I've had the opportunity to test the Kodak Z16 pocket camcorder, which takes high-def (720p at 60fps, 16:9 aspect ratio) as well as VGA-quality video. It's a compelling alternative to the Flip Mino, which doesn't record high-def but costs the same as the Kodak camera. (Both list for $180.)
Things I like about the Kodak vs. the Flip: The high-def camcorder can store videos and still images on SD cards; the Flip Mino only has internal memory and can't capture stills. The Kodak camcorder uses rechargeable or regular AA batteries; the Flip Mino's internal battery must be recharged and isn't replaceable.
However, here's something I really don't like about the Kodak camcorder. In bright sunlight, you can barely make out what's displayed on its 2.4 LCD screen. Shooting video at the beach on a beautiful day requires a fair amount of guesswork and squinting. This is one of the things that baffles and angers me about portable electronics. Why would you make a compact digital camera or camcorder whose screen washes out in bright sunlight? Don't manufacturers take into account that people like to shoot video and pictures outdoors? Hello? Is anyone home?
By comparison, the Flip Mino's screen is extremely bright and easy to view outdoors on a sunny day. The same is true with the Flip Ultra, the Mino's still-available predecessor. (It sells for $150.)
If the second-generation Z16 has a better screen and slims down a bit (it's bulkier and heavier than the slim Mino), it could be an extremely compelling product. As it stands, I wouldn't recommend it unless you rarely plan to shoot in bright sunlight.
Speaking of which, I snapped the image below with the Z16 at the South Yuba river near Nevada City. It was a bright, sunshiny day, so I just aimed the camera and hoped for the best.
P.S. Pictured below is Monarch, a former show dog who reigns at Harmony Ridge Lodge, just north of Nevada City. A former private residence beautifully transformed by its new owners, the lodge combines rustic charm with guest room appointments that look like something you'd find at a Four Seasons. The rates are reasonable, too, and the lodge is becoming a popular wedding spot, which should tell you something. At night you can sit out in the gardens and gaze up at the stars and the Milky Way. The inn has a secured Wi-Fi network, though it's not accessible from all rooms. My partner and I have been here five or six times already (the lodge just opened a year ago) and are already planning our next stay.
why not just use a regular digital camera to take videos? Most digital point and shooters have video taping ability.
Posted by: Ben | September 19, 2008 at 12:41 PM
Because Ben, most digital P&S cameras have absolutely appalling sound quality.
Posted by: Simon Cornwell | October 11, 2008 at 04:47 AM
and because cameras look like cameras. the z16 looks like a phone and nobody knows you're filming.
Posted by: Jesse | December 30, 2008 at 05:19 PM
Hmm sounds like we will need to wait till the kodak update is out, 2nd generation. Everything else sounds spot on. I can emagine being at a beach and trying to catch that majical momant then you find yourself missing it because you cant see the screen. Im sure they will take this on board and get it sorted for the later model
Posted by: cheap camcorder | February 17, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Bought the kodak for use in our special needs school. Took it away on a sking trip to Switzerland last week and found it really easy to use. Have managed to import stills to be used in our art department. Really easy to use nice and light. Which is what we need in our school.
Posted by: Bernie | February 24, 2009 at 04:06 AM
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Posted by: 3ccd Camcorder | March 02, 2009 at 07:27 PM
Wonder when the second generation will come out.
Posted by: Rodney Bracey | March 24, 2009 at 03:23 PM
The Zi6 flip out USB does not work with all desktop computers because of the arrangement of the USB ports. I wish I had known this before I bought it. In order to connect the USB to my Dell computer I would have to remove the monitor. Kodak's solution to this problem is a USB to USB extension cable which sells for 9.99 + 6.50 shipping and handling and appears to only be available online.
Posted by: Helen Motta | April 16, 2009 at 09:08 AM
I purchased the Kodak Z16 pocket video camera and I have had no problems in filming. However the problem occurs when I try to upload the videos onto my computer. They upload, but the software that comes with it is called "Media Impression for Kodak" and when I watch back the videos, everyone's mouths are completely out of time with the footage! And also when I try to import the videos onto windows movie maker, it doesn't work. The films I shoot are saved as a MOV file, does anyone know if I can convert to an MPG file? If not then does anyone know how I can make it compatible with windows movie maker?
Posted by: Ella | August 02, 2009 at 10:12 AM
There is a very easy to use program called Pazera Free Mov to AVI Converter that you can get from Cnet; here is the link:
http://download.cnet.com/Pazera-Free-MOV-to-AVI-Converter/3000-2194_4-10798308.html
Posted by: Patrick | August 22, 2009 at 10:53 AM
You really can not go wrong. These things are so cool and now everyone can capture that special unexpected moment!
Posted by: flood insurance man | September 14, 2009 at 08:06 AM
You think the picture is good and the video is nice, yes, just wait to upload, the software is so lame, try to make a DVD an error will come all the time after waiting an eternity....make a movie and play it (preview) sounds nice, save it and click on easy archive, wait an eternity again, burn on the cd-dvd or whatever you have, then play it, Bum ! sounds just bad, image sometimes freeze. So sad I can't rescue such nice moments a recorded. Please Kodak update/change the software !!
Posted by: Nathaly | September 18, 2009 at 06:00 PM
I know this post is about the Kodak Z16 Pocket Video Camera which by the way I have and just love, but regarding output formats the best way to convert from Kodak's .MOV format to the improved compressing of .AVI is to use Microsoft's free Live Movie Maker. The editing capability is fantastic and provides numerous output formats and direct upload of your finished video to YouTube or other service. Here is a link to the software: http://download.live.com/moviemaker
Posted by: Calvin | October 23, 2009 at 06:04 AM