How To Get the Most From the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera
- October 23, 2009
- 11,336 Views
Voice Over Artist
Peter Coleman
Music
Todd Mazierski
Actor
Andrew Cochrane
With the Kodak Zi8, the power to capture razor-sharp, full 1080p HD video fits in the palm of your hand. Its easy, one-touch operation and incredible versatility make it the perfect camera for beginners, experts, and everyone in between.
You Will Need
- A Kodak Zi8 pocket video camera
- An SD card with up to 32 gigabytes of memory
- A desire to capture your world
Step 1: Get started
Get started in a snap! Start and stop recording with a single button – no lens cap or dials to fiddle with.
The Zi8 comes with an SD card slot for expandable memory. Use a 32 gigabyte card to record up to 10 hours of video.
Step 2: Watch videos
Right out of the box, you’re ready to watch and share. Use the remote control and included HDMI cable to instantly watch your video in full HD glory on an HDTV, or use the built-in USB connector to upload videos and images to your computer or the web.
Charge the Zi8 with the USB connector, or use the AC power plug.
Step 3: Pick the right capture mode
Explore the Zi8’s range of capture modes. For playback on an HDTV, use 1080p. Shooting high-speed action or reviewing in slow motion? Record in 720p at 60 frames per second – twice the normal rate. Switch to 30 frames per second for HD quality that takes up less memory, or use WVGA to create smaller files that are perfect for uploading to sites like Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube. You can even take 5 megapixel HD still photos!
Keep track of how much recording time you have left with the Estimated Time Remaining display.
Step 4: Review videos and images
Find videos and images by cycling through them one at a time with the thumbnail display, or choose the Timeline function to search by date. Once you begin playing a video, find the moment you’re looking for with fast-forward and fast-reverse. In pause mode, you can even find the exact moment using the frame-by-frame feature, or hit the playback button while your video is playing to see it in slow motion.
Step 5: Check out features and accessories
Check out the Zi8’s advanced features for advanced results. Shoot close-ups in the macro focus mode, and pull back for wide shots in landscape. Capture your friends in their best light with face detection, which adjusts exposure automatically. Get amazing audio by connecting an external microphone and adjusting the levels. Keep your shots smooth and steady with built-in electronic image stabilization.
EIS acts like an internal tripod for your camera; if you’re using a real tripod, you can turn it off.
Step 6: Edit and share
Edit and share with ease. When you connect the Zi8 to your PC, software is automatically installed that lets you edit, create mash-ups, add voice-over and music, and e-mail your videos or upload to Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube in a matter of minutes. Use a Mac? The Zi8 works seamlessly with Apple’s iLife suite of apps. Define yourself in high definition with the Zi8. Very good things come in small packages.
The first ever digital camera prototype, developed by Kodak in 1975, weighed 8 1/2 pounds. The Zi8 weighs just 3.9 ounces!
Something wrong? Report this How-To
Comments (4)
Love the camping theme of this video! I want one!
over 2 years ago by HeatherMenicucci
Ordered my zi8 last night! Can't wait for it to arrive!
Great video. Very well done! Funny, too!
about 1 year ago by Nickvideoguy
The Zi8 is better unless you really do want to submerge your camcorder. The ability to focus on people and things as close as 6 inches vs 3 ft is a major benefit of the Zi8. Plus you can record people and sounds from a distance and in stereo with the Zi8 using an external microphone. I wonder how many warranty claims Kodak will have when they realize that the seals aren't as waterproof as they have been told. Especially in warm weather when the seals shrink.
http://www.digitaldesires.net
about 1 year ago by Glen_Godfrey
Has anyone been able to burn the video from the camera onto a DVD and be able to show it on a DVD on their tv? I've yet to find a way to do this....it's very choppy or doesn't show at all. I've now spent way too much $$$$ on software to convert files into other formats and still no luck. Any information on how or if this is capable would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!
7 months ago by levans
Sign in or create an account to post a comment. Or, sign in using your Facebook to comment
and share your activity with your friends