Kodak Zi8

The Kodak Zi8 is the third iteration from the high definition pocket digital video camera line from Kodak. The previous releases are the Kodak Zi6 and the Kodak Zx1, both records in 720p format. Four different colors are available: black, aqua (blue), and raspberry (red).

Announced on July 29, 2009, the Zi8 features full 1080p High Definition video capture with built-in image stabilization. It has the ability to capture still shots at 5.3 MP resolutions in 16:9 widescreen formats. It has an SD card slot with up to 32GB SD card supported (with built-in 128MB internal memory). It is compatible with Microsoft Windows and Mac.

The product was made available from September 2009 with suggested retail price of $179.95. [1]

Currently, the Kodak Zi8 is available from Amazon.com for $159.99 (plus shipping and handling). [ http://www.amazon.com/Kodak-Pocket-Video-Camera-Black/dp/B002HOPUPC/]

The Kodak Zi8 has the ability to record approximately 20 minutes per 1GB at 1080p (1920 x 1080) with frame rate of 30 fps. Other capture modes available are 720p (1280 x 720 at 30 or 60 fps) and WVGA (848 x 480 at 30 fps).

At the top of the unit, there is a normal or macro focus button. The slot for SD/SDHC card (up to a 32GB card is supported and 128MB built-in internal memory), power button and swing out USB arm are located on the right side. The swing out USB arm is used to upload videos and pictures and charge the unit. On the right side of the unit, there are HDMI port, A/V out, a 3.5mm microphone jack (for external stereo microphone).

There are four buttons at the front of the unit under the 2.5 inches screen located at the front of the unit. They are Settings, Delete, Record and Review mode buttons. In the middle, there is a Record/OK button.

Included accessories include the Li-Ion Rechargeable battery, adapter and cable for battery charging, HDMI and AV cables and a wrist strap. The software included is Arcsoft Media Impression (compatible with Microsoft Windows only). [1]

CNET.com: With the Zi8, Kodak finally surpasses Flip Video's video quality and feature set. http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-camcorders/kodak-zi8-pocket-video/4505-6500_7-33740624.html

Gizmodo: Kodak's first foray into pocket camcorders set them ahead of the pack, at least for a while—a trick they've pulled off again with the Zi8. They've stolen back the top spot not with video quality—though it is impressive—but with a few obvious features that, until now, hadn't trickled down to this price point. [1]

PCMag: Like the competition, the Zi8 still isn't perfect, but given its many features and sub-$200 price, it's the best pocket camcorder you can buy right now, so it's our latest Editors' Choice. http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2351401,00.asp