Kodak EasyShare Sport C123 12 MP Waterproof Digital Camera (Red)

I bought this camera specifically because I was going to a resort in the Dominican Republic. I planned to go scuba diving and spend my days at the beach and in the pool so I figured I'd get an underwater camera. It worked perfectly fine in the ocean as well as in the pool. I first thought that this camera was going to be huge, but when I received it, it was just slightly thicker than your average point and shoot, but it's not even a problem. It fits right in my hand (I have small hands) and the capture button is large, so don't worry about missing it! It's also heavier than your average camera, so when it's around your wrist, do NOT let go of it because it will sink to the bottom fairly quick. There are settings for underwater and out of water pictures. I don't particularly like to use the flash when it's underwater because there are a bunch of white circles in the photo. The quality of the photos exceeded my expectations. Even though it says 12 megapixels, I still expected it to be crappy because it was so cheap. I was wrong! If you're in shallow pool water (3-4 feet) than there will be a slight blue tint. If you're in deeper water, the tint will be a light green. Again, it definitely wasn't a problem for me. If it is, you can easily change it on Photoshop within 2 minutes. In ocean water, if it isn't crystal clear, it might be a slight green color, but it's still clear. The images aren't blurry unless your drastically moving while taking the photo. The video camera also works great. It includes sound as well, which I wasn't expecting. TIP: Other reviews mention that it was hard to see the display. I had this problem too, but I finally figured it out. Under the settings menu, you can change its brightness. Just put it on automatic (or the highest level, but it wastes batteries) and you're good to go! I haven't had a problem with the display since I've changed the settings. I had so much fun with this camera and when my cousins and other family members asked how much I got it for, they were really surprised. It does its job and I guess the only negative thing I have to say about it is that it takes about half a second to take the picture for some reason. Maybe it's just my camera. If you're looking for an underwater camera, I'd definitely recommend this one! It's cheap and it's a lot safer than buying that plastic bag to stick your camera that's worth a couple hundred dollars (I'm assuming) in. I bought that bag too, and after testing it, I was way too skeptical of using it. Anyways, other cameras are priced so much higher. I don't know why this is so cheap, but definitely take advantage of it! It's perfect for vacations or use in your pool or whatever else. I'd recommend also bringing another camera for out of water use, though.

I use this camera while paddling outrigger canoes, snorkeling, and for video taping swimmers in the pool. This camera is great. Good: Takes great still pics in daylight. Color, focus, clarity are all really quite good. Others have mentioned poor battery life, but I am closing in on 300 pictures and 60 minutes of video and I am only on my second set of batteries after more than 6 months of use. You just need to turn it off when you are not shooting pics. (this isn't your I phone) This is the 3rd waterproof camera I have used, and this is the first model that hasn't leaked. Just be careful with sand. The bad: There is a long delay between depressing the button and the shutter, so not too hot for getting action shots. There is an even longer delay between taking one pic and waiting for it to reset for the next pic, even with a fast memory chip. You do need to hold it still while shooting pics, otherwise they will blur. In low light conditions the pics become very grainy (the flash overcomes this issue for nearby objects) The video is not stabilized so it can be very jumpy if you move the camera at all. During video shooting it doesn't seem to readjust the exposure as the light changes. Over all I am quite pleased with this camera. The pictures can be quite stunningly beautiful. The price can't be beat. It is easy to use even wearing gloves.

I bought this camera after spending what seemed like hours researching options for underwater photography. I have a fairly expensive Nikon DSLR and another less expensive Nikon DSLR, which is the one I usually take with me to the beach or the pool. Still, even with the less expensive camera I have to be very careful to keep sand out of it, and I can't get in the water or very close to my subjects if they are in the water. I originally planned to buy an underwater housing for my less expensive camera, but I was more than a little bothered by the fact that there wasn't a single product available that didn't have one or more reviews claiming that the housing had completely failed and ruined an expensive camera. Furthermore, when this happens the company that makes the housing usually pays for a replacement of the housing, not the camera. I wasn't willing to take this kind of risk even with my less expensive camera, which would still cost upwards of $500 to replace. Then I found this little camera on Amazon.com. I really liked the idea of a cheap camera that could go underwater. If this one failed (and it sounds like about 20% of all underwater cameras, regardless of the price, do eventually develop leaks) I was out $67, and unless it failed right away it would still pay for itself, since a few underwater disposables are roughly equal to the price of this camera. I am mostly happy with my purchase. It's so much fun to be able to go out in the water with my kids and take pictures of them underwater, or splashing around and having a good time. I would never be able to get pictures like this with either of my other cameras. Even with an underwater housing, I think I would be too scared to really let go and go all the way underwater with it. With this camera I don't worry. I just go out and shoot. I can even swim with it in my hand (mine came with a floating wristband--I wouldn't recommend doing this if you don't have one because the camera doesn't float). There are three issues that made me downgrade the camera from a five star to a four star, at least two of which have been mentioned by other reviewers. 1) The screen is really hard to see in bright light, and there's no viewfinder, so sometimes it's hard to know what you're shooting at. 2) The shutter is slow. I'd say it takes a full two seconds from the time you press the button to the time the photo is actually captured. So you may miss some action unless you shoot about two seconds before something happens, which obviously isn't always possible. 3) (And I'm surprised I haven't read any other reviews complaining about this) The camera really tends to blow out highlights, especially when you are in the water on a bright day. I actually sent my first EasyShare Sport back to Amazon.com because the problem was so bad that I couldn't get a good picture of someone just standing in my driveway after 2pm on a sunny day. The second one is much better, but the highlights are still blown in about 65% of my water shots, which is kind of annoying. I think the reflection off the water is the main culprit, so I'm not sure that much can be done although next time I will try using the exposure compensation feature when I go in the water on a bright day. In every other situation, thought, the camera works great. I got some fantastic pictures of my kids underwater at the indoor pool. Outdoor "dry" shots are pretty good, too. The overall photo quality is not awesome, but unless you're looking for blue ribbons or you print a lot of images at 8x10 or greater, I don't think you're really going to notice. And don't forget that without this camera (or one like it) you wouldn't have these underwater/in water photos at all, so a few blown highlights are really not a big deal compared to missing all those great shots altogether.

UPDATE: Kodak's bankruptcy and exit from the digital camera business probably means that these cameras will be gone forever! I have the updated C135 in pre-order, but I'm not holding my breath. Amazon says it's 'unavailable,' but my account's order status has the C135 shipping in April. Who knows? All I know is that I'm glad I own a backup C123 in the box. The C135 is supposed to have digital stabilization, as opposed to no image stabilization in the C123 - but the C123 still takes great pics for its intended purpose. although it's more orange than red, i like my new c123... i carefully read every review, and although i can understand why some folks are disappointed, i am more than happy with this camera after playing with it, taking indoor, outdoor, and yes, even close-up shots! the controls are fairly intuitive, but i found that i had to set up the camera before it would take acceptable pictures (specifically, the 'sharp' selection under 'Sharpness' on the Capture menu; you may also want to manually select an ISO if you're going to be in the same lighting conditions for your picture session - see below) this camera works with my version of iPhoto on an older iMac, so i'm grateful - the kodak setup was fairly easy: plug in the camera, turn it on, install the resulting kodak.pkg from the Desktop, etc. ... i use 'Other Application' for the 'Computer Connection' item under the Setup menu... UPDATE: i have since found that there is no reason to use any Kodak software with my C123 and iPhoto, since iPhoto recognizes the C123 and imports pictures with no problems - and especially since i can (if i wish) send iPhoto pics straight to facebook if desired (something i rarely do) this camera's firmware is deceptively sophisticated, but honestly, these were all the initial settings i used... you *will* have to hold this camera steady! it does NOT have 'shake reduction' featured in most higher-end cameras... that said, anyone who knows photography knows that it's not the camera that makes the best pictures, but the photographer's eye (and to a degree, technique) i was a bit apprehensive about the lack of macro shots, but tried a 24" flash pic of some stuff on my desk - the picture came out perfectly sharp and acceptable, considering this is an inexpensive camera i next tried to take pictures indoors, with no flash, use the digital zoom about a third out... first, i tried the 'Auto' ISO mode; next, i set the camera to ISO 80... carefully bracing the camera, i squeezed off one shot each of a stack of books about 20 feet away in the living room... the results were as i expected: the ISO 80 picture was noticeably 'sharper'... so there is a some manual control available to the picture taker... i have no intention of going snorkeling with this camera, but wanted something that will be impervious to dust, dirt, or sand at the beach - in this regard, this little kodak will fit the bill perfectly... it's compact, uses AAs, has simple controls, tripod socket, and accepts an SD or SDHC card (although it did not like my 16GB Adata, but worked fine w/a 4GB microSDHC in an SDHC carrier taken straight from my Canon A570is and stuck in - even the Canon's pictures showed up under the C123's preview! w00t!) five stars for this camera for me - i look forward to an improved model or firmware... i also recommend going to kodak's web site to get the 'extended c123 user guide' - there are more hints and tips in the manual

Bought this camera mainly because of Kodak name. Now, I know why they're bankrupt. Like the majority of 1-star reviews, the camera leaked and shut down after only a few minutes in the water while swimming to a snorkling spot in the Caribbean. The camera was only inches beneath the surface and I took a couple of shots while swimming. Those were the only shots I got. When I reached the snorkling spot the camera would not turn on though I had loaded new batteries before starting. When I got back and opened the camera I poured about 1/4 teaspoon of water out of the battery compartment. Lense was fogged and water was in the viewing screen. Tried to contact Kodak by email but each time I clicked the submit button, the form cleared and had to start over. Finally called on phone and explained problem to tech. He said I could send it in for repair only (not replacement). He also said if they found I had abused camera they would advise me of the cost of repair and if I didn't agree to pay repair charges they would charge me $35.00 for trouble analysis. Then said they would send instructions for sending camera in shortly after we terminated phone call. It's been two days and only thing I got was a survey on what kind of job the tech did. Afrter a week, I called back and they sent the return instructions. Camera has not been abused though it's got scratches on it from being in my camera case with my DSLR. It's only been used once since I received it and that was a set of test pictures to make sure it worked. Otherwise, it's never been out of the camera bag. Paint on camera is VERY thin and scratches easily. Good way for Kodak to claim abuse. After thinking about it and considering other customer service complaints here, I don't think I'm gonna throw good money after bad by paying shipping to Kodak. I certainly will not pay a $35.00 fee for trouble shooting a camera that's still under warranty if they try to claim its been abused. Think I'll just hang the camera in a prominent place as a continuous reminder of my stupidity for buying a Kodak camera. Too late between purchase and first underwater use to return to Amazon. UPDATE (November 2012) Against my better judgment, I sent the camera back to Kodak. They returned it quickly with no charge other than the $12.00 cost of shipping it to them. Took it on a Caribbean cruise over Thanksgiving with plans to use it snorkling on Half Moon Cay in the Bahamas. The returned camera appeared to be the same one I sent it...same scratches on the case. Kodak repair added a "refurbished" sticker. Shot several great pix on shore and it worked fine. But, identically to the first experience, when I attempted to shoot pix in the water, camera was dead and water appeared inside the viewing screen. Warranty expired in August so no further hope from Kodak. Obviously way too late to send back to Amazon. So, I'm out of a $100 camera I paid $69.00 for. If you can find it on Half Moon Cay, you can have it. It wasn't even worth the added weight of bringing it back home. Based on this experience it's easy to see why Kodak is going out of business.

I bought this camera for my boyfriend as a Christmas present, and since my sister lives in Chicago and we live in Argentina, I got her to bring me the camera. Very good price, good quality picture, and it looked as a reliable product. I have some concerns about some of the negative reviews, saying that there were leakings and odd behaviour after using it underwater. I decided, though, to give it a try, risking that if the camera failed I wouldn't be able to get a refund, because sending the camera over would be a pain in the ass and it could take forever. Plus, I really wanted this to be the present. So, this was the scenaro in which the camera was bought, to give you an idea of why the rating. Here's what happened. We used the camera for regular shooting, outside, inside. I'm a photographer so I tried pretty much everything. We used it out of the water like a week or so, because the weather was bad and we couldn't get to go to the beach or to a swimming pool. Yesterday the weather was pretty much ok and we went to a water park. As soon as we got there, we got into the pool and started taking underwater photos and shooting videos. It was ok, the lcd wasn't very visible 'cause of the sun, and the audio of the video wouldn't play (though I knew that it was made that way). So, after a couple of hours of using it and pluning into water and sliding down some rides, we turned of the camera and the screen begin to flicker. Then it went blank. Then it flickered again. We didn't know what to do or what happened. We looked every compartment to see if water had leaked or wtf could be causing that. We got into the internet and searched for the problem. It said that the camera should be left off for drying, so we remove the sd memory and the batteries, quit using it for 24 hours and waited. We just turned it on again, and it works perfectly! The screen doesn't flicker, nor goes blank. We downloaded the pictures and videos and it all looks pretty good (image and sound too!). It is a very good camera, nice, easy to carry in a swimsuit pocket and around your wrist. BUT that flickering thing freaked me out. I think it maybe had to do with some steam or sth. Like the camera got wet and because of the heat, there was steam inside it. IDK. The thing is, it is a very good product, but I'd be more comfortable with a product that doesn't behave that way. But I think that that's one of the risks of getting things via amazon living on the other side of the globe. It IS a good deal. You just have to be careful. I read every review for this camera at least twice before buying it and tried it anyway. I'm satisfied but not entirely. I hope this flickering thing was a just one time thing.

So, I admit I bought the camera with limited expectations, but wanted something for my 8 year old as a starting camera that if it broke, wouldn't be the end of the world. The fact that it was waterproof was also a big selling point since we do a lot of trips to the tide pools on the pacific coast. So far, way too much fun with a camera. It has taken the beatings of a 5 year old and 8 year old. It has been in the sand, waves, pool, and around town. We are being careful to not break it - but seriously, again - as careful as two kids can be. I was thinking the picture quality would be so-so - and so far, really pleased with the quality. The video we have only used underwater to catch fish and crabs scooting around, but are amazed at how clear it came out. Just really happy with this little thing - and so is my son - who is documenting every minute of his life on film. It is very small and compact - good for my pockets or my sons little hands. Pros: durable nice quality photos, even with a cheap little camera waterproof incredibly easy to use - the fact there are limited options is a good thing easy to interface and upload on the computer Cons: man, it eats batteries! there is no real zoom on this camera, just pretend it doesn't exist, and take the picture the way you see them be sure you buy some memory card for this, as it does not come with a chip and can only take about 5 pictures on internal storage. the 4 mb we bought can store around 1700 pictures. Happy camera hunting!

I was a bit skeptical since there were a few negative reviews, but I have been extremely happy with this camera. I have kept it in the water for up to 30 minutes with no problems. I never submerged it more than about 6 feet, but it claims to endure up to 3m or ~9ft. I have no problems leaving it strapped to my wrist while I swim around in lakes and beaches. The body is fairly rugged and survives bumps and other inevitable events that occur when swimming. The quality of pictures is pretty darn good, especially when compared to having no photo at all! If you're snorkeling, tubing, or swimming in a lake and want to snap a few photos, this camera is great. The underwater video comes out very good, even in slightly murky water. If you can see it with your goggles, the camera will be able to capture it. As other have mentioned, the lack of optical zoom means that photos are taken almost the instant you press the button with very little delay. I find this convenient since things can swim away at any moment. The photos do seem to take a little longer than usual to save to the card, but it has a burst mode so you can take three pictures in a row by holding down the shutter button. I find this to be quite useful. I like how it takes AA batteries, so if you're using it multiple days in a row in a remote location (camping, travelling) you can keep using it without needing to find an outlet. Also it takes a standard SD card so the photo capacity is up to you. There is a setting to adjust LCD screen brightness if you need to squeeze more out of the batteries. For the price this thing is awesome. I love finally being able to capture moments would destroy other cameras!

Camera a gift for a 9 yrs old, easy to use and quality of pictures very good. Additional feature of under water capability a real plus.

なにも気にせず持てるので、気持ち的にゆったりと使えました。この値段で・・と考えればお役立ちの１品です。

Takes goods photos underwater as long as you remember to change the settings to underwater mode. Excellent build quality and easy to use

Exactly what I was looking for!! And it arrived very quickly!! And I love the red!! Can't wait to go on holidays and try it out!

Erst war ich etws skeptisch, ob die Kamera auch wirklich gute Bilder macht. Fazit: - Unterwasser Bilder sind erstaunlich gut, je nach Lichtverhältnissen - Unterwasser Videos sind super, da war sogar mein Foto-Experte erstaunt, was die Kamera alles raus holt - normale Bilder sind durchaus zu gebrauchen, für meine Urlaubsbilder und eine kleine Show auf dem fernseher absolut in Ordnung. Klein, leicht, schnell im Einsatz. Ich würde sie jederzeit wieder kaufen.