Kodak Zi6 Camcorder Review

Conclusion
The Kodak Zi6 ($179 MSRP) is a decent camcorder. If you want something extremely small and cheap, but you insist on HD, you can buy it with confidence. The competing option, the RCA EZ300HD Small Wonder, is speeding its way to our offices right now. Read the comparisons below to find out how they stack up on paper.

On the plus side, the Kodak Zi6 is easy to use, feels good in the hand, and ships with good software for uploading to YouTube. Unlike the Flip and most other pocket-sized camcorders, it records in high definition, as well as standard definition. The HD video is undeniably sharper than any of its competitors, and the color performance competes well.

On the down side, the Zi6 failed miserably under our bright tests, which take place under tungsten color temperatures that should be well within the range of a camcorder. As many people's home lighting is the same color temperature, it's something to watch out there. The complete lack of manual controls makes it impossible to correct for. Another potential negative is that if you only plan on using this camcorder for YouTube, why buy an HD camcorder at all? Currently, YouTube doesn't support HD and will automatically squelch your HD video down to a very poor quality when you upload. Granted, there are lots of other sites to which you can upload your movies, but YouTube is the only host accounted for with the included software.

It's also crucial to point out that there is a world of difference between an "HD camcorder" that costs $180 and the traditional, more expensive "HD camcorder," of which we have reviewed dozens upon dozens. Know what league you're batting in before you start.

Overall, the once or twice a year shooter who just wants a camcorder in their pocket on vacation will probably find the Zi6 a fine choice. It's also not a bad option for high school or younger filmmakers who can't afford (or be trusted) with a $1000 device. The Flip is still the simplest and smoothest to operate, but it's certainly not the only kid on the block anymore.

Comparisons

	Pure Digital Flip Mino The undisputed leader in the pocket camcorder market, Pure Digital stripped down what they saw as unnecessary (pretty much everything) and built a very cheap, very simple product. The Kodak Zi6 took that idea and threw in some low-quality HD video (to match the low-quality standard definition video). The result is a camcorder that definitely outperforms the Flip in terms of sharpness and color. The Flip Mino ($179 MSRP) has an arguable lead in finding detail in low light, but the hard numbers make them about even. The Flip retains a few leading qualities. Its interface is much faster and smoother, and the physical size is significantly smaller. Overall, if you're only going to upload to YouTube, get the Flip Mino, because it's a faster, smaller camcorder and the HD video from the Kodak Zi6 will be down-compressed to standard definition anyway. But if you use an online video host that supports HD, or if you want to branch out beyond just internet video, the Kodak produces better video.
	Creative Vado The Creative Vado ($99 MSRP) has few competitive advantages. The video is standard definition only, and the quality is far below that of either the Flip or the Kodak Zi6.
	JVC GZ-MS100 The MS100 ($349 MSRP) is in a different class of camcorder, though it aspires to the same audience as the Kodak Zi6 – yet another camcorder trying to grab a piece of that huge YouTube market. The MS100 can't compete on size, but it offers far more manual controls and better handling. However, the Kodak Zi6's ability to record in HD gives it a major advantage. Expect less sharp images from the MS100, but smoother motion and better compression. This is the choice for serious web videographers on a seriously small budget.
	RCA EZ300HD Small Wonder We have not yet reviewed one of the RCA Small Wonder series of camcorders, but it's same to expect much of the same: small size, low price, mediocre-to-decent quality, and dead simple operation. Like the Kodak Zi6, the EZ300 ($159 MSRP) also records HD video. RCA raises the bar with several additional features: a flip-out lens (yes, you read that correctly, the lens flips out rather than the LCD), a larger 2GB internal memory, and an HDMI connection. On paper, the Small Wonder sounds extremely compelling. Look for the review soon.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters
The Kodak Zi6 is perfect for point-and-shooters who want a no-fuss shooting experience in HD.

Budget Consumers
At $179 (MSRP), there is cheaper to be found, but finding a cheaper HD camcorder is tough. This is a good deal. 

Still Photo / Video Camera Hybrid
Despite the Kodak name, this is far from a well-equipped camera. Look elsewhere.

Gadget Freaks
The Kodak Zi6 does deserve some nerd-buzz, with the cheap price, small size, and HD video. Better still, the video quality is actually decent!

Manual Control Freaks
There are no manual controls, outside of a 2x digital zoom.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists
No.