Kodak ZX3 PlaySport - Review

The size of this Kodak Zx3 camera is just about a perfect fit for my handheld operation. It is approximately the same size as my cell phone, and weighs just a bit less. The view screen is big enough to see what you are recording, and not miss too much of the action going on around you.

You can use it just about anywhere! I have used it as a dashcam, a backyard bird/cat/baby recorder and even shot video of an amazing fireworks display on the 4th of July. Our 2 year old daughter's first trip to the beach with family was captured for longevity and I know she will appreciate seeing her first reactions to sand and the surf for years to come.

In different lighting conditions the view screen can adjust at the touch of a button to change how you view the scenery around you. The video remains clear, but in high light the screen adjust makes it easy to make sure you are keeping the focus of your camera where you want it. In low light conditions the screen can be adjusted to allow you to make sure that what you want to record stays in the frame as well. There is three settings that I have found work well in almost any lighting situation.

The Kodak Zx3 camcorder can be mounted on a tripod for stable shots, less shaking makes the video much easier to watch. During a motorcycle rally in Myrtle Beach this past Memorial Day weekend, I mounted the camera on the flexible tripod that came in my Bundle Pack and sat it on my truck's dashboard. I filmed as a drove down the road, hands free for safety, and the clarity of the video is great! You can see how well it works as a dashcam with the video below taken with my Kodak Zx3 PlaySport.

Kodak Zx3 PlaySport

• Lens
  5.54 mm, 35 mm equivalent
  48 mm @ 1080p
  36 mm @ 720p
  36 mm @ WVGA
  36 mm still capture


• Zoom
  4X digital


• Image stabilization
  electronic


• Display size
  2.0 in.


• Storage
  128 MB internal memory[1], SD/SDHC card expansion slot (up to 32 GB)


• Focus modes
  normal


• Focus range
  39.4 in.-infinity


• White balance
  auto


• File formats
  video: H.264 (MOV), AAC LC
  still: JPEG


• Capture modes
  1080p-1920 x 1080, 30 fps
  720p / 60 fps-1280 x 720, 60 fps
  720p-1280 x 720, 30 fps
  WVGA-848 x 480, 30 fps
  still-5.3 MP, 16:9 widescreen, interpolated


• Microphone
  yes-monaural


• Speaker
  yes


• I/O interface
  USB 2.0 (high speed), AV out, HDMI


• Tripod mount
  1/4 in. standard


• Power
  KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery KLIC-7004, AC Adapter


• Dimensions
  2.3 × 4.4 × 0.8 in.


• Weight
  128 g without battery

The Kodak Zx3 PlaySport is Available in Several Different Colors to Suit your Style, and has Numerous Accessories to make Shooting Videos Fun and Easy.

• Kodak Telephoto Lens for Kodak Pocket Video Cameras
  
  Telephoto lens adds 2X magnification


• Kodak Wide Angle Lens
  
  Stay in focus as close as 2 cm


• Kodak Pocket Video Digital Camera Remote Control
  
  Easy Controls to Operate the Kodak Zx3 and Get in the Frame


• Kodak Case for Pocket Video Cameras
  
  Perfectly Sized to Carry Your Camera and Extra Battery or SDCard


• Compact Battery Charger Set for Kodak KLIC-7004 / Fuji NP-50 / Pentax DL-I68
  
  Keep your Batteries Charged when You're At Home or On the Go


• Kodak Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery/KLIC 7004
  
  Keep a Spare Battery Handy - While One is Charging the Other is Shooting


• 8GB Kodak Hs 100X-SDHC
  
  The Camera Comes with a 4GB Memory Card, Get the 8GB so You always have Enough Memory to Capture the Moment


• Delkin Devices DDMOUNT-MINI Fat Gecko Double Knuckle Single Suction Cup Camera Mount
  
  Window Mount so you can Keep Your Hands On the Wheel and Catch All of The Action


• Gorillapod Video Tripod (Black/Blue)
  
  Compact Flexible Tripod - Easy to Take with You Wherever You Go


• Kodak PlaySport Zx3 Camcorder Lighting Photo and Video Halogen Light
  
  2 AAA Batteries and Charger included