Despite numerous companies trying to infringe on its territory, Flip Video has managed to successfully defend the pocket camcorder turf time and again. The latest entrant to the scene, however, the Kodak Zi8, effectively raises the game and it’s one that might finally “flip” the niche stalwart for good.
Touting 1080p full HD motion capture at 30 fps, the Zi8 manages to achieve a resolution no other pocket camcorder in the market is able to offer. Even better, it throws in software-based image stabilization and external mic support into the mix, paving the way for what are easily the best quality video recordings on a pocket camcorder.
While quality is still far behind that from full-sized camcorders with powerful lenses, it manages to shoot sharp videos with gorgeous color and impressive frame rate. Lighting is largely accurate, able to adjust exposure much quicker than any pocket shooter we’ve seen before. While you’ll still do best trying to hold it as steady as possible, there’s much less jerkiness, compared to the current devices currently in the market. There’s even a macro mode that allows you to focus on subjects a couple of feet away – something we’ve never seen even the industry-leading Flip Video be able to do.
Default audio quality of the recordings is good, around the same quality as you’ll find with other pocket camcorders. What’s great about the Zi8 is it allows you to improve upon it, by simply adding a more powerful external mic into the mix. No doubt, this is a major selling point, especially for those who have shunned this genre for the nominal audio it manages.
Fitted with an attractive design, easy-to-use controls and a good collection of extra features (5MP stills, microSDHC support up to 32GB, bundled 1080p playback software and an HDMI out), this is easily the most compelling pocket camcorder around. Even better, it will sell for considerably less than Flip Video’s 720p-capable camcorders at only $180.
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