Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Pocket Video Camera (Abyss – Black)
Posted by Notcot on Sep 23, 2010 in Photography |
PLAYSPORT; 5MPx; 1920 x 1080; 2.0″ LCD; 4x D; 128MB; SD/SDHC; MOV/AAC LC; JPEG; HDMI; USB 2.0; 128g; black
- Digital zoom: 4 x
- Optical zoom: -
- Megapixel: 5 MP
- Lens focal range: 39.4″ – 8
- Optical sensor size: 1/0.984 cm (1/2.5 “)
Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Pocket Video Camera (Abyss – Black)
Review by Mr. Peter J. Chapman for Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Pocket Video Camera (Abyss – Black)
(5 / 5)
Rating:
The PlaySport is Kodak’s ‘upgrade’ to the very successful Zi8 model.Kodak Zi8 HD Pocket Video Camera – Black
There are some differences between the two units, so decide carefully what you will be making videos of before making your purchase.
The PlaySport is missing the macro function on the lense that can be found on the Zi8, basically, this allowed you to focus clearly on close up objects. Also missing is the 3.5mm stereo mic input. This was very usful if you were micing up an instrument and recording interviews. It also meant that you could stand as far away from the camera as your microphone cable would allow.
However, the PlaySport has some improvements and features that trump the Zi8.
In my opinion the video quality is better, capturing video in low light situations is improved, the brightness of the lcd screen is adjustable, it works underwater, its smaller and fits better in your hand than the Zi8.
The Playsports lense is wider than the Zi8’s, meaning you can fit more in the frame.
To sum things up. If you are looking to do video blogging, music recordings, interviews and anything a bit more professional, then buy the Kodak Zi8. If you’re looking for something a little more rugged, a camera you’d not think twice about letting the kids use, a video camera to take on holiday or just something to carry around with you to whip out when you spot something worth recording, then the PlaySport should be your weapon of choice.
Review by R. Evans for Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Pocket Video Camera (Abyss – Black)
(4 / 5)
Rating:
Excellent value for money, i find it great for just picking it up and filming my kids playing.
Picture quality superb at 720p 60fps
Battery life not brilliant, long videos 20+ mins and half flat, and it gets hot
Would recommend none the less
Review by Mr. William Andrews for Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Pocket Video Camera (Abyss – Black)
(5 / 5)
Rating:
I bought this camera mainly because my daughter was going to Mexico on holiday and said that she hoped to swim with sharks and dolphins. I have used video cameras on an amateur basis for years but have never progressed to HD. Although she is not the best of photographers (‘hosepiping’ the camera all over the place) I can only say the results really are stunning. The brilliant underwater video shots of the brightly coloured fish are extremely good when viewed on my HD TV, the sound of local singers and guitarists etc. is excellent and the quality of the many still shots (too many) is exceptional. Some of the stills showing the colour of the sea and the sand are literally worth framing.The editing facilities which install when you first connect to a PC are adequate although basic. The only regret I have is that I bought the camera for my daughter: I want it for ME now.
I cannot speak too highly of this excellent video (and still) camera, especially considering the price on Amazon.
Bill
Review by Tom Douglas for Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Pocket Video Camera (Abyss – Black)
(4 / 5)
Rating:
I have not owned this long but it is a mighty impressive package so far. It is a little short of perfect, but is definitely worth the price tag.
The positives:
- Although not heavy, it has a solid feel and the rubberized surface makes for a sure grip in the wet
- It is smaller than you expect. Genuinely pocket-sized
- The software is easy to use and simple to set up. They have put some thought into the balance between simplicity and functionality
- It happily runs in HD, although is better at 720p than full HD 1080p
- Most importantly, it is a full underwater camera, with a blue filter mode to balance the colours underwater
The negatives:
- Although it takes still pictures, and in good quality, you have to navigate throught he menu to do it. Simple point and snap would have been better
- 1080p quality is not so good. But at 720p and 60fps it is great. If full HD matters to you, then you need a better and much more expensive camcorder
- Low-light quality is poor, it struggles with balance
- The battery is not removable, so no fast swapping with a spare battery
- The front of the device is white, irrespective of the model colour. I’d prefer a single colour both sides
The negatives highlight an important point – this is a pocket-sized, easy-to-use, waterproof camcorder. It isn’t intended to be everything to everyone, just a highly practical cam for the active outdoors.
As a robust first camcorder it is great. For many people it will be a second camcorder which can take the shocks, and the water, of outdoor family fun.
The pricing is very well pitched – while it does have some negatives in HD and low-light, it is a great pocket camcorder for the money, and will be your first-choice device on a daily basis.
Four stars – but much nearer to five than three!
Review by Mother of Two for Kodak Playsport Waterproof HD Pocket Video Camera (Abyss – Black)
(5 / 5)
Rating:
My husband purchased this product to take on holiday with us this year as a solution to always wanting to take both pictures and video but never wanting to carry two cameras around.
I have to admit I thought it was just an excuse to get another gadget and it would be a ‘Jack of all but master of none’…..how wrong could I be!
Stunning video, fantastic still images and add to that it is waterproof…..
I will leave the techy stuff to others to comment on but for me the title says it all – simply brilliant!