Kodak Enters the Camcorder Market with Zi6

Tag : Batteries Camcorder

An old player in the photography worldentered a new category today. Kodak announced its first camcorder,the Zi6 ($179 MSRP), which appears to be more than minorcompetition for the Flip Mino ( Specs , Recent News , $0.00 ). Not content with merely YouTube-quality video, the new Kodak Zi6records in 720P HD video.

Looking remarkably like a cell phone, the Zi6 features a 2.4-inchLCD on a back, and a fixed focus lens on the front. Unlike theFlip, there is no internal memory. Video is recorded to an SD orSDHC cards, up to 32GB in capacity. It appears that the camcorderdoes not include any memory with purchase. Also unlike the Flip,the Zi6 is powered by removable AA batteries. The Flip Mino has anon-removable internal battery.

The addition of HD video is an interesting development. Early reports indicate that the video quality is good. If it’s true, Kodakmay be able to satisfy two user groups with a single product. Manyconsumers are tired of camcorders that are too expensive or toocomplicated, but still want home movies that look good on theirHDTVs. But the Kodak Zi6 also offers a standard definitionrecording option, intended for upload to YouTube and elsewhere. Of course, no “YouTube camcorder” is complete withoutsoftware that allows you to upload video to your favorite videosharing site. The Kodak Zi6 ships with Arcsoft Media Impressions.The press release indicates that this is installable software,rather than the built-in software of the Flip.

The new Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera

In order to buffer itself against the presumably low margins onthis category of super-budget camcorders, Kodak launched thecamcorder with a host of accessories at the ready, including memorycards, a battery charger, tripods, and camera bags. The Kodak Zi6 retails for $179 and will be available in lateSeptember.