Kodak Playsport ZX3

Kodak PlaySport Zx3

Kodak PlaySport Zx3The Kodak PlaySport Zx3 ($150 as of July 24, 2011) is a waterproof pocket camcorder that can handle dives down to 10 feet underwater. It captures some of the best videos and photos we've seen, but it has a design flaw in its button layout. The PlaySport Zx3 is an average-size pocket camcorder, measuring 2.3 by 4.4 by 0.8 inches. Everything you need to operate the camcorder is on its body; it doesn't offer touchscreen controls. On its back are a 2-inch LCD, a record button, a playback button, a delete button, a settings button, and a navigation button ring. On its right side, hidden behind a pop-out panel, are an HDMI port, a USB port, and an AV-out port. On the left, also hidden behind a panel, is the removable, rechargeable lithium ion battery. Below the battery slot is the SD/SDHC card slot (a card is not included). In an effort to make the PlaySport Zx3 easy to use, Kodak placed all of the function buttons in the same area on its body. To start and stop recording, you press the record button, which is surrounded by the navigation ring. To use the camera's 4X digital zoom, you press up on the ring to zoom in and press down to zoom out. Unfortunately, the ring is so small that when you're attempting to zoom you could easily press the record button and interrupt your recording accidentally.