| Likes |
|
- Clean and accurate electronic color viewfinder
- Larger controls with simple labels
- Simple menu systems
- Well-built port covers
|
| Dislikes |
|
- Plastic body lacks durability
- Lack of live preview in the menu
- Small joystick for navigation
- Zoom control position makes pressing the wide-angle half a hassle
- No optical image stabilization
|
Conclusion
The Kodak EasyShare Z650 brings a lot of features and controls to a compact SLR-inspired digital camera that pairs a simple and understated camera interface, and menu system with more advanced manual control. The advantage to this pure point-and-shoot camera is that it allows the beginner room to grow without needing to buy a new camera once the restrictions of full auto mode become too limiting.
The novice user will find the auto and preset shooting modes simple to engage. The external interface is laid out and labeled with minimal controls with the ability to navigate menu systems quickly and competently. For the advanced point-and-shoot photographer, the Z650 has control over exposure metering, exposure compensation, ISO, aperture and shutter speed with only presets provided for white balance. The lack of a manual white balance and focus may be a problem for true manual control buffs.
Although a strong digital camera, the comparison to the features and design of the Kodak EasyShare Z612 is inevitable and leaves the Z650 the obvious defeated party. The Z612 offers an immense improvement in a variety of areas that include exterior design, LCD screen, a 12x optical zoom with optical image stabilization, more autonomous shooting modes, a jog dial that independently controls manual settings, the clarity of the menu systems, and flash levels and settings. The only area where the Z650 may have an advantage is in the positioning of black rubber grip pads on the right hand grip and a lens housing that enables more confident handling.
Despite the Z650's strong points, it’s hard not to advise consumers to spend a little more on the Kodak EasyShare Z612. If money is a little tight, the Z650 will suffice as it does have a number of impressive features and controls that will enable competent shooting and image results. These include the streamlined shooting, editing, uploading, and printing systems that connect the camera easily to printers, personal computers, and the EasyShare software program. Pair this with the threaded lens barrel for accessory lenses and filters and throw in all of the other competent features and options of the Z650, many consumers may choose to opt out of spending more money and settle for this compact advanced point-and-shoot digital camera.
