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Upon receiving my new Kodak Zi6 to use for demos in local retail stores, I could hardly contain my excitement!  I thought "What a COOL little video camera!"  I quickly opened the box and got the batteries charging in anticipation of using my new "toy".  I charged the batteries just long enough so that I could test out the new Zi6.  Then, I realized that there was no need to precharge the batteries since they come pre-charged!  A definite bonus!  If only I'd known sooner!  Ah well, it gave me time to look through the packaged contents.

Contents

• Kodak Zi6 Pocket Video Camera
• Wrist strap and pouch
• User guide
• ArcSoft MediaImpression Software
• 2 AA rechargable NiMH batteries
• Battery charger
• HD and AV cables

Ease of Use

Like all Kodak products, this one fits the description of "Ease of Use".  The buttons and controls were simple and clear enough that I did not have to consult the included user guide to start producing video.  I simply turned the camera on using the switch located at the top of the device and pressed the red record button in the middle front beneath the Kodak logo.  When I was done recording, I pressed the same red button and VOILA, video of my cats being cats.

Reviewing my video was just as intuitive.  Loke on most Kodak digital devices, it is the same "play" button that most people are familiar with.  To delete, just grab you unwanted video and press the button that looks like a garbage can.  Really, in all honesty, Kodak could not have made this part more simple.

During playback of a video you can pause, fast forward and rewind at 2x, 4x, 8x and 16x speed or view in slow motion.  To stop your video, press the "square" button.  From here, you can use the joystick to switch to the next video.

Just the Facts Ma'am

Press the review button again and you are back in video making mode.  There are four modes:

1. VGA - Web ready
2. HD - 30 fps (default when powered on)
3. HD60 - 60 fps
4. Camera - for snapshots (3mp)

• You can view your video on an HDTV in 720p, 60 fps at 16:9 ratio.  Pretty cool!  Especially since both HD and AV cables are included.
• It has an integrated USB jack.  This works great if you are using a Notebook computer.  Not so great however, if you're using your desktop PC.  I attempted to connect the device to my friend's tower, but the USB ports on her computer are inset and the integrated USB jack just didn't fit.  Bummer!  My PC tower is not designed this way so, I was able to get the jack into the port.  Unfortunately, it hung off the front of my computer pulling on the USB port.  I had to hold it in place with my right hand while I fumbled with my left hand to maneuver the mouse.  Awkward!  There are options so, I connected my USB hub.  Side note: Just make sure your Zi6 is powered ON when you plug it into your computer port!  If it's OFF, nothing will happen.  Duh!  My bad!  I didn't read the user guide, remember?
• Your video can be uploaded directly to YouTube or you can use the editing software included.  About the software; ArcSoft MediaImpression for Kodak - Designed specifically for Kodak.  This version is for video editing only and is unavailable currently for download.
• It's 2.4" LCD is clear and bright.  Great inside and out!
• The lens is a 4.2mm, f/2.8 fixed focus lens for sharp clear shots.
• It takes SD and SD HC (up to 32 GB) cards with an easy access card slot on the side of the device.  Take note; My computer's memory card ports do NOT recognize SD HC cards.  How frustrating!  When my computer was built, they had not created the high capacity SD cards.  Zoinks!  Hopefully, you won't have this problem.  But, even if your computer is a dinosaur (4 years old) like mine, don't let this stop you.  Remember, you can use the integrated USB jack.

Uploading to YouTube - using MediaImpression for Kodak

First, create an account with YouTube, then when you open the software, you can choose the Upload to YouTube option right from the start screen in the software.  From here, choose your video, enter the title, description and tags and select Upload to YouTube.

It took 13 minutes to upload a one-minute video recorded in HD30 on a High Speed DSL internet connection.  The software gave me a message that the video had been uploaded successfully to YouTube, but did not take me to my YouTube account.  I had to open my browser and to to the YouTube website where I logged into my account.  My video was there and processing.  It took approximately another 10 minutes to process the video.  Once processed, i could view the video from within my YouTube account.  If you make your video Public, it may take a day or two for your video to be found on YouTube by searching the title.  You also have the option of making your video Private, viewable by up to 25 people.  All-in-all, this was a relatively painless process.  But, keep in mind, the longer your video, the more time consuming this process is.  Also, YouTube has a maximum of a 10 minute long video or 1GB.

Editing Video - using MediaImpression for Kodak

This is surprisingly simple!  Select your video and choose Make a Movie.

You can add several videos to your movie and add transitions.  Unfortunately, the software is pretty basic so, there are no cool transition effects.  If you want to get creative, you'll have to buy separate video editing software.

In Summary

The Kodak Zi6 is pretty cool!  If fits in your pocket or your purse so, you don't have to go anywhere without it.  I like that!  And, it's easier to use than the video feature on your digital camera.  Plus, it's HD!

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