Kodak Zi8: a pocket HD camcorder you could flip for.(Test Drive)(Product/service evaluation)

Digital, flash-based pocket video cameras-the ones with those clever flip-out USB plugs-have come a long way since their debut just three short years ago. The Kodak Zi8 represents the next step forward in that evolution. While rival "HD" cams settle for B-grade 720p video, this one can record full-blown, widescreen, 1080p high-def. The Real Thing. Better yet, you can actually view Zi8 playback on an HDW monitor in its pristine state because it comes with an HDMI port and cable. That's just the first of a bunch of things I like about it. Here's a few more:

External mic jack. Finally, you can get decent sound out of a pocket camera! The Zi8 even lets you adjust the incoming audio level. I jacked an inexpensive lavalier mic …