Kodak announced the new Zi8 camcorder this week, the third model in the company's burgeoning ultracompact budget line-up. Improving on the previous models, the Zi6 and the Zx1, the new Zi8 offers a larger 2.5-inch LCD, face tracking, image stabilization, and "1080P" recording.

The Zi8 shares many of the same features as its predecessors – an upright, highly portable design, stripped down menu feature list, and uploading software primed for YouTube, and now Facebook. Kodak is clearly unafraid to borrow some popular elements from the Flip camcorders series. As with the Zi6, it offers a flip-out USB arm for connection to a computer. 

The Kodak Zi8 will be available in multiple colors (blue, red, and black) starting September 2009, retailing for $179.

(via camcorder info)