Kodak Zi8

The Kodak Zi8 was the first pocket camcorder to offer full 1080p HD and an image stabilizer to quell hand shake, but it has been surpassed in reviews by its newer, waterproof sibling, the Kodak Playsport (*Est. $125). The Zi8 offers a microphone jack and a bigger screen than the Playsport, and it gets mostly good reviews from experts and users. Others disagree, saying the Zi8's footage looks too shaky when shot in 1080p mode, and the image stabilizer doesn't seem to help at all. Even reviewers who like the Zi8 say its built-in microphone is terrible, and the Zi8's software (which smoothes its playback) isn't Mac-compatible. Other problems include a slow light/dark adjustment and spontaneous stopping in one test. The Playsport has already amassed plenty of expert reviews and even more user feedback than the Zi8, and it already gets better marks overall.

CNET and PCMag.com run complete tests on the Kodak Zi8, comparing it directly with its Flip rivals. Two U.K. websites, PC Advisor and Pocket-Lint.com, also thoroughly test the Zi8 and rate it alongside other camcorders. Macworld's tests reveal several problems that other experts say are related to the Zi8's non-Mac-compatible software. As the Zi8 has been available for some time, most reviews are a little dated and don't take into account newer choices, such as the Kodak Playsport (*Est. $125). Lots of user reviews are more current, however, including those at Amazon.com, where more than 450 owners have posted their opinions about this camcorder.