Kodak launches Zi8 1080p HD camcorder


Kodak has announced a new model in its range of pocket digital camcorders, the Zi8, which offers 1080p HD resolution.

The Kodak Zi8 is an upgraded version of the Kodak Zi6, which offers 720p HD recording, and has been fully tested in the Which? labs as part of the Kodak Zi6 review.

As well as recording in full HD 1080p the Zi8 can also take 5Mp 16:9 widescreen still photos. There's a 2.5-inch LCD screen and built-in image stabilisation to reduce blur.

The swing-out USB plug makes charging, copying and uploading video files to Facebook and YouTube quick and easy according to Kodak.

Additional features include Smart Face Tracking, plus Kodak claims that the Zi8 will give improved results and more accurate colours in low light conditions.

Zi8 pocket camcorder has external mic jack


A useful feature that's rare on pocket camcorders is an external microphone jack, which should offer improved sound quality over the built-in microphone, as in Which? tests, the small integral microphones on pocket camcorders often lead to disappointing sound quality compared to palm-sized HD camcorders.

The Zi8 has an SD/SDHC card slot that can take cards up to 32GB in capacity, giving a recording time of approximately 10 hours. There's also an HDMI socket so the Zi8 can connect directly to an LCD or plasma TV, and the Zi8 improves upon the Zi6 by adding a rechargeable battery.

Read the Which? head-to-head review that pits the Kodak Zi6 against the Flip Mino and Ultra.

Other pocket HD camcorders to consider include the Creative Vado HD, Flip Ultra HD, Kodak Zx1, Sony HDR-TG3E and Toshiba Camileo S10.

Richard Parris, Which? camcorder expert, said: 'Pocket camcorders are a great choice if you want straighforward recording and uploading to sites like YouTube. With the improved HD specs on the Zi8, Kodak has a very interesting product to add to the popular pocket camcorder market.'

The Kodak Zi8 will be available to buy for £149.99 from September 2009, and will come in aqua, raspberry and black.

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