Kodak's Zi8 HD pocket camcorder hits the 1080p mark, adds Facebook uploading

The Zi6 is still fairly fresh in our memory banks, but Kodak's already looking ahead with its newly unveiled Zi8 pocket camcorder. The Flip Ultra HD competitor boasts 1080p recording this time around, in addition to usual features like face tracking, image stabilization, a 2.5-inch LCD display, and SD card slot. YouTube uploading is back, and joining it Facebook support, too. It'll be out in September in blue, red, and black colors for just a hair under $180.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:13AM]

Wowww, nice. I had to return my Zi6 because it couldn't focus on anything between 10cm-80cm away from it. I wonder if this will have similar issues.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:27AM]

happens with lots those lenses. I just bought a 720p cheapo flash cam for $40 on craigslist. Video quality isnt bad, but it cant focus up close (even with the manual macro switch) and the rocker buttons broke in 2 days. Great for youtube and a travel / pocket camera, but that's about it. True camcorders cost 4 times as much.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 4:24AM]

It's Kodak. I wouldn't expect anything less than top-notch quality.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 4:24AM]

I actually ended up getting a Kodak Z1285IS instead ... ironically, the video looks a lot better.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 12:15PM]

I was just about to get the Zi6, but now I need to hold off on this. Amazon already has these on pre-order for $180: http://todaysepicdeal.com/post/151646516/kodak-zi8-released

I like the idea of having swappable SD card rather than being stuck with a set amount of storage. With 1080p video, you're going to need as much memory as possible.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:18AM]

woah

[Ken J Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:13PM]

put a keypad and a cell modem in it...

[pika2000 Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:19AM]

I really don't see the point of these kind of devices anymore. For a little bit more, one can get a real digicam with 720p video recording, and it would have better optics and optical zoom to boot. (I doubt the quality of this 1080p Kodak is going to be any better than a 720p recording with better optics/sensor). Even the Creative Zii is going to have HD video recording capability, for not much more money, and it's a mobile OS platform too.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:47AM]

@pika2000 You hit the nail on the head. Another mediocre product with a small price and cheap components with big numbers.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:24AM]

Which does everything think will be better?

This?

Or the Samsung HMX-U10? http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/14/samsung-hmx-u10-full-hd-camcorder-with-1-button-youtube-uploads

Both seem impressive to me.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:30AM]

Kodak has more features, but in my experience, Kodak products are built pretty cheaply. Try both of em out in a store, see which one you like best. Easiest way to decide, even if you buy off eBay or somewhere else.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:25AM]

Price?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:29AM]

rtfa

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:33AM]

Ops sorry I've missed it :)
Really love price indeed, I'm curious to see the $>€ conversion

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:30AM]

Can't wait, great price as well!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:38AM]

Forgot to mention it also includes an external mic-input (via the included press release in the similar Gizmodo post: http://gizmodo.com/5325151/kodak-zi8-wallops-flip-with-1080p-image-stabilizer-and-sd-slot)

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 2:10AM]

ooo I like this. takes SDHC cards...

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 2:13AM]

What I really want to know is how the sound quality is when recording at concerts. Does anybody have any suggestions on which one of these type of recorders to get for concerts?

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 2:16AM]

The front reminds me a lot of the Nokia 7510 from T-Mobile.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 2:41AM]

Image stabilization, face detection and external mic jack put this Kodak a pretty good step ahead in features compared to the competition. If reviews show the video quality matches or beats Flip's HD and it runs on AA's, I'm interested.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 3:37AM]

It no longer takes AA batteries like the Zi6 and Zx1 did. What a shame. It'll use KODAK KLIC-7004 Lithium Ion batteries

[R Posted Jul 29th 2009 3:06AM]

"..usual features like face tracking, image stabilization.."

Usual features? What other pocket camcorders have face tracking and image stabilization?

I really like the swivel design on the Sony pocket camcorder, but no image stabilization and MemoryStick are sort of deal killers for me.

[Chickenatr Posted Jul 29th 2009 3:17AM]

ZiiEgg!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 4:26AM]

Thats so Wicked!!!

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 4:51AM]

Well, actually the ZX1 already had facebook (and also Vimeo) uploading with the Media Impression editing software that's bundled inside.

Image stabilization is, no doubt, the most needed feature in the pocket cam category

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 5:00AM]

1080p should keep everyone happy for the next 10 years.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 5:33AM]

Hopefully m8...

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 1:42PM]

But it doesn't shoot in million80P. Lame.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SAD6UcyoMI8

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 6:32AM]

Add a phone to it.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 6:52AM]

2.5" LCD Display? Liquid Crystal Display Display? I like the terminology engadget. -_________-

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 8:54AM]

I bought the ZI6 for $114.00 at SEARS. Love the little thing. Have been using it at the golf driving range early in the morning ( low light ) and the 720p resolution is sweet. Yes the ZI6 could have used image stabalization ( yeah ZI8 ) but for the price it takes great video.

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 29th 2009 9:24AM]

does it look a bit like your driver in the low light then? you would think it would feel a little different during your swing.....

[netposer Posted Jul 29th 2009 9:17AM]

I just bought the Kodak Zx1 a couple of weeks ago and love it. No image stabilization but it seems that's only an issue trying to film stationary subjects. I let a buddy shoot us skating a vert ramp and I thought the video turned out pretty good for a $130 HD camera.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XH29XioiVFQ

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 31st 2009 4:15AM]

best solution for pocket camcorder and easy for facebook

http://savercheaper.com/electronics/best-prices-kodak-zi8-hd-pocket-video-camera.html

[(Unverified) Posted Jul 31st 2009 12:19PM]

This is definitely what Ive been waiting for. We finally get a pocket camcorder with a decent megapixel rate of 5.0MP. I know its more about the lens, but this has gotta be a great improvement.
Image stabilizer is also a great selling point, along with high capacity memory cards.


I also think this puts it over the top of the new Samsung pocket camcoder with it's stabilization. Samsung doesn't seem to have it.

Im buying!