| Likes |
|
-12x optical zoom.
-Good optical viewfinder.
-Good level of exposure control.
|
| Dislikes |
|
-All plastic body.
-Narrow aperture range.
-Poorly located zoom control button.
|
Conclusion
In the increasingly crowded high-zoom, SLR-like digital camera market, consumers are faced with many options. These cameras offer the feel of an SLR in a smaller size with many automatic options. Some manufacturers are offering solid examples and are also constantly improving the category. While the Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS offers some new technologies, like Perfect Touch and their new Color Science Image Processing Chip, its major selling point is the price. If you want a high-zoom camera with a lightweight design at an affordable price, this camera will suffice. However, if you are drawn to this camera because of its “Easy” designation, don’t be fooled, most cameras in this category have a full auto mode and will function as a direct point and shoot. For those interested in the Z712 IS, it will likely serve your needs, it just may not provide as much control or the image quality of its competitors.
