I'd like to bring something up that is often forgotten about under $200 camcorders. These camcorders were originally designed for point and shoot users.
Having said that the features of the Zi8 are stunning: # 1080p (1920 × 1080, 30 fps) # 720p/60 fps (1280 × 720, 60 fps) # 720p (1280 × 720, 30 fps) USB 2.0 (high speed), AV out, HDMI, DC in, external microphone jack (support stereo) in an under $200 camcorder. I don't expect it to do low light shooting. I don't have expectation of white balancing. There is no optical zoom. I won't ever use the digital zoom. I've owned a Xacti camcorder, never a problem with it. I have a Zi6 and I love it. But I understand the constrictions these camcorders by imposes on me. If I shoot hand held I'm gonna get jerky video unless I'm really careful. I have to be next to the person I'm talking to or no more than 4 feet away. I have to be creative in finding ways to stabilize the camcorder as I walk; like having the camcorder on a very small tripod braced in a handbag pocket. This may or may not work for you. If I am recording an event or lecture I'm taking my 30x optical zoom JVC Hard Drive Camcorder and a tripod. My point is that comparing $1,200 features to a $200 camcorder is inherently frustrating. If you need more stuff then you'll have to willing to jump to the next price class. Gena http://outonthestoop.blogspot.com http://createvideonotebook.blogspot.com --- In videoblogging@yahoogroups.com, David Jones <david.jo...@...> wrote: > > My quest for a cheap new videoblogging camera continues... > I came across the Kodak Zi8 HD pocket camcorder: > http://store.kodak.com/store/ekconsus/en_US/pd/Zi8_Pocket_Video_Camera/productID.156585800 > Test footage looks really good: > http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JX-raL4iQoY > and the main benefit is that it has an external mic jack. > It even has a remote which is essential for solo video blogging. > Only downside seems to be lack of swivel head, so I won't be able to > see myself in the video. That would be annoying, but not a > showstopper. At least it would stop me looking off-lens all the > time... > > The real test will always under my own conditions of course, I shoot > in mostly the same location indoors in a fluoro lit workshop. > > I was considering the Canon FS200 SD card camcorder (looking for > second hand because new is out of my price range), but the sensor is > only 1/6" so most likely has fairly horrible low light performance, > and the reviews mention this as well. > > I don't need the full HD, but 720 HD would be nice. > > Any comments on the Zi8 for video blogging? > Anyone know of any other pocket video cams with an external mic jack > like the Zi8? > > My current cam is an old Canon Optura60 DV (NTSC), not exactly a > stand-out performer, so I figure a good pocket cam today will likely > beat it. > > Thanks > Dave. >
