New Kodak Zi8 and mov files

woodchuck · Post by **woodchuck** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:14 pm

I just received a pocket video camera (Kodak Zi8). The files that are transferred to the PC using the supplied Kodak software have .mov as the extension. The clips play in the supplied Kodak video player but not in QT player so I assume they are not Quick Time movies. I don't know what CODEC is used and not sure how to find out.

I cannot import the files into video studio X2 using the capture feature. VS seems to recognize the device but the import button is still greyed out.

I am able to insert the mov file to the timeline but the playback is extremely jerky. It plays like a series of still photos.

Should I try converting the clips to another format using SUPER? If so what output container should I use and what Output Video CODEC should I use?

Perhaps I should mention that the video was shot in HD. The manual says the video is H.264(mov).

I hope someone can help me because unless I can edit this video I believe it is useless.

woodchuck · Post by **woodchuck** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 9:42 pm

I found the solution.

Within the Kodak software (ArcSoft Media Impressions for Kodak) was an option to convert the mov files to .MP4. It is not fast but it worked. The video was fantastic! The audio leaves something to be desired but an external mic can be used.

Hope this is helpful to anyone else who received one of these convenient pocket video cameras.

Post by **Ken Berry** » Thu Dec 31, 2009 11:04 pm

Thanks -- that is indeed potentially helpful to the increasing number of people buying this or similar cameras.

On first reading your thread, I was inclined to believe that your Kodak uses the new AVCHD-Lite format, but on looking at some reviews of the Zi8, I don't think that is the case. Your camera is capable -- according to Kodak -- of capturing 'true 1080p' high definition video, though nowhere could I find the full specification - whether this is 1440 x 1080p or 1920 x 1080p (though perhaps you might be able to offer your own hands-on experience on that...). It is also capable of filming at 720p, by which I understand it to mean 1280 x 720p. And all, as you well know, wrapped up in the .mov extension. However, why they use that extension is beyond me.

The basic point, though, is that X2 has long had problems dealing with 1280 x 720p video. It has also had a variety of problems dealing with the .mov extension, both high and standard definition. And this new 'true 1080p' .mov format of course appeared well after X2 code was written. So I am not particularly surprised that you were having trouble.

So all in all, your experience with the ArcSoft work-around will be useful indeed.

woodchuck · Post by **woodchuck** » Fri Jan 01, 2010 1:41 am

I'm new to this whole "HD' video so I'm not sure about the resolution of the mov file. When using the media converter it is not possible to change anything but the information provided is as follows:
File format = MPEG4
Video Encoding = ArcSoft H264 Encoder
Video Bitrate = 4.0 mbps
FPS = 30.00
Resolution = 1280 x 720
Audio Encoding = ArcSoft AAC Encoding
Audio Bitrate = 128 Kbps
Audio Sample rate = 48KHz

So it looks like the converted file (which is about 1/4th the size of the original file) is 1280 x 720.

I tried converting the file using SUPER using the above options. The resulting file was about 1/2 half the size of the original. It did not play correctly in VS so the ArcSoft video encoder must be the difference.

At any rate, I am very impressed with the video quality and can recommend this camera to anyone who wants an inexpensive, video camera that can be carried in a pocket. 2 weeks before Christmas it could be purchased at Amazon for $144 USD. It did not include a SD card so that is extra.

Happy New Year Everyone!