The Bottom Line
In my Kodak Zi8 review, I gave the unit a poor "star" rating ... but I need to clarify. My primary focus for models I review is on their digital still image photography capabilities first, and then on the other features of the digital cameras, such as video capabilities.
For the Zi8, Kodak has emphasized digital video features, including HD video capabilities. The Zi8's still image capabilities are simplistic, very limited, and well below average.
If I were rating the Zi8 primarily as a pocket camcorder, it would receive a much higher "star" ranking, such as it did in a review at the About.com: Camcorders site.
Pros
- Extremely easy to use
- Digital zoom is available to use while shooting video
- Fast response times
- Colors in still photos are realistic
Cons
- Only 5.3 megapixels for still image photos
- No flash or lamp; unuseable in low light
- Close-up focus is poor
- Very limited still image photo options
- Aimed at someone wanting a pocket camcorder with simplistic still image photo options
Description
- Resolution: 5.3 megapixels
- Optical zoom: none (35mm equivalent); 4X digital zoom only
- LCD: 2.5-inch
- Maximum video size: HD 1080p (1920x1080)
- Battery: Rechargeable Li-Ion
- Dimensions: 2.4 x 4.5 x 0.9 inches
- Weight: 3.9 oz. (without battery)
- Image sensor: 1/2.5-inch CMOS
Guide Review - Kodak Zi8 Review
Image Quality
Image quality -- for still images -- is a serious problem with the Zi8. At only 5.3 megapixels of resolution, you won't be able to create large prints from the still images. The colors in the Zi8's still image photos are realistic and bright.
Unfortunately, the Zi8 has no flash, so you essentially can't shoot worthwhile still images in low light situations, which is a huge drawback.
With video images, the Zi8's image quality is actually pretty good. You can shoot video at four different resolutions, ranging from HD video to Web-ready video, for YouTube or Facebook.
If you don't plan on making still image prints with the Zi8, and if you can handle very basic image quality, the Zi8 will deliver as a nice, easy-to-use digital video camera with limited still image options. However, delivering very limited, below average still image quality is what holds back the Zi8 as a still image camera.
Performance
Response times with the Zi8 are very fast. It's ready to shoot photos and video less than a second after pressing the power button. Because of its simplistic design, it doesn't have noticeable shutter lag or the shot to shot delays you may find with inexpensive digital cameras.
The Zi8's zoom is a 4X digital zoom only, which leads to lower image quality. However, it is handy that the zoom is available while you are shooting video. Many digital cameras that have video capabilities disable the zoom while shooting video.
Design
The Zi8 is a sharp looking pocket camcorder, available in three colors (raspberry, black, and aqua). It has very few buttons, and it is one of the easiest cameras to use that I've ever seen ... beyond those designed as child's toys.
Unlike most digital cameras, it's designed for vertical use, making it easy to use one-handed. Kodak's designers did a nice job integrating the USB port behind a panel.
