Kodak ZI8 Camcorder Makes Full HD Recording Affordable

Kodak has introduced a nifty little camcorder, the ZI8, which looks like a candybar mobile phone but which is in fact a full HD (1080P) ultracompact model that retails for less than $180.

The mini camcorder also has face detection and image stabilisation, a must for a recording device this size, plus the pull-out USB plug introduced by Flip. The ZI8 can record videos with a resolution of 1920x 1080 pixels at 30fps and up to 10 hours of HD content on a microSD memory card.

Other features include a 2.5-inch LCD display, a SDHC card slot capable of supporting 32GB, a 4x digital zoom and even the option to upload your footage to social networking website, Facebook or to Youtube.

The camera can capture 5-megapixel still pictures (it doesn't have a flash) and is compatible with both Windows and Mac systems. Users will be able to use an external microphone thanks to the built-in jack and connect the device to HDMI equipped television sets.

The ZI8 will be available in the US from September in aqua, raspberry and black and the SRP price in the UK is expected to be around £150.