Kodak ZM2 Mini HD 720p Waterproof Ultra Slim Camcorder w/ 1.8" LCD Display, Integrated USB & Video

We purchased this gift for our 9 yr old granddaughter for her birthday. We wanted a recorder that was easy to use, built in usb, and one that was waterproof. Our granddaughter loves it. She had some difficulty charging the recorder the first time, but the Kodak website had easy to understand troubleshooting suggestions, and she was able to correct the problem with little problem.

The video quality is very good compared to older generation Flip style cameras. The camera is easy to use, focuses clearly at nine inches and farther, and works reasonably well with indoor lighting. The picture is very clear with daylight, both in a naturally lit room and outdoors.

This is a no frills camera. It's easy to use but there's not much functionality. The zoom is digital, the microphone is mediocre, there's no image stabilization, but you get a good picture at midrange distances, particularly when you have something to keep the camera stable.

I'm rating this at a time when there are newer models and it's heavily discounted. It's available in many colors, and some can be found a lot cheaper than others. At the original retail price, it's no bargain.

I got this primarily for my teenage son, because it's a much better candidate than an iPad when you want to take pictures at the edge of a pond, or even underwater. The underwater performance was good by my criteria, the primary one being that it still works when it comes out. I haven't tested it underwater extensively, but so far so good.

Overall, it's a nice camera if you can get it with a big discount. But as prices drop for newer models, it may be worth the money for something better.

Buy Kodak ZM2 Mini HD 720p Waterproof Ultra Slim Camcorder w/ 1.8" LCD Display, Integrated USB & Video Now