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The best thing about this cam is the nice video quality under water. Although battery life is short, you can buy inexpensive replacement batteries ($5) to get going, not like the ZX5 that has an internal-not removable one. Battery life is one hour. The picture quality degrades with zoom (digital zoom only), as well as in low light conditions. The LCD is hard to see when in direct sunlight and underwater. If you are going to use it at the beach, pool, water park or for snorkeling, is a best buy for the price. (Bought mine new for $90). For everything else I use my Sony camcorder because of the low-light handling, zoom and more features. I would recommend a wide angle len.
This is my third Playsport Zx3 purchase. The Zx3 is superior to the Zx5 because of the removable battery. Extra batteries and a battery charger and a remote are all available for this camera. The supplied charger works with the battery while in the camera. The other model, the Zx5, has a macro setting as it's only advantage, which most people would seldom use anyway. The Zx3 does close up pretty well as it is. But the Zx5 has no removable battery, which was a bad move by Kodak since having an extra battery or two is great when you're out filming on a trip or event. Get the Zx3. Battery is good for an hour or two of total record time depending on how much you use the view screen whle not recording, and the power rating on the battery("mAh" number relates to how long it lasts). Some aftermarket batteries last a little shorter, some longer - read the mAh number rating when choosing what's better for you. The battery model is a KLIC-7004, but comes in different mAh. The sound sometimes takes awhile to clear up when coming out of water, and the camera is designed as for light use and shallow submersion underwater. It's great around the pool or in bad weather like that snow sled excusion but if your actually diving you may want to choose something more heavy duty. There is several settings. Video and Camera. The 5MP Still pictures are mediocre. There is no light or flash - so it does decent pictures for a video camera, but bring the regular camera along if you want nice pictures. There is something to be said about the video options - other cameras may have the 1080 HD @ 30FPS (frames per second) like this one, but only 30FPS @ 720 as well. The Zx3 has a 60FPS @ 720HD setting, and sometimes the 720 HD @ 60 FPS actually makes better movies. There is no simple formula (like using the 60 FPS for action) - some of my action videos actually came out better at 1080 @ 30FPS - typically, the lower resolution seems more vivid and smooth, but it is a lower resolution, and you may find yourself using the 1080 setting most of the time. I also recommend purchasing the Square Trade warranty if available.Read full review
LIke many before me, I shall give you my opinions on the Zx3. First off, I wanted this because it was lightweight, waterproof, and shot in 1080p video. Now that I have it, I hardly put it in 1080p mode because the 720p (60fps) is much better for what I use it for. I tend to take video of moving objects, mainly my kids, or sporting events. Pros: 1. High Def video in two forms, and very good in bright light. 2. Water resistant 3. Small form factor 4. Pretty good LCD screen Display 5. As small (or smaller) than my cell phone. 6. HDMI out (cord included) Cons: 1. Digital zoom (as with most if not all Dig. Zooms) is nearly worthless. 2. 4 way toggle buttons are a little small (even for my small stubby fingers). 3. Mediocre low light capability 4. 1080p video is 30fps and seemingly choppy when shooting fast moving objects.Read full review
This is a fantastic little video and still camera which is easy to use and carry in your pocket. It is great fun to film underwater (it is waterproof down to 10 ft) and the quality of the footage no matter above or below water is excellent. It's only fault is how quickly the battery is depleted shooting1080p HD video. Nothing carrying a spare battery can't solve, though.
It's very convenient to use even in the water play. Small size and wonderful pixels. (Full HD. But 30 fps for full HD.) I bought this product for kayak paddling. Except for short battery operation time, overall performance per cost is excellent!! We need extra batteries..
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