Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Camcorder
From the Manufacturer Become an instant celebrity or paparazzi with the Kodak Zi6 pocket video camera. Just hit record to capture the action, adventure and all the juicy details in stunning HD quality video. Make your film debut on any HDTV. Or just pop the USB in the nearest PC and you're ready to share the fun on YouTube. Edit, add music and personalize your flick and easily share with your fans. He / s does not exist, you must have been there "with the Zi6…
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July 12th, 2009 at 3:38 am
The Zi6 is a competitor for the Flip Video Ultra Series Camcorder (and now the Flip Video Mino Series Camcorder). It has a USB arm that swings, as the pioneer of the Flip Video. It uses two AA batteries and has a form factor very similar. But with the imitator vibe, Kodak has managed to do what other competitors (such as RCA) have almost failed to do. That is, they took a very good idea as the Flip Video, and made some excellent improvements.
The most notable improvement is the addition of HD video. It is not Full HD (1080p), but my opinion is that people want just because it's better than advertising. And to be honest, a 1080p picture is quite capable of being a much better picture, but when it comes to consumer camcorders (especially cheap like that), more than any punishment. Most computers, even some of the most recent, have difficulty playing back, or at least import, 1080p video. It is a lot of data and if you do not have 23 or 24 inch monitor, you probably do not have the proper resolution to even watch on your machine. Your TV May be able to handle, but remember that these little camcorders should have small sensors. Packing a huge HD image in a small sensor is rude. Even 720p does not look as good when the sensors are tiny. Here, my point is, do not throw the Zi6, as it records video 720p. It is a blessing, I promise.
However, the picture quality is not great. It is not bad either. It is better than what you expect from a device this small, but it has some other issues that make better than expected, the quality of the image loses its edge. For example, there is no stabilizing influence on the camcorder. This is not the kind of thing you expect from a good handheld, but it may be a problem when walking around the record or in a moving vehicle. Generally, it is not so bad, but the Zi6 sensor uses a cell phone that reminds cameras. With other inconveniences, I will shortly, the image shakes a lot of how a good CMOS fact. Heavy movement recorded with this device may be a little difficult to watch. In addition, the low light performance is poor. Never too grainy, but it does trouble. In addition to the blur, I can guess is due to a large opening and low self-focus unit, the Zi6 greatly reduces the shutter speed to compensate for the lack of light. This produces an exceptional amount of motion blur which is highly desirable and quite unnecessary because the device in such spaces. All other drawbacks are tolerable for a camcorder in this category, but the motion blur makes me think iPhone camera. In fact, the video resembles the Zi6 produced many pictures of the iPhone.
But enough bad news. I do not want the Zi6 a bad reputation because there are many, it is very good. When you're not wobbling around in the dark, the picture quality is surprisingly high. Highlights get blown at times, but for the most part, you can get a beautiful picture of the device. Compression artifacts are to be expected and are certainly present, but they are not as bad as you think in May They are certainly more important than, for example, what you get with a Sanyo Xacti, but it's nothing too serious. Chances are home videographers not even know. If you want to see for yourself, however, I took samples and has a link at the end of this review.
All features on the Zi6 is where the device really shines. HD video is certainly the point of sale, but there are some delicious little surprises I was not aware of the arrival until the camcorder. I'll start with the most useless so that we can end on a good note. The camcorder makes sport a small zoom. This is the digital zoom, though, and therefore completely useless in my book. I would have preferred they left entirely. The biggest surprise for me was to focus macro. I do not know why Kodak thought of putting it in a camcorder in this category, but it is certainly welcome. You must get very close for it to work, but it is as easy as flipping a switch and get too close for comfort. If this is not really a feature, Kodak USB arm release is a button rather than a sliding switch (found on the flip). I do not think I ever had a preference for an arm-USB, but the activation button Kodak makes a comfortable and I was conquered. Another wonderful feature is Kodak in terms of batteries with the Zi6. AA batteries are great because you can take a group and pick them up almost everywhere. The problem is that they are disposable. You can buy rechargeable batteries, but most people do not. Kodak avoids provide you with two rechargeable AA batteries and a mini-charging station that plugs directly into the wall without cord. It is smaller than most of the pricing options, do not spoil your holiday if you leave it at home, and is environmentally friendly. The only thing that could make things better would be the possibility of charging batteries in the camcorder via a USB port. Of course you can always buy a pair of AA batteries USB Cell and really make things easy for you.
While Kodak gives you a tiny amount of internal memory (128 MB), even that memory is mostly consumed by the software included, leaving only 30 MB of space for recording (which is about 30 seconds of video) . It is clear that this is not enough and you should buy a SD or SDHC card to cope. Personally, I prefer the option of using an external because it is infinitely extensible and easy to replace. However, when the camcorder in the box and you can not save it is a bit disappointing. Fortunately, I have a SD card of the cemetery, and I think most people are used to buy additional cards, but with the Flip (and there are other competitors) to create a precedent for the construction of the memory I think Kodak made the wrong choice. What have I done? I have included an SD card of 2 GB is cheap, gives you about 30 minutes of recording time and you're ready to get out of the box. However, this oversight is a small and we hope that most people either have a spare SD / SDHC card or to know in order when buying a camcorder.
Another nice little feature is the method of selection. The Zi6 is capable of recording standard 720p but 720p at 60 frames per second. In addition, you can record in VGA (480p) and take pictures. Although I do not recommend necessarily the camera mode, the quality is quite bad and there is the option to use a flash in low light, it is good to know it's there in case of need. VGA is also good if you need more space or you do not care about HD yet. Even if I do not see anything, but using the 720p standard, other options are welcome additions as they may very well come in handy in certain situations.
Once you register, however, the camcorder is a snap to use. If you are currently planning on using the digital zoom, it is very simple. You can simply push up or down to move forward or backward (respectively). Changing modes is also very easy. Left or right swings between HD, HD video at 60 frames per second, VGA camera mode. One of the unfortunate realities of the Zi6 is the inability to use the functions without reading the camcorder attached to a television set. The reading is very simple, but it must be plugged into a TV with one cable included. This does not bother me at all, I could care less about watching videos on the camcorder, but I think the only May Many people like to see what they have just fired, or their subjects are, and it is not possible with the Zi6 to what I can say. To return to the recording, however, there is really only one drawback and that is the screen. It's a decent screen and do fine indoors, but wholesale sun, it is very difficult to see. Reflecting on the plastic it does not help matters that you end of May until the impossibility of watching the same screen Sunday, first, whether the sun attracts the wrong place and hit you in the eye. However, with this type of camcorder you generally understand what you capture the screen without seeing. It tends to save a little of everything in front of himself that is quite large.
Another minor inconvenience, but understandable, leads to post-production, if you want. The video that you take this camcorder does not work with Kodak digital multimedia images. Although this kind of seems a little ridiculous and control, managers are not designed to handle HD video. They top 480p. The misfortune is that the video specifications (in detail) of these frameworks are very difficult to find and many people with a framework and the Zi6 would expect a good partnership. You can put your video on the frame, but you'll have to convert it first. This will, for most people, too much effort. Converting video is not exactly the easiest and fastest, but the Kodak video codec support on the frame is very specific and limited so that you May you find again and again trying to do right.
Being a Mac user, I have not had the chance to try the software included. If I was running Windows I would appreciate the way Kodak has created a separate partition on the Zi6 flash storage to hold the installation software. Software included on the camcorder is not new to Flip owners, but the score is. This is a welcome addition as it separates your short videos and pictures from the software you'll probably want to keep. For me, it's a nuisance that it was another player that I have to eject before removing the camera and I will not use the software, but I can appreciate the intentions of Kodak, and we believe it is good to take. Even if I did not use the included software, it seems rather simple in that it allows you to upload to YouTube and make minor edits. I expect great similarities with the software included with the Flip. On a PC this May is welcome, but on a Mac, I would imagine people will use this camcorder with iMovie. Unlike the Flip, just import the clips and it's something Flip owners wanted since the introduction of the camcorder.
Although I was impressed by the inclusion of Kodak rechargeable batteries and charging station, they are not particularly generous with accessories. For the price you can not really expect much, but with an SD card included, they might include a disk of software installation in case you did, in fact, remove the software on the camcorder or just a backup. The two are insignificant and minor criticisms, but they are also very cheap and would not have affected the margins of Kodak terribly. However, you get more of what you need. Although not for long, you can use the camcorder out of the box and the software is easily accessible. You have two types of AV cables (standard and HD), and battery charging station, which is very simple and easy, but too small manual, and carrying case. It is a little above satisfactory.
In fact, this is what I call the Zi6 as a whole: "a little above satisfaction." Either that or a glorified cell phone camera on steroids. It is a great little camera for the money, but I prefer to see at a price of $ 200 and a sensor in the most beautiful aircraft. If you're in the demographic and YouTube are interested in HD (which is almost a contradiction, but I will not go there), this device is for you. Kodak to build on it.
I gathered some examples of films and photos, you can download it here (go to bottom of page for link):
http://honestbydesign. com/2008/8/16/kodak-zi6-stops-in-early-and-gets-reviewed
July 12th, 2009 at 3:40 am
The Kodak Zi6 Pocket HD Video Camera follows the footsteps of the Flip series of small video cameras pocket. In many cases, the Zi6 ups ante in this area, however. With a larger LCD screen significantly compared to the Flip series, your eyes will be much happier. The screen resolution is high as the brightness, except when viewed outdoors in bright sunlight. Outside lighting conditions, the screen becomes increasingly difficult to see, but it is a common problem with most LCD screens.
The camera gives you three ways to record video and capture single still images:
1. As HD movies at 720p and 60fps
2. As HD movies at 720p and 30fps
3. As VGA movies at a resolution of 640×480
4. More pictures interpolated 3MP
What does this mean? Well, it means that you have enough good quality HD video in a good light, either 30 or 60 fps. VGA movies and are rather good too. But under conditions of low lighting, the quality suffers a lot.
Again the picture quality is barely acceptable and certainly not in height, with a point and launch the camera. The quality is comparable to what many camera cell phone to provide.
The Zi6 has an expansion slot for SD card which is a huge advantage over the series of Flip cameras. You can put up a 32 GB card, which will hold several hours of video.
The main drawback of this camera is its lack of image stabilization and the tedium of placing on the button that controls the registration. It takes a lot of practice and concentration not to be visible "jumps" when disabling recording. If you are recording a long segment of the video, it can become a tad tiresome to keep the camera still for a long period of time, despite its lightness. The lack of image stabilization is really obvious when you're panning while recording, unless you use a tripod. The use of a tripod for a small camera is awkward and reduces the need for such a small video recorder.
The camera itself has a nice "feel" to it. I do not feel cheap or fragile. The LCD is a pleasure to look inside and outside shaded situations.
Although the device has a built-in speaker, there is no way to mute the ringer volume starup and shutdown. It is always enabled. The microphone is very good and because the unit is solid state, there is no engine noise or any other mechanical noise picked up during recording.
Battery life is good. Fully loaded, NiMH batteries, I recorded a segment of 15 minutes, and several other segments of different lengths and the battery indicator is still the two bars. I would estimate that the full load of batteries can give you one hour of recording. . . less in cold weather.
As a small video camera that can be easily placed in a pocket, it provides an excellent way to stimulate the capture of the moment excerpts of the video. The software is fairly low, but it is easy to import video in other image editing. And Mac users will be pleased to learn that the video is in. mov H. 264 so you will not have to deal with wmv files.
Another feature worth mentioning is that the creation of a macro that allows you to get very close macro photography and video. With almost 2 inches at the bottom. If this is not something that most people use very often, if at all, it is a characteristic of the time you need macro capability.
Advantages:
Great tactile feel
Grand sharp and bright LCD screen
The time-Quick Start
Decent battery life
-SD allows you to use high capacity cards for hours of recording capacity
Amazing macro capability
Disadvantages:
-Lack of image stabilization makes it difficult to shoot regular video
Capture still image is not very good
Very low-low-light performance
-No volume or disable the control for starting and stopping carillon
I think Kodak has market a little video camera that will certainly put some pressure on Flip. As it is now is a wonderful little video camera that fits easily into a pocket and gives you the opportunity to recover the video almost instantly when you want.
Make no mistake, this will not suffice if you're looking for a very small but high quality camera for video films. It is enough for video capture spontaneous life unexpected events. It is easy to use, attractive and fun to use.
To use, I give it 4 stars. If it had image stabilization, it would have earned 5 stars.
July 12th, 2009 at 4:29 am
I did a lot of research and read many reviews for both Kodak Zi6 and Flip minoHD. I decided to go with Zi6 and I'm glad I did. I already had Flip Ultra and Flip Mino also tried recently. Compare Zi6, both ultra Flip & minorities built of lower quality and less expensive in your hand. The Kodak Zi6 is Pro. Flip Ultra light and takes so much video mino. Comparing the quality of video Zi6 & minoHD almost the same but the colors and black with a better Zi6. Replaceable batteries and memory card slot for Zi6 is big advantage over minoHD which has built-in battery and no expansion slot for memory card. You get a lot more accessories with Zi6 component cable, RCA cable, Mini Tripod, Rechargeable Battery AA x4, x2 Cases, battery charger, Lens Cleaning Kit & Strap (I do not buy on Amazon si). 2. 4 "bright LCD screen is much better than 1" LCD minoHD. Unlike minoHD, Zi6 gives you 3 modes Video: VGA (640×480), HD (30 fps) and HD (60fps). MinoHD Does it still take pictures as Zi6? NO! Also recorded sound quality is better with Zi6. The two models, they in turn claim that "HD", but they do not. They should name it "wide screen high resolution" not true "high definition". The ArcSoft mediaimpression software that comes with Zi6 is better and more effective than Flip software (The one I tried with Flip Ultra & Mino crashed several times in Windows, I have not tried the software yet minoHD Flip) . For your money, you get much better and built with quality Kodak Zi6 and as I mentioned earlier, the quality of the video Zi6 & minoHD are almost the same (both models lack in low light situation ), but because I prefer Zi6 rich colors and better blacks …. And Kodak Zi6 has the best price which is better for your pocket:)
July 12th, 2009 at 5:08 am
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Zi6 HD or a Flip?
A quick one here:
I have several of the small video cameras- the Flip MinoHD, Vado, Flip Ultra..
July 12th, 2009 at 6:40 am
2.0 out of 5 stars
Zi 6 recording mode
I purchased a refurbished Zi 6 and returned it when recording switched off between 4 and 28 seconds. I returned the camera for replacement.
July 12th, 2009 at 6:47 am
4.0 out of 5 stars
Kodak Zi6 Even does fireworks well!
After 3 weeks I’m still loving this camera. It slips into purse or pocket and I can get replacement batteries anywhere if needed.
July 12th, 2009 at 8:11 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Kidak Xi6
What a great product. As advertised, very simple to use and the picture quality is outstanding. I could not believe the HD color and how it transformed from shade to light.
July 12th, 2009 at 10:48 am
5.0 out of 5 stars
Better than expected!!!!
I purchased this camera for BOTH the video and still capabilities. I am extremely pleased with this camera from both aspects.
July 12th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
4.0 out of 5 stars
Easy to use Pocket Video Camera
The Kodak Zi6 works well. The video is clear, sharp and easy to use. It is not easy to hold the camera still and videos can look a little shaky but that’s not unusual for such a…
July 12th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
3.0 out of 5 stars
the Kodak Zi6 may be for you, but it’s not for me
Because i am giving the product a ‘low’ rating, i feel the need to explain why i am doing so. I hope that you find my review thorough, helpful, and informative.
July 12th, 2009 at 3:23 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Best in class
I purchased Zi6 preparing for my vacation trip to FL. I just wanted to try it and if I didn’t like it just return it back to store.
July 12th, 2009 at 3:50 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
I like It.!
This is not a professional cam. It does the work that it is build for. Very portable and easy to use. And the Kodak software make the job for you.
July 12th, 2009 at 3:57 pm
5.0 out of 5 stars
Buy it
Love this little guy. I take it everywhere. It is great!
After reading reviews and working with products in the stores, I decided to purchase the Zi6 over the Flip…