Kodak Zi8 High Definition Video

Mike Koenig earlier reviewed the Flip camera and pointed out its worst feature, by the way, it's best feature was having HD at such a low price, but here is what he had to say about the new Kodak Zi8 HD video camera:

"I just found the "Flip killer" - it's under $150 and has the #1 feature
every camera needs but many don't have:

An external microphone input!

I picked one up to see how it performs - and if I can recommend it.

For less than $150, I'll have to say it's IDEAL for shooting almost any kind
of video including marketing videos and information products.

In fact, it blows away cameras that cost as much as $600!

In the review, I test one out and go over all the features
including the things I like and don't like (there aren't many though!)

I took the camera with me to a U2 concert and I show off a few seconds of footage.

Dollar-for-dollar, you just can't beat Kodak's new "Flip Killer" camera."

The Great:

Under $175
External microphone input
PC and Mac compatible
True HD high-definition: 1080p, 720p @ 60 frames per second, 720p and WVGA video
5 Megapixel Camera
Nice big LCD display
Records in QuickTime format with the H.264 compression standard
SD Card Slot
Built-in USB connector
Image Stabilization / "face tracking"
Removable Lithium-Ion Battery
Macro function to shoot close-ups
HDMI cable adapter (and cable is included!)
External power charger (included)
External AV cable connection (cables included)
Battery included!
Video quality good enough to do "chromakey" - green screen!
Blows away the competition in terms of quality
Includes PC editing software (you don't need it if you have a Mac)

The Not-So-Great:

Can't see yourself in the viewfinder
Built-in USB connector is short
Slow "boot up" time
The zoom is "chunky" - not smooth
Does not include SD card
Battery life is 1.5 hours per charge
Terrible audio hum if you plug a microphone into it with the power adapter connected
Can't use the camera as a webcam
No light or flash