Kodak delivers compact, rugged mini camcorder

Posted by Lori Grunin
ARTICLE PUBLISHER: http://ces.cnet.com/8300-19167_1-100.html?authorId=163

Showing it's serious about the mini camcorder market, Kodak rolls out a sibling model for its nice, but somewhat clunky, Zi6, the smaller and weather resistant (IP43 certified) Zx1. It's 30 percent smaller than the Zi6, but the trade-off is a smaller 2-inch LCD.

In many ways it's the same, however. It uses the same sensor, but a different image processor, to shoot its 60 frames per second 720p video, and also offers a VGA mode and still-capture mode. Kodak says it's tweaked the low-light performance, improved the exposure, and decreased lag time for stills. And good news: unlike the Zi6, the Zx1 lets you delete all, format the memory card, and turn off the sound. Those capabilities will be available in a firmware upgrade for the Zi6. Yay!

The Zx1 has a smaller LCD than the Zi6.(Credit: Kodak)

Unlike other HD models, the Kodak Xx1 supports HDMI and even bundles a cable. It lacks onboard memory, and the SD card is optional, though it ships with AA NiMH batteries and a charger. Unlike the Zi6, but as has become standard for the category, the software comes built into the device. It uses the same H.264 codec as the Zi6, so the files are Mac compatible, but the software isn't.

The Zx1 also comes in more colors than just the black and pink of the Zi6--it adds blue, red, and yellow. It's slated to ship in early April for $149.95.

RCA unveils new budget HD minicamcorder, the EZ209HD

Posted by David Carnoy

Article published here: http://ces.cnet.com/8300-19167_1-100.html?authorId=146

In the minicamcorder market, last year RCA pretty much played second or third fiddle to Flip Video and Kodak, with Creative recently making a late charge. Well, RCA hopes to change all that with its new Small Wonder EZ209HD, which carries the bargain price of $120 and is due out sometime this spring.

This model is smaller and sleeker than previous Small Wonders, integrates a microSD card slot rather than an SD card slot (it accepts microSD cards up to 16GB), and retains a not-too-puny 2-inch LCD. Like the Creative Vado HD, the EZ209HD also incorporates an HDMI output so you can connect the camcorder directly to your HDTV to view your clips in their full glory.

Like competing mini-HD models, the EZ209HD records up to two hours of video on a single charge. It captures video at HD and SD resolutions at up to 60 frames per second. It also captures 8 megapixel still images, but like with all budget minicamcorders, both video and still quality don't measure up to what true HD camcorders and still cameras can produce. Still, this is an impressive price for these specs and should put some pressure on Flip Video to lower the price of its Mino HD. Of course, we'll have to wait to see if the video quality has improved along with the design of the camcorder.