| Likes |
-High definition (HD) still and video with decent movie quality
-Good resolution
-Very capable in low light
-Good dynamic range
-Effective handling with ergonomic right hand grip
-Inclusion of an electronic viewfinder
-Affordable price for a 12x optical zoom camera |
| Dislikes |
-Horribly long processing time
-Extreme noise smoothing, apparent at most ISO speeds
-Disappointing color
-Poor white balance accuracy
-Poor button control layout
-Weak flash with limited illumination range
-Slow shutter speed
-Need for extra dock to playback HD video |
Conclusion
Video lovers may be strongly attracted to the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS for its high definition video capabilities. There are also some other motivations, including its compact size, 12x optically stabilized zoom lens, and affordable price. Consumers should note, however, that those specs come with a few blemishes.
In terms of image quality, the Z812 IS doesn’t perform as well as top ultra-zooms from other manufacturers, such as the Panasonic Lumix FZ18, Canon Powershot S5 IS, or Sony Cyber-shot H7. The Kodak Z812 IS has one of the slowest processing times we have seen. At high ISO settings, images suffer from extreme noise smoothing, which destroys fine image detail. The camera also has disappointing color and white balance accuracy. On the up side, our tests show the camera has very good resolution, good dynamic range, great versatility in low light, and decent video capture.
The Kodak Z812 IS is competitively priced, at about $100 less than most ultra-zoom compacts, and is certainly less expensive than the other HD video output still camera, the Canon PowerShot TX1. The $279.95 price, however, isn’t counting the extra $100 users will need to throw in for the Kodak HDTV dock to actually watch HD video.
Overall the EasyShare Z812 IS is an affordable ultra-zoom that takes decent images for the price. However, there are models by competing manufacturers that cost about $100 more that offer more zoom and better overall image quality.
