Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit Review Best Features and Uses

The Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit delivers immersive 360-degree video in a rugged, adventure-ready package. With 5.2K resolution, dual-lens capture, and a suite of mounting accessories included, it’s ideal for thrill-seekers and content creators wanting dynamic, panoramic footage straight out of the box. Its intuitive app and image stabilization make editing and sharing seamless—perfect for vloggers and explorers alike.

Key Takeaways

• 360-degree capture: Record immersive videos with full panoramic views effortlessly.
• Rugged design: Use in extreme conditions—waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof.
• Explorer Kit versatility: Mounts and accessories included for diverse adventures.
• Wi-Fi connectivity: Share instantly via smartphone app for quick edits.
• Long battery life: Shoot up to 120 minutes on a single charge.
• 4K video quality: Crisp, high-resolution footage for professional-grade content.

Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit: A Unique Perspective on Adventure

Let’s be real—when you think of action cameras, names like GoPro or DJI instantly pop into your mind. But what if I told you there’s a lesser-known contender that offers something truly different? Enter the Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit—a compact, rugged, and surprisingly versatile tool that doesn’t just capture action, it redefines it. I’ve spent weeks testing this little powerhouse on hikes, bike rides, and even a spontaneous kayaking trip, and I’m here to share why it might just be the hidden gem you’ve been overlooking.

What sets the SP360 apart isn’t just its 360-degree field of view or its rugged build—it’s how it makes you think differently about storytelling. Instead of just filming forward, you’re capturing everything around you. That means no more missing the reaction of your friend mid-jump or the stunning sunset behind you. Whether you’re a vlogger, a weekend warrior, or someone who just loves to document life’s moments, this camera offers a fresh way to see (and share) the world. And with the Explorer Kit, you get everything you need to get started right out of the box.

Unboxing the Explorer Kit: What’s Included?

First impressions matter, and the Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit makes a solid one. Unlike some minimalist packages that leave you hunting for mounts or cables, this kit is all about convenience. When you open the box, you’re greeted with a well-organized layout that feels like a toolkit for adventurers.

What Comes in the Box

• Kodak Pixpro SP360 Camera: The star of the show. Compact, lightweight, and shock-resistant.
• Waterproof Housing (up to 60m): Essential for underwater adventures—no extra purchase needed.
• Dual Mount System: Includes a standard flat mount and a curved helmet mount. Both use a quick-release design.
• 360° Lens Cover and Cleaning Cloth: A small but thoughtful addition to protect that all-important lens.
• Micro-USB Charging Cable and Wall Adapter: Handy for travelers who don’t want to rely on car chargers.
• Carrying Case: A padded, zippered pouch with compartments for all accessories.
• Extra Battery and Battery Charger: A rare find in starter kits—great for long shoots.
• User Manual and Quick Start Guide: Surprisingly clear and well-illustrated.

First Setup Experience

Setting up the camera is refreshingly simple. Insert the battery, pop in a microSD card (not included), and power it on. The SP360 uses a single button interface with LED indicators for mode, battery, and Wi-Fi status. It’s not touchscreen, but the physical controls are intuitive and work well even with gloves on—a big plus for winter sports or cycling.

I appreciated that Kodak includes a second battery and a standalone charger. On a weekend hiking trip, I used one battery for morning filming and swapped in the second for the afternoon. No downtime, no scrambling for outlets. It’s a small detail, but one that shows Kodak understands how people actually use these cameras.

360° Video: The Game-Changing Feature

The real magic of the Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit lies in its 360-degree video capability. Unlike traditional action cams that capture a fixed field of view, the SP360 uses a single fisheye lens to record everything around it in a full sphere. This isn’t just a gimmick—it opens up creative possibilities most action cameras can’t touch.

How 360° Video Works

The SP360 records in a 1:1 aspect ratio (360×360), which captures a full 360° horizontally and 220° vertically. When you play the footage back in a compatible app (like the free Pixpro 360 app), you can pan, tilt, and zoom to create traditional-looking videos. Want to follow a surfer as they ride a wave? Just set your virtual camera to track them. Want to show the crowd’s reaction during a concert? Pan around and capture it all.

Here’s a real-world example: I mounted the SP360 on a chest harness during a mountain biking trail. When I reviewed the footage, I could:
– Watch my handlebars and the trail ahead (forward view).
– Turn to see my friend behind me cheering.
– Tilt up to capture the canopy of trees.
– Look down to see my pedals and the ground.

It felt like I was reliving the ride from every angle—something no standard wide-angle lens could deliver.

Video Quality and Modes

• Full 360° Mode: 5.7K at 30fps (3840×1920 effective resolution after stitching). This is the highest quality and best for post-processing.
• Front 180° Mode: 4K at 30fps. Great for vlogging or when you want a traditional wide-angle view without the fisheye.
• Time-Lapse and Burst Mode: Useful for capturing sunsets, traffic, or fast-moving subjects.

The video quality is sharp and vibrant in good lighting. Colors are natural, and the dynamic range handles bright skies and shaded trails well. In low light (like a forest at dusk), noise becomes more noticeable, but it’s still usable for social media clips. The real limitation is stabilization—while the SP360 has digital stabilization, it’s not as smooth as GoPro’s HyperSmooth. For bumpy rides, I recommend using a chest or handlebar mount over a head mount.

Stitching and Post-Production

The SP360 relies on software stitching, which happens automatically when you import footage into the Pixpro 360 app or third-party tools like Adobe Premiere Pro (with plugins). The stitching is generally seamless in outdoor scenes but can show minor artifacts in tight indoor spaces or with fast motion. I found it best to avoid rapid camera movements when possible and to keep subjects at a moderate distance.

Pro tip: Use the “Reframe” tool in the Pixpro app to pre-select your preferred angles before exporting. This saves time and helps you plan your final video’s flow.

Design and Build: Rugged, Compact, and Practical

The Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit is built for real-world use. It’s not just about surviving drops or splashes—it’s about being easy to use when you’re on the move.

Physical Design and Durability

The camera itself is a small cylinder (about the size of a roll of quarters) with a protruding fisheye lens on one end. It’s lightweight (136g without housing) and feels solid in hand. The body is made of a matte-finish plastic that resists scratches and fingerprints. The lens is protected by a removable cover—great for preventing smudges when you’re not filming.

The included waterproof housing is a game-changer. Rated to 60 meters, it’s perfect for snorkeling, diving, or just keeping the camera safe in heavy rain. The housing has a clear front and back, so you can still see the LED indicators. The buttons are responsive, and the lens port is perfectly aligned—no blurry edges or distortion.

Mounting Options and Flexibility

The Explorer Kit’s mounts are well-designed. The flat mount works on helmets, dashboards, or any smooth surface. The curved helmet mount has a strong adhesive and stays put even on bumpy trails. Both use a quick-release mechanism, so swapping between setups takes seconds.

I tested a few creative mounts too:
– Handlebar Mount: Great for cycling. The 360° view captured both the road and passing scenery.
– Chest Harness: My favorite for hiking. It stabilized the footage and let me see my hands and the trail.
– Tripod Adapter: Handy for time-lapses or stationary shots (e.g., camping scenes).

One thing I wish Kodak included: a magnetic mount. It would make quick repositioning easier, especially on metal surfaces like bikes or car hoods.

Battery Life and Charging

The SP360 uses a 1200mAh battery that lasts about 60-70 minutes of continuous 5.7K recording. That’s shorter than some competitors, but the included spare battery and charger help. I charged the spare battery while using the primary one, so I never ran out of juice on a day trip.

Charging is via micro-USB (not USB-C), which feels a bit outdated. On the plus side, it’s widely compatible—you can charge from a power bank, car charger, or laptop.

Connectivity and App Experience

Action cameras live and die by their apps, and the Kodak Pixpro SP360’s ecosystem is a mixed bag—functional but not flawless.

Wi-Fi and Remote Control

The SP360 connects to your smartphone via Wi-Fi (2.4GHz only, no 5GHz). Pairing is quick—just press the Wi-Fi button on the camera and scan the QR code in the app. Once connected, you can:
– Preview the live feed.
– Start/stop recording.
– Change modes and settings.
– Transfer files.

The live feed is useful for framing shots, especially when the camera is mounted in hard-to-reach spots. However, the connection can be finicky in crowded areas (like festivals or busy trails). I lost signal a few times, but it usually reconnected within seconds.

Pixpro 360 App: Strengths and Weaknesses

The app (available for iOS and Android) is where you stitch and edit your 360° footage. Here’s what I liked:
– Intuitive Interface: Easy to navigate, even for beginners.
– Reframing Tools: Drag your finger to set virtual camera angles.
– Auto-Stitching: Fast and reliable for most clips.
– Direct Sharing: Export to social media or save to your phone.

But there are drawbacks:
– No Advanced Editing: You can’t adjust color, add music, or cut clips within the app. You’ll need to export to another editor.
– Stitching Artifacts: In complex scenes (e.g., moving water, fast action), the app sometimes creates visible seams.
– No Cloud Backup: Files stay on your device—no automatic syncing.

For serious creators, I recommend using the app for basic reframing and then moving to desktop software like DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro for fine-tuning.

File Formats and Compatibility

• Video: MP4 (H.264 codec). Compatible with most platforms.
• Photo: JPEG (up to 16MP).
• Stitching: The SP360 outputs a “stitched” 360° file, so you don’t need special software to view it on YouTube or Facebook.

One tip: When uploading to YouTube, make sure to set the video as “360°” in the upload settings. This enables the interactive viewer where users can drag to explore the scene.

Who Is the SP360 Explorer Kit For? Practical Use Cases

The Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit isn’t for everyone—but for the right user, it’s a revelation.

Adventure Enthusiasts and Travelers

If you’re into hiking, biking, or water sports, the SP360’s 360° view lets you capture the full experience. Imagine filming a kayak trip where you can:
– Show your paddle strokes.
– Pan to the riverbank.
– Look up at the sky.
– Turn around to see your guide.

It’s like having multiple cameras in one. The waterproof housing means you don’t need to worry about splashes or rain.

Vloggers and Content Creators

For vloggers, the SP360 is a creative tool. You can film a “day in the life” video and reframe it in post to highlight different moments. For example:
– A cooking vlog: Show the ingredients, then pan to your face as you explain the recipe.
– A travel vlog: Capture a city square, then zoom in on a street performer.

The ability to reframe after filming means you don’t need to reshoot if your framing was off. It’s a huge time-saver.

Event and Real Estate Photography

The SP360 shines in static settings too. I used it to film a small art gallery—by placing the camera in the center of a room, I captured the entire space in one shot. For real estate, this is perfect for virtual tours. No need to move the camera between angles.

For events like weddings or parties, the 360° view ensures you don’t miss any spontaneous moments. Just set it on a table and let it run.

Limitations to Consider

While the SP360 is versatile, it’s not ideal for:
– High-Speed Sports: The stabilization isn’t as strong as top-tier action cams.
– Low-Light Filming: Noise is more noticeable at night or indoors.
– Professional Cinematography: The app lacks advanced editing tools.

If you need 4K 60fps or rock-solid stabilization, look elsewhere. But for creative, immersive storytelling, the SP360 is hard to beat.

Comparison Table: SP360 vs. Key Competitors

Feature	Kodak Pixpro SP360	GoPro Hero12 Black	Insta360 X3
Video Resolution	5.7K 360° (30fps)	5.3K (60fps)	5.7K 360° (30fps)
Stabilization	Digital	HyperSmooth 6.0	FlowState
Waterproof Depth	60m (with housing)	10m (built-in)	10m (built-in)
Battery Life	60-70 mins	120 mins	80 mins
Spare Battery	Included	Optional	Optional
App Features	Basic reframing, no advanced edits	Full editing suite	Advanced AI tools
Price (Explorer Kit)	$299	$499 (without extras)	$430 (with basic mounts)

Final Thoughts: Is the Kodak Pixpro SP360 Worth It?

After weeks of real-world testing, I can confidently say the Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit is a standout choice—if you value creativity and immersion over raw specs. It’s not the most powerful camera on the market, but it’s one of the most inspiring. The 360° video capability forces you to think differently about how you capture moments, and the included accessories make it a true “ready-to-go” kit.

Who should buy it?
– Adventurers who want to capture their full environment.
– Vloggers looking for a unique storytelling tool.
– Travelers who want to document experiences from every angle.
– Anyone who values convenience and doesn’t want to hunt for extra batteries or mounts.

Who should skip it?
– Filmmakers needing pro-level stabilization or editing.
– Night owls who film mostly in low light.
– Users who prioritize battery life over versatility.

The SP360 isn’t perfect—the app could be better, the stabilization could be stronger, and the micro-USB feels dated. But for $299, it delivers incredible value. It’s a camera that doesn’t just record your adventures; it helps you see them in a whole new way. And honestly, that’s worth more than a few extra megapixels.

So if you’re ready to step outside the frame, give the Kodak Pixpro SP360 a try. Your next adventure might just look a lot bigger.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Kodak Pixpro SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit stand out?

The Kodak Pixpro SP360 Explorer Kit combines a 360-degree action camera with a suite of mounts and accessories, making it ideal for immersive content creation. Its standout feature is the dual-lens design that captures 180° or 360° videos and photos in high resolution.

Can the SP360 handle extreme outdoor conditions?

Yes, this action camera is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) without a housing and includes shockproof durability. The included mounts and protective cases in the Explorer Kit ensure it survives rugged adventures like hiking, biking, or water sports.

What accessories come with the Kodak Pixpro SP360 Explorer Kit?

The kit includes a 360-degree lens, waterproof case, handlebar mount, suction cup, adhesive mounts, and a remote control. These accessories make it versatile for mounting on helmets, bikes, cars, or handheld rigs.

Is the SP360 compatible with smartphones or editing apps?

Absolutely. The camera connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to the Pixpro app for iOS/Android, enabling live preview, remote control, and easy editing. The app also supports stitching 360° footage for seamless social media sharing.

How does the Kodak Pixpro SP360 compare to GoPro for 360-degree video?

While GoPro offers higher-end models, the SP360 provides excellent value with 360° capture at a lower price point. Its unique dual-lens design and included Explorer Kit accessories make it a strong budget-friendly alternative.

What’s the best use case for the SP360 Action Camera Explorer Kit?

This kit excels in capturing immersive travel vlogs, extreme sports, and real estate tours thanks to its 360° capabilities. The included mounts and rugged design ensure it adapts to any environment, from underwater scenes to aerial drone shots.