I love taking pictures — but only when I’ve got a camera that’s small enough to keep in my coat pocket and cute enough not to make a big deal of taking pictures. So when I got sent the KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera to test-shoot for a month, I was excited, and not just because it was pink. It was as small as my BlackBerry and combined a camera and video camera all in one.
While my friend queried why I’d bother carrying it around when I already had my BlackBerry, I saw the difference instantly when using the video camera. Not only was the picture bright and featured a variety of colours (rather than that blue-grey haze of most video features on phones), but the sound quality was amazing. And I love the ability to switch back and forth between video and still pictures.
The technical stuff is this: 720p HD video capture, a large 2.4-inch LCD screen, and easy-to-use software. Videos can be uploaded to YouTube quickly and easily using the built-in USB and software. With the included video software CD, you can edit videos and add pictures and music to share your creations anywhere. I didn’t get around to figuring out what all this meant, but sending and sharing photos by email was a snap.
Mostly, I like video taping everything my friends are saying, anytime I want.
Shopping info: KODAK Zi6 Pocket Video Camera, $200, at Staples and Best Buy.
