We got our hands on Kodak’s new Zi6 pocket high definition video camera and here is a quick review:
Inside the box
Inside the retail box you will find the camera itself, 2 AA rechargeable batteries, a battery charger, HD and AV cables, wrist strap, camera pouch, user guide, and software CD.
Even though the included software is for Windows only, the camera does work with a Mac. Kodak Zi6 video files are encoded in the H.264 format and will work natively with both QuickTime and iMovie.
The camera runs on 2 AA batteries and Kodak was nice enough to include 2 Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and a battery charger with every Zi6.
On the side of the camera, there is an expandable SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB), as well as a Macro mode switch that allows you to film objects closer without blurring.
Unfortunately, SD card is not included with the camera and with only 128MB of internal memory, you will definitely need to buy one.
Kodak Zi6 comes with a built in USB connector. That means that you will not need any additional cables to transfer files to your computer.
In addition, the Zi6 has a standard tripod mount on the bottom.
Video
Kodak Zi6 has three modes of recording video: 720p HD at 60 fps, 720p HD at 30 fps, and 640×480 VGA. It is also possible to capture 3MP still images, however, the picture quality is not great.
When it comes to shooting in HD mode (at 60 or 30 frames per second), the video quality is the best we have seen in a camera of this size. Large 2.4 inch LCD display makes shooting and viewing videos convenient and easy.
The start up time is very fast and switching between shooting modes only takes a press of a button.
The low light performance is acceptable, but nothing to write home about.
Kodak Zi6 Video Test
The only problem when it comes to video is the lack of any image stabilization inside the camera. You will need to hold your Kodak Zi6 with a steady hand to make sure that the video is not shaky.
Conclusion
Overall, this camera is great for the price and the best HD pocket video camera currently on the market. Kodak Zi6 is available in black or pink for $179.95.
michael
I got one for my birthday, nice little camera.
Nov 6th, 2008
RIZZY
great post reblogged at SpotOnce.com
Nov 6th, 2008
mmmc
can you do a comparison vs. the flip/flip mino?
Nov 6th, 2008
Toxel.com
The biggest advantage of Kodak Zi6 is 720p (1280×720) HD video resolution. Flip Mino only records VGA video (640×480).
Basically, if you do not need HD, Flip Mino is a good choice because it is smaller and thinner than Zi6.
However, if you do need HD, go with Kodak Zi6.
Nov 6th, 2008
Rogier
Bigger advantages of the Zi6 are the batteries and flash card.
Nov 7th, 2008
omer rosenbaum
How many minutes can you shot with 60 fps and 32GB memory card?
Nov 7th, 2008
Jerry McCrae
I got one! I got one! What a great little pocket video camera. Another great product from Kodak!
Nov 7th, 2008
Joe Patierno
Bummed I can’t find one anywhere in NYC! Appears they are online at Kodak or Amazon.com now.. JR will let you pre-order the pink one only.
Nov 9th, 2008
seobro
I have a Kodak HD camera that shoots mini movies in 720p H.264 format, but I cannot edit them with Vegas. Any suggestions on software for a PC box?
Nov 12th, 2008
Jeff
I just ordered one $160. at Walmart (in stock in some stores, includes 2 extra batteries, tripod and case.
Nov 15th, 2008
Paul
Has anyone been able to connect it to an HDTV using the HD cables? In the manual it says to connect the HD and AV cables to the zi6 and tv (leaving the yellow video channel unplugged from the tv).
Nov 16th, 2008
Toxel.com
For HDTV you need to connect 5 cables:
– 3 from HD cable [blue, green, red]
– 2 from AV cable [white, red]
You also need to configure “video out” option.
– when the camera is on, press both buttons to access Setup menu
– Set video out region setting to NTSC or PAL
Nov 16th, 2008
Steve
Superb :)
Picked up one yesterday because the HD Flip isn’t out anywhere other than US.
Haven’t tried it on my PC yet but it works really nice with a mac. Import .mov files straight into imovie and then upload to mobileme gallery. Videos can be captured and online in a matter of minutes.
Nov 20th, 2008
ryan
If you have a full battery on Kodak Zi6 1.6MP 720p High Definition Widescreen Pocket Video Camera (Black) how long will u be able to video?
Dec 17th, 2008
Becky
Am having problems. Downloaded my movies. Installed the software but it will NOT open my movies!!! Just “sits” there….doing nothing.
Please, what am I doing wrong? How can I view the movies of my grandchildren?
Thanks!
Dec 21st, 2008
Justine
Becky,
Are you using Windows?
Download VLC media player, http://www.videolan.org/vlc/, it plays everything.
Dec 21st, 2008
Mr. Dudes
Thanks alot!
Ive been thinking about Zi6 or Mino HD but after this and one other review I’m sorry to tell flip but Im getting a Zi6 Ive been using Flip forever but 1 day (today) this came along and changes it all… :| (Sob Sob)
anyway again Thank you so much! and I hope you enjoy it!
-(The One The Only) Mr. Dudes… :P
Dec 23rd, 2008
robin stompanato
i am having problems with downloading my footage to my windows computer. i’m trying to import it into my editing program, but it won’t come thru. i can’t even play it thru my windows media player. i lost my manual so i have no clue what i’m doing wrong. and i’ve recorded all this footage and can’t access it. please help
robin s.
Jul 28th, 2009