How to block the recording light on a Kodak Zi8
The Kodak Zi8 is a great pocket HD camcorder, but it has a recording light that may annoy some. Here’s how to block it in less than 10 minutes.
I’ve been in the market for a new video camera, so I purchased a Kodak Zi8 when I saw Marc Saltzman’s roundup of affordable HD cameras. I’m satisfied with the Zi8′s image quality, but disappointed by one very annoying feature – a red “Recording” light indicator that cannot be turned off.
My work often requires filming phones and computer screens, so the red light reflecting off the screens proved to be an annoying distraction. I almost returned the camcorder to the store before deciding to take on a simple DIY challenge for fixing this problem. My original idea of putting black electrical tape was quickly shot down, but a permanent marker, a pair of scissors, and a screen protector proved to be a winning combination.
Here’s how I did it:
First I took a sheet of WriteRight Screen Protector. These are commonly used to protect touchscreens on mobile phones and media devices, so I knew that it would be secure enough to stick to the Zi8′s exterior without leaving any undesirable sticking or scratching. Practically any brand of LCD screen protector will work for this trick.
Put the screen protector on a flat surface and thoroughly cover a portion of it with permanent marker (on my grid, 4×3 did the trick). Wait 30 seconds to prevent smudging and then use a pair of scissors to cut the marked section.
Start recording on the Kodak Zi8 to provide a clear view of the recording light. Peel the screen protector and place it directly over the recording light. The light should no longer be visible (gently apply more marker if necessary). Mission accomplished.
This solution cost me nothing because I already had the materials laying around the house, and it took less than 10 minutes to complete. I hope that Kodak updates the Zi8 firmware to make it possible to turn the recording indicator off; however, until that time, this is a cheap and easy fix.
wouldn’t a peice of black electrical tape do the same trick? with out coloring and re-coloring? it would take you 2 seconds to cut a small sliver…comon people, you actualy wrote and published an article about this?
I just cut some of the sticker (“youtube facebook”) that the camera already has and paste it on the red light flash. still noticeable but its less annoying.