Kodak PlaySport Zx5 review: Kodak PlaySport Zx5

Editors' note: Kodak has issued a firmware update for the PlaySport Zx5 that prevents it from "freezing" or "locking up" during video capture or review, and enables the use of Class 10 SDHC and SDHC UHS-1 memory cards.

7.8

Kodak PlaySport Zx5

The Good

The waterproof/shockproof <b>Kodak PlaySport Zx5</b> produces very good video quality for its price and size, is easy to use, and has good editing/sharing software.

The Bad

The PlaySport doesn't have a built-in USB connector, there's no flash or video light, and the battery can't be removed.

The Bottom Line

The rugged Kodak PlaySport Zx5 is a very good minicamcorder, but falls just shy of improving on last year's model, despite being more durable.

The PlaySport Zx5 is Kodak's update to 2010's PlaySport Zx3. The two look nearly identical, but the Zx5 ups the ante on durability; the Zx3 was merely waterproof and dustproof but now the Zx5 adds shockproofing. There are a couple of other feature differences, too--most for the better. Unfortunately, the battery is no longer removable.

The video quality from the Zx5 doesn't change much from the Zx3, but the few changes are mildly for the worse, which brought its rating down. On the other hand, the video is still very nice and the camera is a good deal for anyone looking for a minicamcorder that can handle surf, sand, snow, and rain.

As we've said many times before, pocket video cameras such as the PlaySport can't compete with a full-fledged HD camcorder costing hundreds of dollars more. There are other factors that go into creating great video beyond high resolution. Then again, you probably wouldn't risk bringing something that expensive for a dip in the pool with you or barreling down a ski slope. For its size and price the video from the PlaySport is very good. The default resolution is 720p at 30 frames per second. At this setting clips looks soft and not what I would consider "HD" but more like good DVD-quality standard definition. If you're shooting moving subjects, like someone running, you might see artifacts and quickly panning the camera will result in noticeable judder. The same is true of the 1080/30p setting. However, these things are typical with minicamcorders and changing to the 720/60p setting helps some to smooth things out.

Now, if you're subject isn't moving rapidly, the 1080/30p resolution is worth using, because scenes actually look high definition. There's a bit too much sharpening at times that causes ringing artifacts, but that's mostly noticeable when viewing at large sizes such as on an HDTV. Color and exposure are generally good, too, but it clipped highlights in bright lighting--indoors and out--and the white balance seems off. Low-light video, while noisy, is pretty good without a lot of detail loss. One thing I did notice is that it has problems focusing--or at least sharpening--on a portion of the center left side of a scene with a lot of fine detail. For example, when shooting a grassy lawn, the right side would be sharp as would the far left side. However, a section just in the center and to the left would look soft and smeary. It's easily overlooked if you're not scrutinizing a clip or viewing at small sizes.

Though only really noticeable at larger sizes, the center left of this scene is soft and smeary while the rest is sharp and in focus.

The PlaySport has an autofocus lens that can focus from 4 inches to infinity; underwater that changes to 5.1 inches to infinity. If you need to get even closer to your subject you can switch to macro shooting with a focus range of 2.8 to 6.7 inches; 3.5 to 8.7 inches underwater. It also has a 4x digital zoom, which I recommend using sparingly; I've seen worse results from a digital zoom, but it's still not good.

Lastly, this minicamcorder can capture 5-megapixel photos and it actually shoots quickly. The results are suitable for Web use and small prints, but, like with video, clipped highlights are an issue and there are visible noise/artifacts in low-light shots.