Best Reviewed
HD Camcorders
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- Sharp, colorful video
- Bigger LCD screen than Flip models
- Shoots still photos
- Inexpensive
- Not as convenient or streamlined as a Flip
- Little built-in memory; no SD card included
- Doesn't shoot well in all light conditions
- Very few manual controls
The Kodak Zi6 was the first pocket-sized, high-definition camcorder, but reviewers say Pure Digital's newer pocket HD models -- and the newer Kodak Zi8 (Discontinued) -- have surpassed it in most ways. All pocket camcorders share many of the same pros and cons. They're a portable, easy way to shoot and upload video to websites like YouTube, but you'll have to settle for lots of hand shake, no optical zoom and a dearth of manual controls. Experts say that Pure Digital's pocket HD camcorders are easier to use than the Zi6. The top-rated Pure Digital Flip UltraHD (Discontinued) offers better video quality and an HDMI connection for viewing HD footage on your TV, while the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD (Discontinued) concentrates on being tiny and sleek. But reviewers say the Zi6 does have a few advantages: Its 2.4-inch LCD screen is slightly bigger than those on the Pure Digital Flip UltraHD or the Flip MinoHD and, unlike them, the Zi6 can shoot still photos. It's also one of the cheapest HD camcorders you can buy, although you'll also have to buy an SD/SDHC card because the Zi6 has relatively little built-in memory – only enough for less than 40 seconds of video (when shooting in HD).
Reviews usually compare the Kodak Zi6 directly against standard-definition models (since it was the first HD pocket camcorder). However, most sources have since tested the newer pocket HD models, and you can read these camcorders' reviews to see how the Zi6 stacks up. CamcorderInfo.com tests the Kodak Zi6 as exhaustively as it does more expensive camcorders, rating it against many other models. CNET, Laptop Magazine, Macworld, Gizmodo.com and Wired also test and rate several pocket camcorders. Amazon.com is a good source of owner-written reviews.
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Flip UltraHD Video Camera - Black, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL
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Flip Video MinoHD 1hr - Camcorder - High Definit M3160B
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| Kodak Zi6 HD Pocket Video Camera | |
(164 reviews) In Stock. Eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping |
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Our Sources
CamcorderInfo.com tests every aspect of the Kodak Zi6 and concludes it is decent for the price, although nowhere near as good as a full-featured HD camcorder. Complaints include poor performance in the site's bright light test and a lack of any manual controls.
Review: Kodak Zi6 Camcorder Review, David Kender, Oct. 12, 2008
2. CNET
The Kodak Zi6 earns 3.5 out of 5 stars here -- not as good a score as the Pure Digital Flip MinoHD. Reviewer David Carnoy notes that the Zi6 is bigger than its rivals and has minimal on-board memory, but its video quality is competitive.
Review: Kodak Zi6, David Carnoy, July 28, 2008
3. Laptop MagazineDetails/Subscribe
Like other reviews, this one was written when the Kodak Zi6 was the only pocket HD camcorder available. Tester Dana Wollman praises its sound and video quality and notes that it can shoot still photos.
Review: Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera, Dana Wollman, July 29, 2008
Even though its included software isn't Mac-compatible, Macworld likes the Kodak Zi6. Images shot in daylight look pretty good and a Mac can easily read the footage itself, reviewer Christopher Breen says.
Review: Review: Kodak Zi6, Christopher Breen, Oct. 8, 2008
5. Gizmodo.com
One HD camcorder makes Gizmodo.com's list of the best gadgets of 2008: the Kodak Zi6. A link leads to a short review with a chart that compares the Zi6 with six other pocket camcorders, including camcorders from Pure Digital, RCA and Creative.
Review: Gizmodo's Best of 2008, Wilson Rothman, Dec. 29, 2008
This extremely short write-up consists mostly of a list of pros and cons, but Wired reviews other pocket camcorders (HD and standard def) and you can compare them by their overall scores. The Kodak Zi6 gets a high score (8 out of 10), but testers find a few drawbacks.
Review: Kodak Zi6, Jackson Lynch, Jan. 2, 2008
7. Amazon.com
The Kodak Zi6 earns solidly high ratings at Amazon.com, with more than 100 users awarding it an average of 4 stars (out of 5). Recent reviewers especially appreciate the low price.
Review: Kodak Zi6, Contributors to Amazon.com
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Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Red (2nd Generation)
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Sony HDR-TD10 High Definition 3D Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom (Dark Gray)
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