A Review: Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera

When Kodak announced the release of its Zi8 pocket video camera, the features alone created excitement in the pocket cam community. For so long, a Flip cam was eponymous with pocket camcorders. Kodak set out to change the minds of consumers by offering a superior product.

Kodak was kind enough to send me a Zi8 to tinker with. While I prefer black or silver — simple colors — my review unit was an impressive aqua blue. Regardless of anyone’s color preferences, the Zi8 isn’t ugly. But at first glance, it isn’t as striking as its Flip competitor. But it’s certainly an improvement over the Zi6. The Zi8′s big personality is what sets it apart.

It’s easy to differentiate the Zi8 from its competition based on its features alone: it films in 1080p at 30 frames per second (fps) and at 720p at 60 fps, electronic image stabilization eliminates fidgety filming, it shoots 5.0 megapixel stills, and it provides support for both Facebook and YouTube. There are a handful of other important features including help with low-light filming, face tracking, and compatibility with both Mac & PC operating systems.

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Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera — 1080p for $180

Kodak recently announced its new Zi8 pocket video camera. It not only offers more features than its predecessor, but appears to be heavy competition for the Flip UltraHD camcorder. It’s greatest feature isn’t even the fact that it shoots video in 1080p (1920 x 1080 at 30fps). It boasts an electronic image stabilizer, an expandable SD/SDHC card slot that can hold up to 32 GB, and support for both Facebook and YouTube.

There are a handful of other important features including help with low-light filming, face tracking, and compatibility with both Mac & PC operating systems.

The Zi8 will be available in three colors (aqua, raspberry and black) and will go on sale in September. MSRP is $179.95. You can pre-order your Zi8 now.

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