The reason for this review: pure enthusiasm (of the heart)!
I was looking for a compact camera as possible for the holidays, they should be favorable and have good image quality. When searching, I had actually already for another model chosen (a SONY with optical zoom), before I stumbled across the KODAK ... and have changed my mind spontaneously, as two properties make the unique KODAK:
- Underwater fit
- Robust appearance (and therefore also for our 6/11 year old "children's hands" suitable)
Since I anyway do not expect "high-end" -Bildqulität for a price 130-250 EUR, I then decided to use the family-friendly version of a pocket-camcorder.
First, the supplied accessories in addition to the camera and the battery (Li-Ion, 1000 mAh):
- USB charger (D / USA)
- USB cable (for PC or charger)
- HDMI to HDMI cable (for connecting to your TV)
- AV RCA to 3.5mm jack cable
- Obligatory wrist strap
- Editing software for HD video (in the camera's internal memory)
A quick note to the internal memory: the only thing missing in the delivery (if the price goes the but probably otherwise) is a memory card ... the internal memory fit in high resolution (probably only to "try very fast times") maybe just 10 seconds of film! So: Please also order the same memory card.
Now about the "miracles":
Operation and commissioning of the camera (after the first charge) are really easy and also the size (as a slightly larger cell phone) is comfortable ... and just suitable for children. The beiligende manual is short ... but according to the range of functions: simple, concise, precise. The software installs itself after the first connection to the PC automatically, so even for "PC-beginners" no problem - until then: everything "as expected" (actually not even worth mentioning).
After the first Probefilmchen (1060p, ie 1920x1080 pixels / with memory card), the first sight test (via the direct HDMI connection) on the big screen: "more than adequate", fairly good resolution, slight blurring when panning - not a true HD Feeling ( like a Blu-Ray), but no worse than the "old, chunky" MiniDV camera, my first pleasant surprise. The LowLight recordings (sparsely lit living room) were much better than expected ... While we may not expect miracles here, but I find it (especially for the price) extremely amazing.
But then I have the setting to 720p / 60fps (resolution 1280x720 pixels, 60 frames per second) changed ... and WOW !! The slight blurring is barely make out, the feeling of HD increases - that's just amazing for this price (and also the reason for this opinion).
And now for the best Extra:
The camera is waterproof up to 3m (for underwater filming there is an extra recording mode) and the Videoqulität (tested in bath and swimming pool) is just great. Nice side effect: While you probably is more cautious on holiday to take his camera with the pool (because of the size, but also the "splash risk") - or it can be the same all over ... with this camera an all fears to be taken and the recordings are not "perfect", but really funny and exceptionally (added: under water, it is difficult to make the right part). The (unusual) jump shots of my kids from the pool edge (filmed from the pool) are in any case become great (and other guests were irritated that I take my mobile with the water).
; O)
Worthy of mention is the end even the tripod hole, for which there is a great action tripod ... and can facilitate the movies, if you do not want to keep all the time in hand the camera.
Oh, short for Software: install baby easily as mentioned, handling fine (even the fastest PCs are so rightly) - and the possibility of video - upload directly to the Internet - for example via Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, or Twitter. And while there has tasted my first Facebook experiment 3 attempts (and for a 60 seconds video - but also uncompressed / not reduced - lasted about 20 minutes..) - But eventually worked out yet.
The only (small) complaint:
Battery performance is only moderate and you get (when for example the camera. On vacation with taking on sightseeing) to a spare battery hardly around. Even if only short clips filmed and the camera is switched off in between, is already after 1-3 hours (depending on usage) no more juice there ... a great pity if just at the interesting things want to be filmed.
Conclusion:
+ Perfect for families!
+ The Playsport is small and handy, fits loosely in your pocket and is easy (!) To operate.
+ Video quality is more than passable (depending on lighting: super)
+ Fun factor priceless (snow, ice, beach, pool - great applications, do not worry about the camera)
+ More than extensive accessories (alone a memory card is also required)
- Battery power - more than one to two hours on a single charge are hardly possible (hence urgently a spare battery also order)
CLEAR FUN RECOMMENDATION
PS Be on occasion times late filing of a video, "but": the first two Papas, where I presented the camera and its movies live, were of the overall concept so much that both have directly ordered their own KODAK Playsport ... could give it a better quality evidence ?!