Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera Perfect for Bloggers
I’ve considered adding video to Dead Rooster for quite a while now, but since I’m constantly chased by hordes of desperate Supermodels wanting to “make me their man,” I can’t afford to be slowed by a clunky camcorder style video camera. I need something I can run with.
Even though the Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera isn’t available until September 15th, I’m convinced it’s the perfect pocket video camera for bloggers. Here’s why:
After months of research and repeatedly watching the Asian Hula-hoop Girls Video shot with the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera in a dimly lit Taipei Hooters, I’m sure it’s the right choice.
Other pocket video cameras, such as the Flip MinoHD; Flip UltraHD and the Sony Webbie MHS-PM1 all suffer from the same non-blogger-friendly deficiencies: 1. They suck in low-light situations. 2. There is no built-in image stabilization resulting in “shaky” video playback when shot in hand-held situations, and 3. There is no external microphone jack.
The Kodak Zi8 solves these problems. It’s the first affordable (under $180) pocket video camera to offer built-in image stabilization; it uses a fixed low-light compatible lens and features an external microphone jack.
Aside from the fact that it records amazing high definition video up to 1080p at 30 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio, it also boasts an expandable SD/SDHC card slot for up to 32 GB of additional memory; removable rechargeable batteries; a cordless, swing-out USB arm for uploading and a vibrant 2.5–inch viewfinder.
What I don’t like about this camera is that you’ll need a pretty powerful processor (Kodak recommends 2.8gz!) to process and edit that super high-def 1080p video; however, for me, the good news is that I’m NEVER going to use it. I’m only interested in blog videos and settings higher than standard 720p is way overkill as far as I’m concerned.
Other considerations before you buy a Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera is the extra expense for an SD/SDHC memory card. I’ve heard the on-board memory is just enough to run the camera’s software, so buying extra memory is mandatory. Also, a good external stereo microphone, if you chose to use one, is not going to be cheap.
Still, I’m absolutely convinced the Kodak Zi8 will be my first digital video camera. I love the preliminary video footage I’ve seen; it’s small enough to take with me everywhere; and it gets over an hour of 720p video on a single 4GB SDHC memory card (which are cheaper than dirt right now).
The Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera comes in three colors: Raspberry, Aqua and Black and is available for pre-order right now at Amazon for $179.95.
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GREAT! Now I can stop carving my ideas on those stone tablets..so ANNOYING!
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William McCamment
reply on August 25th, 2009 1:44 pm:
Those stone tablets are a bitch to upload too!
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Oh, no! You’ve given me gadget envy for something that isn’t even available yet! I was tempted to buy the Flip but didn’t for the reasons you’ve listed.
This makes my Sony Digital Handycam look like a big chunk of lead. I’m forwarding this post to hubby right now. Do you think he’ll get the hint? Maybe I’d better print a copy for him, too, just in case.
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William McCamment
reply on August 25th, 2009 1:49 pm:
But, it will be available in less than 3 weeks! I’ve been hyped-up over this thing for two months already!
I hope you get one! Good luck!
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Very nice! Especially the close up shot of the bee on the flower. Can this thing fire up a photo? I mean digital cameras can take a pretty decent video clips…so I’m expecting this one can take pictures too.
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William McCamment
reply on August 27th, 2009 6:17 am:
Yes! It does take still photos! I believe it’s about 5mp but, if you’re like me and using it for blogging, that’s WAY good enough. I use my digital camera set at 3mp (it goes to 8.4mp) and it’s PLENTY for my web shots.
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Fucking sell out.
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William McCamment
reply on August 28th, 2009 5:44 am:
Oh, you’re going to LOVE my next blog post–it’s all about making money on the internet.
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Hello
This is post is great. I personally own the Flip Mino HD, and been looking at the Sony Webbie (MHS-PM1) since it has the swivel lens, where the Flip Mino you cannot see the view screen when doing video blog posts. I hate the fact that there is no image stabilization on either, but I never heard of the Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera. I wish this had a way to flip the lens though, but the image stabilization is pretty awesome.
The CPU requirement is pretty dang beefy though.
Thanks for the great post!
cf
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William McCamment
reply on September 5th, 2009 4:32 am:
Thanks! I liked the idea of the swivel lens on the Webbie too. However, what bugged me about the Webbie was if you flip the lens, the microphone is on the wrong side.
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Which color are you going to get?
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William McCamment
reply on September 5th, 2009 4:32 am:
I kind of like the Raspberry.
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that is the coolest discription ever mentioned . it has given all the uses and limitation’s over here. what i really like about the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera is that it not only has so many features to explore but it comes in different colors also…..that is really awesome.
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