Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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124 of 125 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My review, 18 Oct 2008
OK, I've just bought one and now had it for about 24 hours. The description on the side of the box reads...
* Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera
* Wrist strap and pouch
* User guide
* Arcsoft media impression software (PC only)
* 2 AA rechargeable batteries NiMH (2000mAh, btw)
* Battery Charger (fits 2 batteries only)
* HD and AV cables (about 1 metre each)
Just to note. It does not come with an extra memory card which is essential to purchase on top of the unit. I bought an 8GB fast reading memory card of good quality which I think is crucial for huge HD files. The camera is apparently able to take 32GB memory cards. The VGA (lowest setting) resolution is fantastic for video sharing sites such as Youtube with no problems uploading the file direct from the pop-out USB plug built into the camera, via a PC. No software needs to be installed on your PC or MAC to do this task. The HD (highest setting) footage is awesome, especially plugged into an HD TV. You get a basic software application on CD-ROM (PC's only) that lets you edit your footage which you are unable to do directly on the camera. The box description reads....
* Windows OS XP SP2 or Vista
- Intel Pentium 4 2.8 Ghz processor or higher
- Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher
* Macintosh OS X 10.4 or higher
* 1GB RAM
* 300MB available hard disk space
* 1024 x 768 display resolution
* USB port 1.1 or higher
* CD-ROM drive
The camera will suffer severely in dark/dim locations but makes up with being vibrant and crystal clear in daylight. You will need an extremely steady hand or a tripod too. I found you need to pan areas very, very slowly to reduce camera shake/blur and any noise your hands make on the unit will be picked up on the mic too (really annoying to hear back). It does not have image stabilisation and when you view back your footage on a huge 42" HD TV, you will soon realise and learn just how steady you need to hold the camera while recording. The macro facility is amazing and can't wait to experiment with it.
Another factor that seems to be coming to light is how power hungry the unit is. Some may opt for expensive lithium batteries or invest in another battery charger that can charge 4 x AA at a time in under an hour. The batteries that come with the unit take 15 hours to charge and soon drain. I intend taking my camera on holiday so I will need to buy one of those Super-Power battery charge units complete with numerous 2450mAh batteries to power this camera adding yet another extra cost as well as the memory card, so bear in mind all the added extras you may possibly need.
You will not be disappointed with this camera, just be weary of how the slightest camera shake while recording can be multiplied severely when viewing on a huge 42" + HD TV can look. I think it's going to be one of the best gadgets I've bought and perfectly ideal for Youtube addicts which I think Kodak has now cornered the market with.
Hope the above helps someone thinking about buying one, I'm glad I did.
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55 of 56 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Good for its intended use, 24 Nov 2008
The Zi6 is a pocket sized video camera about the size of an ipod, just a bit thicker. It can record in VGA, HD or HD60 mode, but if you're going to record anything substantial you'll need an SD card - it only comes with 28MB of usable memory! This lasts for about 20 seconds on HD mode!
The camera itself is very usable, with two buttons and joystick to cycle between settings and start/stop recording or playback. This allows one handed use. The on switch is located on the top, which is not a great position - the side would have been better. After turning it on, you'll find it's ready for action almost straight away - which is a real plus point, as traditional cameras and still cameras that take video tend to be sluggish.
Quality of the video is very good in strong lighting, but takes a nosedive in low conditions, and the only zoom is a juddery 2x digital zoom. The HD setting gives impressive and clear results when the light is good. Moving from well lit scenes to poorly lit scenes seems to create a sudden change of picture quality, with the image adopting a sudden "washed out" feel that you get in low light. As there's no illumination feature, then there's not a lot you can do about this. The camera also takes stills, but the results are not very good unless the light is strong - a bit like a glorified phone camera, really.
The USB connector is a normal USB plug and is - strangely - built in. It flips out of the side when you press a button. This is OK for laptop use, but if your USB ports are on desktop PC, you'll have to get an extension lead of leave the camera hanging off the PC.
A button on the side changes the camera's focus from distant to macro to enable close up shots.
Batteries: it takes normal AA batteries and comes with two precharged and a charger (Although my Precharged ones were already virtually flat.)
Plus Points
* HD results are very good when light is good.
* Quick start up time
* One handed operation
* Box comes with an impressive accessories pack - a carry case, a strap, a HD lead, a normal AV lead, batteries & charger and video editing software.
Bad Points
* Quality of video is not very good in low light.
* Still camera suffers due to lack of illumination
* USB connector is not very good for use in desktops
* Digital Zoom is quite juddery at times.
If you want a small, pocket camera to take away with you, I'd recommend this. Getting it ready and operational is quick and the results can be very impressive in HD mode. If you want something for more general use, then I'd pay the extra and go for a proper, full size camera.
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19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
My new ZI6, 14 Nov 2008
Love it, Love it, Love it
Was delivered last week and i can't put it down, i have taken it to work, to football and just messed around with the kids, It fits in your pocket so its always to hand to capture those funny moments.
I didn't know if i would use it as i used to use my phone, but this gives you much more, Firstly i was amazed at the HD qaulity for something that didn't cost much money was superb.I just popped the cables in the TV and had a really good laugh at all my footage.
Well done Kodak, great product.
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