Kodak Zi6: Take a Movie, It'll Last Longer

Possibly the most coveted piece of swag from BlogHer last year was the Kodak Zi6 pocket video camera that was featured in the to-die-for SocialLuxe Lounge goody bags. I got a pink one, which is awesome because it pretty much ensures that Bob won't try to steal it. Roo, on the other hand, monopolizes the thing whenever I try to film her with it. It's compact (about the size of a 1st gen iPod) and easy enough for a kid to use, plus it runs on rechargeable AA batteries and comes with a handy wall charger so you never run out of juice. Its screen is big (2.4") and bright enough to see what you're filming even in bright sunlight.

What's really great about the Zi6 is that you push a button to release a USB toggle that allows you to upload your videos without hassling with cords. It comes with proprietary Kodak software that is supposedly very easy to use (and allows you to splice in music and still photos) but I didn't install it because my Mac automatically uploads the videos to iPhoto. And it's not Mac-compatible. You can also use it to take still photos but I think the Zi6 is particularly handy for capturing kids who are a little too fast for still photos! And for documenting every new song they learn:




Disclosure: I received the Kodak Zi6 digital video camera in a goody bag, in case you didn't read the first sentence. I was not asked to write about it but I think it's pretty cool. I hear the newer Kodak Zi8 is even cooler. I can't vouch for that although it looks pretty sleek and possibly more intuitive. But it doesn't come in pink!