The Kodak Zi6 and Zx1 - What makes them different and special
After Kodak proudly announced the new KODAK Zx1 Pocket Video Camera at CES in January, the big questions seem to be 1) is the Zx1 a replacement of the Zi6? and 2) what makes them different?
I'd like to help clear up any confusion.
The Zi6 and the Zx1 are complimentary siblings, if you will, happily living side by side. They both have the same basic "genes".
- 720p HD video at 30 and 60 frames per second
- great software to let you edit, personalize and upload to YouTube
- ability to record up to 10 hours of HD video with the SD/SDHC card slot
- included rechargeable AA batteries and charger.
Now for the fun part - what makes each unique and special, and what would drive you to buy one over the other? The answer completely depends on you, your lifestyle and your video needs:
Choose the Kodak Zi6 if you:
- like a larger LCD screen (2.4")
- enjoy shooting close-ups and need a macro mode
- often upload on the go or are prone to losing a USB cable - the Zi6 has a built in USB arm that pops out (the Zx1 comes with a USB cable)
Choose the Kodak Zx1 if you:
- find yourself often in snow, rain, or sandy situations - do you like to ski? do you love the beach? are you planning a trip to the rainforest? The Zx1 is weather-resistant with rubberized ports and a more rugged body to help keep out splashes and sand.
- value the included HDMI cable that lets you watch your videos on your HDTV (the Zi6 has HD and AV cables included).
- could use a remote for recording or sitting back to replay videos on your HDTV. The Zx1 has an IR sensor for its optional accessory remote.
The bottom line is that Kodak wants to provide you with great choices for great video camera products that will meet your needs. Remember, life moves fast so grab it in HD!
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Comments
Posted By: Jennifer Cisney (8/4/2009)
Comment: Richard & Ueli - The Zx1 remote is available here - http://bit.ly/FS9l2.
Posted By: William (7/15/2009)
Comment: Zx1 has female input for DC 5 volt, from optional purchased AC adaptor. Zi6 does NOT have a DC input, power is battery only.
Posted By: John (7/15/2009)
Comment: For the Zx1 it says approximately 20 minutes per 1 GB while recording at 30 fps. No where in the Zi6 description does it say how much can be recorded per gb, so does anyone know if it is the same for both models?
Response: Yes, they both shoot 720p at 60fps so the cards will hold the same amount of video.
Posted By: Cooper (7/14/2009)
Comment: At 720p at 60 fps how much actual video can go on a 4gb SDHC card?
Posted By: joe Machos (6/20/2009)
Comment: Continue to enjoy my Zi6. Captured daughter's HS graduation using it solo - no other camera. Have updated to 1.11, it is great that you support this camera so thoroughly. One questions: How does the lens calibration feature work?
Response: to access lens calibration go to the set up menu - here is how - when the camera is on, press both buttons to access Setup menu
Posted By: Ueli Hebeisen (6/14/2009)
Comment: when will the remote control (and the adventure mount) be available?
I assume the haven't been released yet.
Posted By: Richard Burns (6/8/2009)
Comment: What a shame that the advertised remote control for the zx1 appears to be no longer available
Posted By: Steve (6/2/2009)
Comment: Very helpful post. Is there and error in the 2nd bullet point re. the Zx1, in the parentheses? Should that not say Zx1 rather than Zi6? Or am I just confused about the cables included with each?
I'm down with the commenters who are saying to build all these features into one camera. I'm thinking it would not be all that much $. I so want to buy something Kodak.
Posted By: Jennifer Cisney (5/28/2009)
Comment: Thank you for your suggestions! We are always looking for input on how to improve our future products.
Posted By: Donna (5/26/2009)
Comment: I some what agree with "Long Time Customrt" Why do you do this? ( Oh silly me...to get customers to buy both !) I also want to know why you keep pushing "You Tube" is that the only progam that you can "Upload" to? I don't like "You Tube" !
Posted By: Ron (5/26/2009)
Comment: As it is, I would purchase neither because in my world, I need the features of both cameras. How about building the big screen, HDMI, remote, USB, wi-fi into one camera.
In any economy, the decision to produce these cameras is unwise. Build the better mouse trap and I'll by it. I could be happy with neither of these cameras.
Posted By: Bill Baber (5/26/2009)
Comment: I agree with longtime customer. It would appear Kodak could package the best of both of these products into one great product. Less profit is the motivation for the two products.
Posted By: Long Time Customrt (5/26/2009)
Comment: Poor Kodak, they just can't seem to get it right any more. Let's see - you have one model that is weather resistant, and just made for the outdoors, and another model that has a fragile arm, with no weather resistance, but that is the one you put the macro on? Here is a clue - outdoors shooting provides for lots of great macro opportunities, Uncle Albert's INDOOR birthday party, not so much. A cheaper, non-macro, non-weather resistant, flippy USB arm model, and a more expensive weather resistant macro model would have made a lot of sense, and I would have purchased the expensive model. What you have done is absurd, both from a profitiability/marketing view, and from a product delineation view. Creating two cameras which are neither fish nor fowl is absurd.
Posted By: Simon (5/21/2009)
Comment: Check out my Zi6 strapped to my pushbike! What great colours.
Posted By: Breiti (5/19/2009)
Comment: i get this camera to record my kite stuff, great device, doing a very good job.
Posted By: Gretchen McGrath (4/28/2009)
Comment: Joe - so glad to hear you're enjoying your Zi6! The fashion show looked fantastic :) Thanks for sharing!
Posted By: Joe Machos (4/27/2009)
Comment: Love my Zi6! Just used it extensively for my daughter's 'Recycled' fashion show debut - video at URL below. Mounting the little guy on a tripod and let it fly for 90 minutes of HD60 using available light. I am more than impressed, and now want one of these red versions!
http://www.vimeo.com/4346935
Posted By: Dave Lanzillo (2/9/2009)
Comment: Excellent post. My daughter loves her Zi6 -- and now wants to get a Zx1 to capture her friends snowboarding.