Kodak PlaySport Zx5 Gets Winter Makeover

It may be the dog days of summer, but Kodak has its eyes on winter, and they're giving its popular PlaySport Zx5 a seasonal makeover. Dubbed the Burton Edition PlaySport, this rugged camcorder sports the same rough and tough pocket camcorder features as the second-generation PlaySport, but with a color scheme based on a Burton snowboard.

Other than a fresh coat of paint, the Burton Edition PlaySport seems to be the same 1080p rugged HD pocket camcorder DCR reviewed in July. The features between the two devices closely align. In addition to HD video, those features include 5-megapixel stills, digital image stabilization, LCD glare shield, social network share button, and on-camera editing options, as well as the expected shockproof, dustproof, and waterproof (up to 10 feet) design. Kodak claims the Burton Edition has buttons big enough to operate while wearing gloves, but it’s unclear if they had been enlarged for this model.

Perhaps the blue and black checker pattern makes the Burton Edition PlaySport easier to find in the snow after a mountain wipeout than the black model we reviewed, or its red counterpart. However, it’s safe to say it will stand out more than the all-white edition.

If it’s the same camcorder, that might not be a bad thing. DCR ultimately gave the PlaySport four out of five stars, claiming, “For users with the right needs (affordability, endurance), the Kodak PlaySport Zx5 is quite possibly the best camcorder around.”

The Burton Edition PlaySport goes on sale this fall for a launch price of $199.95, and it ships with an HDMI cable, remote control, 4GB SDHC card, a gripping tripod, and carrying case.