Kodak Playsport (black)
Manufacturer: Kodak Part number: 1442102
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Kodak Playsport is an excellent minicamcorder that can take some rough treatment and capture solid HD video.
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CNET editors' review
Kodak Playsport (black) price range: $45.99 - $182.99
- Reviewed by: Joshua Goldman
- Reviewed on: 05/27/2010
The good: Excellent video for its class; waterproof to 10 feet; HDMI cable included; very good sharing software.
The bad: No built-in USB connector; short battery life at highest resolution; no memory card; sharing software is Windows only.
The bottom line: The Kodak Playsport is an excellent minicamcorder that can take some rough treatment and capture solid HD video.
The Kodak Playsport, also known as the Zx3, is the evolution of Kodak's Zx1. While that model was weather-resistant, the Playsport is waterproof, able to record underwater down to 9.8 feet. There are other improvements, too, that make it a more capable pocket video camera--in and out of the water.
For its price there's little to complain about, but if you're after specific shooting abilities or features you'll want to keep reading. However, if your main concerns are an inexpensive HD pocket video camera that can handle a day at the pool, a hike in the woods, or some time in inclement weather, the Playsport is highly recommended.
At roughly the size of an average smartphone, the Playsport is fractionally bigger and heavier than other minicamcorders, but not in any meaningful way. You'll still have no trouble slipping it into a pants pocket or small handbag and it certainly won't weigh you down. The body is primarily plastic, but it feels like thick, tough plastic and the slightly textured back and ribbed sides help you keep a good grip on it even when wet. Despite its "rugged design," Kodak makes no claims of it being crush- or shockproof. In fact, the only durability claims made are that it's waterproof to 9.8 feet (meeting IEC standard 60529 IPX8, so my guess would be that's only for up to 30 minutes) and dust resistant (IEC standard 60529 IPX6). It's also not freezeproof, meaning it likely won't function properly when exposed to temperatures lower than 32 degrees Fahrenheit for an extended time.
| Key specs | Kodak Playsport Zx3 |
| Price (MSRP) | $149.99 |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 4.4 x 2.3 x 0.8 inches |
| Weight (with battery and media) | 5.1 ounces |
| Storage capacity, type | SD/SDHC cards |
| Resolution, sensor size, type | 5 megapixels, 1/2.5-inch CMOS |
| LCD size, resolution | 2-inch LCD, 154K dots |
| Lens | Fixed focus, f2.8, 48mm (35mm equivalent) |
| File format (video, audio) | H.264 (.MOV) |
| Resolution | 1,920x1,080 at 30fps (progressive) |
| Recording time | 80 minutes per 4GB (720p at 30fps) |
| Image stabilization type | Digital |
| Battery type, rated life (typical use) | Li ion rechargeable, 1 hour, 30 minutes (720p at 30fps) |
As typical of minicamcorders, the lens on front is left fairly unprotected, so you'll need to remember to keep it safe and clean. Unlike Kodak's Zi8 model, the Playsport has no macro option for focusing on close subjects; the normal focus range starts at 3.3 feet, while underwater it starts at 4.4 feet. Next to the lens is a relatively sensitive mono microphone, a hidden IR receiver for an optional remote, and a record light that blinks red when you're recording. The light as well as all operational sounds can be shut off.
Controls are easy enough for out-of-the-box use. The power button is high on the right side, but all other controls are on back below the LCD. The circular four-way directional pad controls the 4x digital zoom (up and down) and changes recording modes (left and right). It's also used for navigation and fast forward, rewind, and volume in playback. The button in its center is to start/stop recordings, take a photo, and play/pause/stop videos in playback. The remaining four buttons to the left of the pad let you enter Liveview for recording; Review for watching what you've shot; delete photos and videos; and access the settings menu.
The LCD is relatively small at 2 inches diagonal, but it is good enough for shooting and on-the-spot playback. Kodak adds an LCD Glare Shield feature to this model that sounds fancier than it is. It simply improves screen visibility in bright outdoor lighting by changing from a Normal picture to High Saturation or Black & White. The settings have no effect on the actual video, but they can help you see what you're shooting. Toggling through them is done with the Liveview button.
And while I'm on the subject of settings, there aren't a whole lot of things to adjust since these minicamcorders are made for point-and-shoot use. Along with the Glare Shield feature, you get three levels of screen brightness and an auto option for letting the device set it; gain control for the built-in mono mic; on/offs for its electronic image stabilization and face detection; and an Underwater Mode that improves video and photo quality for better clarity when shooting underwater. There are four video recording modes to choose from: 1080p at 30fps, 720p at 60fps or 30fps, and WVGA. You can also shoot 5-megapixel stills.
To keep ports and such watertight, there are two locking doors; one on each side of the body. Under the right-side door is a proprietary USB port as well as a Mini-HDMI port and an AV jack; cables are included for each. To keep the body compact and limit opportunities for water damage, this model doesn't have a built-in USB connector that's common to this type of camcorder. Instead you have to use the included USB cable. Not only does this mean you need to carry a cable around with you for on-the-go uploading, you have to carry around this specific cable with you since it's not a standard Mini- or Micro-USB port. (Assuming you have an SDHC memory card reader available, you could go that route, too.)
Under the left door is the battery and SD/SDHC card slot. The battery is charged in camera via the bundled USB cable connected to a computer (approximately 4 hours for a full charge) or an included wall adapter (approximately 2 hours for a full charge). I recommend buying one or two additional batteries if you're going to record at 720/60p or 1080/30p, as those settings noticeably bite into battery life. Also, you'll need to supply an SD/SDHC card for recordings. There is 128MB of internal memory but only 20MB of it is available for video or stills.
As we've said many times before, pocket video cameras such as the Playsport can't compete with a full-fledged HD camcorder costing hundreds of dollars more. There are other factors that go into creating great video beyond high resolution. That said, the 1080p video quality is generally excellent with great color and sharpness for its class. When played back on a large HDTV, you'll notice artifacts, but not to the point of distraction (and frankly, if you're that picky, you shouldn't be buying in this product category). However, if you're doing a lot of panning or you're shooting fast-moving subjects, you'll want to switch to the 720/60p setting to avoid a lot of judder in your clips. The results are visibly softer than the 1080p, but much smoother. The digital zoom will degrade quality, but it isn't so bad to make it unusable. Low-light performance is good, too. It looks like there's some active noise reduction going, because clips appear softer. There's also noticeable color banding, but still the results are pleasing even on a big screen. Results underwater looked fine as well, though you'll have to remember to stay 4 feet away from your subject to keep them in focus.
Photo quality is on par with a good camera phone; it'll do if you just want a quick snapshot, but it won't replace a digital camera. Unlike other models we've tested there is little shutter lag, which is nice; however, it does take a couple seconds to store the photo before you can shoot again.
With pocket video cameras, easily sharing the video is equally as important as shooting it. Stored on the device's internal memory is ArcSoft's MediaImpression for Kodak software for sharing. Connect the Playsport to a computer via USB and the software will start installing. Be careful with your clicking, though, as the software will ask whether you want to use it as your primary application for viewing multiple types of photos and video. Once installed it will allow you to e-mail clips and upload directly to YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, and Vimeo (after you've entered your account information, of course). There's a basic editor for trimming and cutting along with adjustments for color, contrast, and brightness, underwater enhancement, dynamic lighting, and denoise. You can apply a handful of fun effects as well such as Watercolor, Negative, and Sketch. It can capture individual frames and also convert video for use on Apple TV, iPhone, and iPod as well as Sony's PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3. Unfortunately, one thing it can't do is work on a Mac: the software is Windows only. If you own a Mac, you can copy your video and still images to your computer by dragging and dropping the files from the camcorder as you would with any USB storage device (and upload them to YouTube easily enough) and then edit your video using iMovie.
Waterproof or not, the Kodak Playsport Zx3 is a fine minicamcorder for its price and size. It is more rugged than the average pocket video camera, but it certainly isn't indestructible. The video is excellent for its class, though, and the sacrifices for its rugged construction are more inconvenient than insurmountable.
Find out more about how we test camcorders.
User reviews
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Zi8 in a Zx3's body.
by itstheismael on April 16, 2010
Pros: Same exact camera as the Zi8, minus the external mic jack and macro mode.
Waterproof to 3M
Very good quality videos, tested 720p/60fps on 42" TV and it looks great.Cons: EIS too wimpy for my shaky hands.
Low light videos are bad(but so are any other pocket camcorder's)Summary: This product is nearly perfect considering the price and quality. People need to understand what they are buying and stop giving bad ratings and nitpicking a 150 dollar camcorder. The ...
Summary: This product is nearly perfect considering the price and quality. People need to understand what they are buying and stop giving bad ratings and nitpicking a 150 dollar camcorder. The Zi8 was so well received last year, and this is the exact same image sensor, only the camera is cheaper because there is no external mic jack and also no macro mode. But this will take the EXACT same quality video as the Zi8. I was one day away from picking up a Zi8 for a trip to the Grand Canyon next month - and came across a post mentioning the Zx3. So I looked it up and was glad it did. I saved a few bucks and alos got a more rugged camera.
All in all, you have to understand what you are buying - a pocket camcorder that takes very good qaulity video - better than your cell phone camera, and it is easier to carry around than a conventional camcorder. Great buy at 150.00, I got an 8GB memory card from Amazon for only 15 bucks. The only hangup is the EIS - I have shaky hands and sometimes it does come across in the videos. Hopefully a firmware fix will come out soon. This thing goes from being off to recording in about 3 seconds so it's going to catch whatever you are wanting to without you being stuck waiting for it to power on.
The quality is excellent for what it is. It will not disappoint. I own a DSLR camera, and the last thing I want is two bulky pieces of equipment to lug around on vacation. This is great and if you are not a professional, this will catch those memorable moments and they will look great when you reminisce for years to come.11 out of 12 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great video, waterproof, does what it says.
by Improviz on June 11, 2010
Pros: Got a Playsort in May. 720p 60/fps is the mode to use for great looking video. Even performs well in low light. Comes with all the cables you'll ever need. Super easy to use, good battery life even with the EIS turned on.
Cons: What do you expect for $149? Digital zoom, but still not bad if you're subtle. Proprietary USB port a bit of a drag. Wind noise can be an issue. Would be nice if it came with a memory card but it doesn. Would have also liked a case.
Summary: I got the Playsport with a bundle deal of an 8GB class 6 mem card from Amazon for $139. Added extra battery/charger, case, 2 mini Gorilla-type tripods, and the ...
Summary: I got the Playsport with a bundle deal of an 8GB class 6 mem card from Amazon for $139. Added extra battery/charger, case, 2 mini Gorilla-type tripods, and the wireless remote. A local TV station has already used some video I shot of a house fire just around the corner from where I live. It was getting dark and I shot it in 720p/60 fps. If you're making a spec trailer or something, or just a hobbyist, great little camcorder. I plan to mount it on sailboats to get action footage of the cockpit during races, and to use it kayaking out on Cape Cod this summer. People think I'm holding an iPhone or something, usually. Not only does Kodak give you all the cables you'll ever need, the thing boots up in about 1 second and is shooting as soon as you hit the button. I did have to RMA 1st one I got, there were a few dead(white) pixels in the middle of the sensor apparently, since I watched the video on several different monitors and the artifact was there on all of them. However, Amazon sent out the replacement about an hour after I went online to process the return. This is NOT an indestructible camera. It's waterproof. To 10 ft. So, would be great to take on your snorkeling trip in Hawaii, etc., or to a shallow beach. I think Kodak really hit a homerun with this. If I wasn't going to use it outdoors/on the water, I'd have gotten the Zi8 for the external mic input and some fancier features. But the Playsport is a winner in my book, and I'm a cranky geek and hard to impress.
5 out of 5 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Good camera, but with bad hot pixel problems
by Clem2098 on July 14, 2010
Pros: The image quality is very good. The product feels very solid in your hand and the navigation is easy. Has a very good field of view also. The camera would be great..if...See Cons
Cons: The only con I have about this cam is that I have now had two of them and they have both had hot pixels. Easy way to see if your Kodak has it...Shoot a black background or just in a dark room...you see hot white spots in the picture, you got them.
Summary: Don't know if the store I got them at maybe had a bad shipment, but it is pretty sorry quality for two to have the same problem. Usually a ...
Summary: Don't know if the store I got them at maybe had a bad shipment, but it is pretty sorry quality for two to have the same problem. Usually a camera might develop one after a year or so, but each one had at least 4 right out of the box. Back to the store they go. So if you don't mind hot pixels, then I would highly recommend you get the camera.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best mini HD video camera by far! And CHEAP!
by ConradEOD on March 16, 2010
Pros: Wide viewing angle on lens, good quality picture, better sound quality than prior models, more portable and rugged! I came from the Zi8 and got my Playsport this week. Small and portable, and it feels very comfortable in the hands.
Cons: The things this is missing that the Zi8 had are (1) USB plug (which I don't think is a big deal since I have SD card readers in my computers) (2) macro mode (which I never really used on the Zi8 and (3) external mic (I never used this either).
Summary: Overall it's the best on the market. Better pics than the Flip models and higher capactiy (up to 32GB SD card). I have a 16GB SDHC card in mine ...
Summary: Overall it's the best on the market. Better pics than the Flip models and higher capactiy (up to 32GB SD card). I have a 16GB SDHC card in mine and have hours of great video. The Playsport has a wider viewing angle than the Zi8 so fits more in the picture! Also, the mic seems to be more sensitive and picks up voices/sounds better. The screen is smaller, but that's fine with me; just makes it more portable! This is the best $150 I've spent! If you go diving, make sure to attach something that floats to the camera so it doesn't sink below the 10ft depth limit.
3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Absolutely, horrible!!!
by mjcarterrtrn on January 8, 2012
Pros: The are small and fit in your purse and able to take anywhere without a lot of fuss.
Cons: the camera stops for no reason in the middle of filming after only using the camera a few times. Re-setting the camera was recommended by Kodak. Now, I have 2 cameras that will not come back on.
Summary: I bought 2 cameras for Christmas gifts, 2 weeks later, each within a day of each other, the cameras locked up for no reason. I do not suggest anyone to ...
Summary: I bought 2 cameras for Christmas gifts, 2 weeks later, each within a day of each other, the cameras locked up for no reason. I do not suggest anyone to buy this camera. It seemed like a really good camera and had good reviews. My experience is not a good one at all. Both cameras are being returned for a refund and will not be buying a Kodak again.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Dead pixels,extremely poor quality in low lighting!!
by redlewy007 on November 22, 2011
Pros: Small and waterproof
Cons: Bad video quality indoors, which is where i shot most of my videos(father of twin babies)
Summary: Good for outdoors, period!
Summary: Good for outdoors, period!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Big disappointment - it died after using it 3 times!
by Seeker1949 on November 10, 2011
Pros: The camera has everything I needed it was compact, easy to operate, had HD features and it does have a SD card 30MB slot.
Cons: Button placement I think.
I used the camera 3 times out of the package. On the fourth it failed to power up. I called the Kodak help line. Essentially I repeated the same troubleshooting steps I had already taken. I had the camera less than 30 days sSummary: I will supplement my opinion after I get the camera back and use it.
Summary: I will supplement my opinion after I get the camera back and use it.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Camera leaks and fails for no reason
by appell on April 29, 2011
Pros: Great videos
Cons: Warranty provides only refurbished cameras
Leaks
Fails suddenlySummary: I am on my fourth camera in a 9 month period. The first leaked and was replaced with a refurbished camera. The second leaked and was replaced. The third failed ...
Summary: I am on my fourth camera in a 9 month period. The first leaked and was replaced with a refurbished camera. The second leaked and was replaced. The third failed for no reason and was never in water. I am now on my fourth camera. Kodak will never replace your camera with a new one, only refurbished.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Not as good as I expected
by brett28b on March 22, 2010
Pros: Price, Full 1080, Waterproof
Cons: Poor video quality if not on tripod. 5 MP still images very soft
Summary: Compared to other products in this segement this is probably the best device. However if you plan to use this in "active" environments that will require you to move around ...
Summary: Compared to other products in this segement this is probably the best device. However if you plan to use this in "active" environments that will require you to move around a lot while shooting this may not be the device for you. Any movement of the camcorder causes the image to pixelate until the camera returns to a semi stationary position.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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not for pics
by bookwormymommy on September 29, 2011
Pros: beautiful videos
Cons: not very good for pictures does not take clear photos
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Kodak
- Part number: 1442102
- Description: Heads up, adrenaline junkies. The Kodak Playsport has as much appetite for adventure as you do. And it's not afraid to get wet. This audacious little camera can plunge up to 10 feet under water and capture the entire experience in full 1080p HD. And you don't need to worry about blurry footage when things get a little shaky. With built-in image stabilization, the Kodak Playsport will stay steady as a rock. From the waves, to the slopes, to the mud-soaked trails, this baby was made for the extremes.
General
- Product Type Camcorder - 1080p
- Enclosure Color Black
- Camcorder Sensor Resolution 5 megapixels
- Effective Photo Resolution 5 megapixels
- Total Pixels 5.0 megapixels
- Camcorder Media Type Flash card
- Image Stabilizer Electronic
- Shooting modes Digital photo mode
- White Balance Automatic
- Exposure Modes Automatic
- Image Recording Format JPEG
- Widescreen Video Capture Yes
- AV Interfaces HDMI,
Composite video/audio Lens System
- Type Lens - 5.54 mm - F/2.8
- Lens aperture F/2.8
- Lens system type Lens
- Min focal length 5.54 mm
- Focus Adjustment Focus free
Additional Features
- Additional Features YouTube capture mode,
USB 2.0 compatibility - Software Drivers & Utilities,
ArcSoft MediaImpression - Included Accessories Wrist strap,
HDMI cable,
Audio / video cable Display
- Type 2 in LCD display
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x USB,
1 x HDMI output,
1 x Composite video/audio output - Memory Card Slot SD card
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Memory / Storage
- Media type Flash card
- Supported Memory Cards SD Memory Card
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support Apple Mac OS X 10.4 or later,
MS Windows Vista,
MS Windows 7,
MS Windows XP SP2 - Peripheral Devices USB port,
CD-ROM drive Miscellaneous
- Protection Crushproof,
Waterproof - Underwater Depth Up to 9.8 ft
Battery
- Supported Battery Kodak KLIC 7004
- Supported Battery 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery ( Included )
Audio Input
- Audio input type Microphone
- Microphone type Built-in
- Microphone Operation Mode Mono
- Microphone technology [Aug 27, 2010 from CDS: Audio Input] Electret condenser
Power
- Battery type - Lithium ion
Viewfinder / Display
- Display Features Built-in
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
Product series
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Manufacturer: Kodak
Specs: Lens - 5.54 mm - F/2.8,
Kodak Playsport - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card -
Manufacturer: Kodak
Specs: Lens - 5.54 mm - F/2.8,
Kodak Playsport - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card -
Manufacturer: Kodak
Specs: Lens - 5.54 mm - F/2.8,
Kodak Playsport - Camcorder - Pocket - Flash card
Accessories
- Dynex DX-VIDBKT cold shoe bracket (35144484)17.99
- Lowepro Digital Video Case 30 - pouch for camcorder (34580141)20.94
- Sony LCJ TSA/W - case for camcorder (34576173)11.99 - 19.99
- Sunpak camera accessory kit (34875998)10.99 - 34.19
- Hoodman Camcorder Mounting Strap LCD screen hood loupe strap (34879378)24.99
- Hoodman H 400 - camcorder LCD screen hood (30437273)17.99 - 24.99
- Sony LCS BBG/B - soft case for camcorder (35136296)24.99
- Case Logic Camcorder Kit Bag - case for camcorder (34130061)10.80 - 23.99
- Case Logic Camcorder Kit Bag DCB-305 - case for camcorder (34498454)18.39 - 19.99
- Polaroid PR-14B Water and Crush Resistant Camcorder Backpack (30710118)16.44
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Kodak products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Kodak
- Address:
343 State Street, Rochester, NY 14650
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