Kodak EasyShare Z612

Value
The 6-megapixel Kodak EasyShare Z612 offers an optically stabilized 12x zoom lens and provides beginning and amateur camera users with a full auto mode, preset scenes and a full manual mode in addition to shutter and aperture priority modes. The camera can record video clips in MPEG-4 QuickTime format with simultaneous stereo audio. While the manual controls listed in the PASM menus weren’t easy to access with the reluctantly moving jog dial, the inclusion of these will appeal to the manual control market not able to make the jump to DSLR cameras like the Canon Rebel due to monetary or technical limitations. The camera has a high zoom level of 12x optical, 6x digital zoom lens, a 2.5-inch LCD with 230K resolution, a 6.1 MP CCD and an optical image stabilizer. The Z612 is retailing for $399.95 and should provide strong competition in the compact high zoom camera market.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters --The point-and-shoot user will find this camera an inviting option if higher zoom levels and eventual manual control wanted. The Kodak EasyShare menu structure is inherently simple and understated, with fast navigation and an auto mode that will provide quality image results for under $400.

Budget Consumers -- With the number of manual control options, well placed flash, movie control, presets and other features, the budget consumer with a slightly higher price range and more control needs than a straight-up point-and-shooter may want to look at this camera twice.

Gadget Freaks -- While the Perfect Touch Technology is an interesting addition to the stable of features provided by Kodak, the lack of real trend-setting innovation will make the gadget freak hunt other manufacturers for the elusive next-big-thing camera.

Manual Control Freaks --This camera does have manual control over a number of options including shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure, focus and metering—but honestly Kodak, no manual white balance? What gives? The omission of this important and basic control and the insinuation that the smattering of presets will suffice, is, well, misguided at best.

Pros/Serious Hobbyists -- The 12x zoom is nice and the manual control options are a start, but without an external zoom or focal ring, a lack of white balance in manual control, and the lack of in-camera image control, this camera is not a candidate for this market.