Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS

Auto Mode (7.0)
The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS has two automatic modes. The first is Smart Scene, represented by a green camera icon on the mode dial. As the most automatic of the automatic modes, users are likely to frequently keep the camera set to Smart Scene. Users can change Flash (Auto, Off, Red-Eye) and Drive modes (First Burst, Last Burst, 2-second Self-Timer, 10-second Self-Timer, 2x Self-Timer). The autofocus modes, however, are disabled. Autofocus is set when the user presses the shutter button halfway, when face detection is also applied.

The other automatic mode is Program, marked on the mode dial by "P." Users have more manual control in Program, with the ability to change focus from Normal to Macro or Landscape autofocus or manual focus. Users can also adjust Flash (Auto, Red-Eye, Off, On) and Drive modes (First Burst, Last Burst, 2-second Self-Timer, 10-second Self-Timer, 2x Self-Timer, Exposure Bracketing).

Movie Mode (8.0)
While some manufacturers, including Casio and Sony, have gone to great lengths to promote cameras’ small, compressed video capabilities for Web posting, Kodak has gone in the exact opposite direction, boasting large, high definition movies with more resolution. Instead of viewing pictures or movies on Flickr and YouTube, Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS users can view their images and videos on HDTVs. Cameras by multiple manufacturers capture still images in high definition but rarely apply the same high resolution technology to video. The Kodak Z812 IS is one of the few still cameras that does.

The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS records QuickTime MPEG-4 with stereo sound in three size options, including the highest 720p (progressive 1280 x 720-pixel resolution) at 30 frames per second (fps). Users can also switch to VGA (640 x 480) at 30 fps or an even smaller QVGA resolution (320 x 240) at 30 fps for Web posting. Videos record in panoramic 16:9 format, suited to widescreen HDTVs.

Users can continuously record up to 30 minutes of video, depending on the memory card’s storage capacity. The Movie mode includes a helpful time counter at the top right corner of the frame, indicating how many minutes of recording are available.

Flash is disabled, but users can change focus (Normal, Macro, Landscape), AF Control (Continuous, Single AF), or set the Self-timer for a 2-second or 10-second delay. Users can also adjust zoom functions by activating the Advanced Digital Zoom (Continuous, Pause, None) and set the Image Stabilizer (Continuous, Single, Off).

Users can zoom optically and digitally and should keep the stabilizer engaged, especially when the lens is zoomed all the way out. Zooming is smooth, and autofocus adjusts relatively quickly.

Once recorded, users can view the video in real time, fast-forward, rewind, or pause. There are some editing tools, including Kodak’s Perfect Touch technology and Crop, or add a Sound Tag, an attached audio clip. Users can splice the movie clip, called "Trim," or create index prints in 16, nine, or four-frame thumbnails in Action Print.

For such an advanced still camera, it’s surprising there aren’t more Shooting modes, like Color modes, so users can shoot in black and white or slow motion. For those sorts of edits, users will have to use software.

The downside to the Movie mode, and by extension, all high definition video, is that users must have a high definition playback device to view it. High definition workflow is a painstakingly involved process since only select computers and televisions can display HD movies. In the case of the Kodak Z812 IS, the optional dock accessory is necessary. The camera captures HD, but it’s not a HD playback device. The dock goes for an extra $100, which users really need to consider in calculating the price of this camera.

Users should note that movie resolution quality isn’t much better than the standard 640 x 480, but the camera does perform better than the Canon Powershot TX1, which has ugly image artifacts. High definition output for stills and movies makes this camera a desirable one for budding videographers who want both a camera and camcorder in one. The EasyShare camera could use more built-in editing functions or effects, but the video capabilities, along with the long lens, will be one of the camera’s biggest draw. Overall, the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS movie capabilities surpass most digital still cameras on the market with its move into the HD realm. Because of playback restrictions, however, users should consider high definition an investment for the future.

Drive / Burst Mode (6.0)
Because the camera takes a painfully slow 5 to 10 seconds to process one image, users should seriously consider using the Burst mode, particularly for action photography. The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS has two Burst modes, accessed through the dedicated drive button near the shutter.

First Burst mode is a sequential shooting function used for anticipated events. It takes up to five images at a rate of 2 fps when the user hits the shutter button. Last Burst mode is meant for situations where timing is uncertain, such as when a child blows out birthday candles. Last Burst takes up to 30 pictures when the user hits the shutter but only saves the last five, assuming the user will release the shutter when the action has stopped.

Both Burst modes efficiently capture and save five images in succession, but with a few conditions. The user must continue to hold the shutter button down to take the full five frames, as opposed to quickly hitting the shutter once, as with some other Burst modes.

The camera automatically disables flash to keep the burst rate fast, which limits the amount of situations users can effectively use the Burst mode. Burst mode works both outdoors and indoors as long as there is sufficient lighting.

The good thing about these two bursts is that images are captured at full resolution. Although flash is suppressed, and it requires a bit of work on the shooter’s part, at least image resolution quality won’t be sacrificed. Photos taken of action with a Burst mode are often blurry. Users are better off using the PASM or preset Scene modes for those types of situations.

Lumped in with the Burst modes is the Self-Timer function, which is helpful for self-portraits. There are 2- or 10-second delay options. There is also an additional Self-Timer mode simply marked as "2x" that takes two pictures in succession, the first after a 10-second delay, and the second after an 18-second delay. The 2x Self-Timer mode is assumingly meant for group pictures, to make sure there is at least one with everyone’s eyes open.

Also included on the drive button is the Exposure Bracketing mode. Refer to the Exposure section for more information.

Playback Mode (7.0)
Users can review photos or videos on the 2.5-inch LCD screen. A dedicated playback button to the right of the monitor enters Playback mode. By pressing the zoom toggle, users can view photos as individual pictures, in a nine-thumbnail view that allows for jumping through volumes of images, or in zoomed view with up to 8x magnification to check for focus. Users can view images by date, album, or internal memory or memory card.

Pressing the "i" button, located to the right of the LCD screen, displays shooting information. File name, time stamp, a histogram, aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and white balance data, among other functions are displayed.

Users can tag their favorite pictures with the OK button, which adds a check mark to individual pictures and places them in a separate album. Bringing up the favorites album will save time at the printing kiosk.

To make edits to images, users must first hit the playback button, then the menu button to open up the three menus (Play, Play +, and Setup) for options to crop, add an audio clip, or apply Kodak’s Perfect Touch Technology to both stills and videos. Users can also view their still images in a slide show, with the ability to change duration cycles.

Noticeably absent from the editing list are options for red-eye fix or rotation. Most cameras offer these functions.

Play +
Perfect Touch Tech.	(Split-Screen View), OK
Image Crop	(Navigate using multi-selector), OK
Sound tag	Exit, Record, Playback, Delete

The Kodak Z812 IS offers basic playback features. Users can comfortably check photos for on-the-spot review, but the camera lacks advanced built-in editing options.

Custom Image Presets (7.75)
Users who want to stick to automatic shooting can do so with the 16 Scene modes, which are presets that automate settings for common shooting conditions. Users can access the presets via the dedicated "SCN" on the mode dial. This draws up an LCD display with 16 graphic icons and explanations for each preset.

Scene
Portrait	Use for full frame photos of people and other subjects.
Sport	Use when subject in motion.
Landscape	Use for distance scenery.
Night Landscape	Use to capture distant scenery at night. Steady camera for best results.
Night Portrait	Use to best capture subject and background. Steady camera for best results.
Flower	Use for close-up of flowers in bright light.
Sunset	Use in sunset light.
Backlight	Use for photos where light is behind the subject.
Candle Light	Use when capturing in candle light.
Manner/Museum	Use when sound and flash are not desired. Steady camera for best results.
Self Portrait	Use for close-up of self.
Text	Use for photos of documents. Steady camera for best results.
Beach	Use for bright beach scene.
Snow	Use for bright snow scene.
Fireworks	Use for photos of fireworks. Steady camera for best results.
Children	Use for action photos of children in bright light.

Users can set flash and the self-timer in Scene modes, but autofocus is disabled in the Scene modes. The 16 Scene modes are enough to cover most situations without overwhelming the user.