Using your mobile..??? NO!! recording your moves (Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera)

Member Name: blissman70

Product:	Kodak Zx1 Pocket Video Camera
Date:	02/10/09 (52 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: compact, nice looking, good results and so easy to use

Disadvantages: small internal memory and tricky control buttons to begin with

Firstly, I have to say that although I do own a few digital cameras I am in no why an expert in figuring what makes them tick. I may be able to take a picture which is good enough to see what the lens was aiming at but if you asked me how the camera actually managed to snap that image then I'd be as confused as a baboon on the Krypton Factor.
But, I do want to tell the world about a certain little camera which I have recently had the pleasure of using due to, luckily for me, an unfortunate incident which happened to my work colleague. (may I wish him a speedy recovery)

Anyway, due to his work load and the fact he was unable to complete a very important project he asked me to carry on where he had left off, giving me his documentation and this rather tasty looking camera, which at first I was a little bit confused at what it actually was.
I know I must have looked a little more confused than I meant to as he was soon explaining about how the camera works rather than what work he needed finishing off, but after a few minutes of what he called 'intense tuition' I was confident that the camera and I would soon be close friends indeed, a lot closer than the task he wanted me to complete would do.

So, with the files under one arm and the camera in my jacket pocket I was away on a favour for a work colleague and a close friend, (one in the same person).

** Brief specifications for the Kodak Zx1

* 1.6Mp video camera
* 3Mp still camera (JPEG)
* 2 inch LCD screen
* 2 x digital zoom
* Automatic white balance exposure
* MOV, AAC LC video file format support
* Ni-MH rechargeable batteries (which are included)
* 128 MB internal memory
* SD/SDHC card capability
* Size: 50.1x20x107mm;
* Weight: 140g (approx)
* Built in microphone, (although no external microphone socket)
* Internal speaker


** IN CONCLUSION...

Firstly may I say that as my colleague is still not able to use this camera due to him still being a little... 'off colour', shall we say, I am still in possession of this little beauty, now using it for my own 'projects' after finishing his, much to his satisfaction may I add. So, I have had a little more experience using this than I would have, therefore I feel I can give a good enough verdict about a camera as seen through the eyes of an amateur photographer.

Anyway, when I initially used this I was a little sceptical about the quality of the images it would produce, basically because I needed to take images that would be presentable and clear. But as my friend had already started using this for his 'project' I could only assume that he was happy with me continuing to do so.
So when I began actually using it, once I had mastered the tricky buttons, a was amazed by the cracking results it achieved.
Once I had taken the required footage I found it simple to put the information onto my PC, via the HDSD card rather than using the micro USB cable, and once on the PC I was quite amazed at the quality of the shots taken.
The video footage was crystal clear, as were the images, although some shots were a little grainy when taken in low light, but most were good enough to go onto the finished projects creating some rather remarkable footage, although the camera was only the spawn needed to create the finished project, but a good finish needs a good start.

It is such a compact video/still camera, being just slightly bigger than a 'oldish' style mobile phone, it is so easy to actually carry around, almost like having a second, if slightly larger mobile in your jacket pocket which you use as just a camera.
The one I am using is a nice black colour with a few red additions, mainly the buttons which do look like something from a 'Startrek' control panel, but I do believe it also comes in red with a few black additions.
Speaking of the control buttons, they may look a bit 'out there' and I did find them a bit tricky at first, with them being almost level on the surface, feeling like tiny rubber stoppers under your finger as you press them, but after a few goes I was soon pressing the right buttons quicker than whippet on a hot tin roof.

It does have a bit of a 'small' internal memory, being 128MB, but as you can slot a few GBs of extra memory via an SD or HDSD card into it this lack of in built memory is not that disappointing.
The viewing screen may be a little on the small size, 50mm (2 inch), but the image it shows is as clear as day, giving you a cracking view of what the lens is aiming at.

I do know, and so does everyone really, there are so many video cameras on the market these days, some a little cheaper than this and several more expensive than this, but for the price of this pocket size camera you will certainly feel that you have netted a bargain.

The prices average around the £130- £150 region, but for this you apparently get camera, cables, a mains charger, a pair of NiMH rechargeable batteries, a wrist strap and a carry pouch. (I say 'apparently' as this is what I was given when I borrowed the camera).


** Other information... which I can not personally verify

There is in built software, namely the Arcsoft MedialImpression, but as I never used this I just would not like to comment on it.

It does claim to be water resistant but as I never had to use it in the rain I can not comment on that either.
But remember, water resistant is not the same as water proof so don't be going swimming with it.

** Be warned...

You do need to buy a SD/HDSD card to get the most out of this camera as the internal 128MB of memory is pretty weak indeed and can only store a small amount of video footage and still images.

In all, a brilliant little pocket size camera which will help with keeping those precious moments alive forever.

Summary: James bond would be so proud of this one...

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