One-Click Video Sharing

THE KODAK Zi8 DROPPED below $200 last week and with Amazon offering free shipment, it seemed like a simple procedure to order the pocket-sized HD camera. Straight out of the box, I charged the little camera and then pointed it at a Sony MiniDisc recorder sitting next to my desk. I stopped recording after a few seconds, plugged the camera directly into my laptop (no cables required) and watched as ArcSoft Connect installed MediaImpression. The splash screen invited me to set up a few social networking sites so I typed in my Facebook credentials, watched Facebook authenticate and then clicked the share button. A few seconds later, my video was sitting inside my Facebook video collection. This is very easy to do and will undoubtedly be granny-proof. Before I take that step, I'm trying to source (1) 32 GB SDHC cards and (2) better CODECs for the Zi8. Several discussion boards suggest the H.264 codec in MOV format isn't friendly for Sony Vegas or Camtasia Studio. Those using iMovie have to export clips in Quicktime by using AIC codec. I'm also gong to install the CoreAVC video codec ("Codec 8.3" from Free-Codecs.com) to see if that solves my issues with Vegas and Camtasia.

Overall, the Zi8 is easy to use, steady in the hand and very welcome with its audio-in capability.

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