Review-Kodak Zx1


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A.A.'s review of the Kodak Zx1 pocket HD camcorder

More information

Zx1 Pocket Video Camera

Price paid:

$99

Design

The Zx1 is Kodak's answer to the Flip series of budget pocket camcorders.

Mine is the red color model and has a included "designer" faceplate and is ultra light, weather resistant and small with the lens on the front and controls on the rear.

In the box

The included accessories are:2 AA batteries,a carry puch, propriety USB cable that has a similar mini connector as seen on cables from Kodak's cameras,a HDMI cable,a AV casble with RCA jacks and ArcSoft Media Impression (installed off the camera and Windows only).

Power sources

Unlike some other pocket HD camcorders, the Zx1 uses 2 AA batteries instead of propriety battery packs but it can use a optional Kodak KLIC-8000 battery pack if desired.

Software and Editing on a PC

The Zx1 includes ArcSoft Media Impression video editing software for Windows only (just connect the camera to a PC to install).

You can edit, trim, splice and enhance videos plus dd pictures and music to your videos to make mash-ups and extract still images from video frames then email your videos or upload to YouTube right from the software.

Editing with Macs

ArcSoft Media Impression isn't available for Macs, but you can use iMovie or Final Cut Studio or even Final Cut Express, see below for a tip for the latter.

For Macs, you'll either need to convert to Apple Intermediate Codec for Final Cut Studio or Final Cut Express using something like QuickTime Pro 7 or MPEG Streamclip .

Also I found that converting to MP4 using these settings preserves the quality and allows easy import into Final Cut Studio or Final Cut Express:

-MPEG4 improved

-Data rate:256kbps

-Image size:1280x720p HD

-Audio:AAC-LC, 128kbps

You can also use a recent version of iMovie if you don't want to bother with conversion.

Usability and capture modes:

It's very easy to use with a extremely simple control layout and the Zx1 can capture in these modes:

Video

HD 720P (30fps)

HD 720P (60fps)

VGA

Still capture

3MP

Video quality:

Video quality is excellent and great for YouTube uploading.

Conclusion:

I really liked the Zx1-a affordable camcorder that does HD videos.

Photo:

pc290001k.jpg

Edited by invaderzim_2004
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