos to Facebook or YouTube. I am very glad I made the change. What people need to keep in mind is that this is NOT a professional camcorder to take wedding movies; it IS a great little camera for catching those spur-of-the-moment videos that we all wish we had a camera on us to catch.

Zi8 = WINNER

1/3/2010

I did a good deal of research and spent much time looking into the handheld camcorder options. Obviously I chose the zi8.. and after owning it for a little over a month, I give it a very solid five stars.
---First of all, I noticed reviewers had problems with this camera that are in fact, not the camera, It is the user. This is an EASY TO USE CAMERA!
Why I chose this camera was the ability to shoot 1080p and 720@ 60 frames/second (amazing video quality!) and I like having the option to switch out sd cards, unlike flips which have only 8gb and cannot do 60fps (I do most of my shooting in this)
I am very happy with this purchase, the 1.06 firmware fixes the wine in the audio, and the sketchy zoom. I have had no problems.
The video quality is outstanding! Image Stabilization is great!
I used this at a Dallas Stars hockey game and got great video.. you can keep track of the puck in the video, It is SO clear.
-----I received the camera expecting the internal mic to be horrible... IT IS PERFECTLY FINE. The option of an external mic is great, but I will most likely not be using it.
Other Pros--- The screen is bright and clear, Video is smooth, functions are EASY, built in USB is amazing, macro (close up) mode is great and quick to switch to, 1080p @30fps, 720p@60fps, The ability to take still pictures, ---Some may consider a con, but I love ion batteries.. off brand ones are cheap and work fine. (I hate buying and maybe losing AA). Fast startup time, overall great camcorder.

Cons- low light is not the best, Still picture quality not great either but that is expected.. most pocket cams dont even offer still picture taking ability.

Other Note-Get a class 6 sd card! Amazon shipped for free, it arrived a day early, and no tax, I love amazon! I have a mac so I don't use the software.. I also bought it here on amazon when it was at the price for $149. It might go down again but I would definitely buy it at the price of 179 though! I got a gorilla pod and it works great, check it out!!

Bottem line---- This has been a great pocket camcorder, its small and takes amazing video. I think this beats out any in its class. Pull the trigger on this cam. I highly recommend it!!!

Do not purchase

1/2/2010

I got this video recorder for Christmas. I was told it was better than the Flip video. It is easy to use to record. That is not the problem. The software is extremely difficult to use. There is no manual unless you want to print a 58 page manual, which I did and it still does not help you. There are problems when trying to do editing of your videos. They show up staggered and the voice doesn't match the video feed. Don't think that you can send an email with a video attached because the quality of that is VERY poor. It is pixely and just plain embarrassing. There is literally no help available with FAQ section or with the manual and you will be left sitting and struggling with the software for hours on end.
I would not recommend this product to anyone. Like most KODAK products the help, the instructions, and product support is poor even when on live chat. You are connected with people who do not speak english and cannot write a sentence back to you that makes sense. Buy a FLIP or some other product.