Buy Pocket Video Camera

Review by Captain Graphic:
I do minor video work, and am by no means have professional knowledge of all cameras. I’ve been using the zi8 all day to film a small project, and I have to say it has done a pretty good job. It is much better than the previous zi6 model, but isn’t without a few minor issues.

Comparing them side by side right now, the zi8 records and displays colours much better, where as the zi6 isn’t as sharp and has a slight blue tint to it. However neither of these cameras perform great in low lighting. The best feature about the zi8 is the fact you can plug in an external microphone, so you can record crystal clear sound, even though the built in mic is reasonable quality. Also the zi8 will play back sound in its preview mode. One thing the zi6 does better is smooth zooming, whereas the zi8 zooms in block segments. The way the USB connection flicks out on the zi6 is much more slick, than the rubbery styled flick attachment on the zi8, but both do the job fine.

Both cameras are similar size and are great for just carrying around on the go in your pocket. Although I didn’t receive any cloth pouch to put my zi8 in, so I would recommend buying one of those to protect the screen & lens. I prefer the rechargeable battery in the zi8, but if it runs out on the go you can’t easily replace, unlike with the zi6.

The only thing missing from both these cameras is a flash/light. The zoom feature could also be improved.

***Edit***

The firmware for this product has been update, and the zoom is now smoother. Please read comments for more info.

Review by Ripple:
A very clever, good value unit BUT it has two drawbacks – one the light sensor is small so it’s poor at low lighting shots, but the deal breaker for me is the zoom. While it’s nice to have a zoom option, it is not smooth and jumps from setting to setting in a way that is just plain annoying. For me, I’d wait for a model with a smoother zoom – but in no way is this a bad unit.

In the box you get:

- camera (duh)

- battery

- charger unit with EU and UK attachments

- lanyard strap

- software

- good easy guide book

- HDMI cable

- normal AV cable

( note the USB is integral to the unit in one of those poppy out things)

Pros:

- Price. This is a basic, pocket video recorder – at a very competitive price (even at RSP before Amazon’s competitive pricing). Be warned though, that you need to set your expectations to that price – it won’t match the quality of units that can be many times that price – it’s a pocket video camera, not a camcorder.

- It’s a nice looking unit. It will fit into a shirt pocket – though you will certainly know it’s there due to its weight. Build quality is good. It’s about the size of a Blackberry and about one and a half times the depth.

- Video quality at all settings (WVGA, 720p, 720p 60fps, 1080p) is excellent in good lighting. It works best when you are stationery. As with all cameras, the quality is only as good as the lens. The lens on this unit is tiny and it’s stunningly good for its size. I found the 720p probably the best in the long run. 1080p is stretching this unit’s capability to the max and you will get some noise on it.

- It has a macro setting which is a nice feature to have.

- The battery unit is user replaceable. It charges in two hours from the AC adapter and about 4 hours from the USB connection. You get around 60-90 minutes from a charge (depending on what you are using). That’s pretty decent, but if you are travelling, you’d be well advised to buy a spare battery unit.

- The screen is good and a perfectly acceptable size. (About Blackberry size).

- Simple controls. The on/off switch doesn’t trip accidentally and there are four push buttons on the back for settings, deletion, record and play. They take a bit of getting used to as they you don’t always feel that they’ve responded to your touch, but they are OK. It’s so simple to use you don’t need a complex manual.

- Transferring video from the SDHC cards is very easy using the USB connector. On first use, you have the option of installing the supplied Arcsoft software will allow you, among other things, to convert the Quicktime MOV files to other formats. I found that watching playback of .mov files on Realplayer was very poor (jumpy) so use Quicktime. Arcsoft allows you to convert to web, apple or PS3 formats. I don’t have a Mac so cannot comment.

- The internal microphone produced excellent to acceptable audio at distances ranging up to about 10-15 feet (3-4 metres). Plus there is an external mic socket.

- The 4X digital zoom is surprisingly good. Noise increases as you would expect, but not to the point of seriously degrading the image.

- The HDMI feature is a very nice touch allowing you to play on your HDTV very easily. If you have shot some footage in good light, do try the HDTV option – the results are much more impressive than on my screen.

- I like the SD card system – but it does mean you have to buy one (as opposed to an internal memory – you get a 128mb of internal memory which won’t give you much space). A 32gb SD card will give you about five hours on 720p. You’ll need to recharge the battery before getting to this though.

Major Cons:

- The digital zoom is not even remotely smooth. It leaps along like a demented kangaroo. This is a big problem.

- Low light performance is poor. This is a major drawback as the unit’s attraction is that you can carry it in situations that you wouldn’t take a larger unit to – like evenings out. Its sensor is tiny and that’s a problem.

Other Cons:

- The lens is 46mm (35mm equivalent) which can be a bit restricting. A 28mm would have been more practical for social situations. The Zi8 focal length is 46mm for 720p and WVGA settings. At 1080p, the focal length is 61mm.

- No slip cover

- The Image stabilization works only moderately well. It’s not too bad if you are static, but if you are walking, it cannot cope. Because it’s such a small unit – holding it steady can be a problem. Image stabilization is one of the things that makes the expensive camcorders so expensive. Having said that, it does have a tripod mount (which is a plus point) and would help (or would if I had a tripod!). Also, image stabilization eats power and I found the unit getting a bit warm.

- The stills photos are, at best, average. It’s a 5MP stills camera without a flash. But chances are you’ll have a stills camera anyway.

- I know I said the ease of use was a plus, but it also means you don’t have a lot of control over things, like exposure.

- It does have face tracking, but I found it created more problems than it solved – if the face was at the wrong angle, it would black out the background etc, partly because the exposure meter is slow to adjust to changes in lighting.

Update – found firmware upgrade to solve jumpy zoom – now 4* product

Review by Ash:
The Kodak ZX1 is a continuation of Kodak’s line of HD handicams. It is capable of taking excellent quality HD video in 720p. There are a large range of these sorts of cameras on the market now, with the Kodak and the Flip MinoHD being the market leaders, I would say. I have used both, and shall compare their relative merits.

1. Quality of image

This is the one everyone will really care about. The new Kodak ZX1 does make a noticeable improvement over its Kodak predecessor, particularly in low light. Previous Kodak USB cameras were virtually unwatchable in anything less than full daylight. The ZX1 performs well in overcast conditions, and is watchable indoors, though there is a noticeable increase in noise. However, the Flip MinoHD wildly outperforms it, with far more detail, less noise and less streaking. In daylight, I’d say the Mino HD still has the slight edge, but the differences are less prominent.

2. Quality of Sound

Again, the Flip MinoHD is head and shoulders above the ZX1 in terms of sound quality captured. The ZX1 is still no slouch, and sound reproduction is perfectly adequate and useable for a camera of this size and for the intended market. But its microphone shows little regard for distant sources, and the person holding the camera can sound a little over-loud and distorted. The MinoHD doesn’t have these problems, with distant and near sounds being captured smoothly.

3. Looks and usability

This is more of a case of personal taste. The MinoHD is smaller (about the size of a Nokia 6300, though a bit thicker) and probably slightly simpler, with a big red button for recording. It is also square on the bottom, which seems irrelevant, until you come to try and stand the ZX1 on a table top and you realise it will just fall over! The ZX1 has a slick brushed steel front, with sexy touch-sensitive buttons. It also comes in a range of great colours – I have the red, but actually think the yellow looks the best. However, the MinoHD’s menus are more intuitive and quicker to navigate.

4. Features

The ZX1 features the ability to take still pictures, which is actually incredibly useful. Why the guys at Flip didn’t think to do this is unknown, but it creates a massive weakness compared to their rival. Who wants to bother taking two cameras with them? Sometimes you’ll see something that doesn’t warrant a video, but would make a great still. Also the Kodak allows you to change the level of fidelity, meaning you can save on memory by recording on lower resolutions. Even better, it allows/requires the use of an SD card, which means you have virtually limitless memory. And it uses rechargeable batteries which are shipped with it, along with a charger! The Flip doesn’t do any of this. The ZX1 wins this hands down.

The ZX1 is a great camera in its own right, but the MinoHD does edge it out in terms of performance and function, and would be the obvious choice if it wasn’t for the lack of features. Its a tough choice, and really depends on what you intend to use the camera for. For long trips away from your PC, the ZX1 is the camera for you. If you are staying closer to home though, the Flip might be the better choice.

Review by Timo King:
The ZX-1 is an HD handheld camcorder from Kodak which is focused on simplicity and accesability. And in those traits it does very well.

For the record, I am not very experienced with cameras and video camcorders. The Zx-1 then, was a good entry level device to get me more interested in filming – which it has done. Straight out the box, it contains everything you need to get started except a memory card. The camera does have internal memory, but it’s minimal.

I was impressed with the number of different connector cables in the box including an HDMI cable and also the rechargable batteries complete with charger. Personally I think that having AA batteries instead of an internal one is quite beneficial and suits the camera very well – and to have the required equipment included is a very welcome bonus.

The camera itself is reasonably chunky.. maybe twice the thickness of my previous phone. It does feel well built though and seems to be splashproof and relatively shockproof. The screen is okay but does feel quite low quality.

Recording is a matter of pressing record and once again to stop. There is a lackluster zoom function and no other options on the handset. You can flick beween stills, HD and HD60 – with the former looking distinctly average and HD60 looking very smooth indeed. The picture suffers drastically in low light conditions, with no nightvision or other image enhancing functions – recording in dark environments is almost pointless.

Also, due to the design of the camera – the steadiness of the recording depends on how still you can hold your arm. This means that the picture can often be very shakey. The picture also always feels zoomed in. The viewing angle is quite narrow and to fit a lot in on the screen you have to stand quite far back from whatever you’re recording.

The included software is easy to use and reasonably robust for the camera. It’s already loaded on to the device, so no disc is needed to install. It has a feature to upload to youtube that I’ve not used, but seems pretty easy.

to summarise some points..

+ Easy to Use

+ Compact

+ Splashproof

+ Seemingly tough

+ Good number of included accesories

+ Software easy to use

+ Picture quality on HD60 looks pretty good

+ Reasonably Cheap

- Not for recording enthusiasts

- Very bad in low light conditions

- No special effects or functions on the camera

- Picture can be shakey

- Picture always seems zoomed in

- Low quality Screen

Okay so as I said, I don’t have much knowledge to compare the ZX-1 with other products. But I have listed what I like and dislike about the camera. I’m defintitely happy with it and from discovering it’s weaknesses, I will be able to use the camera differently to minimise them. It’s dependant on you though if those faults are enough to put you off.

I will be using it plenty in future though and from using it – It’s sparked an interest in filming and editing more.

Review by A. P. Deeks:
In the beginning, because I was going on holiday to the lake district, I thought I would hire a high definition camera for a week, to get some great pictures. All I ever wanted it for was for landscape shots,and outdoor scenery, so I knew that lowlight conditions was not important, and that I am not using it for sport, or any fast moving activity. In brightly lit conditions outside this, camera for £48, which is nothing, had performed brilliantly, it does not have but a crappy digital zoom, which, I , to be fair don’t need. It cant handle shaking too much, as it has no stabilisation control.

I was simply going to pan around, slowly and get a shot of the terrain. I searched on youtube for footage of the ZX1, and was very delighted with the results of some. This hammers my Sony DCR8800 for clarity, and when used purely for good lighted conditions, the colour rendering and the picture looks stunning, Its does all I need it to, and it is rugged, well built. And I now find myself filming anything, as it looks so good on an LCD television I have.

Yes it has its foibles, you need to be still to get good pictures without shakiness, no time on the screen for how much of the memory card has been used. It looks like on the HD60 mode, (which is also a great feature as opposed to other expensive HD camcorders, ive seen that do 720p 30fps, this being 60fps), that you get about 6 minutes per GB, at 720 60 frames per second. considering I was going to take a big semi professional HD video camera at great expense, with all the heavy lenses, this thing if used properly, I can take like a phone. And it will give you really great pictures. I am over 40 so, growing up with 8 mm, then Hi 8 and then DI 8, this is a substantial improvement.

Its not the pinnacle of its kind, but for me, and for what I will use it for, it will make everything I film in the right conditions, more stunning than I had before.

I cant understand some of the bitching about quality, knowing that it is a very cheap camcorder. That said I would be doing a disservice to this great little camera, for moving pictures, where you don’t need a zoom, and your subject is relatively static, and not in lowlight conditions, you could convince your friends, this little camera cost a lot lot more.

Word to the good also, to have a the facility of AA batteries means that when the usual inbuilt battery’s in other equipment, have long died, you can replace the batteries in this. I was initially disappointed when I bought some energiser lithium double AA,s, these are excellent and last ages. In this camera, I have found that if you put 2 brand new energiser lithium batteries, that exceed a total of 3.6 volts, it will reject them as though the power level is empty and turns off, to protect itself.

Sometimes to save the finer electronics, a limiter of current will kick in to save the board from damage. Worry not, I think Kodak have rated their cut off point over zealously. The energiser lithium’s will work, you just need to charge the Kodak batteries fully, put one energiser, and one Kodak battery in together, inside the camera.

Turn it on leave it on for about 3 minutes, take them out, then take another energiser lithium, place that in the camera with the rechargeable Kodak battery, and this will drain a little off the energiser. So that when you take the 2 energisers and put them into the camera they will accept them, because the current has gone down, now your free to use these very strong batteries.

Its simply a case of draining them a little., you could put them temporarily in anything, remote control, radio, toy car. This is only for the energisers, im not too sure if they are good with duracell, but if you do have this problem, try to do the same thing. As rechargeable batteries, are 1.2 volts, and normal batteries are 1.5. but fully charged, 1.2 goes to 1.4, and 1.5 aa batteries, can be as high as 1.7.

I hope this helps someone else, as its so handy for an emergency pair when you are out, sometimes rechargeable, can be so hit or miss, depending on a batch. To sum up, I love this little camera, I hope it lasts a while, for the price these cameras are excellent, I love mine.

Review by Mr. G. R. Thoms:
I chose the Kodak Zx1 as I was looking for a camera that would introduce me to pocket digital video cameras as I could no longer be bothered to take my Mini-DV-based video camera out on family trips and holidays. I didn’t want to spend a lot of money. The Kodak has not disappointed and indeed is better than I thought possible. It might not be the best available – indeed it is not – but in terms of value for money it must be the best available.

It’s easy to use, and the buttons on the back make sense after you have used them a couple of times. It really is as easy as point and shoot. It comes with all the necessary cables and a charger and two rechargeable batteries. I used it with some bog-standard 2Gb SDHC cards as it doesn’t need and high speed memory cards. When I first played back the recordings on my 32″ HD Panny TV I was amazed at the quality of the recording.

The downsides. You do need to install the firmware upgrade to stop the buzzing noise on recordings; it’s an easy process. There seems to be no indicator that a memory card is getting full, it just won’t record any more. The colours on playback, at least on my TV, were a bit off, tending to a bit gaudy. The quality of recorded sound is OK, no more.

I’m now hooked on the format, and my Mini-DV camera will be gathering dust. There are better pocket video cameras on the market, but the Kodak is so good for the price that for the moment I could not justify spending any money replacing it.

Review by Mr. Peter J. Chapman:
The PlaySport is Kodak’s ‘upgrade’ to the very successful Zi8 model.Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera – Black

There are some differences between the two units, so decide carefully what you will be making videos of before making your purchase.

The PlaySport is missing the macro function on the lense that can be found on the Zi8, basically, this allowed you to focus clearly on close up objects. Also missing is the 3.5mm stereo mic input. This was very usful if you were micing up an instrument and recording interviews. It also meant that you could stand as far away from the camera as your microphone cable would allow.

However, the PlaySport has some improvements and features that trump the Zi8.

In my opinion the video quality is better, capturing video in low light situations is improved, the brightness of the lcd screen is adjustable, it works underwater, its smaller and fits better in your hand than the Zi8.

The Playsports lense is wider than the Zi8′s, meaning you can fit more in the frame.

To sum things up. If you are looking to do video blogging, music recordings, interviews and anything a bit more professional, then buy the Kodak Zi8. If you’re looking for something a little more rugged, a camera you’d not think twice about letting the kids use, a video camera to take on holiday or just something to carry around with you to whip out when you spot something worth recording, then the PlaySport should be your weapon of choice.

Review by R. Evans:
Excellent value for money, i find it great for just picking it up and filming my kids playing.

Picture quality superb at 720p 60fps

Battery life not brilliant, long videos 20+ mins and half flat, and it gets hot

Would recommend none the less

Review by L. Birch:
Very pleased with this pocket video camera,particularly as it was comparetively cheap to buy. Slips easily into a handbag or pocket, so can be with you for the unexpected shot. Suprisingly good images produced from indoor recording (far better then my previous video camcorder)and good sound reproduction. Neat and simple to use. Internal memory only recorded a minute or two film footage, but the SD card slot enables lengthy film to be recorded when using a card. Using the supplied software able to copy recording onto DVD using a computer. Using enclosed leads can replay directly onto TV or record to DVD using recordable DVD player, however when recording directly onto DVD player you get onscreen indicators of the length of each film clip.

It is good that it takes ordinary/rechargeable AA batteries, though when copying onto disc via the computer it would have been an advantage to have a mains power lead

Review by Bm Levitan:
I bought this as a gift for my daughter who was going to Japan on a volunteer placement. She wanted something small and light that would take video and still shots and which was relatively cheap and easy to get storage. This fits all of those criteria really well and I would highly recommend it if that’s what you’re looking for.

She’s been using it for over four months now and is very pleased with it. So as an easy to use device for which you can easily buy additional storage, you can’t fault it. However don’t expect it to work wonders: it isn’t a professional-level camera either for video or still photography.

Review by M. D. Harris:
Since the Flip arrived there’s been a bit of a glut of compact hi-def video cameras hitting the market. I’ve been lucky enough to sample a couple of these cameras (by Sony and Kodak) and having tried this Samsung I’d have to say they’re all pretty close in ability with only the gimmicks (the Sony’s rotating lens and Kodak with it’s weather proofing) separating them.

Samsung throws slow motion video into the mix, but the fact that it’s low-def limits it’s appeal. It is however very light and compact. Video quality is ok and comparable to the others (and again low light video quality is pretty ho-hum). The still camera boasts 10 megapixels but is no match for a decent quality dedicated still digital camera. Other limitations are digital zoom (which is also a handicap with all it’s direct rivals) and does not work when set to 1080p. Setting it to 720p allows the zoom to activate and doesn’t seem to affect video quality too much.

One last thing worth noting is the touch sensitive buttons, which are a bit to easy to press by accident as they to lack any tactile feedback. Aside from that the Samsung U10 is a decent addition to the ultra-compact video camera market.

NB. This camera comes with no memory card or internal memory – so you’ll need to buy an SD card to use it.

Review by A. Marczak:
Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R15QC0CIC754F5 I uploaded a video, so you can see how this camera performs in certain conditions.

Good things:

looks good

nice and light

switches on quickly

time lapse photography

tripod attachment

Bad things:

no lens protection

fiddly menus

still pictures only good if you are standing stock still in broad daylight

no possibility for spare battery

files not compatible with Corel

rubbish in low light

Review by Gadget Fan:
I really like this new version of the vado HD. It is significantly smaller than the previous version, and in my opinion looks much nicer. The reason I have given it 4 stars rather than 5 is purely because of two minor annoyances. One is that capacity has dropped to 4GB from 8GB, and secondly that the lens angle is slighty (very slightly) less wide.

Both of those I can forgive, as I never actually got anywhere near 4GB when I used the previous gen vado (1st gen). To my mind this captures slightly more detail, which would make it worth it alone. I love the smaller size, it makes it even more convenient to use. The buttons I like as well, no old fashioned pushing! More like the controls on the PS3, simply place your finger on them and they respond.

The other thing I love, which is the same as previous versions, is how the software runs from the device. So I can use the vado central editing stuff wherever I go, without having to install it on a pc (it works on both macs and pcs).

UPDATE:

Having used this for a few weeks now I can confirm that video quality seems much improved. Am very impressed with the quality, and it wasn’t like I was unhappy with the first gen version I had before this. Also the battery seems to last longer, although I suspected that my last one was particularly bad. Have found the camera button very useful, so long as there is good light – as there is no flash.

Review by Gadget Fan:
I really like this new version of the vado HD. It is significantly smaller than the previous version, and in my opinion looks much nicer. The reason I have given it 4 stars rather than 5 is purely because of two minor annoyances. One is that capacity has dropped to 4GB from 8GB, and secondly that the lens angle is slighty (very slightly) less wide.

Both of those I can forgive, as I never actually got anywhere near 4GB when I used the previous gen vado (1st gen). To my mind this captures slightly more detail, which would make it worth it alone. I love the smaller size, it makes it even more convenient to use. The buttons I like as well, no old fashioned pushing! More like the controls on the PS3, simply place your finger on them and they respond.

The other thing I love, which is the same as previous versions, is how the software runs from the device. So I can use the vado central editing stuff wherever I go, without having to install it on a pc (it works on both macs and pcs).

UPDATE:

Having used this for a few weeks now I can confirm that video quality seems much improved. Am very impressed with the quality, and it wasn’t like I was unhappy with the first gen version I had before this. Also the battery seems to last longer, although I suspected that my last one was particularly bad. Have found the camera button very useful, so long as there is good light – as there is no flash.

Review by F. J. Hartnell:
I have used this high definition camcorder of mobile phone dimensions for recording guitar pieces and people speaking. The video and the sound quality are excellent. Putting videos onto youtube with the camera’s software is straightforward as is editing the videos.

You plug the camera straight into your computer via a flip out USB jack and you can then work with your vids while the camera is charging.

There are two tiny niggles with the camera. As is often the case, in the paper instructions one of the procedures does not give the right button to press to do something(see later for correct order). Once you have cracked this everything is very easy. Secondly when using the camera’s own software rather than another upload programme to transfer videos to youtube, an irritating message is embedded on your youtube video saying ‘recorded on (date) on a flip mino camcorder’(or words to that effect)which stays there even if you delete it on the youtube upload set up. I have managed to get rid of this once or twice and will eventually suss out how to avoid this or use another upload programme for transfer.

Now that youtube is doing HD vids the quality of the HD recording is not diminished by uploading to a lower format.

Unlike it’s Kodak counterpart, this camera can be stood on a flat surface because the designers were smart enough not to put the attachment for the handcord on the bottom surface. There is also a standard tripod thread and the small Gorillapod tripod works well.

Switch on, frame the shot, press the red button to start and finish recording. Press bottom right then top left to view. Press the trashcan, bottom left and top left to erase ( these buttons move the cursor to yes). Use the plus and minus signs to zoom when recording – if you must – and to adjust volume when playing back. The camera will switch itself off if you leave it standing for more than about 30 secs.

When plugged into the computer a white light on the usb jack flashes until charged then stays on all the time. Remember to press your ‘safely remove device’ button on your computer toolbar before removing the camera from the USB socket, just in case…

The best piece of gear for me. Well thought out and not complicated but beautiful results. Expect to pay around £170 with delivery included. I would not buy this particular product from the US. Get a proper import designed for the UK.

Review by cbrynr:
The Flip Mino HD is a mobile phone sized camcorder which records in a high definition format. It doesn’t need tapes, discs or batteries and is small enough to slip into your pocket. It does come very nicely packaged in a compact box which seems designed to remind you just how small this camcorder is.

In use it is incredibly simple to operate – my technophobe wife loves it and can use it very easily. In fact, because it’s so simple I could happily let my small nieces hold it without worrying that they might press the wrong button or damage it somehow. Although the picture quality isn’t perfect it is very good for a small lens unit such as this one, and it adapts quickly to low light levels – in some situations it gave more detail in low light than I could make out by sight. The sound quality is very good too and it picks out conversations quite well even in noisier surroundings. It can be hand held, stood up on it’s flat bottom or used on a tripod.

There aren’t any software discs to worry about as everything is stored in the camcorder for you to use if you want, or you can just copy and paste the files to play another way on your computer. However, I did have some problems playing the HD videos on my computer – using Quicktime Player it couldn’t handle the HD clips without some jerkiness, and the best results were obtained by simply connecting it up to my television. One very important thing to note is that the Mino Flip is TOUGH – it was accidentally dropped about four feet onto concrete slabs and the only damage is a small scratch on the corner – and it still works perfectly!

There is only one real drawback for me – like any other small recording device this unit suffers from camera shake and would benefit from some stability software being installed.

Review by AjM:
A cracking piece of kit, I was a bit sceptical about other reviews that I had read concerning the amazing picture quality but having viewed the results on both my computer and plasma TV I am more than happy with the results.

The Zx1 can capture still pictures as well as VGA, HD & HD60 video with all major cable types (HDMI,AV & USB) supplied so connecting to your PC/TV/Laptop is quick and easy.

The quick start user guide is exactly what it says although a full guide can be downloaded from the Kodak website.

There is no flip out USB conector or protruding lens and the camera literally will fit comfortably in your pocket.

The only slight drawback is that there is no facility to monitor how much memory has been used, however an 8mb SDHC card should store a shed load of video and is also easily repleced should you need to do so.

The Ni-MH batteries supplied do take 12 hours to charge completely but I have an Energizer CH15MN charger that fully charges them in 15 minutes, the camera takes other brands of Ni-MH batteries as well as ordinary AA batteries.

If you are looking to buy a compact, robust, HD video/still camera then I would stongly recommed the Zx1 for incredible value for money and excellent quality in both the style and the picture quality.

Review by Malcolm O. Dell:
I went ‘viral’ checking every single you tube clip of ZX1 video samples and samples from it’s competitors – as you can guess I came to a contented conclusion and bought a ZX1.

The main competitor was the Creative Vado HD in my book; what put me off was the protruding lens and it’s internal battery (Kodak takes easy to find AAs) as well as the Vado being a bit dearer. The Kodak also comes with a multitude of leads – HDMI, USB, Stereo to USB.. fantastic.

The camera is reasonably intuitive but you must go online to view the detailed instructions – nothing in the box tells you how to enter the setup menu – set the clock or change from PAL to NTSC (hold two buttons down simultaneously). I am also a little disappointed that I can’t find anything that points me to an indicator of remaining memory, either internal or on SD card – perhaps someone else can answer that one.

Image quality is amazing for such a small device. In VGA mode I really couldn’t believe such a small lens produces such crisp and well reproduced colours. Whilst filming our little black dog Howie, the TV in the background is just stunningly sharp.

I have no hesitation in recommending the ZX1.

Review by William J. Reid:
wow. this is the fastest delivery i have ever got, the item was well packed, it is great value best price, it works great I was amazed,everything you need is in the box even a battery in case you need one,it is very easy to install so treat yourself and keep a eye on your home my best purchase on line,

this seller is 5* thanks

Review by Paul Wareing:
The camera body itself is approximately a three-quarter-inch cube, with trailing aerial and power lead, for either the supplied mains adaptor, or a 9v battery (also supplied, which was nice!). The receiver is mains powered and gives both audio and video outputs via phono connectors (but the camera doesn’t have a mic, so won’t transmit sound). You’ll need a capture device to plug it into a PC, but other displays (such as a TV) should work directly.

I now have a Character Options Doctor Who 12-inch RC Supreme Dalek with added Web Cam. Lovely