I agree withe picture quality. It seems very grainy and choppy at times. Have you tried playing videos on a HDTV?

Good review, thanks. I just think this is a product who wants to be used as a video-camera and not for shooting pics so the bad about photo quality is a minor issue in my opinion. The point is: can you recommend something better at the same price?

I have this camcorder and the Zi-8 as well. I looked at a few others, but based on reviews purchased the Kodak one instead and I am happy with the decision.

For the CONS

1) Low light shows the weakness in the ccd. Tons of noise in the dark areas, just total chaos. Especially if you move around (Like at a club or party). Even in the daylight technicolor noise can be seen in mid-tones and shadows.

The Kodak Zi-8 seems to be a bit better in low light but its not great either. I have used both in low light and barely any light at all. The low light does appear worse than the hardly any light though because as Bentota mentioned, you get the technicolor pixelation. In hardly any light though, you pretty much see what you would with your own eyes so for not projecting it's own light source its not too bad.

2) Packaging. It comes with so little. Just a USB cable, and send away for a HDMI cable? Are you kidding!? Obvious personal-information/advertising ploy and totally unnecessary. Not even a case is included.

I believe my zi8 did come a mini HDMI cable but I don't believe this one did. I got it around xmas with alot of other tech gadgets so I don't remember for sure.

3) The Battery is not easily replaceable. I haven't looked into how to really open it up (possibly voiding the warranty) to replace it if it DOES die but I wouldn't want to do it away from a clean workbench. I BOUGHT THE AMAZON SUGGESTED BATTERY. DON'T DO IT!!! Currently I'm trying to figure out how to return it to the 3rd party, but since the battery isn't a plug and play deal do not buy it! You're just wasting time.

The battery is VERY easily replaceable. Release lever is on the right side, then inside is a yellow release lever that pops out the battery. I have four replacement batteries, around $5 a battery only (pretty cheap), that I can charge up and take with me. Plus it is able to run on USB power, so I also run this off my usb battery pack when I am recording at some of my gigs.

4) Menu navigation is sluggish/laggy but works OK since you won't go to it often and is simple and straightforward.

My unit's navigation actually works quite smoothly. The zi8 actually has less buttons so you can navigate more easily in the dark, but this one is not bad really either. There's only four buttons and the arrow pad and center button to really memorize.

My conclusion is that as far has these pocket camcorders go, both the Kodak models are nice and I'd say in the top 3 or 4. The playsport has advantages because it is waterproof and feels a bit more durable. The zi8 though allows you to add more accessories, such as an external microphone and it has a slightly larger lens which allows for a better close up (meaning inches away from the target subject) and a slightly better picture quality (IMO).

The battery is not 'VERY easily replaceable'! Is is with the Zx3, not the Zx5.

I appreciate this review... I like my Zx5 but it is not my only camcorder. I bought it to throw in the bag on the way to the beach with the kids, surfing, or soccer, or camping... All outdoors where it may get dropped or wet and low light issues are moot - and IMO this camera is absolutely the best when used this way. If this is your only camcorder, I think it's better to save up and go higher end. If this is a novelty to be used in high impact or wet environments, it can't be beat.

I am glad you brought up the 60 fps, and the Benny Hill show affect. It also completely messes up the audio sync on these videos. Do not buy this camera if you want 60 fps, and do not use 60 fps if you buy the camera. I made the mistake and it rendered many of my vacation videos unwatchable.

So is this what is happening to me? I used the camera, but when I play the video back on my computer the audio and video do not perfectly match. The sound happens and then the mouth moves.

It might be the video codecs installed on your computer. A simple test is to upload one of your videos to youtube or some other video hosting site. If you still see the sync issues then it's the video, if not then it's probably your computer.

When I read your post , I said I have to write back. I'm stuck between the Kodak ZI8 and the Kpdak Playsport. Since you have both which one would you reccomend more. I use it tbasically to shoot random stuff with my friends but also do interviews for my work to post on my website...testimonials and stuff like that. The zi8 is more expensive, and im willing to pay for it but only if its worth the price diference...any thoughts?

Thank you so much for the note about the battery. I'm taking it overseas and on a day trip across the Baltic sea, so I have been very concerned about arriving in Tallin, Estonia by ferry only to have the battery die mid-day.