But hold up.. I used the camera all weekend.. filmed hours and hours of footage. A few times I ran into new problems. First, on a few occasions the video got crazy wavy like I was doing a Waynes World flashback! The wavy lines were noticeable when I was filming. Also when this happened I heard a slight static noise.. listen and watch.
EXAMPLE:
Next twice the video and audio went out of sync. This was noticed on the actual camera before transferring it to my computer when reviewing what I had filmed.
EXAMPLE:
Now Kodak said they were going to look into it.. but with so many bugs still on their plate like the zoom causing the picture to go dark and 1080p jitters I think most of us gave up on this camera awhile ago. I still hold on to mine, but just know what you’re getting into if you decide to jump on this camera.
upgraded my zi8 to 1.06 and am experiencing the same problems…audio and video are horribly out of sync. hope they come up with a fix or i’m returning it.
Hi..I happened upon your blog while reviewing pocket camcorders.
I am glad I landed on your review for the Zi8.
Ok..this is probably a stupid question..but I know nothing about electronics.
I am looking for a video camera with a great picture..size doesnt matter(he he he)
I need one like the pocket camcorder that you can just plug into the computer and download the video directly on the computer. I dont want to mess with dvd’s and tapes as I dont have fancy schmancy video editing software. Am I making and sense? Or I could be just rambeling. Thanks for your help in advance!!!
man i really wanna buy this cam. but its way too buggy. is there any place where we can read an official press release or something about these problems directly from kodak?
if not, i’ll just get an ultra/mino hd
Hi .. I have only had my Zi8 for a week i have installed the firmware update 1.06 mine was 1.03 and the only problem that i previously appeared to have was the jerky zoom now seems much smoother.
The main feaure that seems to be missing is the ability to plug the camera into a TV and view all the clips sequentially without constantly having to choose the next clip and to press play. I just wondered if anyone knows how to view all the clips at once?
I just upgraded from 1.03 to 1.06. I have a 4 gig memory card in it. Before the upgrade 720p at 60fps. I had 41 minutes on the card. After the upgrade I lost 10 minutes of record time.
What card are you using? I think many of the problems that you are describing are similar to the issues that are experienced when the card that is in the camera is too slow to accept the incoming recording. I have a 15 mb/s write card …it is fine. The CAT 4 cards are too slow for this camera. With a maximum write speed of 9 mb/s this camera pushed alot of data to a card.
I am running a Sandisk Ultra II SDHC card …it has a 15mb/s write ….seems to work fine …… also ….keep in mind that this is a $ 175 camera … so it isn’t fair to compare to more expensive alternatives …
The best video camera in the world is the one you have with you. With the ease of use and form factor … this one is a fantastic purchase.
Hey there, I just picked up the kodak zi8 and it has jitter in 1080p, really cool fun and easy to use cam. i think it will be a great cam for on the fly interviews etc. I do have a roblem with the jitter though. i havent tested it too much. who would i write to at kodak for this issue, did this happen in earlier versions of the cam? Has anyone figured out if its in the m4 encode on the fly, perhaps processing issue?
Hello,
I’m not so happy with my Kodak Zi8
Vertical Lines on 720/60>>zoom problems choppy working >>jello effect immage ( shaking immage )>>verry poor immage stabilisation,I can see no difference between on/off
I have the firmware 1.03 ….the latest firmware is now 1.06…..but i find on the internet also other problems with the 1.06….like.>>> sync problems sound..immage //.immage by zooming is getting dark.etc.
A lot of customers are stil waiting for a good working firmware;
.
Please kokak >>> First solved the Zi8 problems before we can find the new zx3 in the stores.
regards from Belgium
Hey there Brian. It’s worrying that so many folks have had problems with the Zi8. I actually bought one a couple of days ago. Tested indoors and outdoors – loved the results. Updated the firmware to 1.06 and have yet to have any problems – however.
I don’t use it for full HD 1920 x 1080 as I have a Panasonic full HD camera for that (which came with a hefty price tag to match the far superior results), so for me the Zi8 is simply for using as it it designed for – being a pocket camcorder to capture those impulse moments at times when it wouldn’t be appropriate to lug around an expensive camera and kit.
Secondly – I NEVER use digital zoom. By doing so you are degrading the picture quality. Try moving closer to the subject – if at all possible.
And – I don’t expect mind blowing results. As someone above (Scott Brooks) pointed out, it is a low cost camera. It is not $500 or $1,000 camcorder. Look at the size of the lens and compare that to the size of the lens on a camera that costs 4 times as much…
Hi – Zi8 with 1.06 upgrade – jittery picture not really usable as a finished project to dvd disc…..I also use an old Panasonic 3 chipper running mini dv tape – big difference in price but oh what a camera/picture – smooth as silk – The zi8 will only be used for the non essential quick grab opportunity shots as I will not down grade my quality of video – standards have dropped to an all time low and I for one do not wish to lower my standards – the zi8 is a great purchase for the money but not for any kind of serious use. Best wishes to all.