Kodak ZxD Pocket Video Camera (Black)

The Kodak pocket video recorder ZxD is easy to use, durable, low cost, youtube ready, and is worth every penny. I have had all types of video recorders, JVC Camcorder, Sony Handy cam and although good products, they were not user friendly and somewhat cumbersome. This ZxD is so user friendly that even my elderly Aunt of 88 found it to be a remarkable camera and wanted to keep it. I would recommend this product to anyone, any age.

Once I decided I needed a pocket-sized video camera, it was between this and the Playsport. I knew I wanted to have the option of recording longer than the Flip allows, and since this camera uses SD cards, that was taken care of. Running on AA's means it's easy to find batteries if you need to (although it chews through regular alkaline batteries pretty fast). The rechargeable AA's it comes with last pretty good, and I'm planning on getting the power adapter cord as well. I work in a dog shelter, and needed a small camera I could always have on me to take video of the dogs. This is perfect, and being weather resistant, I don't have to worry about it if it starts sprinkling when I'm outside taping (nice in the northwest!). We had a Flip donated, so I've been able to compare the two cameras side by side. The Flip has a beautiful, bright screen that is lovely, and a slightly wider angle lens than the Kodak, both of which I like. The built-in USB plug is also nice, as is the soft "velvety" finish, which makes it grip-able without being "sticky". The battery charge also lasts pretty well in the Flip. However, here are the features of the Kodak that have me preferring it:

Taking SD cards gives me a feeling of freedom; I am not limited by time and can record as much as I want.

Weather resistance is fabulous

Easy & quick to change between recording formats (HD, VGA, stills)

Easy to connect to computer or TV to watch video

Ability to slow or speed up playback (with at least 5 speed change options), which I don't think the Flip can do. For my uses, this is a critical feature.

Although the Flip is nice and does have some cool design elements, the functionality of the Kodak, for my uses, makes it far superior to the Flip. I am really glad I bought it.

Buy Kodak ZxD Pocket Video Camera (Black) Now

OK, so this little camera performs. It is easy to use and takes decent looking video. Comes with AA rechargeable batteries AND a charger. Wow, pretty cool.

Also included is a cable to go right into your DV capable TV. Another nice touch. And then you use the USB cable to transfer your videos to your PC. Uh-oh!

Let's face it, even with all the iPod this and iPad that and iPhone yada yada, this is STILL very much a PC world. On most counts well over 90% of users.

So, then you transfer your recorded video from the Kodak ZxD over to your PC in order to do some nice editing (always a plus) and find that OHH, SHOOT.,

The freakin' Kodak records in MOV file format, a proprietary Apple Mac file type that is typically NOT compatible (easily) with the PC. What?!??!

Now, perhaps if you are just a newb sending raw video up to YouGroove and never edit the video first (too bad) this is just fine for you.

But, if you are a budding or hopeful Videographer in training (and don't have a Final Cut ready Mac), then you are going to have some trouble.

For the life of me I cannot figure out why Kodak (of all manufacturers) would use a format that less than 5% of ALL computer users can easily edit.

So far, I like the camera, though I would much prefer that this ZxD used a more standard file format like AVI so that we could edit on a PC.

Kodak, what ARE you thinking?!?!

Read Best Reviews of Kodak ZxD Pocket Video Camera (Black) Here

Long story short: PERFECT for recording college lectures on the cheap. This + gorilla pod + cheap 4gb sd card + power adapter for >1hr lectures = you won't fail biochemistry.

I bought this so I could video record my biochemistry lectures in college. I hold the camera onto my armrest with a gorilla pod and record using the VGA setting. Gets the job done, and for pretty cheap too. And it absolutely saved my [butt] on the last midterm. I would have failed HARD if I hadn't rewatched all the lectures the night before.

My biggest complaint is that the rechargeable batteries just BARELY last long enough to record a 75min lecture. Although it's pretty cool that it comes with a AA/AAA wall charger and good rechargable batteries, I'll probably have to buy an external power adapter. There's only so much power a pair of AA batteries can hold, ya'know? The trade off for the low AA battery capacity is that I won't have to hunt for a proprietary battery a year down the line (like with my point-and-shoot, who's battery is now dead, expensive to replace, and hard to find).

There also isn't much you can do in terms of configuration options. Just the date, volume on/off, and NTSC/PAL. You can switch between pre-set recording qualities to avoid eating the memory card though. VGA = lowest setting (still plenty enough quality to capture the overhead projector), and that's about 1gb per hour (as a .MOV filetype).

The still-picture quality is unremarkable. It looks like my cellphone's built-in 2MP camera. At least it's fast enough to go from turned-off to taking a picture should you need to get the license plate number of someone that almost ran you over while biking to class. Jerk.

The complete lack of a headphone jack is really annoying. Why does this thing have HDMI out AND A/V out, but not a simple headphone jack? Seriously guys?! No watching lectures on the train >=[

I haven't tried the direct HDMI out. No need to. I did take a sample high-def video though, and it's good. It's not DVD quality, not by a long shot, but it's not bad either. I don't care either way it records my lectures and was relatively cheap. I'm happy. And I'm passing biochem. I think.

Want Kodak ZxD Pocket Video Camera (Black) Discount?

I ordered this Kodak ZxD recorder specifically for my Granddaughters birthday party. I also purchased an 8G memory card. The ease of operation and the compact size are great. The touch pad is idiot proof. I was very impressed with the video quality. It records well in low light situations. The fact that it operates on two AA batteries is convenient, so battery life isn't an issue. It comes with 2 rechargable AA batteries and charger. Another nice feature is that you can connect the recorder directly to your television for viewing. For the price I think this is a great little video camera.