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Customer Reviews
Man, gee, wow! I really love this camera. - Sep 03, 2010
This camera is just great fun. So portable. Clean videos. Light and easy to carry. Why, I can't say enough about it. Just popped the SDHC card into my Mac and Iphoto picked it right up. What fun! Video on the run. I haven't tested the waterproof feature yet, but that's going to happen soon. At this price, it's a very worthy and fun thing to have. Go get one. Have a nice time. :)
Sometimes, you don't even get what you pay for - Sep 02, 2010
The firmware that currently comes with these cameras, version 1.03, is broken and will not record more than 4GB of data to at least some SDHC cards even if more space is available. (Not 4GB per video which is a normal filesystem limitation, but 4GB TOTAL.) In fact, not only will it refuse to record more than 4GB, once you reach this limit the controls lock up and the only way to reset the camera is to remove the battery. This defective firmware has been available for over 4 months, and there is no way to downgrade to 1.02 (which did not have this issue). I use a Transcend 8GB Class 6 card which works fine in other devices; others have reported issues with 16GB and 32GB cards.
Trying to contact Kodak technical support for this camera is also next to impossible unless you are living in the past. Their live chat only works on old versions of Firefox or IE (no Safari, no Chrome, no Firefox 4). Several of the links on their site to the Contact Us page are broken. Once you finally find their feedback form, it too is busted and will only display a list of their non-video digital cameras when you select "Digital Video Camera", so you can't get help there unless you intentionally choose the wrong camera model.
Beyond that, the waterproofing works as advertised, and picture quality is about what you would expect from a really cheap pocket cam--which is to say, extremely over-compressed. At an average bitrate of just 12Mbps (Main@L4.2), you will experience substantial loss of picture detail. There is no way to change the bitrate the camera uses. The same bitrate is used for all shooting modes, so you might think to switch to 720p to improve the picture quality, but the built-in resizer is so horrible that it makes the video look WORSE (like badly upconverted SD footage). That said, at 1080p, I doubt the picture quality is any worse than other cameras in the price range, especially since they all seem to use the same Ambarella AVC encoder.
The CMOS sensor is slow even when set to 60fps mode, so there is a fair amount of wobble caused by the rolling shutter. Low light performance is decent given the sensor size. There is no macro focus, so pay attention to the minimum focal length. The camera gets warm when it is on for more than about 10 minutes. The digital zoom cannot be disabled, but thanks to the waterproofing it is harder to activate than on a Flip.
If Kodak releases a newer firmware that fixes the 4GB recording issue, this would be a solid four-star budget HD video camera. With no ability to record more than an hour at a time, however, I would strongly recommend finding a less buggy alternative (or expect to change cards a lot and plan accordingly).
just ok - Sep 02, 2010
Overall the camera takes decent videos at full wide only. If you zoom in color and contrast drops drastically the more you use it. Photos are not what this is meant for at all so dont plan on anything great in that area. I was happy with the video quality at full wide until it started randomly loosing footage. It happened on a few occasions with multiple cards so i know that it was the camera. Also on a few occasions the camera would completely lock and since there is no reset button the only way to fix the problem is to take out the battery. That issue alone is unexceptable on a waterproof camera due to the fact if you are taking video in the water you can not fix it until it is all dry. I returned my camera due to these issues of locking up and occasional loss of footage.
Good HD at a Good Price - Sep 01, 2010
purchased this in advance of a Hawaii vacation. Filmed a friends wedding - they were "amazed" by the picture quality. Have also tried shooting under water in a swimming pool, again very good quality pictures. Strapped it to my motorcycle and shot some video at 60 MPH - smooth and again very good quality video - software easy easy to use. All videos shot thus far have been on the 720 - 60 fps setting would assume 1080 setting would be even better quality video although not as well suited for "action" shooting. Still pictures are very acceptable (5MP) and make good quality 5x7 prints. All-in-all best camera for the money I've owned - and I owned over a dozen digital cameras over the years.
NOT waterproof - Aug 31, 2010
My camera leaked in about 3 feet of pool water. I had all the access doors closed, and was not abusing the camera in any way. Kodak let me send it back to a repair center, they "repaired" it by repairing the flex circuit and CPU, and sent it back with a statement that they "witnessed from factors other than defects in materials or workmanship." Although this is crazy, since the camera does not perform as advertised to 10ft- I guess this statement is somewhat true, since the camera housing leaked, causing internal damage. The first time I tried to use this again (to film my 10 month old daughter in the swimming pool), the camera leaked again. I contacted Kodak customer service via online chat (no one answers the phone), and demanded that I get a new camera, but they told me that I (once again) have to send the camera in to the repair center, and they will determine what they will do. This is very frustrating, since not only am I missing video my daughter's first summer, but now I am at the mercy of Kodak customer service to decide if my camera is faulty or not.
Other than not performing as advertised, the camera isn't great HD quality, and the battery doesn't last that long. I bought it because I thought it would be waterproof, and the price was right. If you are really looking for a waterproof vid cam, save your 150 dollars to buy something more proven.
Thumbs Up - Aug 31, 2010
Camera great for quick video takes, its easy to carry around, durable, clarity is decent for the size and functionality of the camera.
nice handycam - Aug 31, 2010
good handycam cam feels like a toy but heavy and with good features, but i ordered a purple one but what i got is grey :( . anyways convinced as it also look ok.
still have to check its output on HDMI....
Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Review Time! - Aug 31, 2010
Believe this is the cheapest most portable awesome video camera ive ever seen!
Good things:
-It records very smooth on 720p 60 FPS, others are fine but not as smooth.
-Very Portable and durable(had in my pocket with keys and many things.. im a packrat...) it had very small scratches on it and still survives!
-Water recording, omfg just like..... turn the sound down a bit on the mic settings and its perfect lol it is very loud!
-Image stability, havent tested it... but it cuts out jagged edges within lots of movement in my videos(i cant notice it)
-Very good in adjusting the settings in bright areas to make it see what it needs :)
-Takes very awesome pictures at 5MP!
-Takes my 16GB SDHC class 6 memory card from my other camera!
Bad things:
-1080p&720p 60 fps take up the same space.
-1080p&720p @ 30fps seem slow compared to 60 fps.
-Water resistance needs to be upped so people can take it in the ocean!(just giving clues of what might be next on cheap camera lines)
-In darkened areas pictures and video are horrible(well really dark places like a haunted house related areas)
-Doesnt come with a SD/SDHC card! :(
sending the second one back - Aug 30, 2010
i received the first one just in time for a motorcycle trip to Montana. Worked great for about a day and then it would not power on or charge. Contacted Amazon, who's service is excellent by the way, and they sent me a replacement. I never really used the replacement until a week or so after i got it. I played with a bit and once again, it would not power up or charge. This one is going back and I am going to another brand. By the way i never use it in water.
Awesome Camera ! - Aug 30, 2010
My family and I celebrated my son's 7th birthday at an aquatic park. I couldn't believe the clarity of this video underwater. Of all the video cameras I bought in my lifetime this is by far, THE BEST, considering its price. I recommend this camera for those who loves water sports. Just don't go beyond 10 feet. Thank KODAK!
A must buy for every family! - Aug 29, 2010
We bought this camera to take on vacation! Amazing camera! A must buy!
Not very waterproof - Aug 28, 2010
Used this on vacation. Underwater (snorkeling- no more than 3 meters) about 5-6 times and rinsed in fresh water. Eventually got wet though the power button seal. This camera is not very waterproof as the "power-button" seal or gaskets eventually leak. $130 not well spent as we need a new flip-like camera.
GOOD :) - Aug 28, 2010
So my friend got this for my birthday! and i loved it.. Shot all cool youtube videos and underwater shots with this. but out of no where it broke because of water damage! What had happen is the side shutter came loose and water was seeking through. i believe this was a default in my camera. But amazon was extremely good and are replacing the camera with a new one. cant wait to get my camera back... Great quality and Hd picture! great get for the price
I like it - Aug 28, 2010
I like this little camera, but I have a Mac and there's no software to smooth out the jumpiness, only for PC. But the jumpiness is kinda cool so I'm happy anyway.
This is my Favorite Camera - Aug 28, 2010
I love this thing......simple,simple,simple to use. Got a separate button for different commands, NO tedious, long minus to wade through for a common adjustment. Great software that just loads to any computer. Everything just works as stated.....what a novel idea.
Loved it eventhough it only worked a week - Aug 27, 2010
When my camera arrived I couldn't wait to take it to the beach and start filming, so that is what I did. I dunked the camera under the ocean and took video of the fish. The video turned out pretty good so I took several movies over the next couple of days.
About 5 days later, I was video taping my daughter's soccer game and the side door broke off. It still allowed me to video tape but I was a little distracted since the camera was only a few days old and I already fell in love with it, especially since I just got done showing off the camera to everyone. As people started to see what happened, I immediately made excuses since I really liked the camera.
I returned the camera to Amazon and am awaiting a new camera. I really hope that it was just a fluke and I get a good, strong camera. Amazon handles returns exceptionally well, they pay for return shipping and send the product to you within one day.
Below are some key pros and cons:
Cons:
Battery life isn't good so purchase extra. I got several from amazon for $2.00 each.
Memory is worthless so buy a good memory card. I got 32gb class 6 and it worked great with the camera and also got from Amazon for $70.00
Pros:
Easy to use. I hate reading directions and with this you don't have to, you can figure it out as you go.
Kodak software is really easy and fun to use. I made a video for the first time and it only took me a few times to get it right. Again, I hate reading directions so I'm sure if I read the directions it would have only taken me once to get it right.
Picture/Video quality turned out really nice.
Image Stabilization worked well while video taping my daughters soccer game but not so great if you are walking and taping at the same time.
Zoom works really well while taping and allows you to get somewhat close to the objects.
So, for the money I would recommend buying this product. I'm hoping I got an uninspected camera and my next one will make me proud.
DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA - Aug 27, 2010
I bought this camera and had it 2 months and it would not turn on. I did everything their Tech Support told me to. Now I have to send it to Kodak who WILL NOT pay the shipping AND they will give me either a USED camera back or try to repair it. Any other company that determined that the camera was defective would replace it. Not Kodak. I would stay with a Flip- better customer support. It also was not that great a camera even when it worked.
Handy and waterproof - Aug 26, 2010
I'm enjoying using this camera. I can keep it with me and don't have to worry about the weather like I do with my SLR. I recommend using a tripod.
Decent camera (until water got into it) - Aug 26, 2010
I bought this camera before taking two trips to the Caribbean because I planned on doing a lot of snorkeling and really wanted an affordable camera that take's underwater digital pictures.
Pros:
- Somewhat cheap for an underwater digital camera with HD video.
- HD video quality is pretty good.
- Picture quality can vary but it's still capable of getting some nice shots.
Cons
-Water somehow leaked into the battery compartment despite the compartment appearing to be closed properly.
-Pictures quality can vary widely depending on light conditions.
-Screen is sometimes difficult to read underwater due to sunlight. Consider getting a screen cover.
- Battery life could last longer. Consider buying an extra one.
- Difficult to take focused pictures in rough water.
My advice: consider buying it if you're looking for a decent yet affordable underwater camera. Just make sure you check to make sure the battery and port compartments are properly closed EACH time before you take it underwater.
I don't regret my purchase because I was able to take some decent shot while it was still working.
Everybody wants one! - Aug 24, 2010
I love this video camera- everyone is so impressed with it. Great picture, great battery life, fun to use underwater! You just can't beat this for the price- it's AWESOME!
Great entry Level Video Camera for Teens - Aug 24, 2010
The camera was actually a gift for my daughters 14th birthday. She already has a digital still camera capable of underwater pictures and 1-2 minute videos, but wanted the Playsport for longer playig video. The camera recieved it first work out on our trip to Hilton Head Island. It was easy for her to learn to use, and the underwater and still photo capabilities are quite nice for a camera of this low cost.
PROS: Easy grip and easy access to all the controls. People have complained about battery life..but she is happy to charge it once a day after heavy use. I heard complaints about filming by hand. With the image stabilization, all is fine. She loves the color (purple) and the ease of uploading to Facebook or Youtube or even watching your pictures and videos on our large screen HiDef TV. Amazing clarity and crispness.
CONS: It didn't come with any memory card. The onboard memory is very inadequate. Pushing the overall cost higher than the initial purchase price of $129. I bought a 16 GB memory card and it cost me $44.
OVERALL: The camera is nice for the cost, some nifty features, waterproof. But doesn't include the memory card. I would recommend the camera to others.
It stopped working the very next day! - Aug 23, 2010
I barely had this camera for 24 hours before it stopped working.
The camera was working perfectly. I was able to download a few test videos and play around with the software. The video quality was very good. I was initially pleased with the camera.
However, when I tried to turn the camera on the following morning, it would not turn on. The battery was fully charged as well as the back up battery. I plugged the camera to the electric outlet and nothing. I finally decided to see if it would power up on my computer and still nothing. I returned it to Best buy and the Geek Squad tried turning it on to no avail.
I wanted this camera because it's waterproof and I would not need the underwater case like with my Flip. I guess I will have to stick to my 2 year-old Flip camera.
I am really disappointed. All of my camera's have been Kodak and I have never had a problem until now. Luckily, I was able to return it and get a refund.
Awesome Video Camera - Aug 23, 2010
Took to Six Flags Great America. Awesome quality and the HD is perfect. Played it back on my 42" and it was like we were their. Super fun to take on the water rides and not worry about it getting wet. Best video camera I have ever owned. Not so good in low light but not many video cameras are.
Pretty Neat Little Camera, With a Few Flaws - Aug 23, 2010
I was excited to find the Kodak Playsport since I'd been considering a Flip camera, and the Kodak definitely has superior features to the flip lineup. I was really trying to do this on a budget, as I want something that I could use to post little demonstration clips on discussion forums, etc., and don't have any use for a fully-featured, expensive camcorder.
In that respect, the Kodak gets good marks. It's compact, easy to use, intuitive, and you can be creating videos and uploading them to YouTube or Photobucket in minutes. It naturally has some drawbacks at a $125 price point though, and you have to be willing to work past those.
First and foremost, Kodak markets this as a rugged, waterproof, go-anywhere do-anything outdoor kind of camera. That's all well and good - until you actually try it and find out that it's almost useless outdoors. The LCD screen is all but black in any kind of bright sunlight, and the surface is so reflective that all you can see is glare and reflections of your own face. I was trying to video my dog on her morning romp at a local soccer field, but found that she had drifted out of the field of view several times because I just couldn't tell where she was on the screen. The "Glare Shield" setting helps a little bit, but it sure seems like they could have done a better job on the display for an outdoor camera.
For a camera marketed to an outdoors crowd showing pictures of BMX biking and whitewater rafting, I consider this to be an unforgivable flaw. Most of my use will not be out in direct sunlight though, so I think I'll be able to cope with the issue.
Pros: Removable battery, so that you can swap out a fully charged one, use of SD memory so you're not limited by the built-in memory of the camcorder, and it's easy to use.
Cons: Useless, reflective, LCD screen in bright light, and you have to have to battery IN the camera to charge it, unless you purchase an optional external charger as an accessory. Requires a cable to connect to the computer as opposed to the built in "flip-out" USB connectors of the competition, and worse yet - uses a Micro-B USB port on the camera end, so I can't use any of the myriad Mini-USB cables that I have around for other cameras - I have to use the Kodak cable.
All in all though, it gets the job done for a budget price.
User Friendly and Incredibly Fun - Aug 23, 2010
This is an ideal Pocket Camcorder for anyone. It is user friendly and great to use in any weather condition. The software, which is installed within the camera, is perfect for ease of usibility. I would recommend this product to anyone in fact I will be getting one for my Father, who is not keen to technology at all, but has learned to use mine within 10min. Great product.
