-
Introduction
-
01.Product Tour
-
02.Colour & Noise Performance
-
03.Motion & Sharpness Performance
-
04.Low Light Performance
-
05.Compression & Media
-
06.Manual Controls
-
07.Still Features
-
08.Handling & Use
-
09.Playback & Connectivity
-
10.Audio & Other Features
-
11.Kodak Zx1 Comparison
-
12.JVC Picsio GC-WP10 Comparison
-
13.Sony Bloggie Touch Comparison
-
14.Conclusion
-
15.Specs and Ratings
-
16.Comments
Kodak Playsport Zx3
Previous: Part 4
Low Light PerformanceNext: Part 6
Manual Controls
Compression & Media Summary
Multiple recording options; built-in editing software has lots of features. Internal memory is limited to 20 MB.
Compression (7.6)
The Kodak Playsport uses H.264 compression to record video and the camcorder offers four different recording quality options. The highest quality setting captures Full HD video at a 1920 x 1080 resolution using a 30p frame rate. Two more HD options are available for recording 720p footage, and there's a WVGA mode that captures standard definition video. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of H.264 compression.
| Format | Resolution | Codec |
| HD 1080/30p | 1920 x 1080 | H.264 (MOV) |
| HD 720/60p | 1280 x 720 | H.264 (MOV) |
| HD 720/30p | 1280 x 720 | H.264 (MOV) |
| WVGA | 848 x 480 | H.264 (MOV) |
Media (5.2)
The Kodak Playsport's built-in memory capacity is extremely small—just 128MB with only around 20MB available for storing video or photos—so the camcorder's main storage media is removable SD/SDHC memory cards. The memory card slot is located on the left side of the camcorder, next to the battery compartment, and it is protected very well by the thick, flip-down cover. Read more about the advantages and disadvantages of flash memory.
 |
| The camcorder records to SD/SDHC memory cards. |
Kodak doesn't provide any information about approximate record times for the camcorder, but you can expect the 20MB of internal memory to allow for roughly 10 seconds of video at the highest quality setting. You are best off using an 8GB or higher SD/SDHC card, as those should give you multiple hours of record time at any quality setting.
Editing (8.25)
The Kodak Playsport ships with a new version of ArcSoft MediaImpression software that is loaded right on the camcorder itself. The software would not load onto our Macintosh computers, but it is compatible with Windows and needs to be installed the first time you connect the Playsport to a computer. The new version of MediaImpression is nearly identical to what came on previous Kodak camcorders, but there are a few new upload features and editing options.
For an overview of the software that ships with the Kodak Playsport and other Kodak camcorders, see our article: "Video Editing Software For Your Camcorder"
| Kodak Playsport Comparisons | ||
 |
 |
 |
| Kodak Zx1 | Picsio GC-WP10 | Sony Bloggie Touch |
Latest News & Reviews
-
29-Apr-2011
Panasonic HDC-SDT750 3D Camcorder Review
With the HDC-SDT750, Panasonic is bringing 3D videography to the masses. It is definetly not cheap, but it is still comparable in cost to other flagship models. Read More...
-
10-Mar-2011
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...
Top Rated Camcorders
-
1Panasonic HDC-SDT750
With the HDC-SDT750, Panasonic is bringing 3D videography to the masses. It is definetly not cheap, but it is still comparable in cost to other flagship models. Read full 17-part review
TypeConsumer -
£764.952Panasonic HDC-TM700
As the update to Panasonic's 300-series, the expectations for the Panasonic HDC-TM700 are high.. Read full 16-part review
£764.95TypeConsumer -
3Canon Legria HF G10
With the Legria HF G10, Canon's latest flagship camcorder, the company decided to use a completely different image sensor with a smaller amount of pixels. If you check out the results from our performance testing, you'll quickly see the change paid off—particularly in low light situations. Read full 16-part review
TypeConsumer -
4JVC Everio GZ-HM1
Other than a new silver paint job, JVC's newest flagship model, the Everio GZ-HM1, looks exactly like its predecessor, the GZ-HM400. JVC's biggest alteration comes in the form of a back-illuminated CMOS sensor that did wonders in improving the low light performance of this new model. Read full 16-part review
TypeConsumer -
£966.505Canon Legria HF S21
Canon's new flagship model, the HF S21, has a lot of exciting new features and controls. Its 64GB of internal flash memory, two SD/SDHC memory card slots, and the touchscreen LCD make the HF S21 one of the most appealing camcorders of 2010. Read full 17-part review
£966.50TypeConsumer
Features
-
Video Editing Software For Your Camcorder
We take an in-depth look at the most common video editing software packages, including the basic programs that come packaged with your camcorder. Read More...
-
Camcorderinfo.co.uk Select Awards 2009
It’s time once again for our annual CamcorderInfo select awards. Each year, we honor the camcorders that really rise above the rest during our review process. The camcorders you’ll read about below have all survived a battery of tests—tests that are designed to give every camcorder fair and equal treatment. These models have also been carefully compared to the competition. Read More...
