Kodak's Zi6 is a pocket-sized video camera aimed at the YouTube generation, allowing you to record high-definition video on the move. It's a tidy design sporting a 2.4-inch screen and, although it's a little larger than we were expecting, it fits comfortably into the palm of the hand.

It offers a 2x digital zoom, which is really just a token effort, plus macro mode and a choice of video modes at up to the equivalent of 720p HD resolutions, as well as still image shooting at 3-megapixel resolution.

Switching between the various functions of the camera is pretty easy, mainly because there's really not a lot to it. A central directional control flicks between the still camera and a choice of VGA, 60fps and 30fps 720p modes. Content can be viewed instantly on the LCD display and there's a built-in speaker that offers audio accompaniment to previews.

The Zi6 takes rechargeable AA batteries and two are provided along with a mains charger in the box. There's 128MB of built-in memory but only 30MB of this is available for storage, so you'll need to pick up an SD card (up to 32GB) separately to expand this.

Photo and video content can be viewed in either standard or high definition mode through a television using the composite or component cables provided, with ports on the device to hook it up directly. Alternatively you can access the media files through a computer thanks to the flick-out USB plug that is housed neatly in the side.

Digital photos can be difficult to snap cleanly without a tripod but image quality is fairly good if you're careful. Video quality is certainly of a high resolution but appears a little grainy and the camera sometimes takes a while to adjust when moving quickly between dark and well-lit environments. It's certainly not up to scratch for aspiring film-makers but Kodak's market here seems to be the casual user and, provided you take a bit of care when you're shooting, it should prove adequate.

To help manage files Kodak supplies ArcSoft MediaImpression which, though quite basic, is quick and easy to use. The software allows you to build slideshows of videos and pictures with a handful of transitions available and the ability to add text and music to your finished project before saving it or burning straight to DVD.

A media converter will standardise formats using preset video modes for Kodak, Apple and Sony devices, with batch conversion to quickly convert clips for use on specific players.

You'll also find the ability to import additional media files to the library and in this mode you can automatically rotate photos and fix red-eye to speed things up. You can upload to YouTube directly from the software and enter a title, description and select a category for your video, as well as choosing between public and private views. The file will then be available to view on your YouTube profile and, although there's nothing particularly innovative here, it's a convenient function to have and rounds off the package nicely.

Verdict
Kodak's Zi6 is hardly awe-inspiring but it's a decent pocket solution that's very easy to use, so would suit beginners and those who don't place high demands on image quality. It would benefit from a tripod for snapping photos but is capable of producing decent results and the accompanying software rounds off a tidy all-in-one solution for snapping and sharing media.

Company: Kodak

Contact: 01442 261122

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