Kodak PIXPRO Aerial Pack VR Camera and 3DR Solo Mount

Easy to use, high resolution.

If I could give it 2.5 stars I would but I am rounding down for several reasons - to be explainedOverall, the camera seems to have decent build quality and looks like a good idea in theory. However, it seems as though there's a way to go with this technology before it actually gets good. This camera leverages the 4K name but don't be fooled by labels... the output is FAR from 4K resolution or clarity. The form factor is nice and the included accessories in the Premier pack are reasonably well thought out, with a few hitches.For the price, I don't think this camera delivers on its value proposition. Aside from the video quality being less than expected and ostensibly advertised in the name, there are also reliability issues that came with my unit anyway.If you absolutely MUST have a 360 camera, this may be a good option due to its relatively low price but if you are looking to get in the pool just because there is a pool - wait; the water will undoubtedly get better over time.In detail: I purchased this camera 20 days ago and have experimented with it over several of those days. My primary reason for purchasing it was two-fold:1 - To use it as a security camera for my wife's car as we suspect someone may attempt to damage it in the lot where she has to park for work. My intention was to leverage the motion detection to monitor activity around her car and if any damage were to show up, we'd have video evidence with which to hopefully nail the perp.2 - I train and coach in all forms of driving. One of those forms is running a teen driving school. My intention was to use this camera to capture time out on public roads and document when people in traffic were doing good things or bone-headed things so I could show the video in a classroom setting and talk it through for my students. I also planned (haven't done yet) to put the camera in some of our training cars to evaluate how my instructors are doing and/or again use that footage for classroom conversation as a teaching aid.As a security camera, one of the really annoying things about this camera is when you switch on the motion detection mode, if you power the camera off, you have to dig your way through the complex menu to switch it back on - every time. Too cumbersome. Indeed, it doesn't seem to remember ANY settings other than resolution and aspect ratio between power cycles. I find this frustrating and short-sighted on the mfg's part. Secondly, every time I've used the camera in motion detection mode (it sits idle until it detects motion in the frame and then records for 10 seconds, then goes back to idle/sleep and waits for motion), it has arbitrarily turned itself off/powered down for NO reason. It had plenty of battery left, and no one changed anything; it just 'died.' This tells me that there's some problems with the camera's code/programming/BIOS. Perhaps it's hitting an exception in its code and its reaction is to power down. Which of course means, if caught mid-day, once powered back on we have to take a while to navigate the cumbersome menus to get the settings back, including motion detection. VERY FRUSTRATING and useless as a security camera because of this bug.I've actually had it just power itself down while recording in 'normal' mode (not motion det. but manually hitting record.) I've been recording, thought I'd caught something worth keeping, looked at the display only to find it was entirely blank as the camera was no longer on. That's called SUCK.When driving with it mounted in the car, I use the suction cup mount and run a car charging cable to it that is within spec according to the manual and what I've found online (the REAL manual - what it ships with is an all but useless quick ref.) The camera gets VERY hot when it is plugged in and on - whether recording or not... if it's powered up and plugged in, it gets HOT. Not sure what that's all about...Speaking of the mounts... They give you a nice array of mounts that look like GoPro mounts with the camera. I thought this was great until I went to mount the suction cup to the sunroof (as the suc sup mount will NOT allow you to mount the camera upright on the windshield - they expect you to use it in "Front" mode which is NOT 360, it's just a really, really wide framed shot of what's in front of you/the camera. Again... useless based on the camera's stated intent and name. Anyway, when I mounted the camera to the sunroof, it wasn't low enough and the rear-view mirror blocked too much of the frame, as did the door sills from the roof in the back doors. I figured, no worries - it's a GoPro style mount, I'll just get one of my shorty extensions from my myriad GoPro kit and add it to the stalk. Come to find out, the Kodak camera REVERSES the GoPro attachment tech - where GoPro uses 3 prongs to receive the camera's 2 prongs (the part you put the tightening screw through), Kodak uses 2 to receive and 3 on the device. So you can't readily use the camera with any of the GoPro mount tech. I got around this by digging out a screw and removing the receiver nut from my GoPro mount (otherwise you have a nut on each side and nowhere to run the screw through to attach it all), and offsetting the two mounts, then running my found screw through it all to "McGyver" something together. Perhaps GoPro has a legal lock on their mounting tech, I don't know but this was a relatively frustrating surprise but obviously not insurmountable.Lastly, the built-in image stabilization is good for low frequency vibration but higher freq's like that experienced when driving on a concrete interstate or road under construction overwhelms the camera's capability. You wind up with video that could make the saltiest of sailors motion sick from watching the results.There are a lot of complaints out here about the software and the instability of the camera's WiFi. I've certainly experienced the WiFi instability and it can be annoying when it is frequent. I just used the WiFi to frame shots and make sure the camera is not being blocked where I need visibility, so on, check, and out/off. While it acted up on me some, I could still get what I needed done. As for the software... it IS very basic but I didn't expect much based on reviews. It DOES get the job done and you don't have to upload to YouTube, etc. You can get a very good idea of the camera's results through the PixPro software. It allows you several perspectives and is quite easy to use. Personally, I found the viewing software the least annoying thing about the whole setup. Granted, I am only using one camera. For those who are attempting to double up to get a true spherical visibility and presentation, perhaps the software is much worse a solution.In summary:Overall, for $500 I am not impressed enough. I am very seriously considering returning the camera before my Amazon 30-day window expires. My only hesitation is there is nothing else out yet that does motion detection like this camera does for security purposes but as mentioned, this camera is quite unreliable in that function due to gross failure/arbitrary power-down when battery, etc. are all good.My advice - WAIT FOR SOMETHING ELSE. This will no doubt become a very competitive marketplace and prices will only come down over time. Unless you have a pressing need and a "low" budget, keep holding out as this camera will likely take more of your time fuffing with the device itself (overly cumbersome menu & logic), and/or being disappointed or frustrated at the missed opportunities, lesser quality output, or unpredictable results than you will enjoying the output of the product. Or, of course be outright worried that the dang thing is going to catch fire because it's so HOT!** UPDATE **Well, I chose not to return the camera and continue on with it to give it another chance - hoping that new firmware would resolve the issues I had experienced. It's now a year since I purchased the camera and the firmware has not corrected any of these issues (unexpected power-down, heat, poor resolution, etc.) and attempts to get support from Kodak and/or the PixPro team have come up fruitless - and NO offers to replace the potentially defective since new unit.In short; I wish I would have returned it.The arbitrary "power off issue" was not just with motion detection, the unit powers itself off for no apparent reason (even when it's not so hot, temp-wise) and usually at the worst possible times during recording. I have missed more shots that I thought were being recorded than I have actually collected when putting this unit into service. Doing what I do, that can be expensive both monetarily and reputation-wise. When a customer expects video that cannot be produced because of unreliable equipment, they don't blame the camera, they blame you - the service provider. The result: this camera sits on the sidelines, a waste of time, effort, and money while more reliable and less expensive equipment takes its place, albeit without the 360 degree capability.The unpredictable power-down issue (battery status and/or direct power attachment make NO difference whatsoever) has made this camera so useless for my needs that I rarely use it for anything. I just threw $500 down the toilet, basically... No matter the price when you read this, please learn from my expensive mistake and avoid repeating it yourself.I'm dropping my review to 1 star because at the end of the day, a camera that is unreliable and unpredictable - esp. at $500 - is worse than no camera at all... I would NOT purchase this camera again, nor can I recommend it to anyone.Maybe someone from Kodak will respond to this review and offer me a solution that will allow me to update and raise my rating but honestly, my expectation for that is about as high as being able to actually USE this camera for more than 5 or so minutes without it turning itself off for no reason. I've gotten better support and information from the user-supported forums than any of my attempts with Kodak PixPro support.

I have used 10 gopro's and worked hard to get them to work if one went bad you have to start over... Gopro Hero 4 Black heats up fast... The Kodak 4K s two camera takes pretty darn great video.. This 360 thing is vert hard and tricky, the camera are the easiest part the editing can be tough. The software when it works is pretty darn good.. however is quicker.. I use Autopano and that is much harder to use, I mean harder to learn... I have been trying for two weeks to understand the Key frame for stitching... I use the 4k for everythinjg so I am working daily.. and the 4k is pretty good i mean pretty darn good.. its pretty strong in low light compared to gopro's and the other models... for 1000 bucks.. I am getting ready to buy two more...Solid 360 will change everything... be on the cusp instead of behind...you can GoPro or you can "Kill it with Kodak"!

The media could not be loaded. I love my pixpros. They are great and they are most definitely very useful. I've already had them for a while now and have experimented in several different environments. I've taken them to as high as the summit of a volcano to as deep as the Galapagos shallow waters with the sharks. Left them overnight in time-lapse mode on a very remote field, adapted them to use on my drone, at restaurants, real estate, and so many different uses, I'd probably spend ages just listing them.Anyway, I had to deduct one star because one of the cameras was out of focus. At first I contacted Kodak and shipping back and forth, even under warranty was going to cost me more than the actual kit (customs in Ecuador at the time of my ordeal, are crazy expensive, not worth it), so I figured, if I have to shell out again money to buy new ones, let's see if I can fix it... So I opened up the camera and adjusted the focus and now it's better than ever. As a matter of fact, I had to move the focus on the other camera to match how sharp it got after the fix.I am not sure why the lens on one of the cameras was out of focus, but after fixing it, it never lost focus again.I got the underwater casing and haven't had any issues so far.The software is so-so, but good enough for a quick edit. It does do a decent stitching, but I use the kolor software for better results and then on premiere to fix the horizon and vibration. The EIS mode is definitely NOT ideal for stitching video, because it shakes more than desired. It works best when recording in single camera mode (specially from the drone). I have managed to reduce vibration in dual camera EIS on by doing some mods to the rig, but it's best to just not go that route and fix it in post.The one big beef I have with this, is that I cannot use existing go-pro/action camera accessories, unless I mod them. There is always a workaround, but it still never stops being an annoyance.Again, camera quality is great!I will be buying new batteries and protective lens covers just in case (and before they are no longer available)and I'll consider on buying another kit for a custom quad rig.I have several VR cameras and multi-camera rigs, but this one is probably one of my favorites because of the ease of use, quality and speed to stitch.I am considering to get the new kodak unibody 360 camera as well, so we'll see how that compares to this kit.Same as with my other reviews, this is all my own personal opinion after using the equipment for personal or commercial use. I was not influenced by the provider or manufacturer in any way for my review rating of their product or service.:: UPDATE NOV 2020::My 360 camera collection has greatly expanded since getting these cameras, but I figured I'd pitch in on why it may be worth buying in 2020/2021 and why you may want to look for alternatives.1st reason to keep:Whether you have 1, 2, 3 4 or more of these cameras, you can connect them all via OBS or other camera capturing software for nice wide angle streams directly via USB 2.0 and 3.0, So for creative shooting or livestreaming they are pretty good when connected to a main computer.2nd reason:If you have multiple of these cameras, you can use them temporarily as security cameras. They can show you a full fisheye view of the area, can record in loop mode in 4k. Connects via HDMI or USB to whatever you use for your custom security layout. Has batteries, so if there is an outage, the cards will continue recording in loop mode until batteries on the cameras die.3rd reason:they are good enough for 3D 180 FPV video and photography. Not great for today's standards, but good enough if you are experimenting.4th reason:If you have 3 or more of these cameras (up to 5 per remote control), you will be able to get a much better panoramic with a mostly undistinguishable stitch line. You will need a custom mount and using a top camera makes little difference in my tests, except for very complex ceilings (or floors if inverted). I use this only for low budget projects, as the quality will not be that much better even if you use more of these cameras at once, sadly. Video in this format will only be worth it if you use a custom gimbal or cameras are steady. Stitch in motion is near impossible with or without EIS.5th reason:They are good enough for simple vlogging or training workshops when quality isn't a priority. Mainly because of the USB and HDMI. I can link them to a projector to show what I am doing, or to a computer to show, stream and record it all at once. Mix, match and experiment. If you have an HDMI switch, you can swap cameras during your presentation as often as needed, and you can also record directly to the SDs if you so desired, for later editing and archiving.6th Reason:Use it for zoom, skype or any other video chat. Whether it is at a business table, your office or home, if you need several people in the same shot, this camera will help you accomplish that. Put it facing forward for a large crowd behind you, or set it down flat on the table, when you have many people gathered around.Now, why I personally would not buy this camera again?The quality isn't as good, compared to newer cameras at a much lower or similar price point. If quality is your thing, go for a newer model.They do not shoot in RAW and even if the CMOS is 12Mpx, it only shoots in 8Mpx non-HDR, so for real estate, your highlights will be burnt out, your shadows will be dark and your mid tones will look nice. Everything else you'll have to do your best in post.Image quality is OK and Image Stabilization is fine in single-camera mode. It will not work for dual-camera mode (or even with more cameras) as the stitch-line will just keep on jumping. An adequate gimbal and vibration dampener may help but it will still take a lot of time in POST compared to single-body cameras with built-in IS.You can use them on a drone, but they are pretty heavy compared to newer cameras, so unless you have the the correct drone and adapter, you'll be fighting for stabilization. On my drone, I use the Fusion to shoot timelapse photos and video as needed, with a special hanging train so the drone is high enough to remove in post.but with all this talk, good or bad, I still feel it is a much better product than the Kodak Orbit 360. There are better cameras out there, but for low budget, emergencies or any of the alternate usages I've mentioned, these cameras are still, in my opinion worth keeping. But for my VR Projects, I use my cameras with RAW and HDR for best quality.So for a 2020/2021 consideration, only buy it if you want a VR webcam, otherwise get a newer camera... but that is just my personal opinion.

The media could not be loaded. There are some quibbles (like I wish the charging ports was easier to access while on a mount) but for under $300 you cannot beat this package. The best part is if you get yourself a Dual Tripod Bracket here on Amazon you can also make 3D 180 VR. Making 180 3D requires a bit more effort in the post production, like you cannot stitch with the included software because its not make to for SBS, but there are plenty of rendering options to make it happen. Video posted shows a SBS render I completed, on YouTube it's in either 2D 180 VR on a phone or PC but 3D VR with a headset. Pretty cool.