Kodak Playsport (black)

Pros: Got a Playsort in May. 720p 60/fps is the mode to use for great looking video. Even performs well in low light. Comes with all the cables you'll ever need. Super easy to use, good battery life even with the EIS turned on.

Cons: What do you expect for $149? Digital zoom, but still not bad if you're subtle. Proprietary USB port a bit of a drag. Wind noise can be an issue. Would be nice if it came with a memory card but it doesn. Would have also liked a case.

Summary: I got the Playsport with a bundle deal of an 8GB class 6 mem card from Amazon for $139. Added extra battery/charger, case, 2 mini Gorilla-type tripods, and the wireless remote. A local TV station has already used some video I shot of a house fire just around the corner from where I live. It was getting dark and I shot it in 720p/60 fps. If you're making a spec trailer or something, or just a hobbyist, great little camcorder. I plan to mount it on sailboats to get action footage of the cockpit during races, and to use it kayaking out on Cape Cod this summer. People think I'm holding an iPhone or something, usually. Not only does Kodak give you all the cables you'll ever need, the thing boots up in about 1 second and is shooting as soon as you hit the button. I did have to RMA 1st one I got, there were a few dead(white) pixels in the middle of the sensor apparently, since I watched the video on several different monitors and the artifact was there on all of them. However, Amazon sent out the replacement about an hour after I went online to process the return. This is NOT an indestructible camera. It's waterproof. To 10 ft. So, would be great to take on your snorkeling trip in Hawaii, etc., or to a shallow beach. I think Kodak really hit a homerun with this. If I wasn't going to use it outdoors/on the water, I'd have gotten the Zi8 for the external mic input and some fancier features. But the Playsport is a winner in my book, and I'm a cranky geek and hard to impress.