Recording media is not included, be prepared - always carry extra media.
The Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black) brings a new level of toughness to a pocket camcorder. In addition to being waterproof up to 10 ft (3m), this latest generation of PLAYSPORT is now dustproof and shockproof. But along with its resistance to dust, dirt, and sand, the camera comes with built-in electronic image stabilization to counteract blurry footage, smart face tracking which captures everyone in the frame with clarity and focus, and impressive lowlight image capture for more detailed and color-correct images.
This straightforward and simple to operate camcorder also impresses with up to 10 hours of 1920 x 1080p HD video recording--and 5MP still images--captured to SD/SDHC memory cards up to 32GB. Features like 4x digital zoom and the LCD Glare Shield help you to see your subjects more clearly, while the camera's built-in editing software helps you to trim, edit, and post your videos to sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter. Making the PLAYSPORT even more user-friendly is an included USB cable and compatibility with a Mac or PC.
Choose the resolution that works for you:
Dustproof
Shockproof
| Optics | |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1x 5 Megapixel 1/3.2" CMOS Sensor |
| Lens |
5.5 mm
1
Please Note:Auto and Macro settings available close |
| Zoom | Digital: 4x |
| Recording | |
|---|---|
| System | NTSC/PAL |
| Recording Media | SD/SDHC |
| Recording Time |
SD/SDHC Up to 10 Hours |
| Video Format |
High Definition MPEG4 1920 x 1080p, 1280 x 720p, 848 x 480p (30/60/30 fps) |
| Still Image Resolution | JPEG: 5.3 Megapixel |
| Audio Format | 1-Channel Mono |
| Display | |
|---|---|
| Display Type | LCD |
| Screen Size | 2" |
| Touchscreen | No |
| Features | |
|---|---|
| Image Stabilization | Digital |
| Built-in Mic | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes |
| Built-in Light/Flash |
Light - No Flash - No |
| Accessory Shoe | None |
| Tripod Mount | 1/4" |
| Input/Output Connectors | |
|---|---|
| Outputs |
1x USB 2.0 1x A/V 1x HDMI A (Full Size) |
| Microphone Input | No |
| Headphone Jack | No |
| General | |
|---|---|
| System Requirements |
Windows
Mac
Please Note:Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Safari 1.1 or higher close |
| Battery | Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack |
| Dimensions (WxHxD) | 2.3 x 4.4 x 0.7" / 5.84 x 11.18 x 1.78 cm |
| Weight | 4.41 oz / 125 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
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Most Liked Positive Review
Playsport ZX5 sticks to knitting
I purchased this product for a specific use - that being the ability to film my 7 and 5 year old boys playing winter sport in HD, and then easily share the content.
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I purchased this product for a specific use - that being the ability to film my 7 and 5 year old boys playing winter sport in HD, and then easily share the content.
As both boys play outdoor sport, the crucial selling point for the Playsport is it's ability to survive in water (up to 3m). In this case, I don't intend taking it underwater but I do need to be able to film in the rain. IN addition - the rugged nature of the camera and the ability for it to withstand shock (and dust) means I can wield it freely around the rugby pitch and not worry about dropping it or shielding it from the rain.
The ability to shoot in 720p (at 30 or 60 fps), in addition to 1080p, is handy, and the HDMI connectivity means I can connect the camera to my Sonia Bravia HDTV pretty quickly and easily. At 1080p the resulting picture is fine.
I also like the usability of the interface and buttons, although the sensitivity of these leaves a bit to be desired.
The screen size is adequate, though could benefit from being a little larger.
The camera performs particularly well outdoors and also in low-light - outperforming the Flip, Bloggie and other portable micro-cams.
Despite other reviews suggesting the contrary. I did not have a problem with the sound quality. The mic sensitivity can be changed in the settings and with a bit of forethought into recording settings, you can avoid the sound issues described by others.
On the negative side, the internal battery is somewhat of a nuisance if you're intending to take the camera to outdoor locations without nearby power points. This seems to be at odds with the 'portable' purpose of these cameras.
The only other major gripe is the zoom. The absence of optical zoom options, almost led me to get an HD camcorder and is a little impractical given my use of the camera for filming sport (close-ups would be gold). It does offer 4x digital zoom but this is not much, and as it is digital obviously causes pixelation issues when you try and view on computer or TV.
However, one does have to keep reminding oneself that the camera is around $200, and for this money is a bit of a steal really. I'd like to see the next model offer some more zoom flexibitlity, external battery, and perhaps some interchangeable componentry....I would be prepared to pay twice the price if it gets some of these aspects right. Until then I am pretty happy with this purchase overall.
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Most Liked Negative Review
Good for Outdoor bright light use
This camera has a very specific use intended - outdoors - bright light use - where environmental factors such as water, dirt and potential for "shock or droping" would make other video cameras i...Read complete review
This camera has a very specific use intended - outdoors - bright light use - where environmental factors such as water, dirt and potential for "shock or droping" would make other video cameras impractical. If you use it for that purpose, you will be happy. If you are going to use it indoors or in low light - you won't be happy with the trade-offs this camera involves. My first use also caused some concerns with battery life...I only recorded about 30 min of video before the battery died...Not sure I started with a fully charged battery so not ready to declare this a major issue.
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Reviewed by 36 customers
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Pros
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
This little camera is rugged and water proof! What more can you ask for? let the water shots begin!
Pros
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Best Uses
Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
this bloggie cam is not bad.
Pros
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
GREAT CAMERA/VIDEO CAMERA......RESEARCHED A LOT OF THEM....SO GLAD WE WENT WITH THIS ONE,,,,,VERY EASY TO USE
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
These are used by students who need to easily and unobtrusively record presentations, and then upload them without having to transfer or encode with software. They're very popular, easy to use, and the recording quality is great. Build quality is very nice.
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
I purchased the PlaySport Zx5 along with PlayTouch Zi10. Both are excellent, pocket HD Camcorders. No match for high-end HD camcorders, but worth the inexpensive price. I actually prefer the non-touch control of the PlaySport, over the touch-screen of the PlayTouch. Easier to grab and run with. That said, I am disappointed that the PlaySport does not offer replacement battery. Not good!
Image quality-wise: both camcorders are acceptable for the investment cost. I use them for point-n-shoot situations, i.e. bike riding, filming out the window while driving. Best use: filming large subjects in "normal light", rather than landscape and challenging glare, or darkness. Okay for well-lit, indoor night scenes.
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
This video camera is awesome! Very easy to use, with a really good image quality. Of course, it would not replace a full featured video camera, but at that price, it is a great product! The 5 MPixels photo mode is very usefull when you don't want to carry a video camera AND a still photo camera. However, it lacks an integrated flash, therefore it is not intended for replacing a still camera.
What I appreciate:
- video quality
- robustness (it is intended for my 5-years-old son!)
- under-water capability (it really works well!!!)
What it misses:
- an integrated flash (it could have been LED-based)
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
Perfect for my needs
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
This camera has a very specific use intended - outdoors - bright light use - where environmental factors such as water, dirt and potential for "shock or droping" would make other video cameras impractical. If you use it for that purpose, you will be happy. If you are going to use it indoors or in low light - you won't be happy with the trade-offs this camera involves. My first use also caused some concerns with battery life...I only recorded about 30 min of video before the battery died...Not sure I started with a fully charged battery so not ready to declare this a major issue.
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
Not a good camera terrible image quality, something like a VGA camera with electronic interpolation to be 5 MP or HD video. Terrible in every aspect, this is a cheap camera, but should have some quality.
I had some cheap cameras before but I could always use the still images and the videos, the still images from this camera are worst then the video.
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
I bought a DSLR last year, but I missed the boat on getting one with HD video. I purchased this to carry with my Canon 50D and allow me to capture our activities. The first weekend I had the Zx5 it spent the entire weekend in the pocket of my boardshorts. Typically I'm so worried about carrying electronics around the water, but this camera allows you to just enjoy your activities. I shot video under water, while I was swimming and actions shots of some friends' boats. All the video came out amazing. For the price everyone should have this in their bag.
The battery life on it was great. It lasted the entire weekend without having to re-charge.
The only downside to the camera is that it does not perform well in low light and the zoom on it is useless. Altough, if you're looking for something to have while you're around water... than this is a must!
Pros
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
Camera quality is good and user friendly. The locks on both sides are little cranky when you try to open them in order to put the SD card in or power charge the camera . Try not to push them down but slide them forward.
I used the camera under water in about 1 feet deep, the quality is excellent specially in daylight present.Not so good in low light.
I wish the camera had a flash.
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
I bought this cam for trips,very tiny camera excellent for outdoor day scenes,lots fun in the water,very nice quality video.
The only things I can say negatively about this camera is that its poor in low light and its built in battery which does last pretty long but when it dies you can't switch the battery for a fully charged one.
bottom line,lots of fun
Pros
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
I use this product im my framing business to video my framing work when I am doing framing jobs on heirloom photos and clothing. I also use this to shoot vids of my friends and grandchildren outdoors. I have not used it underwater yet.
The video quality is really good and the still images are not bad at all if you have good light. It is small and compact and very simple to use.
Although the audio seems very weak when you are reviewing the video on the camera itself, it is very clear and crisp when viewing the video on a computer or a television. I would recommend this product to anyone.
Pros
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
I'm not going to say this is the best video camera around but what would you expect for this price? I love my purchase...this has quickly become my favorite daily camera. With one hand you can turn this camera on/off, switch from video or pictures and take the pic/video. How can you beat that? What ever you do, please update the software. Yes, there are quirks if you don't do this. Easy to do on Kodak's website...print the instructions and follow the directions and you are good to go. I am using a class 10/16GB card. I understand from the blogs that a Class 6 is fine. So far so good. Haven't had the issues others have mentioned, then again, I did update the firmware immediately (there is a brand new update 8/11). Battery lasts a long time. Have not used it with water so I cannot comment on that. Seriously, for this price, it's a deal! Note: Don't bother calling Kodaks customer service...they are useless. I called regarding the other software update and after speaking to serveral people found out I didn't need to download the Arcsoft software. Kodak is defintely lacking in customer service and their job knowledge.
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
It's a good little compact waterproof camera. I was disappointed the battery was internal and could not be replaced. I own the Kodak Zx3 and it's much better for long trips because you can bring a hand full of batteries to last a few days. The Zx5 you will need to recharge every time the battery runs out which can be difficult especially if camping or a day long music festival!
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
I have been using this camera almost everyday since I bought it in May. It's is really good for it's price. It's really easy to use, which is one of it's best features. You can only point and shoot and don't have to worry about all the technical stuff. The best features are of course that it's waterproof, the really good quality of the HD video, shoots 60 fps and that it's so small and handy.
However I'm a bit disappointed with the bad quality when shooting in low light and with the sound after using the camera underwater. Since the mic is on the front of the camera it sometimes get's clogged up after being underwater and that affects the sound. I also don't recommend the zoom. The video get's very pixelated. I have had a few problems with the video when recording in 720p 60 frames. Sometimes the video seems to speed up in the middle of the recording and the sound and video go out of sync.
However, for this price you can't really complain. It's a really good camera for it's price and I really really enjoy using it!
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
in parties
Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
I used this to help make a video for my job & it's been great--the picture quality it excellent @ 1020 hp & it was easy to use & figure out straight out the box. It's small size makes it easy to carry & less intimidating to interview people with.
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
After sitting down and playing with this camera for 5 minutes, I feel confident using it, and I'm no techie! This is a simple, fun camera that I'm not afraid to take out in the rainy Alaskan excursions that we're taking in August! I like that I can practice and erase videos on the memory card and that it's operation is intuitive. So small it isn't obvious at weddings etc. Doesn't hurt that it looks cool either. :)
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Comments about Kodak PLAYSPORT Zx5 Video Camera (Black):
I use to take pictures and video of my kids, in the pool, camping, snowboarding. Super resistant, even my little kids can use it, drop it and it will not get damaged. I love it!
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