Kodak Zi8

It’s been a great year for amateur filmmakers and digital video gurus. With the Flip line of video cameras inspiring technology companies to make their products smaller, cheaper, and HD-capable, a huge range of previously unaffordable film-making technologies have become realistic and affordable options.

Leading the way, at least for a while, was Kodak. Their Zi6 ultra-portable camera was the perfect addition to any filmmaker’s backpack – or even back pocket – boasting 720p video recording and a range of macro, zoom, and audio recording features. However, some minor annoyances such as a lack of decent image stabilisation made it difficult to recommend for anything other than test shots and casual videos.

Thankfully, Kodak have been paying attention to common complaints and criticisms. The updated Zi8 features a boosted recording resolution – now 1080p rather than 720p – and improved image stabilisation. While still not on par with ‘prosumer’ digital recording cameras and video-enabled dSLR still cameras, the Kodak Zi8 generally delivers jitter-free footage, even when used as a sports and event camera.

Video quality is very impressive, especially for such a compact and portable camera. While the Zi8′s lens is absolutely tiny, the level of detail returned in footage is quite stunning. 1080P mode is generally fluid and smooth – Kodak claims that recording is always carried out at 30 frames per second. However, the occasional slowdown does occur, especially in colour-rich environments.

Recording at 720p results in significantly smoother video, supposedly all the way up to 60 frames per second. For online video and basic recordings, it’s unlikely that many users will need video at a resolution higher than 720p anyway. Some slightly irritating interlacing and colour issues can occur, although they’re unlikely to be a problem for anyone but the most pedantic professional users.

The Kodak Zi8 has clearly been designed with a focus towards simplicity, and it shows in both the camera’s design and the way it interacts with software. Mac users will experience a breezy video editing and import process. By plugging the Zi8 into your Mac and opening iMovie, you’ll gain access to a range of instant import options and quick editing tools.

Most users will be very pleased with the level of video quality and editing simplicity that the Zi8 offers. Almost all footage is smooth and non-grainy, and even during low light conditions the camera performs well. With a built-in micro mode, close-up shots and variable aperture sequences gain more flair and focus, perfect for ‘prosumer’ users and amateur filmmakers.

However, those expecting the performance and quality of a professional-level camera are going to be disappointed. While the Kodak Zi8 includes image stabilisation and HD recording, it does not match the quality put out by a high-end dSLR or video-only camera.

Of course, that’s a non-issue for most Zi8 users. What this camera excels at, and what it’s clearly designed for, is taking high quality footage while remaining compact and ultra-portable. For a combination of high quality and user-friendly simplicity, the Zi8 is the video camera to choose.

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