I got a email from Kodak announcing their new picket video camera the Zi8 ($180) http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=9/13061/15340&pq-locale=en_US.

I'm looking to replace my crappy $29 pocket camcorder, so I've been looking for a replacement. I posted a couple of weeks ago about the ZOOM Q3 ($249) http://www.samsontech.com/products/productpage.cfm?prodID=2020.

The Zi8 will film in HD 1080p video, the Q3 doesn't, both can take 10hrs of video using a 32GB SD card. The Q3 has the same stereo mics as the ZOOM H4n, the Zi8 has a mono on-board mic, but has a Mic-in jack for stereo mic.

I already have a pair of stereo binaural mics from Core Sound http://www.core-sound.com/mics/1.php that I used with Sony mini-disc recorder (it has since died). These should work just as well with Zi8, but will the audio sound better than the ZOOM Q3.

I guess it depends how what ones as far as video and/or hi-res audio.

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Tony Houston

I bought my wife a Zi6 about a month ago. It works quite well.

I'm still trying to find the best way to make a DVD (that'll play on standard DVD players) from what one films. I like the NCH software (to convert formats and edit, etc). I'm still experimenting.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

This is the camcorder I have a Vuescape http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4523617&sku=F93-1014, it came with Arcsoft VideoImpression 2 software http://www.arcsoft.com/public/.

After I shoot any footage, I take out the SD card, put in my 7 slot memory card reader, and drag out the video file. Here I open up Arcsoft, load the footage as new project, and the Arcsoft software converts the footage, I convert mine Microsoft AVI format.

The reason being, is that I use the free Microsoft Window Movie Maker http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/updates/moviemaker2.mspx to create titles and edit any footage. I used it for my grand-daughter's grad party. You can have WMM output the footage as a MPEG2 file for a DVD that will play on any stand-along DVD player.

I also used the WMM software to make my footage Youtube 'friendly'.

With the DVD burner in my computer, I find TDK DVD+R will play in 99% of the DVD players I made for people. I used to have a home business where I converted VHS/camcorder footage to DVDs for people.

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Tony Houston

I wasn't real impressed with the ArcSoft software that came with our Kodak Zi6. But I just opened it and it wants to download an update (maybe an upgrade), so I'll give it more chances.

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Member #26797
My other guitar is a Strat.

Hey Tony,
I have the i6... its pretty good, but keep in mind its not a high res thing. ok for youtube etc. I use a Mac with Imovie or Idvd software.
Bill

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Hey, Boy Blue is back!

I wasn't going to use the software, just the WMM software, but with 'raw' film file, it wouldn't load in WMM, so I used ArcSoft software to convert AVI format.

I also have Ulead VisualStudio http://www.corel.com/servlet/Satellite/us/en/Product/1175714228541#versionTabview=tab1&tabview=tab0 that came bundled with my ADS DVD Xpress external video capture device http://www.adstech.com/products/USBAV-709-EF/intro/USBAV-709_intro.asp?pid=USBAV-709-EF.

I must have converted over 500hrs of VHS footage, and music shows on cable to DVD, using the combination.

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Tony Houston

The i8 will record in HD, I would like to take something better than what I have to James Burton Guitar Fest, but I don't think either recorder will be out in two weeks.

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Tony Houston

I enjoyed your YouTube videos with the "crappy" one, Tony (didn't even seem all that crappy to me), but looking forward to hearing what this one is like.

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

It the audio is ok in a quiet environment, but like in this video with Shane http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CltKYF7UzdU, you can't hear his audio. I know the internal mic will be overwhelmed at the James Burton Fest.

I know that you can adjust the sound level input gain on the Q3, I have a ZOOM H2 so I'm pretty sure the Q3 mics should work well in a loud environment.

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Tony Houston