Even as digital cameras keep gaining in video recording capability, camera makers are branching out in other directions, too. For example, camera giant Kodak recently introduced its first pocket-sized HD camcorder, the Zi6, $180.
The Zi6 weighs about 5½ oz. (it's so light because it records on flash-memory cards) and is about the size of a smart phone, just like two standard-definition competitors, the Pure Digital Flip Mino, $180, and Creative Vado, $100.
The design assumes that you're more likely to be shooting scenes that don't demand a lot of flexibility. The lens has a fixed length and its zoom is only 2x and digital (optical is preferable). There's also a 2.4-inch LCD, AA rechargeable batteries, a flip-out USB plug for connecting to a computer, and a 1 year parts-and-labor warranty.
The Zi6 can also serve as a still camera, though barely (see LOWS below).
HIGHS
HD video quality. In well-lighted conditions, at its highest quality setting, the Zi6 performed better than its two low-priced, standard-definition competitors. Still, it didn't perform as well as even our lowest-rated high-definition or standard-definition camcorders. For example, in some low-light situations, video was oversaturated, with a reddish color cast, and appeared soft, pixilated and compressed. Some colors even had the wrong hue.
Large LCD screen. The 2.4-inch LCD display, one of the largest we've seen in this style of camcorder, is easy to view when recording and playing back videos, especially indoors. Glare made it challenging to view in bright light, though. The LCD also displays many of the Zi6's controls and indicators, such as volume, battery level, video index number, and playback and elapsed record time. The display doesn't show how much recording time remains. When memory runs out, recording simply stops.
Bundled software. There's software to transfer and import video, play back, or delete video or upload it to YouTube. You connect the Zi6 to a Windows-based PC via a USB port; Kodak also claims that you can connect it to a Mac.
LOWS
Image quality. Even in full daylight, a noticeable amount of detail was missing. In dimmer light, image defects were more pronounced, with significant feathering (jagged edges along subjects' edges). When panning, there was a stop-motion-like effect that was most prominent in low light.
Inadequate built-in memory. Most pocket point-and-shoot camcorders offer enough built-in memory to record at least 30 minutes of video. But the Zi6 offers only 30 seconds' worth. That makes it a virtual necessity to buy a 4GB SD or SDHC memory card (typical cost is $30 to $40), which can capture up to 50 minutes of video at the highest quality setting.
Narrow field of view. The lens has a narrower field of view than those of standard-definition and HD camcorders, in which zoom ranges usually include wide-angle settings. The Zi6's view is narrower than the Vado's but about the same as the Flip Mino's.
Minimal still-camera capability. The 3-megapixel images it produces are derived from lower-resolution originals, often compromising their quality. And there's no flash. Still, in bright light, the Zi6 produced a decent still image.
BOTTOM LINE
The Kodak Zi6 stands out for offering high-definition quality video in a camcorder this size. But it's not clear why you'd want such a combination. If you're mainly interested in uploading video to a site like YouTube, you don't need high definition and would be just as well off with the Flip Mino ($180).
If video quality is important to you, you'll do much better with any of the models listed in our Ratings of standard-definition camcorders and Ratings of HD camcorders. (Ratings are available to subscribers only.)
When considering a small, lightweight camcorder like this, keep in mind that with any model without image stabilization such as the Zi6, you're more apt to introduce camera shake into your shots than you would with most conventional camcorders.
