Pocket HD Camcorders/Shoot and Share Camcorders advice

[sportznut02]

I am looking to get my wife one of these. I was just looking for some advice on what to get and opninions on those who have one.

[RockinDaMike]

Re: Pocket HD Camcorders/Shoot and Share Camcorders advice

I have a Kodak Zi8. Really awesome picture, very portabable and can record in 1080p. I typically do 720 p with 60 frames per second, a lot smoother picture.

The big gripe I have for it is the battery life is not great. I had to buy a backup battery on days I was going to do an event or something.

I know that Blzer just got one too awhile back.

[Blzer]

Re: Pocket HD Camcorders/Shoot and Share Camcorders advice

I have a Kodak Zi8. Really awesome picture, very portabable and can record in 1080p. I typically do 720 p with 60 frames per second, a lot smoother picture.

The big gripe I have for it is the battery life is not great. I had to buy a backup battery on days I was going to do an event or something.

I know that Blzer just got one too awhile back.

Yeah I got one last January. It's hot, especially because of the external mic jack. Otherwise if you don't need that, it's probably worth getting one of the newer Kodaks (like the PlaySport) or the one that's coming out later this year. Better lowlight performance and waterproof. I don't think they have macro mode though.

Here was my first ever test footage:

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/vevmAYCTMrM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Here was a macro mode test:

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/SfPAvi0ahOw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>


Too bad it didn't allow for an actual 1080p option since I had 720p footage integrated with that. It's a sweet camera though.


EDIT: And yes, the battery life is pretty short. Maybe about an hour and a half of straight recording if you're lucky. I bought another one just for good measure.

If you buy this (or any of these kinds of cameras), make sure you also buy an SDHC card that's class 6 or higher (the Kodaks go as high as 32GB of memory, I have a 16GB card). Turn off things like EIS as it doesn't work very well with the camera, and just have fun with it! I have so many other recordings but they're all oversized for YouTube and are on my PS3.

For more examples with the sound using a mic (I have a Sony ECM-DS70P), check out some of these other videos I recorded:


<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/5WPeSlTBM5I" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/skUatGfyT2s" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="640" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RQG4pHACz4g" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

<object width="400" height="224" ><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/793452218477" /><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/793452218477" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="224"></embed></object>

(Video link in case you can't convert above video to 1080p: http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=793452218477)


The first three were recorded in 720p and 60 FPS, but YouTube only uploads to 30 FPS so you're not getting the full smooth framerate effect. The last recording is 1080p and 30 FPS, which will give you an example of the Kodak Zi8's lowlight performance.

[sportznut02]

Re: Pocket HD Camcorders/Shoot and Share Camcorders advice

Thanks gor the feedback fellas. Nice videos Blzer. I went ahead and went with the Kodak Playsport. I h
ave it with me in Vegas and when I get back I will post some videos of it.

[Bamafan3723]

Re: Pocket HD Camcorders/Shoot and Share Camcorders advice

Really nice playing Blzer. Love that "For My Father" video.

[mgoblue]

Re: Pocket HD Camcorders/Shoot and Share Camcorders advice

Thanks gor the feedback fellas. Nice videos Blzer. I went ahead and went with the Kodak Playsport. I h
ave it with me in Vegas and when I get back I will post some videos of it.

Let us know what you think, I'm pondering getting a waterproof camera for a cruise in June (we're doing snorkeling and other stuff, would be cool to have a camera)...