Sell Us Your Item
For up to a $38.00 Gift Card
Trade in
Have one to sell? Sell yours here
Sorry, this item is not available in
Image not available for
Color:
Image not available

To view this video download Flash Player

 

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera - Black

by Kodak
3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (742 customer reviews)

o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o

Available from these sellers.


o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o o
Color: Black
  • Record High Definition video (1080p at 30 fps with 16:9 aspect ratio)
  • Easily upload recorded footage to YouTube with built-in USB and software
  • Expandable SD/SDHC card slot up to 32 GB; Rechargeable battery and charger included
  • Vibrant 2.5-inch viewfinder; Watch footage on HDTV with included cables
  • Edit and share videos with included software


Special Offers and Product Promotions

Color: Black
  • Six-Month Financing: For a limited time, purchase $149 or more using the Amazon.com Store Card and pay no interest for 6 months on your entire order if paid in full in 6 months. Interest will be charged to your account from the purchase date if the promotional balance is not paid in full within 6 months. Minimum monthly payments required. Subject to credit approval. 1-Click and phone orders do not apply. See complete details and restrictions.


Product Details

Color: Black
  • Product Dimensions: 4.5 x 0.9 x 2.4 inches ; 3.8 ounces
  • Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
  • Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
  • ASIN: B002HOPUPC
  • Item model number: 8796062
  • Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (742 customer reviews)
  • Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #514 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • Date first available at Amazon.com: July 29, 2009

Product Description

Color: Black

From the Manufacturer

Define yourself in high definition.

It’s small enough to fit in a pocket, but why would you ever want to put it there? Whether out on the town or just hanging with friends, the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera captures every experience in stunning 1080p HD video. Stay in focus while you’re on the move with integrated image stabilization. Then kick back and watch all the action on your HDTV or share your scene on YouTube with the built-in USB. The Zi8 pocket video camera has all you need to define yourself in high definition.

Product Features
  • Take full HD 1080p videos wherever you go
  • Get sharper videos and less blur thanks to built-in image stabilization
  • Premiere your videos in the palm of your hand with the vivid 2.5-inch color LCD
  • No cables to worry about–just swing out the USB arm to upload, share and charge
  • Get a new perspective–take amazing 5 MP 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures
  • Share on Facebook and YouTube with ease–built-in software makes editing and uploading simple
  • Compatible with PC and MAC (Use with Apple iLife Suite of products) operating systems
  • Compatible with iTunes for syncing with Apple TV, iPhone and iPod Devices
  • Plenty of room for more–record up to 10 hours of HD video (Record ~20 min per 1 GB at 720p HD at 30 fps) with the expandable SD/SDHC Card slot that can hold up to 32 GB
  • Capture your friends in their best light with smart face tracking technology
  • See more details and accurate colors in low light
  • Make audio awesome–the external microphone jack lets you record in stereo
  • Be ready for the big screen right out of the box with complementary HDMI cable
  • Record from a distance or play back on your TV with ease with available remote control
  • Grab attention and define your style with the ultra-compact design, stunning looks, and a range of colors
What's in the Box:
  • Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera
  • KLIC-7004 Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery
  • Adapter and cable for battery charging
  • HDMI and AV cables
  • Wrist strap
  • User’s Guide
  • ArcSoft MediaImpression Software for Kodak (on-camera)

Product Description

Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera Black

Customer Reviews

The picture quality is very good. laminate21  |  180 reviewers made a similar statement
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
1,578 of 1,605 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Black
Check out my sample footage video on Youtube. On Youtube search "djeror zi8 low light"

In my previous review of the Kodak Zi8 I was pretty frustrated at the fact that whenever I used the built in microphone the recorded videos had an annoying high pitch whine that made the audio from my videos almost unusable. Kodak recognized that this was an issue and created a firmware update that fixed the problem. It also fixed a few other things like the previous issue of the image getting darker as you zoomed in. They seem to have fixed all of the major problems with this firmware fix.

I do tech product reviews so I need the following things:

- External mic input - most of my videos are shot wearing a lapel mic
- Macro mode - I have to get close to little tiny screens
- SDHC memory - I go to all day trade shows, I need 10+ hours of video
- Power options - I need to be able to shoot while AC power is plugged in or use a large external battery.
- Under $200 - I'm poor.

Because of these requirements no other camcorder can fit my needs. One cool thing about this camera is that it is much more upgradable than the other pocket cameras on the market.

Con:
-The built in microphone is OK now that they fixed the whining noise, but it's still not amazing.

Work-around:
- Don't use the internal mic... I use an Audio Technica lapel mic for 1 person interviews.Audio Technica ATR-3350 Lavalier Omnidirectional Condenser Microphone For events I ordered a Sony stereo mic to use instead of the built in mic. Sony ECM-DS70P Electret Condenser Stereo Microphone . Although I wish that Kodak made the internal mic better, for the most part I am kind of excited that the Sony stereo mic will give me much better sound than any of the standard internal mics that any of the pocket cams have.

Con:
-Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS) sucks a lot of juice. Also the Zi8 uses a proprietary battery rather than cheap swappable AA's. Battery life when shooting non-stop is 1hr 16min in 720p 60fps with EIS on. If you turn off EIS you get about 1hr 41min at 720p 60fps.

Work-around:
- Use the USB to power cable that comes with the camera in conjunction with an external battery source. This is a must if you are going to be recording for more than an hour with EIS, cause that's about what the internal battery will give you. Tekkeon TekCharge Rechargeable Li-Poly Battery You can just stick this battery pack in your pocket and connect the charging cable to the Zi8. This will allow you to record for a super long amount of time. I haven't tested to see what my total record time with the battery pack will be but it should be around 5X the standard recording time. (about 6 hours with EIS on, almost 9 with it off) This gives you the best battery life of almost any camcorder. Sure it's an extra cost, but when you're at an all day trade show you don't have to worry about running out of juice.

Con:
- Image stabilization can't rescue video you shoot while moving around. Any camera motion makes video awful.

Work-round:
- Accept the fact you should probably be using a mini tripod with this camera or at least stand still. Also, although it takes a bunch of time to process if you have the new iMovie the image stabilization processing you can do is light years beyond what the EIS in the Kodak Zi8 can do.

One more important note. Make sure you buy high speed SDHC memory cards for this thing. If your SD card is not fast enough the camera will record for like 2 seconds and then stop with an error. It took me a while to figure out why the camera kept stopping recording when in HD mode but worked fine in SD mode. It was because of my old SD card. You need to make sure your SD card has a write speed of at least 9MB/s if you want to record in 1080p. These high speed cards cost more, but you need them for any camcorder that is going to record HD video to them, it's not just the Zi8. I think most Class 6 high speed SDHC cards should work.

If you want to get the most out of this camera plan on spending an extra $100 - $150 in order to buy upgrade items. Personally I've come to the conclusion that the extra expenses were worth it. It all depends on what you plan on using the camera for. For a typical mom purse cam this would not be my recommendation, I would say go with a Flip Ultra HD. But for someone with particular needs like mine this camera may be the only one that fits the bill.
Was this review helpful to you?
521 of 532 people found the following review helpful
Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase
I rarely will type/review products but I've been a little frustrated reading the reviews of this product on Amazon and by users at other sites. Many users seem to think that this camera was designed to compete with expensive, professional cameras that cost thousands of dollars and produce full HD quality video. That's not what this is. Also, while my camera hasn't had the 'noise' issue from the Mic, i have seen a camera that had the issue and its BARELY noticeable. Its almost like a very quiet background noise from a Florescent light or something.

Kodak has designed, marketed, and built a camera to compete with FLiP and has clearly produced a FAR better product.

I'll keep it short and sweet and first explain who I am and what I am using this camera for. I use it for:
-Home Videos/Fun stuff with old buddies and friends
-For work when I need some quick video that's easy to upload online, or put in iMovie and edit
-For work when I need more complex videos that may require editing, or somewhat lengthy video but I want the ease of use/portability.

I have seen some of the problems stated with the internal Mic and I have had none of them (I do have the upgraded Firmware that is now standard 1.03, and Kodak says this completely eliminates the issue...again have never had the issue on my camera). A relative of mine was lucky enough to purchase this product when Kodak did an 'early' release a few months ago and occasionally his videos will have a bit of a higher pitched background noise, but it doesn't interfere with the sound from the video -- its just a light background noise that, honestly, i've heard on dozens of cameras. Don't forget, without an external Mic the camera only records mono so -- the sounds quality isn't going to be great anyway!

The video is great, image stability isn't as advanced as those available on more expensive cameras but it is better than anything i've seen in a FLiP or other Kodak model. It does work and you can see a difference, even if its not huge. Its SO easy to flip between video modes. The 1080p is awesome, but sometimes its nice to move back down to 720 and the 60fps to capture 'action' footage.

One negative -- which most people may see as a positive -- i do wish there were more settings, or at least the ability to play around with more features/edit modes. Its GREAT easy to use, its a point and shoot video camera -- but with the great lens and abilities, it seems like Kodak could have -- pretty easily -- had this camera competing with much higher end cameras. If all the hardware was put to great use this could compete with $500+ cameras. But I understand wanting to keep it simple.

I like having the SD card. Some people would prefer the internal memory, and yes by the time you buy a decent sized SD card the camera is more expensive than the FLiP, but, the FLiP has a very limited memory. This camera is limited only by the size of the card...Definitely a positive!

Finally, I know people that are both in the TV business and do a lot of Video blogging and they are drooling over this camera because of the external mic capabilities. One reason lots of 'pros' didn't like FLiP was because of the audio issues. Kodak has solved those, not to mention providing better quality video.

Again this isn't something to shoot with if your a young film-maker or a die-hard amateur cinematographer. But if you need something cheap to get some great quality video, or need something super easy to use that is really portable....Take the plunge. And if your considering FLiP -- don't bother...
Was this review helpful to you?
839 of 865 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Actual footage in different lighting conditions December 3, 2009
Color Name:Black|Amazon Verified Purchase
Length: 2:22 Mins
Instead of shooting a review, I took some video, outdoors in the dark, in a dim room, and various lighting conditions. I erased the audio portion - it was just wind and ambient noise. The original video is great quality - hopefully Amazon does not compress it too much!

Christmas lights in front of the house, the tree inside the house, and some footage at the local gym (dark, medium and bright conditions!)

I also shot some close-up footage with the close-up setting on and off so you can see how it works.

All videos are recorded by the camera in .mov format.
Was this review helpful to you?
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars Love It!
Back in 1999 Old Skool went on a cruise, I had a video camera that was big and had this little tape, talk about old skool. Now I have this Kodak Zi8 pocket video camera. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Rufdog
4.0 out of 5 stars Wouldn't be without it
I carry this camera to all of my kid's sporting events. It goes with me in my purse so it is ready
anytime I need it. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Betty
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome product!
Takes 1080p, which is great.
But wait - 720p60 is even better - more fluid.
The picture quality is not professional.
But for a handheld, it's great. Read more
Published 25 days ago by Dotbo_1978
5.0 out of 5 stars Ditch the Handphone for a Pocket Camera
I bought this for my son who is a YouTube fanatic. He was using my Nikon Coolpix and I wanted him to have his own camera. The Kodak Zi8 is very easy to use and can take abuse too. Read more
Published 27 days ago by Dracoflyer
4.0 out of 5 stars Photographs for insurance
I actually use this to document possessions for insurance purposes. I record and transfer a record of charity donations: furniture, clothing, household items...
Published 1 month ago by K. Roberts
1.0 out of 5 stars broke with no solutions available but to repair for more than it cost...
I've owned for a couple of years. I haven't used in at least 18 months. Wouldn't turn on when I pulled it out recently so I purchased a new battery in hopes mine just went bad. Read more
Published 1 month ago by valerinatheballerina
5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for casual video-taking.
I use it mostly for home videos, or to make silly videos/music video covers with my friends. I love the size, I can throw it in my purse and take it pretty much anywhere.
Published 1 month ago by Kacie Senna
5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome camera.
I was developing a course for online and originally bought a different handheld camera. I quickly learned the other one wouldn't suffice for several reasons - first it wasn't HD,... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Chris Benjamin
5.0 out of 5 stars very nice little camera,
I got a great price, I don't think it was used much. I updated the firmware and software and was making videos in no time. Read more
Published 2 months ago by Ray
5.0 out of 5 stars Love
This is a great product. Very mobile, easy to use, and really a lot of fun. Capture lots of memories.
Published 2 months ago by pholland22
Search Customer Reviews
Only search this product's reviews

Customer Questions & Answers
Please make sure that your post is a question about the product. Edit your question or post anyway.