Kodak Zi6 Pocket-Sized Video Camera
November 14, 2008 | Digital Camcorder, Digital Camera, Electronics | Comments OffZi6 Kodak is a pocket-sized video camera for the YouTube generation, enabling you to record high-definition video on the go. It is a nice design of sports and 2.4 inch screen, even if it is a bit bigger than we expected, it fits easily into the palm of the hand. It offers a 2x digital zoom, which is just a symbolic effort, more macro mode and a choice of video modes to the equivalent of 720p HD resolutions, as well as still images shot 3 megapixel resolution.
Switching between the different functions of the device is very easy, mainly because there is not really much to it. A central control directional films between the photo and a choice of VGA, 60i and 30fps modes 720p. The content can be accessed instantly on the LCD screen and a built-in speaker that provides audio accompaniment to the preview.
The Zi6 takes rechargeable AA batteries and two come with a charger in the area. There are 128 MB of onboard memory of 30 MB, but only this is available for storage, you will need to take an SD card (up to 32 GB) separately to the expansion of this. Photo and video can be viewed in either standard or high definition through a TV using the composite or component cables, with ports on the device to connect directly. Otherwise, you can access media files via a computer through the FLICK-out USB port which is in the side.
Digital photos can be difficult to properly snap without tripod, but the picture quality is quite good if you’re careful. Video quality is certainly a high resolution, but it seems a little grainy and the camera sometimes takes a while to adjust quickly when moving between the dark and well-lit environments. It is certainly not zero for aspiring filmmakers, but Kodak on the market here seems to be the occasional user and, provided they take some care when you’re shooting, it should be enough.
To help manage files Kodak ArcSoft MediaImpression supplies which, although very basic, is quick and easy to use. The software lets you create slide shows of photos and videos with a handful of available transitions and the ability to add text and music to your project finished before recording or DVD burning right. A media converter using standardized formats video modes for Kodak, Apple and Sony, with batch conversion to convert quickly clips to be used on players.
There is also the possibility to import other media files to the library and in this mode, you can automatically rotate pictures and correct red-eye to speed things up. You can upload to YouTube directly from the software and enter a title, description and choose a category for your video, and the choice between public and private views. The file will be available on your profile and YouTube, but there’s nothing particularly innovative here is a practice to hold and nicely rounded package.
