The PlayFull carries a suggested retail price of $129. Full technical specifications for camcorder can be found here.
Kodak PlayFull Video Features
The Kodak PlayFull uses the computer-friendlyH.264 format for 1920 x 1080p high definition recording at 30 frames per second (fps). The PlayFull features a 5-megapixel 1/3.2-inch CMOS image sensor.
In addition to Full HD recording, you'll have the option to record at 1280 x 720 at 60 fps (ideal for recording faster action), or 720/30fps. You can snap 5-megapixel still photos using the PlayFull, but here is no flash so you'll likely encounter a lot of blur. The photos are also in the widescreen format, so they won't produce a traditional photo print unless you crop them first.
Optical Features
As you'd expect on a pocket camcorder, you won't find anoptical zoom lens. Instead, there's a 4x digital zoom. In our experience, these digital zooms not only don't magnify the scene all that much, they ramp up digital noise (or grain) in your footage, so are best avoided entirely. There is digital image stabilization technology as well to reduce the impact of shaky hands.
Memory and Display
The PlayFull packs a paltry 128MB of internal memory, so you'll need to spring for an SDHC memory card. The camcorder does not support newer, higher capacity SDXC memory cards but you can still store up to ten hours of HD footage using a 32GB SDHC card.
You'll frame your recordings on a small 1.5-inch touch-screen LCD display. The display is capable of automatically adjusting its brightness as the ambient lighting changes, to ensure you've got a good view. An "LCD Glare Shield" boosts brightness to the fullest to help you see in intense sunlight.
Design
The PlayFull is one svelte camcorder, measuring in at 1.6 x 3.9 x .6-inches. Thanks to the use of flash memory the PlayFull is also super light at 3.4 ounces. Design-wise, the PlayFull keeps it simple - with a large recording button in the center of the unit with five buttons arrayed around it for switching between stills/videos, playback, settings, trash and a share button for uploading videos to popular online video sites like YouTube.
Aesthetically, the PlayFull can be had in a blue or silver exterior.
Shooting Features
Pocket camcorders are designed to be very simple to use, so you shouldn't expect much in the way of video features. The PlayFull does offer some options, such as the ability to add several video effects to your footage (vivid color, normal color, sepia, B&W, high saturation, 1970's film look). You can also perform some basic edits to your footage in-camera, including the ability to trim your shoot and isolate a still photo from moving footage.
Connectivity
The PlayFull offers an HDMI port (no cable included) and a built-in USB plug for conveniently connecting the camcorder to a PC. Included software loaded onto the PlayFull will automatically download to your PC the first time you connect the camcorder. From there, you can perform more sophisticated edits, create multimedia slideshows and email or upload your video creations to the web for all the world to see.
Impression
Kodak's PlayFull is a nice entry-level pocket camcorder for those looking for an easy-to-use video camera. We're partial to the slightly more expensive Kodak Zx5 since it's both waterproof and rugged, but if you're pretty confident that you won't dunk or drop the PlayFull during use, both models offer the same core specs.