Kodak Playsport Zx3

Camcorder Review

This review is organized into 16 parts

Next: Part 1

Product Tour
Kodak Playsport Zx3

Introduction

The PlaysportS Zx3 is an exciting ultracompact camcorder from Kodak that combines a Full HD recording capability with a body that is waterproof up to 3 meters. The camcorder’s durable construction—and the fact that it did surprisingly well in our video testing—may spell trouble for its competitors, primarily the Flip series.

The Playsport is available in black, purple, orange, or blue, but the back of the camcorder is white on all models.

One of our comparison models, the Kodak Zx1, is no longer available – but a very strong comparison.

Comparisons

Jump to a quick comparison of the Kodak Playsport Zx3 with these other camcorders...

This review is organized into 16 parts
Part 1
Product Tour

Waterproof body (up to 3 meters); comes in three colours. No lens cover; focus range is 1 meter to infinity.

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Part 2
Colour & Noise Performance

Low noise levels in bright light testing. Poor auto white balance system led to dismal color accuracy in bright light.

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Part 3
Motion & Sharpness Performance

1080p video image was very sharp for an ultracompact camcorder. Video had a lot of blur and trailing in our motion test.

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Part 4
Low Light Performance

Very good low light performance overall; much better white balance in low light than in bright light test.

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Part 5
Compression & Media

Multiple recording options; built-in editing software has lots of features. Internal memory is limited to 20MB.

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Part 6
Manual Controls

Decent auto exposure system. No manual controls; auto white balance works poorly under certain indoor lights.

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Part 7
Still Features

Can take 5-megapixel still images. Only one photo size option and no still image features on the camcorder.

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Part 8
Handling & Use

Light, rugged design with good grip and strong port covers. 2-inch LCD is sub-par; d-pad isn't very well built.

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Part 9
Playback & Connectivity

Comes with HDMI cable and USB to wall-plug adapter. D-pad VCR controls can be frustrating.

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Part 10
Audio & Other Features

Manual audio level adjustment. Built-in mic records mono audio.

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Part 11
Kodak Zx1 Comparison

Kodak Zx1
We compare the Playsport Zx3 to the Zx1.

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Part 12
JVC Picsio GC-WP10 Comparison

JVC  Picsio GC-WP10
We compare the Playsport Zx3 to the GC-WP10.

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Part 13
Sony Bloggie Touch Comparison

Sony Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20
We compare the Playsport Zx3 to the Bloggie Touch MHS-TS20.

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Part 14
Conclusion

Read our final conclusion of the Kodak Playsport Zx3.

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Part 15
Specs and Ratings

See all the scores for the Kodak Playsport Zx3.

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Part 16
Comments

Read what people are saying about the Kodak Playsport Zx3

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Kodak Playsport Zx3
Camcorder Review

This review is organized into 16 parts

Next: Part 1

Product Tour
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