Kodak PlaySport HD

I love taking HD videos but I don't yet have a "mini" digital video camera that I can get wet. I have one of the original Flip cams but I'm in the market for a new, more durable digicam. So far I think the Kodak PlaySport HD looks like the best option. It can go as far as 10 feet underwater and record in full 1080p high definition video. Seems like the perfect option for hikers and water sport junkies like myself. Here's a nice review of the PlaySport:

Kodak PlaySport Review - Form and Function Perfectly Combined

Whether you admit it or not, everyone is naturally attracted to a great-looking piece of electronics gear. The Kodak PlaySport (also called the Zx3) certainly qualifies on that score. But there's so much more here than just an attractive case. There's great function, too.

Function starts with being able to hold your pocket camcorder without slippage or fumbling for the buttons. Thanks to the roughened plastic back, the PlaySport lets you do that no matter what size hands you have.

That feature is especially important in this case because the PlaySport is designed to be used not just on dry land. Take it to the beach or in the pool and you still have a unit that's easy to hold. It can work under the ocean waves down to 10 feet for half an hour, too, so shooting while snorkeling is a definite possibility.

You'll find on the case a switch to set "H2O" mode, but you don't have to worry if you forget to set it. The case is always waterproof. It helps compensate for the way light works under water. The mode adjusts the color to give you natural-looking video in that bluer environment.

In the water or out, though, the roughened surface and mode switch aren't the only things that help you shoot great video at all times.

The Zx3 offers several resolution options: 720p or Full HD (1080p) at 30fps, along with 60fps in 720p mode. There's also a WVGA setting for those determined to squeeze the maximum space. But when you can swap out a 32 Gb SD/SDHC card, it's hard to see why anyone would use it.

Image stabilization helps take the 'jitters' out of your video, even if you have them. It's not perfect and it has limits; it's not quite as robust as the sort found on full-sized camcorders. It's electronic, not optical, which means that software compensates for fuzzy images after the fact, rather than a mechano-optical device during recording. But it does a good job.

An easy-to-operate D-pad on the back puts all the most commonly used features literally at your fingertips. Like the similar control on some game pads, you just give it a nudge in the desired direction to zoom, fast forward, rewind, or adjust the volume. There's also a Record button in the center that lets you start or stop with a tap. It can also be used to take stills in digital camera mode. A Liveview button lets you preview video real time, too.

The integrated LCD screen is not the largest in the market, but at two inches it's plenty usable. Going beyond usable, Kodak coated it with their proprietary Glare Shield to let you monitor the scene with maximum clarity in maximum lighting conditions.

Since you'll be taking your Kodak PlaySport to the beach, the park, and other places where full sun and reflected light are often present, that's more than a nice to have. It's a must. In the most extreme conditions it can even flip automatically to a black and white view.

Washed out colors make a display hard to see, but the eye adjusts to B & W readily. Think of one of those crystal-clear old movies with high contrast - dark shadows, bright highlights, and a smooth grayscale. Easy to watch, right?

There are a few waterproof pocket camcorders on the market now, but the Kodak PlaySport is one of the best implementations around. Lightweight, slip resistant, and ultra easy to operate in every kind of environment. And, of course, it doesn't hurt that it's also a very good looking piece of equipment.

Check out the best Kodak PlaySport prices and find out how the PlaySport compares with other pocket camcorders at: www.playsportreview.com

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Do you have your own Kodak PlaySport reviews or opinions? Post them below!

Flip UltraHD High Definition Mini Video Camera

A few years ago I bought the original Flip Video Camera. I was amazed and still use that old model till today. But now it's time for something better. I really like high definition (HD) video and I want to be able to take ultra clear HD videos when I travel to places like Las Vegas and New York. I saw that there's as new high-def Flip model called the Flip UltraHD and it appears to be exactly what I'm looking for. As usual I've spent some time looking for reviews on this new Flip cam so I can find out if it works, as well as how well it works. Below is a nice, concise review of the UltraHD. Please leave your own reviews and comments below. Thanks...

Flip UltraHD Video Camera - The Most Wanted Camera by Teenagers

When you are looking for the right gadget to get that tech savvy teenager you know, look no further than the Flip UltraHD Video Camera. This camera is extremely portable, and provides you with incredible image quality you can't get for as good a bargain with other low-cost cameras. This coming Christmas has seen the Flip video become a hot ticket item that consumers are hot on the trail of.

Flip UltraHD Video Camera Features:

* Film in HD quality video.

* Make your video steadier with image stabilization.

* Extremely user friendly.

* Integrated 4GB or 8GB memory in the device.

* Portability due to the sleek, thin design.

* Integrated USB arm to allow for easy connectivity, which lets you connect to both Macs and PCs.

* A rechargeable battery pack powers the camera and it also has a backup power source of 3 triple A batteries.

* Watch your video footage on a HDTV due to the superior connectivity.

* Protective case and wrist strap accessories.

* Video footage is recorded in 720p HD video, 60 frames a second, 16:9 widescreen, in the MP4 file format.

Models and Designs of the Flip UltraHD Video Camera

The third generation Flip has two varieties: 4GB, which gives you 1 hour of recording time and an 8GB version for 2 hours of recording. With the 4GB model, you only have to pay $150, but you are only able to record a single hour of high definition quality video. For only $50 more, you can get another hour with the $200 8GB model.

You can get the 8GB 2 hour model in white and black, and the 4GB 1 hour model has magenta and blue varieties.

Please keep in mind that the holidays will mean some models could sell out. Make sure you get the model that you want before someone else gets to it and the retailers run out of stock, which seems to be happening more and more this year.

Flip UltraHD Video Camera Advantages

The portability of the camera is probably its main feature and its primary selling point. From its initial release, this has been a great reason for its incredible success. This new model is an incredible way for young people to carry around their own professional camera.

It doesn't take an expert cinematographer to make your own great looking videos with the help of the Flip UltraHD. All you have to do is turn it on, press the big record button and point it where you want. Your recordings will be greatly improved with the image stabilization features.

Another huge advantage to the Flip Video Camera is the fact that it has a built-in USB that plugs right into any computer for fast and easy uploading to sites like YouTube.

Flip UltraHD Video Camera Disadvantages

This camera does have its downsides somewhat. The battery won't last forever and even though you have the triple A batteries as backup, you might want to take along a backup rechargeable battery source if you are going to be out for a while. There are also people who lament the long charging time of the Flip UltraHD Video Camera.

Is the Flip UltraHD Video Camera the Product to Get?

While not everyone will want a video camera, the vast majority of teens will love this particular gift. Creativity is something that young people are bursting with and this device helps them exhibit it in so many ways. It helps even more when they can own something that is not only highly useful, but that all their friends are talking about too. Just give them this as a present, and watch them absolutely adore it when they see it. However, keep in mind that you have to shell out quite a bit of money before you can give it to them!

To see the cheapest price I found for this hot video camera, visit my Flip UltraHD Video Camera page - http://bestchristmasmall.com/flip-ultrahd-video-camera-black-8-gb-2-hours-3rd-generation-newest-model/