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Just got a Kodak PlaySport and I see white dots?

post #1 of 8
6/20/10 at 11:31am
Thread Starter 
I Just got a Kodak PlaySport as a fathers day present. I've been testing it around the house and I can see a considerable amount of noise in lower light rooms, but that doesn't bother me too much because I know this was meant for outdoor use where I'll have plenty of light.

The thing I do see that bothers me is 4-5 white dots on the movie while played on the tv, which do not show up on the camera screen while recording

Is this normal for low light recording? Is it the camera's way of gaging focus range? Do I have a defective camera? HELP.
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post #2 of 8
6/20/10 at 12:08pm
Did a search on YouTube and it appears you're not the only one experiencing this issue:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-jbfrnw4wtc

Description taken from the above video:
Quote:


"xconmanx June 07, 2010 There seems to be a common issue with the Playsport where 2 white floating pixels will appear on the bottom right hand side of the recorded video. A reviewer on the Amazon UK site had the same issue, and some one on youtube had the same issue here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BK5PtgSc80A...

Kodak customer support were not much help and told me this is not a known issue and was the first the heard of it. Luckily Amazon are quite good and sent a replacement.

so while I have both cameras (old/new) I thought I would do some tests.

The first half of the above video was shot with my old camera, second half was shot with the new replacement. Both shot in 720p 60fps straight after each other. Both running 1.03 firmware. You hopefully see two white pixels on the bottom right area. Most noticeable filming on black. This also happens on mid/long shots too, not just close up. The white dots are alot more obvious when played back on a bigger screen like my TV.

I had the camera since the first day it came out in the UK early April, love the camera, but annoyed it has developed this issue so soon.

Have not tried it on beach, will do later this year, however played around with it in a chlorine swimming pool for a couple of hours. I noticed the front white face plate is now dis-coloured to a horrible brown/red, and the corners have peeled abit. photo here: http://*******/czD7DL

Anyways, I will continue using the replacement, hopefully this one is ok. Otherwise I might have to consider alternatives...."
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post #3 of 8
6/20/10 at 12:16pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks, I chatted with someone from Kodak but no help. The person adviced I should re install the firmware but I have no idea how to do this?
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post #4 of 8
6/20/10 at 12:26pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Miami Guy View Post

Thanks, I chatted with someone from Kodak but no help. The person adviced I should re install the firmware but I have no idea how to do this?

Here's the link to downloading the firmware. There's an option on the page to talk to a a Live Technical Support Agent online, if you need further assistance in re-installing the firmware.

Edit: On the download page, there are instructions on installing the firmware.
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post #5 of 8
6/20/10 at 12:51pm
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Techno Beaver View Post

Here's the link to downloading the firmware. There's an option on the page to talk to a a Live Technical Support Agent online, if you need further assistance in re-installing the firmware.

Edit: On the download page, there are instructions on installing the firmware.

Thanks for the link but I can't get it to work. I downloaded the firmware (which is the same as the one already installed 1.03) and followed the instructions by creating "system" folder and putting the .fw (firmware) file in there. I installed teh SDHC card with the system folder inthe camera, turn the camera on but nothing relating to the firmware happens, it just goes to recording. I suspect that's because I'm not upgrading or changing but I do want to re-install it. Any thoughts?
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post #6 of 8
6/20/10 at 2:49pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by Miami Guy View Post

Thanks for the link but I can't get it to work. I downloaded the firmware (which is the same as the one already installed 1.03) and followed the instructions by creating "system" folder and putting the .fw (firmware) file in there. I installed teh SDHC card with the system folder inthe camera, turn the camera on but nothing relating to the firmware happens, it just goes to recording. I suspect that's because I'm not upgrading or changing but I do want to re-install it. Any thoughts?

Sorry, I don't. Since your camcorder already has the latest firmware installed, I can't imagine reinstalling it would make a difference.

From reading other user comments on the internet, people who did an exchange, received a replacement that did not have the "white dot" issue. Looks like you'll have to do the same. Let's hope the new one won't have the same problem.
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post #7 of 8
6/20/10 at 3:39pm
Thread Starter 
My wife bought it from Kodak dirrectly so I hope they don't pull the "send it to us and we'll repair it" or we can give your the money back minus a restucking fee (%15). A repair may take weeks and I actually have plans with the camera in a couple of weeks, a family vacation which includes beaches and pools. I see what Kodak says but I may just use it during the vacation since I'll only use it outdoors with pletty of light and the pixels are much less notisable. When I get back I make start the process with Kodak again.
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post #8 of 8
6/28/10 at 6:24pm
Thread Starter 
Just received my second Playsport from Kodak and this one also has white pixels. On this one I only see two bad pixels, but I only tested it in low light. I'm almost sure that in day light I wont be able to see them. I'll confirm soon.
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