I purchased this little video camera over the summer as a sort of anniversary present for my wife. We've never owned a video camera of any sort prior to this one, though we have both used other people's in the past. I used my sister's little
Flip UltraHD Video Camera - White, 8 GB, 2 Hours (3rd Generation) NEWEST MODEL
a while back and really thought it had a nice picture quality and was a very convenient size. I shopped around for one, and happened to come across this particular camera on the amazon.com website. In comparison, the two cameras seemed to have many of the same features and were comparitively-priced. I opted for this one primarily because it was advertised as waterproof. I have yet to attempt any underwater recording (and I may never attempt this), but I have carried it around in wet pockets at amusement parks and sweaty pockets on vacations. So far, so good.
This camera is a very nice size to slide in and out of your pocket. As I really like having my hands free to do other things and usually wear some sort of multi-pocketed shorts, this camera is perfect for me to easily carry around. The video recordings have been very clear and easy to hear. I haven't done any recording in low-light areas, yet, so I can't tell you how it will perform under those circumstances, but I can tell you it has different features to use for this setting.
Like most Kodak products, the camera is easy to use, and even my tech-ignorant wife had little problem learning to use it. I was also particularly impressed with the software that came with the camera. The software (when installed on your computer) makes uploading to facebook or Youtube very easy to do. My wife would normally have no clue as to how this would be accomplished, but this software makes it a snap (as long as you already have an existing account for those websites)! Importing videos to your computer is also easy to do. Be sure to pay attention when installing the software as it will try to make itself your primary image and video software, and you may not want to do this. Just read stuff before you go checking off every little box you see!
So far, battery life seems to be lasting around four hours (if you are doing a lot of filming). Recharging is done via the included USB cable, and the battery can completely recharge in about two hours time. The memory card IS NOT included for this camera, so you had better plan on another $25.00 additional cost to get yourself a decent SDHC video card. The one I decided upon purchasing was the
Transcend 16 GB Class 6 SDHC Flash Memory Card TS16GSDHC6E
. You're going to want a 16 GB card no matter which brand you go with, but from the information I gleaned through research, you will not need anything higher than a class 6 card for this camera. Anything more is just overkill. It's like putting premium fuel into your Chevy Cobalt. It won't hurt anything, but there won't be any discernable difference other than less money in your pocket.
Overall, our family has been very happy with this camera. I'll try to remember to update this review in a year to give a more long-term summary of it.
There is a newer model of this item:
Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Black (2nd Generation)
$249.99
(572)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
$249.99
(572)
Only 1 left in stock - order soon.
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This Item  Kodak PlaySport (Zx3) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Black (Discontinued by Manufacturer) |  |  |  | |
| Price | $82.98 | $299.00 | -10% $89.99 List: $99.99 | $228.00 |
| Delivery | Get it Feb 12 - 13 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 12 | Get it as soon as Monday, Feb 12 | Get it as soon as Saturday, Feb 10 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||
| Picture quality | ||||
| Image stabilization | ||||
| Zoom | ||||
| Battery life | ||||
| Sound quality | ||||
| Sold By | Mister B Enterprises | 17Photo, Electronics and Outdoors | AKASO-Store | Amazon.com |
| model name | PlaySport | GoPro HERO11 Black - Waterproof Action Camera with 5.3K60 Ultra HD Video, 27MP Photos, 1/1.9" Image Sensor, Live Streaming, Webcam, Stabilization | brave 4 | HDR-CX405 |
| display size | 2 inches | 1.9 inches | 2 inches | 2.7 inches |
| digital zoom | 4 multiplier x | 8 multiplier x | 5 multiplier x | — |
| optical zoom | — | — | 1 multiplier x | 30 multiplier x |
| video resolution | 1080p | 1080p | 4K | 1080p |
| connectivity tech | USB | USB | Wi-Fi | USB |
Reviews with images
1 year and 2 cruises later...
...and it's still going strong.My wife used to purchase the Kodak/Fuji single use underwater film cameras whenever we'd go on a trip which included opportunities for underwater pictures. Then, afterwards the pain of taking it in to be developed, and ending out with only a couple pictures worth keeping. The other problem you have with the single use cameras is that you don't have incentive to be taking lots of pictures - you're constrained buy how many cameras you've brought along, and then knowing you're going to have to pay to develop anything you shoot. At the time I purchased, I figured this reasonably priced underwater digital camera had to be a better way to go. Sure enough, this camera has exceeded all my expectations.On that first cruise I purchased it for, the underwater photos were very good. I didn't take much video, but it was acceptable. My main purpose was for an underwater camera - the video is just a bonus for me, if I'd even use it.Personally, I was never a photo person. My wife has her Nikon Dxxx, spends a small fortune on it, and is always lugging it around somewhere with her equipment. This camera is just fabulous for me - stick in in my pocket and whenever we're on vacation or a trip, it is effortless to get quick shots. It powers up very quickly, and with a good Class 10 memory card I can snap picture after picture without worry. My daughter even gets annoyed at me that I snap so many pictures of her. What the heck - it doesn't cost anything to develop, and the more I take, the better the chance of catching that great shot. The 5MP capability is good enough for me - again, not the professional photographer here - just want to get good shots, no need for SLR quality.But, back to the water/underwater capability - all of the openings have rubber gromets around them creating a good watertight seal. I have used it in very salty water as well as chlorine. Once done for the day, just soak/wash it in clean water, dry it and it's good to go.Also, the package includes every cable you need - nothing extra to buy. We'd be out for the day, snapping pictures and video, get back to the cruise ship and connect the camera up to the TV - no problem.Uploading to your computer or other device is simple - just plug in the USB cable and it's all available. Also, the ArcSoft photo software is resident in the camera, so when you first connect the USB, it will want to install. It also automatically launches the software if it's already installed and you connect the camera. This can be a little annoying if you don't want to use their software - because you have to cancel it everytime you connect the camera. Minor inconvenience.In any case, to summarize, this is a very good underwater alternative. It does a good job with underwater pictures and video, and also as a general purpose point and shoot camera. For the average user, coupled with a good memory card, it's a quality product and you'll be very happy with the pictures.
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Top reviews from other countries
Amazon Customer
Five Stars
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 26, 2016Color: BlackVerified Purchase
jotaprimero
A handful of wet and dry fun!
Reviewed in Canada on January 26, 2011Color: PurpleVerified Purchase
Ally
Works great after nearly 2 years!
Reviewed in Canada on June 2, 2012Color: PurpleVerified Purchase
Edmonton Roy
Good value for the price
Reviewed in Canada on September 22, 2010Color: BlueVerified Purchase
