I get lots of questions regarding which camcorders I recommend. I’ve found that for the money, the Kodak Zi8 [aff link] can’t be beat.
In this video I share with you the 3 reasons I give to my clients on why I prefer the Kodak–even over the more popular Flip Mino HD.
And by the way, this video was shot in front of a green screen using the Zi8. The audio sounds good because I use a lav microphone. That leads us into reason number one but watch the video for the other two reasons too.
If you’re looking to create customer testimonials, interview people, or create your own how-to videos, I can’t recommend the Kodak Zi8 highly enough.
Scott, does the Kodak Zi8 have a screw thread attachment for mounting on a tripod?
Your video review of the Zi8 is great.
Thanks
Peter
Peter,
Yes, the Zi8 does have a tripod thread on the bottom. This is pretty important too because the bottom of it is rounded and it doesn’t stand by itself. The Flip units are flat on the bottom so they can stand up.
However, you’ll want to use a tripod, Gorilla Pod, or even a monopod to get the right height/angle for the camera. And because the Zi8 is so light, you can use it with an Xshot too.
I still really like the Zi8. And you can find ‘em for only $99 now at Amazon. It’s a great deal for a camcorder WITH a mic-in jack.
Scott, I used the Kodak Zi8 (on a tripod) and a Sony Bluetooth transponder mic to record the video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AyHt_GFtLGo last August. As you can see, I shot it outside (with cicadas chirping in the background here in Houston). As you can hear, having an external microphone helped a lot. I love the Zi8!
Kirk, that audio sounded great! I didn’t know you could connect the Sony unit to the mic-in jack of the Kodak Zi8. I thought the Sony unit was ONLY compatible with approved Sony camcorders. Is there a cable jack to hook it up to the Zi8?
I’ve been looking for a good wireless mic system. If you’re getting even close to the 100 feet the specs say it can do you’re in great shape. I wasn’t aware that that BlueTooth could go that far. I thought it was limited to 30 feet.
You know it’s really amazing what we can do with this equipment these days.
Scott, there are at least *two* versions of Sony Bluetooth transponder microphones. I have the version for my Sony Handicam, and I have the other version — available at http://goo.gl/XDTFk — for my Kodak Zi8.
I have confirmed that this (second version of the) mic works fine as far as fifteen yards (45 feet) away.
I have not tested it at greater distances — mostly because I do not use the digital zoom in the Zi8 and those greater distances are not very satisfactory except for scene-setting shots with the Zi8.
The specifications at http://goo.gl/XDTFk claim that this mic will work at up to 150 feet away, but I have never tested this.
Another plus for this mic: You can use the earpieces that come with the two parts to hold at-a-distance conversations with the subject of your video.
Kirk, I will definitely check it out. I’ve thought about getting a wireless mic setup. I just don’t want to spend a fortune on it.
I’m really liking the TechSmith lapel mic (10 foot cord) and the Zoom H1 (10 foot cord as well) lately. I used the Audio Technica 20-foot lav mic in the past and it works great. I just can’t stand the thin cord. It’s always getting tangled.
Thanks for sharing and I’ll go check it out.
I bought a Zi8 this week and really appreciate the video quality!
One problem is being so small, if you shoot video in handhled mode, the video is jerky. This is presumably true of any small size camcorder unit.
Its clear you would mount it on a tripod for shooting product demo videos etc but what about when you’re on vacation and tripod mounting is perhaps not always practical or convenient.
In that case, I’m thinking that a steadicam – type stabiliser is needed to make your videos less jerky and more fluid. I’m looking into getting one.
There are tonnes of “how to make a DIY steadicam” videos on YouTube. Of the budget commercial models, I like the look of the HAGUE Mini Motion-Cam Stabilizer
(http://www.b-hague.co.uk/Camcorder%20Stabilizer%20HCS3.htm).
Scott – have you ever tried a DIY or commercial Steadicam device with yourZi8? If so, what are your experiences?
Peter
Peter, you’re so right about handheld video becoming jerky. I’ve always thought the design of the Hague steadycam units looked good. I’ve also seen the Manfrotto ModoSteady in the same price range.
There are times when a tripod is impractical to setup. I’ve used the Joby GorillaPod because it fits in a pocket and can be attached to just about anything. It’s great for setup on top of a car for example. I also have a modified monopod setup that I use a lot. You’d be surprised how much a monopod can help. It’s really lightweight too. I say modified because I replaced the bottom tip with a bolt that will accept the Manfrotto tripod feet. This turns it into a self-standing monopod but I caution you from using this setup outside at full extension–a little breeze could topple it. It’s great when kept low.
And I just saw this week a new KickStarter project you may want to check out for your phone. http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1651425602/woxom-steadies-your-smartphone-when-shooting-handh?ref=live
Wow, that Woxom glide prototype is something isn’t it! In my opinion, a great design idea. I don’t recall coming across any cam stabilizer that allows you to shoot at floor level like he demonstrates in that Kickstarter video.
Neat.
Peter
I had a stab at making a home – made Steadicam today from parts from the hardware store
http://twitpic.com/44gdxh
Works reasonably well.
Peter
I love the hack job!
I think the key to make any steadycam work is the gimbal element. I think this one part might be worth the investment because it’ll keep things real smooth has your hand moves. I’ll be curious if the Woxom gets enough traction to move out of prototype stage. However the Hague or Monfrotto units might provide a tad more versatility because they’ll work with multiple types of cameras.
Is the Zi* still the leader in this space or has something else superceded it. I saw on the Kodak website that they don’t seem to be selling them anymore so I am wondering which one I should get instead or whether to just pick up the zi8 on Ebay or Amazon.
Justin, for the price, I’m not sure anything has superseded the Zi8 yet. The critical element is the mic-in jack. Make sure whatever camera you get has one. Now having said that, I find I’m shooting more with my iPhone (with kVConnection mic adapter), my Sanyo Xacti HD2000 (which I’ll probably sell soon), and now a Nikon D5100. The Zi8 doesn’t have nearly the video picture quality of the others (well, maybe the iPhone) but then again, it’s only about $100. At this price, it’s practically disposable.
I have a 3-camera shoot next week and I’ll be using Zi8′s for the 2nd & 3rd angles. They’re small and unobtrusive. You can’t beat that. Now the picture quality isn’t the greatest but hey, we’re not shooting IMAX productions here. We’re shooting web video. And if we have adequate lighting, the video is good enough.
Just make sure your primary camera has a mic-in jack so you can capture good audio. Get what your budget can afford, or in my case, what my wife will let me spend
Scott, couple questions:
I’ve been looking to add an external microphone, but there’s all kinds and a ton of confusing audio specific terms. Will a condenser microphone with the a 3prong connector/3.5 adapter be able to plug into the Kodak, or will I need a 48V phantom power source? BTW, I don’t know what any of that means!
Different topic, what’s the “correct” height a camera should be to shoot a subject standing (like your video here)? It seems like your camera is lower than your head. Is the camera tilted upwards or level?
Chip,
First, thanks for stopping by. Now lets see if I can help.
Like photography, there are a lot of confusing terms surrounding audio. The Kodak Zi8 has a 3.5mm jack on the side. This is the most common consumer type of connection. Higher end professional equipment use XLR (3-prongs) mics and need more power to get them to operate. Don’t worry about all that stuff. The good news is that you can go to Amazon and find plenty of external microphones that will be compatible with the Zi8, other consumer camcorders, and even digital SLR cameras nowadays. I’ve mentioned the Audio Technica lav mics [aff] before and they’re a great place to start because they’re inexpensive and have a 20-foot wired cord. This helps you get the mic near your subject so you capture good audio. It’s a mono mic so you’ll need a mono-to-stereo adapter from Radio Shack to improve the audio.
TechSmith, a leader in screencasting software, has a lav mic with a 10-foot cord that’s stereo. They sell it for about $50 on their website.
I just now uploaded a new post that highlights a wireless solution you maybe interested in over at http://www.skillcasting.com/iphone-4-and-sony-wireless-microphone/
So the bottom line is you’ve got options. You don’t need anything fancy, just stick with a 3.5mm jack variety. You’ll find lav, shotgun, and even wireless solutions that will work with the Kodak unit. Either way, they will improve the quality of the built-in mic.
As for the “correct” height of a camera, ideally, it’s eye level to the speaker. I’m not sure which tripod I used with this shot but I would try to get it as close as possible. I’m over six feet and not all tripods extend over 70″. Of course you can get creative and place the camera above or below the subjects eyes but the rule of thumb is as close to eye level as possible. You want it to be like you’re just having a conversation instead of someone “looking down at you” like a disapproving parent or something. I hope I didn’t come across like that in the video.
Hope all this helps.
Here’s what I ended up purchasing. It has both a lavalier mic and a handheld mic that hooks up to a wireless unit. After I get it and test it out, I’ll let you know what I think of it.
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-ATR-288W-Microphone-black/dp/B00006HO3R/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311636344&sr=8-1
Thanks for your other input and ideas.
Chip,
Keep us posted on your results and if you can link to an example, it would be great to hear the audio quality.
Thanks for sharing.