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Introduction
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01.Product Tour
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02.Colour & Noise Performance
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03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
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04.Low Light Performance
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05.Compression & Media
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06.Manual Controls
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07.Still Features
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08.Handling & Use
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09.Playback & Connectivity
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10.Audio & Other Features
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11.Kodak Zx1 Comparison
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12.JVC Picsio GC-WP10 Comparison
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13.Sony Bloggie Touch Comparison
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14.Conclusion
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15.Specs and Ratings
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16.Comments
Kodak Playsport Zx3
This review is organized into 16 parts
Next: Part 1
Product Tour
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 | ||
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Part 1
Product Tour
Waterproof body (up to 3 meters); comes in three colours. No lens cover; focus range is 1 meter to infinity. Read More... |
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. Read More... |
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. Read More... |
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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. Read More... |
Part 5
Compression & Media
Multiple recording options; built-in editing software has lots of features. Internal memory is limited to 20MB. Read More... |
Part 6
Manual Controls
Decent auto exposure system. No manual controls; auto white balance works poorly under certain indoor lights. Read More... |
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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. Read More... |
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. Read More... |
Part 9
Playback & Connectivity
Comes with HDMI cable and USB to wall-plug adapter. D-pad VCR controls can be frustrating. Read More... |
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Part 10
Audio & Other Features
Manual audio level adjustment. Built-in mic records mono audio. Read More... |
Part 11
Kodak Zx1 Comparison
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Part 12
JVC Picsio GC-WP10 Comparison
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Part 13
Sony Bloggie Touch Comparison
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Part 14
Conclusion
Read our final conclusion of the Kodak Playsport Zx3. Read More... |
Part 15
Specs and Ratings
See all the scores for the Kodak Playsport Zx3. Read More... |
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Part 16
Comments
Read what people are saying about the Kodak Playsport Zx3 Add Your Comments |
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Kodak Playsport Zx3 Camcorder Review
The Playsport 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 did surprisingly well in our video testing. Read More...
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