I’ve been using the Zi6, Kodak’s answer to the Mino and other pocketcams, since its release and other than pretty awful low-light performance, I’ve been really happy with it. So I’m happy to hear they’re releasing an upgraded version that looks cooler, probably performs better, and is weather-resistant to boot.
The Zx1 is set to be released in April for the extremely reasonable price of $150. My dad likes to take video when he’s skiing and I can’t think of a better option for him (aside from the Canon 790IS we got him for Christmas… Chris you still owe me for that) and others who need something compact, durable, and straightforward. It does the YouTube thing, will work with SDHC cards up to 32GB, and even comes in several colors. Only testing will tell, but from what I can tell the Zx1 appears to make mincemeat of the MinoHD for $100 less.
I’ll make a point of hitting this thing up at CES and give you all updated impressions. Here’s the full press release:
Rugged new KODAK Digital Video Camera enables on-the-go HD video capture
Never miss a moment with pocketable and weather-resistant video companion
Rochester, NY, January 8, 2009 — Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE:EK) today introduced the new KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera, a compact and rugged digital device that enables “go-anywhere” High Definition recording.
The Zx1 allows users to shoot and share high-quality video quickly and simply, with 720p HD video capture – at 60 or 30 fps – a vibrant 2.0-inch LCD screen, and built-in software for easy editing and sharing of content to YouTube™ and other social media and networking websites.
“More than ever, people want to capture moments on the go and quickly and easily share them,” says John Blake, General Manager Digital Capture and Devices, Vice President, Eastman Kodak Company. “The Zx1 is a fun and interactive way to engage in this kind of storytelling – it’s both small and smart, and enables people to record virtually anything, virtually anywhere, and then quickly upload content to video-sharing and social networking websites.”
The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera is designed to meet these needs at the touch of a button — no lens cap, dials to turn or settings to adjust. The new camera’s advanced feature set includes:
* Pocketable 720p HD video capture at 60 fps
* Weather-resistant design that stands up to splashes, dirt and more – IP43 certified;
* High-quality video capture in bright light or low light – from the beach, to the nightclub;
* Easy editing, personalization, and uploading to YouTube or other Internet sites with built-in video software, ArcSoft Media Impressions for Kodak;
* Expandable SD/SDHC Card slot for memory cards up to 32 GB, that can record up to 10 hours of HD video*;
* Easy HDTV playback with included HDMI cable;
* Sensitive, low distortion microphone that provides crisp, clear audio;
* Pre-charged AA Ni-MH rechargeable batteries and battery charger included, saving money and avoiding waste from used batteries;
* Vibrant 2.0” LCD;
* Available in five colors: black, red, pink, blue and yellow**;
* Remote control compatible (remote control sold separately).Uploading to YouTube
YouTube is the world’s most popular online video community, and the Kodak and YouTube relationship enables consumers to quickly and easily upload videos to YouTube from the simple and powerful video editing software that comes with the camera.
Accessories
A range of accessories are available for the KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera, including:
* KODAK SDHC Memory Cards, available in 4, 8 and 16GB capacities customized for optimal video capture;
* KODAK Adventure Mount for helmet, handlebars and more;
* KODAK Flexi-tripods;
* KODAK cases, camera bags and neck straps;
* Remote control;
* Battery options include AA, CRV3, and KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-8000.Pricing and Availability
The KODAK Zx1 Digital Video Camera will be available from April 2009, and retail for US$149.95 MSRP.
*Record approximately 20 minutes per 1GB at HD 30fps.
** Color availability may vary.
About Kodak
As the world’s foremost imaging innovator, Kodak helps consumers, businesses, and creative professionals unleash the power of pictures and printing to enrich their lives.
To learn more, visit the newly redesigned http://www.kodak.com and follow our blogs and more at http://www.kodak.com/go/followus.
More than 70 million people worldwide manage, share and create photo gifts online at KODAK Gallery –join for free today at www.kodakgallery.com
I’ve been interested in a device like this for a while. My concern has been video quality and shaky video. Is it harder get steady shots compared to traditional strap held camcorders?
I don’t think it’s any more shaky than other handhelds, although they might have better image stabilization. I put mine on a little tiny tripod (it’s very light) for any steady shots. otherwise it’s up to your hand, I’d say. you can get strappy ones like the samsung mx20 (I think) for like $300 or so.
When is someone going to integrate WiFi and Bluetooth in such a 720p camera? The Bluetooth to have wireless microphones and the WiFi to upload to Youtube in HD in one click directly from the camera without using a computer. A voice recorder can record suggested Title, Description and Tags to give to Youtube which transcribes it using voice recognition.
I’m getting ready to buy something similar to this product. I’ve been amazed by the advances in quality of hand held devices similar to this one.
Do you have links to any videos taken by this model?
Thanks,
Justin Razmus
All my reviews are shot with a Zi6.
Like this one:
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/12/10/review-microsoft-bluetrack-explorer-mouse/
Buuut, it’s hard to really tell the quality from a blip video. The quality is decent as long as you’re not doing too much fast motion or low light stuff.
Weather resistant is HUGE… not sure why this stance isn’t adopted by more in the electronics industry.
Jon
http://DreamClue.com …get the message!
looks nice, still think i might go for the creative one thou.
what exactly is the creative one thou(1000)? i tried looking it up and no results what so ever. did you mean the creative vado hd? so far that’s the only alternative (from creative) to the zi6 and similar hd pocket cams.
It’s simple really. If Kodak added image stabilization to this camera, it would beat all competition hands down. I’d even pay $50 more for the unit. What this camera has which the Zi6 does not is an HDMI cable which is awesome when I want to hook it up to my 50 inch TV. But c’mon guys!, throw in Image stabilization!
three words: image stabilization software. if you are editing video with imovie( mac ), you should check this site, geethree.com and look at slick effects volume 8. i have seen fantastic results. if you you are using a p.c., adobe premiere elements 4 or the newer version, image stabilization is included. i have not seen any results from that software, but it’s supposedly similar to the gee three slick stabilizer for imovie, or at least the process is.
yes, adding image stabilization would be nice, but that’s an option that will not be added for a quite a while, i do believe.
dude! a public shaming! i told you to send me your info for paypal…
image stabilization would be killer in this thing, especially for skiing.
if it wasn’t for the crappy low light shooting on the kodak zi6, then i would have picked it over the flip mino hd in a heartbeat. the mino hd continued to shoot smooth video, even in low light with its acceptable video noise, but in the same conditions, the kodak zi6 automatically brought its shutter speed down to what it seems to 1/8 of a sec.. do you have any idea if kodak has improved on this in the zx1? it really wouldn’t surprise me if they stuck the same innards in a new shell, despite the new weather resistant attractiveness.
just got my zx1 and after one week of testing, I can tell you this is GREAT in all lighting situations and seems to have little or no stabilization problems. JPEG still photos @ 3mp are very good as well—nice design, rugged weather resistant construction, good feel in the hand—strap it to your belt and be ready anytime any where!
Does the Zx1 have playback in the unit? Or do you have to download to view?
hmm, im wondering when apple is going to release the one that owns them all?? probablly after i spend the 150 bucks for this one. that the way it usually turns out for me :(
Does the Zx1 take still pictures in addition to recording HD videos?
i too would like to know this
i have looked around and can’t find an answer
so if anyone does know if the Kodak Zx1 takes photos aswell as videos then please reply
Hello.
I have got the Zx1 today.
Yes it takes Photos (3 mega pixel.)!!!
Yes when the light is down its going to stutter to reduce the dark.
Yes it has playback on the unit whit sound!!!
Yes it makes amazing videos by daylight!!!!
yes i think it has image stabilization becouse it makes smooter videos than my camcorder.!!!
Yes it is a amazing thing!!!!
Yes i am verry verry happy whit it~!!!!
Yes it comes whit a battery carcher!!!
Yes it has the software on board install on the pc.(no cd needed)!!!!!
YES I REALY LIKE THIS f*** THING IT DOES WAT I WANTED , NO TOOLS JUST RECORD THE **** THING.!!!!
thank you so much for that…but isn’t 3mega pixel a bit crap compaired to even mobile phones…you can get loads better ones then that cant you?
but i need a camcorder…two in one…both with HQ and HD
(and how good your english is doesnt matter…i can still understand) thanks again
i think the contrast of the photos are better on the zx1 than from a Mobile .
Still …. you have to know it is ownly 3 mega pixel.
Has anyone tried using the videos generated with the zx1 on Adobe Premier Elements? I have always struggled with this on my Flip Ultra (the original Ultra) and wondered if this is any better? I am considering either the zx1 or the Flip UltraHD and this is one of my deciding points since the bundled software for both is rather limited.
Mmmmm. try pinnacle ?
YES MY ENGLISH SUCKS ! :-D Tank you :-D
I have tried numerous times to import the .mov files form the ZX1 to Adobe Premier but it doesn’t work. I even CHAT with Kodak Support and they said they have no idea. Called Adobe as well and they claim that its something with Kodak. The cheap ArcSoft that you get with Kodak doesnt allow for much editing. Far from what i need to be doing with this great camera. But for me whats the point if I can’t edit it in decent software. Its weried .mov format. I even converted it to .avi using various converters but still NOTHING!!!! JOKE KODAKKKK