Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

You may be familiar with Kodak’s Zi6, but take a look at the Zx1.

What’s the difference?  The Zx1 is meant to be rugged.  Unlike the Zi6, there is no flip out USB arm on the Zx1.  The buttons are gone and are replaced with a cut metal interface very similar to a Moto Razr.  The joystick is replaced with directional buttons. 

The Zx1 is about the same weight as the Zi6 but is much smaller.  You can throw this rugged pocket camcorder in a pocket easily. 

One of the coolest features of the Zx1 is the built in mini HDMI connector on the device.  You don’t have to bring your files to a computer and then show your vids.  You just connect the Zx1 to your TV with—get this—an included mini HDMI to standard HDMI cable.  That’s right, Kodak actually sprung to give you the cable.  Sony’s PS3 didn’t ship with a HDMI cable.  Odd.

The Zx1 is $20 cheaper than the Zi6, but also packs in a revised interface.  Kodak found that many people were just keeping files on SD cards.  Kodak added a timeline display to the videos so you can see when you shot what.  It looked pretty cool when demonstrated.  I don’t know if it adds more functionality, but it’s nice to have another method of finding your videos.  This could be a cool camera.

Also shown off was a remote control for the Zx1.  That would be sold separately and there were no details as to the price.  You can see the remote below: