Kodak Zi6 Review

March 2nd, 2010

Kodak Zi6 camera

The big reason golfers, and even some instructors, might want the Kodak Zi6 (Zi8, Zx1)  is to have the ability to view video-recorded swings at 60 frames-per-second.

The Zi6 records High Definition 1280 by 720p  video @ 30 or 60 FPS. You can’t expect high quality video in a camera costing under $150, so don’t look for it. But, what you do get is a slick, little unit that gives you your money’s worth.  

Kodak Zi6 CONS…

The biggest drawback for the Zi6 or Zi8 cameras is their  MOV file format, which can be problematic for use with video editing and other PC applications. The good news is that Windows’ Live Movie Maker can load MOV files, convert and save them as more common WMV files. The bad news is that in doing so the video frame rate is lowered  from 60 to 30 FPS, thereby eliminating the primary reason for getting the Zi6 or Zi8!

The included ArcSoft video editing software does not provide 60 FPS or many other useful file conversion options. (If you install ArcSoft, two Processes automatically start/run in the background, wasting 6 MB of your computer’s memory!)  There are apps available on-line that will keep the original 60 frame-per-second rate when converting MOV files. digiCam Analysis HD , the new golf swing analysis software for High Definition/High Speed cameras, comes with a “plug-in” for Movie Maker that retains the 60 FPS rate.

The Kodak Zi6 does not have a Shutter Priority or other video settings. Because of this, fast moving objects will appear blurred. However, in good lighting, the camera produced  a pretty good still  frame. Here’s a (cropped) sample captured at impact with digiCam Analysis HD.

Kodak Zi6 camera video still frame of golf swing at impact

Graphics added using digiCam Analysis HD PC software.

Other Kodak Zi6 CONS…

The Zi6’s small, unshielded video display makes it difficult for the viewer to do even a minimal on-the-spot swing analysis. 

The Zi6 is technically an HD camera, but the video is just OK.

Even at the widest angle, zoomed-out lens setting, the Kodak Zi6 has to be positioned about 25 to 30 feet from the golfer to be able to see the clubhead throughout the swing.

The Record and Play button toggles between those functions and can lead to errors by having the user inadvertently change the Movie record settings. This design is easy to get used to, but most other cameras have separate buttons for Record and Play which seem to work better.  

Kodak Zi6 PROS…

The camera’s low price. ($137, Amazon.com 3/2/10)

Like similar cameras, the memory card file transfer to the computer is very straightforward.

The Zi6 comes with a Component video cable for hooking up to High Definition TV. But, as stated above, HD might be a misnomer for a camera at this price point .

Uses 2 AA batteries. Package comes with them and a AA (and AAA) battery charger. 

Good, easy to use, Play controls, with still and various slow speeds.

Bottom Line….

Unless you have software like digiCam Analysis HD, you can’t really utilize the Kodak Zi6 or Zi8 camera’s 60 frame-per-second video OUTSIDE the camera. The Kodak MOV file format can be a problem for PC users, although 7’s (and Vista) Live Movie Maker can convert MOV to WMV files. Digital cameras which record PC-friendlier AVI video files, such as the Nikon, Canon or  Casio cameras reviewed earlier could be better choices for doing computer swing analysis work. However, if money is a consideration, these Kodak models are very attractive.

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Casio High Speed Exilim EX-FH20 Review

November 21st, 2009

 

Casio Elixim EX-FH20 camera

Unlike the FC-100 reviewed previously, this FH-20 model DOES have a Shutter Priority setting when recording high frame rate video. However, this needed feature wasn’t enough to sell me on the real usefulness of high frame rate video for swing analysis.

I’m not sure why, but I was expecting more from the Casio EX-FH20.  If you’re considering this Elixim model for shooting still images, it might be a very good camera, but this evaluation is concerned with the camera’s video capabilities. In that regard, I’m disappointed with the FH-20. (After using it in different situations, my overall impression of the camera has increased.) The pros and cons are much the same as the FC-100. Recording video is secondary with digital cameras like these, but it’s the feature players and golf pros are interested in. Especially, the 210 frames-per-second mode.   

High Speed Movie Mode @ 210 FPS. This is the ONLY FRAME RATE that has ANY USE AT ALL.

Forget, the others. 420 FPS and 1000 FPS. They’re novelties and totally useless. The low resolution and poor quality video make them only good for Casio’s marketing department.

Alright then, 210 FPS is plenty. The Casio FC-100, see the review here, also does 210 FPS. But the FC-100 did not have a Shutter Speed setting.  Because of this, video of fast moving objects (like a golf club) were blurred. The FH-20 includes a Shutter Priority setting when recording High Speed video, so no more blurring, right? Yes. (Here comes the “but”…)

In order to record blurr free video, you need plenty of light to use the FH-20’s Shutter Priority mode. The FH-20 has a very nice feature which lets you manually choose from many settings, 1/250 to 1/40,000.  The faster the shutter-speed, the more light that is required. I can’t imagine how much light you’d need for the 1/40,000 setting.  (Again, “1/40,000″ only good for Casio’s marketing department.) 

To clearly view a golf club moving at 100 miles-per-hour, a shutter setting of 1/1,000 is about right. The Elixim FH-20 at that shutter speed seems to need a lot of light to produce good video. More light than a typical digital CAMCORDER requires.

Indoors? Unless you have professional studio lighting, you can’t use the FH-20 High Speed Movie mode INSIDE.

You need SUNSHINE, behind the camera. (Back lit, no good.)

My second test, in bright sunshine, produced much better than expected video. See these FH-20 and FC-100 video frame samples.

CLOUDY or PARTLY CLOUDY might not be enough light at 1/1,000. But, setting a slower shutter speed to produce a brighter video, may also produce blurred fast moving objects.

After testing with various shutter speeds and checking playback quality, I’m asking myself, “Is it worth it?”

Is the FH-20 worth 300-400 dollars to purchase?  You also need to buy a fast high-volume memory card. You should have 2 sets of 4 AA rechargeable batteries and charger. (Battery life was much longer when using my rechargeable AA’s.)

Is the FH-20 worth $100 more than the FC-100 to get shutter control?  

Do you really need a camera that produces blur-free images if you just want to do a general (camera view finder) analysis? Many cameras in the $100 price range will do that. (See these Nikon Coolpix images.) Or, for just about $150, get a camera and swing analysis software!

Finally, is 210 frames-per-second worth it?  Does 210 FPS video provide you with that much more beneficial visual info than 30 or 60 FPS video? In my opinion, it’s not worth it at this time.  

Initially, I thought there wasn’t a delay-timer when recording HS video. You CAN delay recording up to 10 seconds. This helps. If using the camera by yourself, set the delay, click the shutter button and get right to hitting the shot.  That way, playing back and finding the start of your 210 FPS swing won’t be as slow and cumbersome.

Casio’s High Definition and Standard Movie modes do not have Shutter Priority or many other video record settings available.  At first, I wasn’t pleased, but further testing of High Def Movie mode in dim lighting produced surprisingly good video. Keep in mind though, “High Definition” is a bit of a misnomer when it comes to cameras in this price range. Casio’s 1280 by 720 pixel resolution is technically high def, but don’t expect any low-priced camera’s video to be comparable to what you see on TV. The EX-FH20 High Definition videos will look pretty good on a computer monitor and the AVI file format makes them easy to work with.  The picture won’t appear great on your 52 inch HD TV, partly because the FH20 can output only lower resolution COMPOSITE video. It does not have HDMI or Component connections.

The Casio Elixim FH-20 is more like a digital SLR that also does video. It has the feel (and size) of an SLR camera, so unlike the FC-100, it can’t fit into your pocket. If your main concern is taking photographs, the FH-20 might be right for you. For video analysis, I’m not sure. Here are video frame samples from the FH-20 and the FC-100.

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Casio EX-FH20 Video Frame Sample

December 30th, 2009

Swing video frames captured at impact, average player club head speed. (Graphics added using digiCam Analysis HD software.)

Wedge Impact at 210 FPS
Casio Elixim EX-FH20: High Speed Movie Mode, 210 FPS (Resolution: 480 by 360)

See the Casio EX-FH20 Review.

Compare to…
Driver Impact at 210 FPS
Casio Elixim EX-FC100: High Speed Movie Mode, 210 FPS (Resolution: 480 by 360)

See the Casio EX-FC100 Review.

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How Many Video Frames-Per-Second Do You Need?

May 4th, 2009

60 frames-per-second is the ideal FPS rate for performing a quality swing evaluation.

No, you don’t need a special camcorder that records at 60 frames-per-second. Even though most camcorders operate at only 30 frames-per-second, there are computer swing analysis programs, like Golf Swing Analysis System Professional, that can double the rate to 60 FPS.

If 60 FPS is good, more than that might be overkill. Let’s be honest. Are the flaws in your swing that subtle or hard to see that you need to view it with a high speed camera? I don’t think so.

A few, new dual-purpose cameras, like the Casio Exilim EX-FC100, come with a High Speed Movie mode, which capture video at a high frame rate. There are some compromises with the 210 FPS video, (See Exilim EX-FC100 Review.) but you will be able to see the swing in super slow motion. Although, that’s not really unique. Most computer swing analysis programs do that. Golf Swing Analysis System Professional can play the swing at 20 different slow motion speeds. With the Casio FC100, it’s difficult getting the video to play at other than super slow. The camera controls take some getting used to. You can’t view the swing at its “real” speed.

Watching an FC100 video replay will make you think “smooth” motion rather than “slow” motion. I’ve recorded a number of very fast, jerky swings with the camera. (Other swings, not mine.) Funny. When played back in sloooow motion, all the golfers tend to look like Ernie Els. (Well, not everyone.) So, if you want to quickly smooth-out your swing, just watch it in the camera’s viewfinder.

However, if you’re serious about improving your swing, use a miniDV format camcorder and a computer analysis program like Golf Swing Analyis System Professional or All Sports Analysis Program. They’ll take the standard 30 frame-per-second video rate a normal camcorder produces and up-convert it to 60 FPS. (PAL/SECAM to 50 FPS) And, unlike Casio’s video, the images will be blur-free even when the club is moving fast. (See the Video Frame Samples post comparing the FC100 to miniDV.)

By the way, the Exilim EX FC100 has other even higher speed movie modes, 420 and 1000 FPS. The quality of those make them totally useless.

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Casio Exilim EX-FC100 Video Frame Samples

April 29th, 2009

Still frames of driver swing at impact, average player club head speed. (Lines added using analysis programs.)

Casio Driver Impact at 210 FPS
Casio Elixim EX-FC100: High Speed Movie Mode, 210 FPS (Resolution: 480 by 360)

Compare to…
miniDV, digital8 format Driver Impact.
miniDV Video: Standard 30 FPS up-converted to 60 FPS in Golf Swing Analysis System Professional.

Other EX-FC100 Movie Modes

Casio Driver Impact in High Definition.
Casio Elixim EX-FC100: High Def Movie Mode, 30 FPS (Resolution: 1280 by 720)
Depending on the browser you’re using, more than likely the image size will be scaled down.

Casio Driver Impact in Standard Definition.
Casio Elixim EX-FC100: Standard Movie Mode, 30 FPS (Resolution: 640 by 480)

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Casio High Speed Exilim EX-FC100 Review

April 14th, 2009

It takes tens-of-thousands of dollars and very sophisticated equipment for the TV networks to produce the fantastic high definition, super slow motion video seen on their golf telecasts. So, for a few hundred dollars, don’t expect anything like that from the EX-FC100 digital camera.

Casio Elixim EX-FC 100 camera

First, the good news.
It’s inexpensive, with a 4 GB memory card, about $300.
It produces nice still photographs with plenty of controls and options. It’s versatile, takes pictures, standard and high-def movies, and high speed video.

The bad news.
It’s versatile, takes pictures, standard and high-def movies, and high speed video. The EX-FC100 “does it all and might be master of none.”

The main reason golfers would want this Casio model is its advertised 210 to 1000 frame-per-second video feature. The casual player might think the high-speed movie works OK, but, serious golfers wanting to do a real swing analysis will be disappointed.

What’s the problem?
The golf club head and shaft look blurred when the video is paused. Even the player’s hands may not look clear. This is a problem when doing an analysis. (See the Exilim EX-FC100 Video Frame Samples post.)

Why the problem?
The EX-FC100 video suffers because, like other digital cameras, it is missing the same very important function. That is, lack of a SPORTS mode or high speed shutter control when recording/playing video. This missing feature is what makes digital camera video inferior to that of a normal camcorder for analyzing the golf swing or other sports performance.

Virtually ALL camcorders have a SPORTS mode and this feature allows them to produce blur-free video.

FEW dual-purpose digital cameras have a SPORTS mode or other useful video settings.

Update: 12/8/09 See the Casio FH20 Review.

That being said, photo-video “convergence” is happening fast. It’s getting harder to tell whether a device is a camera or camcorder.

Don’t be confused when looking at a digital camera’s features and other technical specifications. You’ll see a lot of things, including shutter numbers, BUT they apply ONLY to PHOTOGRAPH taking, NOT to VIDEO recording.

I contacted Casio support in the unlikely event they had a firmware update to correct the video blurring, or that the manual is missing info on how to set a video high speed shutter. 

(4/23) Casio eventually did respond to High Speed Movie blurring…
“I would recommend trying the Best Shot High Speed movie as described on Page#71 of the Users Manual which is located on the CD that came with your camera.”

Suggestion was not useful because the FC100 does not have a Best Shot High Speed Movie option, and page 71 of the manual concerns Anti-Shake.
In fact, the FC100 manual (page 68) says Best Shot scene selection is completely ignored when using High Speed recording.

(4/27) Casio support…
“There is no shutter priority for the EX-FC100 so you can not adjust for this. The only way that you might be able to is to lower the EV …Usually the camera adjusts the shutter speed. This is the only suggestion that I have.” 

Aside from Casio support, the EX-FC100 does have a lot to offer…

  • One attractive feature is its MJEG AVI video format. Although the files are large, no format conversion is needed for use with Windows’ XP, Vista or 7.
  • Transferring files from camera to computer is very simple, just insert the Memory Card or attach the USB cable. Installing software is not necessary.
  • Watching the swing in super slow motion is “cool,” even though its real usefulness is questionable.
  • You can’t ignore the price. For the money, the camera is packed with features.

    • The Casio EX-FC100 has some notable minuses…

  • High Speed video: Fast moving objects are blurred.
  • High Speed video: Only the 210 FPS (480 by 360 pixel) setting might be useful. The higher speeds are not good because of the reduced picture resolution and the amount of “pixelation.”
  • High-def (720p) movie recording needs a lot of light or the picture will be snowy.
  • The camera does not have an HDMI or component video connection, only a composite port and cable.

    • Bottom line

    The Casio EX-FC100 is a neat, very small package with lots of features. It’s good for a quick, in-camera look at the swing, but is not recommended for doing serious analysis work with golf swing analysis computer programs. However, if you can live with Casio’s faults and only want to do a more general evaluation, it’ll work well with a computer performance analyzer application like digiCam Analysis.

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