Customer Reviews

Kodak Zx1 High Definition Pocket Video Camera - Yellow

5 star:		(88)
4 star:		(67)
3 star:		(16)
2 star:		(8)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

A cracking piece of kit, I was a bit sceptical about other reviews that I had read concerning the amazing picture quality but having viewed the results on both my computer and plasma TV I am more than happy with the results.

The Zx1 can capture still pictures as well as VGA, HD & HD60 video with all major cable types (HDMI,AV & USB) supplied so connecting to your PC/TV/Laptop is quick and easy.

The quick start user guide is exactly what it says although a full guide can be downloaded from the Kodak website.

There is no flip out USB conector or protruding lens and the camera literally will fit comfortably in your pocket.

The only slight drawback is that there is no facility to monitor how much memory has been used, however an 8mb SDHC card should store a shed load of video and is also easily repleced should you need to do so.

The Ni-MH batteries supplied do take 12 hours to charge completely but I have an Energizer CH15MN charger that fully charges them in 15 minutes, the camera takes other brands of Ni-MH batteries as well as ordinary AA batteries.

If you are looking to buy a compact, robust, HD video/still camera then I would stongly recommed the Zx1 for incredible value for money and excellent quality in both the style and the picture quality.

The Kodak ZX1 is a continuation of Kodak's line of HD handicams. It is capable of taking excellent quality HD video in 720p. There are a large range of these sorts of cameras on the market now, with the Kodak and the Flip MinoHD being the market leaders, I would say. I have used both, and shall compare their relative merits.

1. Quality of image
This is the one everyone will really care about. The new Kodak ZX1 does make a noticeable improvement over its Kodak predecessor, particularly in low light. Previous Kodak USB cameras were virtually unwatchable in anything less than full daylight. The ZX1 performs well in overcast conditions, and is watchable indoors, though there is a noticeable increase in noise. However, the Flip MinoHD wildly outperforms it, with far more detail, less noise and less streaking. In daylight, I'd say the Mino HD still has the slight edge, but the differences are less prominent.

2. Quality of Sound
Again, the Flip MinoHD is head and shoulders above the ZX1 in terms of sound quality captured. The ZX1 is still no slouch, and sound reproduction is perfectly adequate and useable for a camera of this size and for the intended market. But its microphone shows little regard for distant sources, and the person holding the camera can sound a little over-loud and distorted. The MinoHD doesn't have these problems, with distant and near sounds being captured smoothly.

3. Looks and usability
This is more of a case of personal taste. The MinoHD is smaller (about the size of a Nokia 6300, though a bit thicker) and probably slightly simpler, with a big red button for recording. It is also square on the bottom, which seems irrelevant, until you come to try and stand the ZX1 on a table top and you realise it will just fall over! The ZX1 has a slick brushed steel front, with sexy touch-sensitive buttons. It also comes in a range of great colours - I have the red, but actually think the yellow looks the best. However, the MinoHD's menus are more intuitive and quicker to navigate.

4. Features
The ZX1 features the ability to take still pictures, which is actually incredibly useful. Why the guys at Flip didn't think to do this is unknown, but it creates a massive weakness compared to their rival. Who wants to bother taking two cameras with them? Sometimes you'll see something that doesn't warrant a video, but would make a great still. Also the Kodak allows you to change the level of fidelity, meaning you can save on memory by recording on lower resolutions. Even better, it allows/requires the use of an SD card, which means you have virtually limitless memory. And it uses rechargeable batteries which are shipped with it, along with a charger! The Flip doesn't do any of this. The ZX1 wins this hands down.

The ZX1 is a great camera in its own right, but the MinoHD does edge it out in terms of performance and function, and would be the obvious choice if it wasn't for the lack of features. Its a tough choice, and really depends on what you intend to use the camera for. For long trips away from your PC, the ZX1 is the camera for you. If you are staying closer to home though, the Flip might be the better choice.

The ZX-1 is an HD handheld camcorder from Kodak which is focused on simplicity and accesability. And in those traits it does very well.

For the record, I am not very experienced with cameras and video camcorders. The Zx-1 then, was a good entry level device to get me more interested in filming - which it has done. Straight out the box, it contains everything you need to get started except a memory card. The camera does have internal memory, but it's minimal.

I was impressed with the number of different connector cables in the box including an HDMI cable and also the rechargable batteries complete with charger. Personally I think that having AA batteries instead of an internal one is quite beneficial and suits the camera very well - and to have the required equipment included is a very welcome bonus.

The camera itself is reasonably chunky.. maybe twice the thickness of my previous phone. It does feel well built though and seems to be splashproof and relatively shockproof. The screen is okay but does feel quite low quality.

Recording is a matter of pressing record and once again to stop. There is a lackluster zoom function and no other options on the handset. You can flick beween stills, HD and HD60 - with the former looking distinctly average and HD60 looking very smooth indeed. The picture suffers drastically in low light conditions, with no nightvision or other image enhancing functions - recording in dark environments is almost pointless.

Also, due to the design of the camera - the steadiness of the recording depends on how still you can hold your arm. This means that the picture can often be very shakey. The picture also always feels zoomed in. The viewing angle is quite narrow and to fit a lot in on the screen you have to stand quite far back from whatever you're recording.

The included software is easy to use and reasonably robust for the camera. It's already loaded on to the device, so no disc is needed to install. It has a feature to upload to youtube that I've not used, but seems pretty easy.

to summarise some points..

+ Easy to Use
+ Compact
+ Splashproof
+ Seemingly tough
+ Good number of included accesories
+ Software easy to use
+ Picture quality on HD60 looks pretty good
+ Reasonably Cheap

- Not for recording enthusiasts
- Very bad in low light conditions
- No special effects or functions on the camera
- Picture can be shakey
- Picture always seems zoomed in
- Low quality Screen

Okay so as I said, I don't have much knowledge to compare the ZX-1 with other products. But I have listed what I like and dislike about the camera. I'm defintitely happy with it and from discovering it's weaknesses, I will be able to use the camera differently to minimise them. It's dependant on you though if those faults are enough to put you off.

I will be using it plenty in future though and from using it - It's sparked an interest in filming and editing more.

I would not buy this camera if I were you as it has an unbearable background noise on play back, that severly distracts you from what is going on in the recorded footage. When I returned the camera I found several reviews on line referring to this very problem. The replacment Kodak Zx1 camera had exactly the same problem. I have returned it and purchased the Mino Flip which while slightly more money does delivers.

I did telephone Kodak to establish whether this problem was a design fault or just a fault in the camera I had purchased. I was informed that the sound problem was not symptomatic of a design fault and they denied knowing about the fault at all, despite the reviews on the web!

In summary, for the problem with the sound alone, I wouldn't recommmend buying it.

As I am lucky enough to own a Flip Mino HD, the obvious thing is to compare the two but to be honest, there are so many differences in what are essentially similar products, this is difficult so I'll concentrate on the job in hand which is to review the ZX1. However, where differences occur, I will point them out because which you go for is a matter of personal preference.

First of all, the most important thing is the quality of the image and sound. Picture quality is excellent for the price. Sound is OK but nothing to write home about. The lack of optical zoom is disappointing. The digital zoom is only 2x but isn't as blurry as some SD equivalent cameras (at least in HD mode). It is a bit jerky when you zoom in and out though. The viewing screen on the camera is a reasonable size and clear (and bigger than that on the Flip).

A nice touch is that there are four modes of use, Standard Definition, HD at 30FPS, HD at 60FPS and still pictures. Obviously, the higher definitions use more memory so you won't get as much film on your memory card. I found it difficult to take still pictures without camera shake due to the shape of the camera, which is designed for taking movies, not stills.

The ZX1 is fairly bulky, especially compared to the Flip Mino, and is more difficult to keep in your pocket. You do get a nice carry case with it so you can slip it on your wrist.

Two main differences between the ZX1 and the Flip (in order for people to make the choice depending on their preferences). Firstly, whereas the flip has a built in battery, the ZX1 uses 2 AA batteries. Useful if you want to take some spares (which you will probably need to do). However, you do get two Kodak rechargeable batteries AND a charger included. Battery life is reasonable but a couple of spare rechargeables will most likely be a lot cheaper than buying disposable batteries.

Secondly, whereas the Flip has internal 4Gb memory, the ZX1 uses SD cards. There is no SD card included so you will need to factor this into the price. However, with ever increasing sizes of SD cards being available, this could be more useful if you are planning to take a lot of film before you can get to a computer to store it.

You do get a very good set of accessories though. As well as the aforementioned batteries and charger, there are all the leads you need to connect to the TV and computer including an HDMI cable. I'm well impressed with this as you don't usually get one of these included even with an expensive Blu Ray player. A spare battery compartment cover is also included which is nice as you will be changing batteries on a regular basis and it might get worn.

Overall then a very good camera for the price. Simple to use and good quality clips. if you want professional results, spend more and get a camcorder with optical zoom and all the bells and whistles. However, if you want something for your holiday clips that's very straightforward to use, you can't go far wrong with this.

I went 'viral' checking every single you tube clip of ZX1 video samples and samples from it's competitors - as you can guess I came to a contented conclusion and bought a ZX1.

The main competitor was the Creative Vado HD in my book; what put me off was the protruding lens and it's internal battery (Kodak takes easy to find AAs) as well as the Vado being a bit dearer. The Kodak also comes with a multitude of leads - HDMI, USB, Stereo to USB.. fantastic.

The camera is reasonably intuitive but you must go online to view the detailed instructions - nothing in the box tells you how to enter the setup menu - set the clock or change from PAL to NTSC (hold two buttons down simultaneously). I am also a little disappointed that I can't find anything that points me to an indicator of remaining memory, either internal or on SD card - perhaps someone else can answer that one.

Image quality is amazing for such a small device. In VGA mode I really couldn't believe such a small lens produces such crisp and well reproduced colours. Whilst filming our little black dog Howie, the TV in the background is just stunningly sharp.

I have no hesitation in recommending the ZX1.

good points
1.easy to use,just switch on and record
2.fits nicely in pocket
3.good accesories,especially hdmi cable
not so good points
1.terrible sound on microphone when it's windy
2.does suffer in low light
3.poor internal memory.you have to purchase extra memory cards
I would recomend this if you are going to use it for fun,i.e the beach,but if u r a budding george lucas then you may want to look elsewhere.
3 out of 5

Just some useful tips for everybody having any issues with the Kodak Zx1.

Go to www.kodak.com and enter the support area of the site, work your way through to the firmware section, download and follow the instructions.

The latest firmware resolves most sound issues if you have any. I also noticed an improvement in low light video recordings which I can only describe as finer grain rather than large grainy specks. It was enough anyway to convince me not to return the camera because of the poor low light video quality, but bear in mind CMOS camera do not work well in low light, you will discover that with optical zoom camera's when you try to focus in low light regardless of the flash.

I compared the Zx1 and a standard 4 megapixel kodak camera in video mode, the video was comparable grainy in low light but the Zx1 image was far brighter.

Use a decent speed SD Card not the cheapest you can find, get a smaller faster SD Card over a large cheap slow one. The camera I believe can write at 11mb/s so you need an SD Card that will write at that speed or above. Check the write speed before purchasing an SD Card.

If you do experience choppy video on playback in Quicktime with a good speed SD Card check if the video is choppy on playback on the camera itself, if you have a HD TV or standard TV to hand try the HDMI or SD lead to check playback on the TV. I have found that quicktime on some computers just doesn't seem to cope well with the HD video playback, you may experience issues on low end video cards. Try using the software that comes on the camera for video playback on your PC. See if the video is choppy in all modes such as VGA, HD, and HD60.

This is a great piece of tech. The picture quality is stunning and really simple to use. It's the size of a 3rd generation ipod so you can take it with you everywhere. Oh and it takes AA batteries (very handy when you are on the road).

Having read the reviews of this product I was in two minds about whether to buy it even though it is currently being sold at a greatly discounted price. Having decided to take a chance I am delighted that I did; the Kodak Zx1 is proving to be an excellent HD Video Camera.

I am delighted with the quality of its audio and visual recordings in and outdoors. My family have all remarked on the excellent quality of the playback which really is first rate on an HD tv.

It is a significant step up in quality, ease of use, portability from the larger 'old school' traditional camcorders.

A number of reviewers have complained about the audio quality. I followed the advice from other reviewers and ensured that the first think that I did upon receipt was to download the latest firmware (1.06) from Kodak and I am using a class 6 SDHC card.

As mentioned above, the result is that I am nothing short of impressed with the quality of recordings and playback from the Zx1.

The device is leagues ahead of standard mobile telephone recordings (apart from maybe the Samsung i8910 which shoots HD but I have not seen that in action!), it is a proper video camera which you can use to shoot all types of home recording. I understand why it was highly acclaimed by Stuff magazine.

It is easy and comfortable to hold and to shoot video. There is no difficulty or challenge in keeping the camera still which can be tricky with other small HD video cameras.

The camera fits comfortably into trouser and jeans pockets which makes it ideal for taking anywhere just in case you want to capture a few moments.

The camera feels solid and robust and I am sure it will withstand a fair few knocks.

Set up is easy and everything that you need comes in the box.

My advice: don't worry about the other negative reviews. At the current price this is an absolute bargain product which produces excellent results.