How to Get the Most from the Kodak Zi8 Pocket Video Camera

With the Kodak Zi8, the power to capture razor-sharp, full 1080p HD video fits in the palm of your hand. Its easy, one-touch operation and incredible versatility make it the perfect camera for beginners, experts, and everyone in between.

Step 1: Get started
Get started in a snap! Start and stop recording with a single button – no lens cap or dials to fiddle with.

Tip
The Zi8 comes with an SD card slot for expandable memory. Use a 32 gigabyte card to record up to 10 hours of video.

Step 2: Watch videos
Right out of the box, you're ready to watch and share. Use the remote control and included HDMI cable to instantly watch your video in full HD glory on an HDTV, or use the built-in USB connector to upload videos and images to your computer or the web.

Tip
Charge the Zi8 with the USB connector, or use the AC power plug.

Step 3: Pick the right capture mode
Explore the Zi8's range of capture modes. For playback on an HDTV, use 1080p. Shooting high-speed action or reviewing in slow motion? Record in 720p at 60 frames per second – twice the normal rate. Switch to 30 frames per second for HD quality that takes up less memory, or use WVGA to create smaller files that are perfect for uploading to sites like Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube. You can even take 5 megapixel HD still photos!

Tip
Keep track of how much recording time you have left with the Estimated Time Remaining display.

Step 4: Review videos and images
Find videos and images by cycling through them one at a time with the thumbnail display, or choose the Timeline function to search by date. Once you begin playing a video, find the moment you're looking for with fast-forward and fast-reverse. In pause mode, you can even find the exact moment using the frame-by-frame feature, or hit the playback button while your video is playing to see it in slow motion.

Step 5: Check out features and accessories
Check out the Zi8's advanced features for advanced results. Shoot close-ups in the macro focus mode, and pull back for wide shots in landscape. Capture your friends in their best light with face detection, which adjusts exposure automatically. Get amazing audio by connecting an external microphone and adjusting the levels. Keep your shots smooth and steady with built-in electronic image stabilization.

Tip
EIS acts like an internal tripod for your camera; if you're using a real tripod, you can turn it off.

Step 6: Edit and share
Edit and share with ease. When you connect the Zi8 to your PC, software is automatically installed that lets you edit, create mash-ups, add voice-over and music, and e-mail your videos or upload to Facebook, Vimeo, and YouTube in a matter of minutes. Use a Mac? The Zi8 works seamlessly with Apple's iLife suite of apps. Define yourself in high definition with the Zi8. Very good things come in small packages.

Did You Know?
The first ever digital camera prototype, developed by Kodak in 1975, weighed 8 1/2 pounds. The Zi8 weighs just 3.9 ounces!

[tworad]

this was very helpful! my dad got me one and i had 2 seconds of recording time. i did not see an SD slot. when you said there vwas i looked harder and i saw it. i have way more. THANK YOU SO MUCH

[foregip]

this thing my friend has one and its AWESOME cause a that and this vid now I'm gettin one.

[techguy]

@ilikegreenhippos Yes, since the Zi8 records in .mov format. You can import that onto Sony Vegas and render it as a different file type of what ever type you want.

[tdsclangmod]

@Xploratio The battery lasted me a whole (5 hours) but if you continually record about one and half hours is about right.

@JazzFiveO I ordered this camera too! Cant wait...

[AustinF]

should i get the Flip Mino Ultra HD or this thing?

[mrspinkysocks]

Can you watch it on a normal tv or does it have to be a HD tv.

[gaveintothedarkness]

I agree, but its still better than the how to pick apples video i saw a little earlier today

[adamkleinschmidt]

i have a Flip Ultra Hd and it shoots in 720p, i honestly think that the Kodak Zi8 is much better than the flip

[karljay]

It's too bad that it has an auto shutdown even when the power cord is plugged in, otherwise a great camera setup. One of the few that have a mic jack and HDMI output. I wish there was a way to get a live screen preview for selfie/podcast work.

[quadrilasisi]

@LordHines420 well u said that a year ago but now the Kodak zi10 is way better and should cost much more than they have as the price :D

[Jsantosishere]

@mtthwlacroix The cam?? not really like %150 i have it...but i never made a video with it :/ lol

[jennonf]

this camera is only £119/$179 on amazon and only comes with 32MB internal memory so you will need a SD also

[Xploratio]

I heard that the batterlife lasts up to 1h30 .
why showcasing a 32GB memory card when u cant go through ??

[dara]

im the first person to manage not to say first

[SpencerGreenDotNet]

@xguardian12 Standard definition (640x480 NTSC, 768x576 PAL).

[Unknownshortkid]

ugh, everytime I hear this music I think Canon in D.

AHHH!!

[flipprincess]

This is an ad paid by Kodak for Howcast to advertise. Yes they get paid for it.

[ShawneeUnion]

What the F is that high pitch noise throughout this video. Sounds like a car alarm

[BoogsterSU]

i thought the Flip Mino Ultra HD is better...