Camcorder News

July 10, 2008 – An old player in the photography world entered a new category today. Kodak announced its first camcorder, the Zi6 ($179 MSRP), which appears to be more than minor competition for the Flip Mino. Not content with merely YouTube-quality video, the new Kodak Zi6 records in 720P HD video.

Looking remarkably like a cell phone, the Zi6 features a 2.4-inch LCD on a back, and a fixed focus lens on the front. Unlike the Flip, there is no internal memory. Video is recorded to an SD or SDHC cards, up to 32GB in capacity. It appears that the camcorder does not include any memory with purchase. Also unlike the Flip, the Zi6 is powered by removable AA batteries. The Flip Mino has a non-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, Kodak may be able to satisfy two user groups with a single product. Many consumers are tired of camcorders that are too expensive or too complicated, but still want home movies that look good on their HDTVs. But the Kodak Zi6 also offers a standard definition recording option, intended for upload to YouTube and elsewhere.

Of course, no "YouTube camcorder" is complete without software that allows you to upload video to your favorite video sharing 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 on this category of super-budget camcorders, Kodak launched the camcorder with a host of accessories at the ready, including memory cards, a battery charger, tripods, and camera bags.

The Kodak Zi6 retails for $179 and will be available in late September.