Kodak Zx1 Camcorder Review

by Kaitlyn Chantry
Published on Oct 14, 2009 9:40 AM

 
Intro
 Product Tour
Colour & Noise Performance Motion & Sharpness Performance
Low Light Performance Compression & Media
Manual Controls Still Features
Handling & Use Playback & Connectivity
Audio & Other Features Sony MHS-PM1 Comparison
Flip UltraHD Comparison Sanyo VPC-CG10 Comparison
Conclusion Photo Gallery
Specs and Ratings


Introduction
Kodak's Zx1 is a sturdy, water-resistant, ultra-compact budget camcorder. It offers several frame rates for recording video and it can take still photos. The still features are limited, and the 3-megapixel images are mediocre; but it does take stills, unlike any of the Flip camcorders. Instead of the not so practical pop-out USB arm, the Kodak Zx1 includes an HDMI terminal, a USB and AV-out port, and an SD/SDHC card slot—all well protected with rubber covers. Unfortunately, the Kodak Zx1 is not quite as intuitive or streamlined as the Flip camcorders, especially with its unclear button-labels and confusing interface. Nonetheless, the Kodak Zx1 can be a good alternative to the Flip or other ultra-compact camcorders.


(Page 1 of 17) Product Tour

Section The Good The Bad
Product Tour Slender design, comes in five colours Limited flexibility with the small, fixed lens
Colour & Noise Performance Nothing of note Horrible auto white balance system gives images orange tint
Motion & Sharpness Performance Offers 60p and 30p HD recording
 Does not have the sharpness of the competition
Low Light Performance Excellent low light sensitivity, strong colours are more accurate Nothing of note
Compression & Media H.264 codec and MOV files are easy; standard definition recording
 Editing software is not as easy as the competition's
Manual Controls Exposure and focus work fine All adjustments are handled automatically, white balance is horrible
Still Features At least it does have still features...
Features are limited; colour accuracy very bad
Handling & Use Gripped surface and slim design feels good, fairly simple to use
 Menu is nearly impossible to find, button design a little obscure
Playback & Connectivity Comes with an HDMI cable; rubber port covers are great
 Confusing and hard to use controls, we couldn't find the "slow-motion playback"
Audio & Other Features PAL (European) and NTSC (American) output No audio controls, meagre monaural microphone




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