Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Black (2nd Generation)

 

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 2.9 x 6.1 inches ; 4.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B004FLL5BI
• Item model number: 1515246
  

By : Kodak
Price : $96.99
You Save : $62.01 (39%)

Product Description

Color: Black
From the Manufacturer
Takes an impact. Makes an impact—in full HD.Share your most extreme moments simply. The Kodak PlaySport Video Camera / Zx5 delivers full 1080p HD with a rugged design that's shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof up to 10 ft underwater.If you're going to live with no limits, you need a digital video camera that can deliver the goods in full 1080p HD. The Kodak PlaySport Video Camera / Zx5 is up for the challenge. We built it to take on the most extreme lifestyles with an insanely tough design—we're talking shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof to a depth of 10 ft. And built-in image stabilization smooths out even the roughest ride. Whether you're carving up the mountain or pulling stunts in the skate park, the PlaySport Video Camera / Zx5 is up for anything. And with a touch of the Share button, shocking your social network couldn't be simpler. Show the world why you're So Kodak. We dare you.Go anywhere, do anything, fearless designWaterproof

• Take the plunge up to 10 ft under water for up to 2 hours
• Don't get the blues—underwater white balance mode gives true-to-life colors in the pool or under the waves

Dustproof

• The muddiest, dustiest, sandiest conditions are no match for the PlaySport's rugged design

Shockproof

• Bumps and bruises go with the territory—the PlaySport can even take a fall from 5 ft

IEC 60529 IPX8 compliant. IEC 60529 IP6X compliant. MIL-STD-810F, shock equivalent (onto plywood). Just press to impressThe world's only cameras with 3-step sharing!¹Kodak's Share button makes sharing your videos and pictures as simple as 1, 2, 3.

• Step 1—Just press Share when in review mode
• Step 2—Choose your favorite sharing destination, e-mail address, or Kodak Pulse Display²
• Step 3—Connect your camera to your computer or insert your memory card and your videos or pictures are automatically uploaded to the destination(s)

Only Kodak Cameras:

• Let you simultaneously share to multiple social networks, e-mail and Pulse Display^1,2
• Automatically share when you connect to a PC¹
• Tag to the largest number of social networks: Kodak Gallery, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, FLICKR, ORKUT, YANDEX, and KAIXIN001^1,3

Show them what you're made of—in HD

• Full 1080p high definition captures your adventures in amazing detail
• Easily switch to still camera mode to catch 5 MP, 16:9 widescreen HD still pictures

Choose the resolution that works for you:

• 1080p—great for stunning playback on your HDTV—HDMI cable included!
• 720p at 60 fps—for fast action and super slow motion playback
• 720p at 30 fps—ideal for general recording in high definition
• WVGA—perfect for conserving space on your memory card or smaller files sizes for web use

Smooth, stable, and always able

• Get sharper videos and less blur thanks to built-in digital image stabilization
• Capture your friends in their best light with smart face tracking technology—the camera detects and locks onto faces, then ensures great exposure around them
• Get great close-up shots with macro mode (automatic detection or user selectable)
• See more details and accurate colors with incredible low-light performance
• There's always room for more—record up to 10 hours of HD video with expandable SD/SDHC card slot (up to 32 GB) ⁴

Don't let sun glare ruin your recording

• The bright 2.0 in. LCD automatically adjusts to the lighting conditions around you
• See your screen even in ultra-bright sunlight—simply turn on the LCD Glare Shield feature

Simple on-camera editing

• Trim your video to just the right moment and save it as a new video
• Make a picture from a video frame

Cool capture effects give a new look to your scenes

• Black and white
• Sepia
• High saturation—bright, bold colors
• '70s film—muted colors, slightly greenish cast, and a little graininess for a retro look

Great video editing software comes on-board the PlaySport CameraDownload the software when you first connect it to your computer⁵ to:

• Edit and trim videos
• Add a voice-over to narrate your footage
• Add pictures and music to your videos to make cool mashups
• Grab and edit still images from video frames to get that perfect shot

Make a colorful statement

• Comes in a variety of colors
• Soft rubberized feel for a secure grip
• Rounded ergonomic design

Ready for the big screen

• HDMI port gives you the option to debut your videos in full glory on your HDTV⁶
• It doesn't matter if you own a MAC or a PC—the Kodak PlaySport is compatible with both
• The optional remote control makes it easy to comfortably enjoy your videos and pictures

Ready to go—right out of the box

• Kodak PlaySport Video Camera / Zx5
• Adapter and cable for battery charging
• Wrist strap
• User Guide
• ARCSOFT MEDIA IMPRESSION Software for Kodak and Kodak Share Button App (both on-camera, PC only)

1. All models of digital still and video cameras manufactured in 2011 or later.
2. Kodak Pulse Display and Kodak Gallery support still pictures; video not supported.
3. Sharing sites vary by region.
4. Record about 20 min per 1 GB at 720p HD at 30 fps. Actual results may vary.
5. On-board software for PC only.
6. HDMI cable is an optional accessory. Receive a FREE HDMI cable when you register your PLAYSPORT and pay Shipping and Handling.

If you're going to live with no limits, you need a pocket video camera that can deliver the goods in full 1080p HD. The Kodak PlaySport Video Camera is up for the challenge. We built it to take on the most extreme lifestyles with an insanely tough design – we're talking shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof to a depth of 10 feet. And built-in image stabilization smoothes out even the roughest ride. Whether you're carving up the mountain or pulling stunts in the skate park, the PlaySport is up for anything. And with a touch of the Share button, shocking your social network couldn't be simpler. Show the world why you're so Kodak. We dare you.

Technical Details

• Shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof up to 10 ft
• Kodak's Share button lets you choose your favorite sharing destination, e-mail address, or Kodak Pulse Display
• Full 1080p HD videos and 5 MP HD stills, with auto focus
• Get sharper videos and less blur thanks to built-in digital image stabilization
• On-camera editing

Customer Reviews

Length:: 1:50 Mins
The Kodak PlaySport Zx3 (the older model) was a pretty good camcorder (better than most in this category), so I was thrilled when I found out there was a new model coming out. However, Kodak made some changes that I was really disappointed about:
SENSOR SIZE:
When it comes to video quality one of the most important things to look at is the size of the sensor. The (new) Zx5 has a 1/3.2 sensor which is smaller than the (old) Zx3 with a 1/2.5 sensor. Basically, bigger is better when it comes to sensor size. Smaller sensors result in more "noise" which will affect the image quality. This is especially a problem in low-light situations. (I think the video quality is good in bright light situations, but it is a bit grainy in low light.)
Now I don't expect too much from a $179 camcorder, but the older model which came out at $149 (and is now even cheaper), has a bigger sensor (with the same CMOS type and 5 MP size). What's up with that? Newer models are supposed to get better, not worse!
BATTERY:
The other significant change is that the Zx5 has an integrated battery. Yes, that means it's non-removable. Which means that you can no longer keep spare batteries for "just in case"... and you know the battery always runs out at the worst possible moment. And, even worse, if the battery malfunctions/dies the camera is useless and you have to send it to Kodak for them to replace the battery ($$). And besides, what's the point of making a camera that is capable of recording up to TEN hours (on a 32GB card) when a single battery charge can't last even close to that?
If you can get past those two BIG negatives then you might want to read about the GOOD changes:
----Macro mode has been added. (7 - 17 cm). This is a really great feature.
----Focus range: Zx5 is ~4 inches to infinity, while the older Zx3 is ~39 inches to infinity.
----camera is now shockproof. (Good for those of us who drop things. I am guilty of that.)
----Special "Cool Capture Effects" added. This is really great for all you creative types.
----sharing videos online is a bit easier with this model. ("3-step sharing")
----records in MP4 format. The older model recorded in the MOV format. MP4 format is easier to work with in most video editing software.
The other positives about this camera (but these are not new features):
----Waterproof (up to 10 feet)... but being able to record in macro under water is new.
----Image stabilization is pretty good for a pocket camera.
----Face detection ability
----Can record up to 10 hours if you get a 32 GB card
----Small and comfortable to hold on to.
Comparing to Flip and Sony:
I also considered buying the Flip UltraHD, but its image sensor is even smaller. It is 1/4.5. The Sony Bloggie was a good contender with its sensor being 1/2.5, and it takes better quality still photos, but it's not waterproof and it also has the internal battery issue. You're not going to find a perfect, pocket sized camera with all the features you want, and all for under $200. So, essentially, you have to decide which features are most important to you, and which features you are going to sacrifice.
Overall, this is a pretty good camcorder and is filled with tons of good features, but I think it's really too bad that Kodak made those changes with the sensor and the battery. Otherwise, this really would have been an awesome little camcorder. Despite those 2 big negatives, I bought this camera anyway (instead of the Zx3). (I really wanted the macro mode and mp4 format). If most of your filming will be in low-light situations I wouldn't recommend this camera. It's good if most of your filming will be outdoors or in bright light.
If you do decide to get this camcorder, or any camcorder that uses SD/SDHC cards for that matter, be sure you get a fast card (a Class 6 or higher). A slow card can cause problems when recording.
Also, the HDMI cable is not included with the Zx5. They will send you one if you pay shipping ; handling ($6.50). The other problem that people may not know of is that if you happen to own the Zx3 and already have an HDMI cable and think you can use it on this camera then think again. You're out of luck. The Zx5 uses a smaller cable. It uses the micro HDMI cable (type D).
I did a lot of research before buying this camera and still had a hard time choosing. Hopefully this review will be helpful to you.
(((I had to compress the uploaded video because of Amazon's file size limitation. The original is better quality.)))

~~~Update 3-24-11:
I don't feel this camera is as bad as what some of the negative reviews imply. Sure, I shot some video that was horrible and really grainy, but I was in really low-light and I was moving too fast. I got much better results after slowing down. And filming in really bright light gave great results. What I really love about this camera is that I can get really close to my subject. I was only about 10 to 15 inches away from the birds in the uploaded video. (You can't get closer than 39" with the Zx3).
Also, my HDMI cable arrived today from Kodak so I was finally able to watch my videos on my 55" TV and I have to admit the picture quality was quite good. (so good that I'm changing my review to 4 stars). I actually seemed to get the best results from the 720p recordings. The biggest challenge is low-light. The lower the light levels, the more obvious the graininess is.

i own the zx3. so when kodak said they where bringing out another waterproof camera with macro i couldnt wait to see what it was like.
it is alot like all the other kodak camcorders. it records in the following:
WVGA, 720p 30 and 60 FPS, 1080p
it also has a 5 megapixel camera option on it.
it has 4 extra colour effects which are good if the mood strikes.
normal, High Saturation, 70's film, Black and white and Sepia
it also has the glare shield which the zx3 has. the difference with the zx5 is it has a sensor which change's the screen automaticaly. i have tried it and it works very well.
i found the low light to be better than the zx3. the 60fps low light was really good.
it has an internal battery which some people dont like. i thought it would be a problem to but after having the zx5 for nearly a week i havent even noticed the internal battery.
you can record 2 hours and 35 mins in 720p at 30fps. which is better than the zx3.
you can edit the video on the camera its self and then press the share button to upload it on to facebook, youtube and other sites. you also have the arcsoft software that comes with the camera.
the zx5 has water correction which i would ashume works the same as the H20 setting on the zx3. the underwater video is a lot better than the zx3. it is very clear and the autofocus works very well underwater.
here is some underwater tests using both cameras:
[..]
some people have said about the zx5 having bad audio. i have had a lot of pocket HD camcorders and some of them had bad sound others have had really good sound. to me the sound is ok. i would admit that the zx3 has slightly better sound but to me the zx5's sound is ok.
here is a sound test which was done. i dont think the sound is that bad.
[..]
kodak have said that the zx3 will be discountinued soon. which means that the zx5 will take its place. i think that the zx5 has a lot to offer. the zx3 has some huge shoes to fill but it also has had its issues to.
the only issues i have found so far are that there is a background noise when using the camera underwater. also sometimes when you move the camera infront of the sun you get a bronze flash on the screen. some times the autofocus tries to focus behind you when there is nothing there. its not as bad as the sony bloggie cm5 but it is there.
i do like the zx5 and i have really enjoyed using it. i dont find the sound an issue and having used the zx5 for nearly a week i havent had any problems with the internal battey.
at the end of the day you have to make up your mind what you want and what camcorder fits those needs.
here are some pros and cons for the zx3 and zx5:
ZX3 Pros:
Cheaper. better sound. removable battery.
Cons:
soon to be discontinued. zoom has problem. low light is grainy. some have green pixels in low light. low light not so good. records 1 hour and 20mins per charge
ZX5 Pros:
has macro. has auto focus. better underwater video capture. battery records 2 and a half hours per charge. zoom is better. video quality is better. has special colour effects. low light is better. its dust proof, water proof and shock proof.
Cons:
slight background noise when underwater. bronze flash sometimes on sunny days. autofocus can sometimes jump. which means it goes out of focus for a couple of seconds.
so there you go. i really like my zx5 and i think i will be using it alot more than the old zx3. i hope this has helped.
for more videos and reviews check out Chrisc74 on youtube.

 

Kodak PlaySport (Zx5) HD Waterproof Pocket Video Camera - Black (2nd Generation)

 

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