Kodak Zi8- Cheap 1080p! Yeah baby! - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

Kipper is King · 07-28-2009, 10:36 PM

http://gizmodo.com/5325151/kodak-zi8...er-and-sd-slot

I have always been interested in picking up a cheap HD camcorder, but I wanted something that could shoot 1080p and with better indoors performance than current "flip style" camcorders offered.

This just might do the trick! In fact, I can't wait to buy one!

BlackArcher101 · 07-28-2009, 10:45 PM

Damn, this looks perfect for my needs.

MRCboicgy · 07-28-2009, 11:23 PM

I will totally be all over this.

photon · 07-29-2009, 09:09 AM

How good a quality could it actually be I wonder.

DownInFlames · 07-29-2009, 05:05 PM

I have the Zi6 and it takes amazing video for its size and price. Adding 1080p and image stabilization will make it a nearly perfect pocket video camera.

HotHotHeat · 07-29-2009, 05:11 PM

Be warned, Kodak has become the worst camera maker out there. There stuff is absolute crap. There's a reason you can't find Kodak in electronic stores anymore.

Yeah_Baby · 07-29-2009, 06:04 PM

What does this thread have to do with me?

Kipper is King · 07-29-2009, 09:17 PM

Here's a sample HD video on Youtube. (Because it's Youtube, it's 720p, and it looks relativly stable for a handheld, cheap camcorder)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2fXbvTeDXY

And here's the official website.

http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQueri...lorKey=black02

It looks pretty good! My only question is: what colour should I buy? Flames red, perhaps?

DownInFlames · 07-29-2009, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HotHotHeat

Be warned, Kodak has become the worst camera maker out there. There stuff is absolute crap. There's a reason you can't find Kodak in electronic stores anymore.

That is true about their digital cameras, but these small camcorders are as good as, or better than, the competition from Flip and Creative. They're also cheaper and easier to find in Canada, from my experience.

After looking at the specs, the only downside of the Zi8 is that they've moved to a proprietary battery. I like being able to swap out AAs when I need to.

Kipper is King · 07-30-2009, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DownInFlames

After looking at the specs, the only downside of the Zi8 is that they've moved to a proprietary battery. I like being able to swap out AAs when I need to.

I agree that is a downer. But at least the battery is removable/replaceable from what I understand. You can always buy a spare.

Jawbone Hill · 09-03-2009, 11:13 AM

For those who are interested, this camera's now up on amazon.ca.

http://www.amazon.ca/Kodak-Zi8-Pocke...1997622&sr=8-4

I've been watching this one for a while, and the reviews that have come in so far are fairly positive. The one complaint I've heard is that on some cameras there is a high-pitched tone that finds its way into the audio recording, but as it isn't on all cameras so it might be an intermittent problem or possibly a bad batch of cameras. I ordered one anyways, as I plan to use an external mic for most of my recordings. I think kodak's already replacing cameras with that audio problem, so I felt it was pretty safe to take the plunge.

Regulator75 · 09-03-2009, 11:24 AM

Seriously, how is Kodak still in business? I guess people will always need a cheap version of technology.

They are always so many steps behind everyone else.

Jawbone Hill · 09-03-2009, 11:42 AM

Pocket camcorders are actually a pretty cool 'niche' product. Sure, you're not going to get professional quality video but it's come a long way. It wasn't so much the price that got me interested than it was the form factor. I have a couple of vacations coming up in the fall, and I'd much rather throw something like this in my pocket than carry something larger that wouldn't be as easy to stow.

kdogg · 09-03-2009, 11:57 AM

No optical zoom?
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Jawbone Hill · 09-03-2009, 01:21 PM

No, it's a 4x digital zoom, but with a camera like this it would be way too shaky unless you had it on a tripod. I believe the Sanyo CG10 has an optical zoom, but its resolution is maxed out at 720p 30fps. The Kodak ZI8 can do 720p 60fps and 1080p 30fps, which is one of the reasons why I like this model. The external mic input is another reason, as I used to do some basic video work for my church and I wouldn't mind starting that up again.

These pocket camcorders really aren't much more than a gadget, and as long as you know that going in you won't really be disappointed. You're not going to find most of the professional features you'd find with the Canons and Sonys, but for the price it will be a fun little toy to play with, and a good opportunity to capture some family moments.

BlackArcher101 · 09-03-2009, 10:10 PM

Looks really jittery... damn... I need something for biking.

sclitheroe · 09-05-2009, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Looks really jittery... damn... I need something for biking.

Guys guys guys....shakes/jitters get pulled out in post-production!

Check out what iMovie 09 on the Mac is capable of...I'm sure similar apps exist on the PC side...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJ3cV...eature=related

DownInFlames · 09-05-2009, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BlackArcher101

Looks really jittery... damn... I need something for biking.

You'd be better off with a GoPro camera.

Kipper is King · 09-06-2009, 11:44 AM

As soon as one of you guys gets one, could you please post some sample video?

I am still saving up for mine!

3 Justin 3 · 09-06-2009, 03:48 PM

I'm super interested in this. My bro has a normal camcorder, but $600, non-HD = me wanting this $200 HD one.

As KiK said, if anyone gets one, care to post video?