Vertex Interactive

Kodak: Zi6 and Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera

// August 31st, 2009 // Technology

Kodak again proves that it can create a better product with more features at an affordable price The Zi6 offered a number of features that the famous Flip Ultra didn’t, including HD video, still image capture, and a bigger, better-looking screen ($179.95 direct). Later on, the Zi8’s design is good-looking, well-built, and slimmer than its predecessor, thanks to the switch from rechargeable AAs to a removable lithium ion battery.

The HMDI slot is located on the left side of the camera. Like the Vado HD, the Zi8 ships with an HDMI cable so you can play back your video or still pics on an HDTV—a nice bonus. The Zi8 features only 128MB of on-board memory; especially paltry considering that the camera can record in 1080p HD, but given the price of SD cards these days, being able to expand the Zi8’s memory up to 32GB is a good thing.

Kodak has also improved the quality of video with the Zi8, adding full 080p HD capture to the mix. The picture quality in HD mode is excellent, but it’s likely to be overkill for those using the device primarily to shoot video for YouTube or Facebook. At $179.99, makes the Zi8 one of least-expensive, high-quality pocket HD camcorders you’ll find. 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.