Kodak Zx1: Hands-On and Video

We were blown away when we reviewed the Zi6, Kodak’s first pocket camcorder, last summer– so much so that it won our Editors’ Choice, and has continued to trump every YouTube cam that’s appeared since. So, we were excited to get our first hands-on with the Zx1 ($149), which debuted this week.

Smaller, Water-Resistant Design

What makes the Zx1 special is that it’s water-resistant (a trend, by the way, we’ve seen from lots of camera companies at CES. Take the Olympus Stylus-Tough line and Panasonic SDR-SW20, a waterproof camcorder, for starters). It’s 30 percent smaller than the Zi6, which we faulted for being so large, and also feels less delicate: the ports, for instance, are all covered in rubber. It’s available in five colors, including our favorite, the deep burgundy you’ll see in this video. Between the new shape and colors, we think we prefer the new design.

Most of the Specs We Love, And Then Some

Like the Zi6, the Zx1 shoots 720p video at either 30 or 60 frames per second, takes 3-megapixel stills, runs on rechargeable AA batteries (included), and has an SD card slot that accommodates cards as large as 32GB.

Although it lacks the Zi6’s dedicated Macro mode and has a 2-inch screen instead of a 2.4-inch one, it makes up for these trade-offs with something better: an HDMI port with an HDMI cable included in the box. Kodak also makes an optional remote allowing you to control the camcorder when it’s hooked up to your TV. We love that you can press a button to watch your 60fps action clips in slow-mo.

Simple Interface, Much Improved Software

Like its big brother, the Zx1 has an easy interface: the up and down arrows also control the digital zoom, and there are clearly labeled buttons for deleting and playing back photos. Kodak has added a few features to the playback menu: for one, videos appear as thumbnails. And if you press the playback buttons the second time you can view your videos as a timeline.

One of the few faults we found with the Zi6 was that the software came on a disc, and was limited. Now, the software comes on-board, a-la Pure Digital’s Flip series, and it’s more robust, to boot. In addition to trimming clips, users can add transitions and other effects. The interface, too, is as streamlined as can be.

The Zx1 won’t ship until April (almost in time for warm weather and waterside sports), so until then, when we’ll get a review unit, enjoy our hands-on video after the jump.