Kodak PlaySport spec & review: Kodak Playsport ZX3 versus ZX5

Both Playsport models were set at 1080P mode at 30 fps. Overall conclusion - While the ZX5 sports some new features (but leaves out the HDMI cable unless you register the camera with Kodak and pay a shipping fee), I still think you'll get a better value for the ZX3 at a much lower price. You may notice that the ZX5 picks up more sound compared to the ZX3 outdoors with the birds chirping in the background, but it seems like the reproduction of my voice sounds cleaner on the ZX3 (especially important for me when I watch the footage with a good audio system) besides having better image quality than the ZX5. It's your call on which is better. On an added note regarding the ZX5's internal battery, even though you do get more life on a full charge compared to the ZX3's detachable battery (nearly double set at 1080P), replacement batteries are inexpensive from third party manufacturers which makes the ZX3 more flexible, especially during long video sessions where you may not have the luxury (or time) to recharge the ZX5's internal battery everywhere. Update (Aug. 26, 2011) - I'm learning that any camera that uses the more aggressive mp4 (ie Kodak ZX5) or AVCHD format is subject to a compromise in sound quality compared to the less-compressed .mov (ie Kodak ZX3) and MPEG-2 formats. By sound quality, I mean accuracy of reproducing natural sound. The biggest test is by recording bass at relatively loud volume levels (ie concerts) without distortion. I've noticed that most ...