Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera (Raspberry) - Zi8 Raspberry

Superb HD video on a shoestring budget

7/9/2010

This device is a Flip killer (until Flip comes out with their next-gen device)

Love:
1) Video Quality is excellent given adequate light (as with most cams)
2) External mic option - always better than the onboard mic
3) Size is exceptional - pocketable
4) Battery life is fantastic
5) Controls are extremely simple and intuitive
6) Tripod-friendly
7) External power option - great for long shoots

Don't Love:
1) Small size makes it hard to keep steady, and the image stabilization is only ok
2) Zoom is digital only - no optical zoom
3) Photos are not as hi-res as a dedicated camera - but still OK for most needs

For the price they are asking for this now, it is a no-brainer.

Awesome HD video camera, can't beat the price!

7/6/2010

I bought this camera for my daughter 1 week ago. She love to make short "movies" and take pictures (previously with my smartphone). So far, I am extremely impressed with the Kodak Zi8. My daughter and I have both used the camera, and found it easy to use. I have been very impressed with the picture quality as well. The only thing I did not realize based on the product description is that you do need to buy an SDHC card (at least a class 4) to use this. The bulit-in memory is basically non-existant.

A few reviewers mentioned an issue with sound, but I have not noticed any issues with the built-in microphone and the sound. We have taken about 40 minutes of video so far in multiple places including area with a lot of background noise.

Overall, I would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a pocket HD video camera.

Pros:
* Has multiple video modes (720p, 720p with 60 fps, and 1080p)
* Has still camera (5 MP)
* Has image stabilization
* Extremely easy to use
* Great price

Cons:
* Need to buy an SDHC card (at least a class 4 SDHC)... there is basically no available memory on the Zi8

The best today?

7/6/2010

I bought this as a cheap way to shoot slow motion! 720p at 60fps is nice and smooth.
Be sure to update to the latest firmware. Image quality could be better.

By the way, you need to have a beefy computer to edit video. This applies to all cameras.

love the Zi8

7/6/2010

I am not the most techno savy person out there, but I really love this new toy! I took it with me on a recent trip and found it so easy to have handy to use at any time.

Kodak Zi8 a lotta bang for the buck

7/5/2010

I researched for weeks before making my decision. Read a lot of reviews and threads talking about the pocket cameras. This one seemed like it had the most bang for the buck so I ordered it. The video and still pictures are awesomely clear. Convenience of using an SD card (only used SDHC card so far) is great (my last camcorder took mini tapes and was a hassle). Love the portability and spontaneous usability. Also, seems pretty rugged as it got hurled lens down from the trunk of the car onto a paved driveway. I thought for sure it was toast, but it was fine. Only a small scratch too. Definitely ordering the rubber sleeve from the Kodak site ASAP.