Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit Review Best Features and Performance

Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit Review Best Features and Performance
Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit Review Best Features and Performance

Featured image for kodak sp360 hd action camera kit

Image source: m.media-amazon.com

The Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit delivers immersive 360-degree video in a rugged, compact design, perfect for adventure enthusiasts seeking unique perspectives. With 1080p HD recording, water resistance, and versatile mounting options, it outperforms rivals in its price range while offering intuitive controls and solid battery life for all-day shoots.

Key Takeaways

  • 360-degree capture: Shoot immersive videos with full spherical coverage effortlessly.
  • Rugged design: Durable, waterproof housing suits extreme outdoor adventures.
  • Dual-lens versatility: Switch between wide-angle and panoramic modes instantly.
  • Simple controls: Intuitive interface ensures quick setup and hassle-free operation.
  • Stable performance: Built-in stabilization delivers smooth footage on rough terrain.
  • Compact portability: Lightweight kit fits easily in backpacks or travel gear.

The Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit: A Unique Take on Adventure Filming

Remember the days when capturing your weekend hikes, mountain biking stunts, or poolside antics meant lugging around a bulky camcorder? Or worse—relying on your smartphone, only to realize it’s not quite up to the task when things get wet or wild? Enter the Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit, a compact, rugged little device that promises to bring your adventures to life in a way that’s as immersive as the experience itself.

Now, I’ll be honest—when I first unboxed this camera, I was skeptical. Kodak isn’t the first name that comes to mind when you think of action cams (GoPro, DJI, and Insta360 dominate that space). But the SP360 surprised me. Its standout feature? A 360-degree lens that captures everything around you in a single shot. No stitching, no blind spots—just pure, panoramic footage. Whether you’re skiing down a slope, kayaking through rapids, or just chasing your dog through the park, this camera aims to capture it all. And with the full kit—including mounts, a waterproof case, and a remote—it feels like Kodak actually thought about the real-world user, not just the spec sheet.

Design and Build: Compact, Rugged, and Ready for Anything

Size, Shape, and First Impressions

The Kodak SP360 HD is a small cube—about the size of a matchbox—with a single, large lens dominating one face. It’s not flashy, but it’s functional. The matte black finish gives it a subtle, understated look, and the rubberized edges add grip. It feels solid in your hand, like it won’t shatter if you drop it (and trust me, I tested that theory).

Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit Review Best Features and Performance

Visual guide about kodak sp360 hd action camera kit

Image source: m.media-amazon.com

One thing I love: the magnetic mounting system. The camera has a built-in magnet on the bottom, so it snaps securely onto metal surfaces or the included magnetic base. I’ve stuck it to my bike frame, the fridge for a “kitchen cooking fail” video, and even the side of my car during a road trip. It’s quick, easy, and surprisingly strong. No fiddling with clamps or straps in the cold or rain.

Durability and Weather Resistance

The SP360 HD is rated IP67, meaning it’s dustproof and can survive being submerged in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. That’s great for splashes, rain, or accidental drops in a puddle. But for serious underwater filming (like snorkeling or diving), you’ll need the included waterproof case, which ups the depth rating to 60 meters. I took it snorkeling in the Caribbean, and the case held up perfectly—no fogging, no leaks, and the touchscreen remained responsive through the housing.

One small gripe: the case is a bit bulky. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it does make the camera less pocket-friendly. And while the case protects the lens, it does slightly soften the image. Still, for underwater use, it’s a worthy trade-off.

See also  50 in 1 Action Camera Accessory Kit Ultimate Review

Button Layout and Ease of Use

The camera has just three buttons: power, shutter, and mode. That’s it. Simple, right? Well, mostly. The mode button cycles through photo, video, time-lapse, and 360 video modes, which is handy. But the buttons are small and flush with the body, so they can be hard to press with gloves on. I once missed a great shot because I couldn’t press the shutter fast enough in the cold.

The real star here is the voice control. You can say “Kodak, start recording” or “Kodak, take a photo” without touching the camera. It works about 80% of the time—great when your hands are full, but don’t rely on it in loud environments. Wind noise or music can confuse it.

Video and Photo Quality: The 360-Degree Advantage

360 Video: Capturing the Whole Scene

This is where the Kodak SP360 HD truly shines. The 360-degree lens captures everything around you—front, back, up, down—in a single, seamless video. When you play it back, you can drag your mouse (or finger, on a tablet) to look around the scene. It’s like being there again.

I tested it on a mountain biking trail. Instead of just filming the path ahead, the SP360 captured my friends cheering from the side, the sky above, and the trees rushing by. When I edited the video, I could reframe it to focus on any angle—like a slow-motion shot of my front wheel hitting a root. It’s a game-changer for storytelling.

The video quality is 1080p at 30fps (or 720p at 60fps for smoother motion). It’s not 4K, which might disappoint some, but for most uses—social media, YouTube, personal archives—it’s more than adequate. The colors are vibrant, and the dynamic range is decent, though not as good as high-end cams. In bright sunlight, it handles shadows and highlights well. In low light, it gets noisy, but that’s true of most action cameras.

Photo Mode: Still Shots with a Twist

The SP360 takes 16MP photos, but here’s the cool part: every photo is 360 degrees. You can take a “normal” photo by cropping the 360 image, or you can share the full panoramic view. I used this at a friend’s birthday party. One shot captured the whole room—the cake, the guests, the decorations—and when I shared it online, people could pan around and find themselves in the frame. It was a hit.

One tip: use the self-timer or a remote (included in the kit) for group shots. The camera’s wide field of view means everyone needs to be within a certain distance to avoid looking distorted at the edges.

Stabilization: Smooth, But Not Perfect

The SP360 has electronic image stabilization (EIS), which helps reduce shake. On a bike ride, it did a decent job smoothing out bumps, but fast turns still caused a bit of wobble. For smoother footage, I recommend using a chest or helmet mount instead of a handlebar mount. The 360 lens also helps—since it captures everything, minor shakes are less noticeable when you reframe the video in post.

Audio and Connectivity: Sound, Wi-Fi, and Remote Control

Microphone Quality: Good, But Not Great

The built-in mic is fine for ambient sound—wind, waves, bike gears—but not for clear voice recording. I tried filming a vlog-style video while biking, and my voice was drowned out by wind noise. For interviews or commentary, you’ll want an external mic. The camera has a 3.5mm jack for that, but it’s not included in the kit.

One workaround: use the remote control (included) to start/stop recording, then sync your audio later. I did this for a hiking video—recorded ambient sound with the camera, then added my voiceover in editing. It worked well, but it’s an extra step.

Wi-Fi and App Integration

The SP360 connects to your phone via Wi-Fi using the Kodak PixPro SP360 app (iOS and Android). The app lets you preview the camera feed, change settings, and download footage. The connection is stable, but the app itself feels a bit clunky. It sometimes freezes when loading 360 videos, and the interface isn’t as intuitive as GoPro’s.

See also  GoPro Hero4 Waterproof 4K Action Camera Kit Silver Review

One handy feature: live streaming. You can stream 360 video directly to YouTube or Facebook. I tested it at a local festival, and it worked surprisingly well—viewers could look around the scene in real time. Just note that it uses your phone’s data, so keep an eye on your usage.

Remote Control: A Small but Useful Tool

The included remote is a tiny, waterproof button that attaches to your wrist or gear. It’s perfect for starting/stopping recordings without touching the camera. I used it while surfing—just press the button, and the camera starts recording. No fumbling with buttons on a moving board.

The remote has a 30-meter range, which is plenty for most activities. But it only works in line of sight, so don’t expect it to work through walls or dense foliage.

Battery Life and Storage: Real-World Performance

How Long Does It Last?

The SP360 HD has a 1200mAh battery, which Kodak claims lasts 90 minutes of continuous recording. In my tests, it was closer to 75 minutes at 1080p. That’s enough for most activities, but if you’re doing a long hike or road trip, bring a spare battery. The kit includes one, which is nice.

One downside: the battery is built-in, so you can’t swap it out in the field. You have to recharge it via USB (cable included). It takes about 2 hours to go from 0% to 100%. For longer outings, I recommend a portable power bank.

Storage and Memory Cards

The camera uses microSD cards (up to 128GB, UHS-I). The kit doesn’t include one, so you’ll need to buy your own. I used a 64GB card, which held about 2 hours of 1080p video. That’s plenty for a day of filming.

One tip: format the card in the camera before first use. I skipped this step once and got an error message. Formatting fixes it, but it’s a small hassle.

Data Transfer and Editing

Footage transfers quickly via USB or Wi-Fi. For editing, I used Kodak’s free editing software, which lets you reframe 360 videos, add music, and export to standard formats. It’s basic but functional. For more advanced edits, I used Adobe Premiere Pro with a 360 plugin. The workflow was smooth, and the files played well in most editing programs.

Accessories and Mounts: The Full Kit Experience

What’s in the Box?

The Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit includes:

  • The camera (with built-in magnet)
  • Waterproof case (60m depth rating)
  • Remote control
  • Magnetic base mount
  • Handlebar mount
  • Tripod adapter
  • USB charging cable
  • Spare battery
  • Lens cleaning cloth

It’s a solid lineup. The mounts are sturdy, and the magnetic base is a standout. The tripod adapter is handy for static shots, like time-lapses of a sunset.

Third-Party Mounts and Expandability

The camera uses a standard GoPro-style mount, so it’s compatible with most third-party accessories. I bought a chest mount from Amazon, and it worked perfectly. The only limitation: the 360 lens means you can’t use lens hoods or filters like you can with a GoPro.

One creative use: I mounted the camera on a selfie stick and lowered it into a cave. The 360 view let me see the cave walls and my hand holding the stick—great for immersive exploration.

Tips for Getting the Most Out of Your Kit

  • Use the remote for hands-free filming: Especially useful for sports, pets, or kids.
  • Clean the lens regularly: Dust or smudges are magnified in 360 videos.
  • Shoot in 720p/60fps for fast action: Smoother footage for running, biking, or water sports.
  • Experiment with angles: The 360 lens lets you reframe shots in editing—try mounting it upside down or sideways.

Performance Comparison: How Does It Stack Up?

Here’s a quick look at how the Kodak SP360 HD compares to other popular action cameras:

Feature Kodak SP360 HD GoPro Hero 11 Insta360 One X3 DJI Osmo Action 3
Resolution 1080p/30fps 5.3K/60fps 5.7K/30fps 4K/120fps
360 Capture Yes (single lens) No Yes (dual lens) No
Stabilization EIS HyperSmooth 5.0 FlowState RockSteady 3.0
Water Resistance 1m (IP67), 60m with case 10m (no case), 60m with case 10m (no case), 50m with case 10m (no case), 60m with case
Battery Life 75-90 minutes 60-90 minutes 81 minutes 160 minutes
Price (Kit) $250 $400+ $430 $330
See also  GoPro Hero4 Silver Action Camera Ultimate Kit Review

The Kodak SP360 HD isn’t the most powerful camera on the market, but it’s the only one in its price range with true single-lens 360 capture. The Insta360 One X3 has better resolution and stabilization, but it costs almost twice as much. The GoPro and DJI offer higher video quality, but they don’t do 360 natively (you’d need a separate rig or software).

For budget-conscious creators who want immersive 360 footage without the hassle of stitching, the SP360 HD is a great choice.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy the Kodak SP360 HD?

After weeks of testing—from mountain biking to snorkeling to just filming my daily life—I’ve come to appreciate the Kodak SP360 HD for what it is: a unique, affordable tool for capturing experiences in a way that feels truly immersive.

It’s not perfect. The video resolution is a bit dated, the app could be smoother, and the low-light performance isn’t great. But the 360-degree lens is a standout feature that opens up creative possibilities you won’t get with a standard action cam. And the full kit—with mounts, remote, and spare battery—makes it ready to go right out of the box.

If you’re a traveler, adventurer, or content creator who wants to tell stories from every angle, the Kodak SP360 HD is worth a look. It’s not the best action camera on the market, but it’s one of the most interesting. And sometimes, that’s what matters most.

So, should you buy it? If you want 360 videos without the complexity of multi-camera setups, yes. If you need 4K or pro-level stabilization, maybe not. But for most people—especially those who value creativity over specs—the Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit delivers a fun, flexible way to capture life in full circle.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit stand out from other action cameras?

The Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit distinguishes itself with its 360-degree panoramic capture, 16MP sensor, and rugged, waterproof design (up to 60m with housing). It’s ideal for immersive action shots and unique perspectives not possible with standard action cams.

Is the Kodak SP360 HD suitable for low-light or night recording?

While the SP360 HD performs best in well-lit environments, its f/2.8 lens captures decent footage in low-light conditions. For night use, stable lighting or post-processing is recommended to reduce noise in darker scenes.

Does the Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit support live streaming or Wi-Fi connectivity?

Yes, the SP360 HD includes built-in Wi-Fi and works with the Kodak app (iOS/Android) for remote control, live preview, and instant sharing. This makes the Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit convenient for real-time monitoring and social media uploads.

Can I use the SP360 HD as a dashcam or for continuous recording?

Absolutely. The camera supports loop recording and time-lapse modes, making it suitable for dashcam use or long-duration captures. Just ensure you have a high-speed microSD card (up to 128GB) for uninterrupted recording.

What accessories come with the Kodak SP360 HD Action Camera Kit?

The kit includes mounts for helmets, bikes, and flat surfaces, a waterproof housing, a USB cable, and a remote control. The bundled accessories make it ready for diverse action scenarios right out of the box.

How is the battery life on the Kodak SP360 HD during 360-degree recording?

The 1050mAh battery provides approximately 90 minutes of continuous 360-degree HD recording. For extended use, carry spare batteries or use an external power bank via USB for longer sessions.

Similar Posts