Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS

Value (8.0)
The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS is a mix between a point-and-shoot and an SLR and a combination of a still camera and a camcorder.

When looking strictly at zoom range, the Z812 IS is a little behind the times, since more ultra-zoom cameras now tout 15x and the new standard is 18x. However, with the longer zoom lenses, comes a higher price.

What the Z812 IS lacks in zoom range, it makes up for in high definition video. At $279.95, the camera is certainly one of the least expensive of the ultra-zoom bunch and one of a handful of high definition-enabled hybrids. Users should keep in mind, however, that if they want to play back high definition video on their HD-enabled TVs, they’ll have to purchase the additional Kodak EasyShare HDTV dock for an extra $100.

For consumers who want big features and decent image quality for a relatively low price, the Z812 IS is a good option. If you have an extra $70 to spend, and don’t need the HD video, the Sony H7 with 15x optical zoom, one of the best performing cameras we’ve tested this year, is definitely worth a look.

Who’s This Camera For?
Point and Shooters – Because the Kodak Z812 IS is a compact camera, in between SLR and pocket cameras, it has a chunky feel to it. The size likely won’t appear to point-and-shooters as much as sleeker cameras would. Advanced point-and-shooters might consider the EasyShare camera if they are looking to upgrade for more photographic experimentation.

Budget Consumers – At $279.95, the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS is certainly on the less expensive side of ultra-zoom compacts. Because many of the newer ultra-zooms now reach 15x or 18x optical zooms, competitors tend to price the cameras up to roughly $500. Again, thrifty shoppers need to consider the extra near-$100 dock that is needed for HD playback.

Gadget Freaks – Techies will appreciate the high definition video, but other cameras have features that might appeal to this audience more.

Manual Control Freaks – With a full set of PASM modes, EasyShare Z812 IS caters to advanced shooters who like to manually control settings, including aperture and shutter speed.

Pros/Serious Amateurs – Professionals will appreciate the ergonomic design for such a compact camera and manual functions, but this crowd would likely not consider this camera because of its average performance.

Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix DMC- FZ8 – With the same current $299.95 price ($349.95 original price), the 7.2-megapixel Panasonic FZ8 carries a 12x optically stabilized zoom lens with the same equivalent 36 mm to 432 mm focal length, the same as the 8.1-megapixel Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS. Both cameras have the same 2.5-inch monitor but differ in monitor resolution. The Panasonic only has a 207,000-pixel monitor resolution, while the Kodak Z812 IS carries 230,000 pixels. The Lumix FZ8 also only has a threshold of ISO 1250 at full resolution, while the EasyShare Z812 IS reaches a higher ISO 1600 at full resolution. The major difference is in video capabilities. While the Kodak is capable of high definition video at 1280 x 720 resolution at 30 frames per second (fps), the Panasonic camera is not, maxing out 848 x 480 at 30 fps.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 – For about $80 more at a current price of $349.99 ($399.99 original), the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H7 is a strong rival to the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS. As one of the strongest performers in this price range we’ve tested this year, the Sony H7 has a longer optical zoom of 15x compared to the 12x Kodak camera. Both have 8.1-megapixel counts, optical image stabilization, and equally-sized 2.5-inch LCD screens. The Kodak Z812 IS, however, has a higher monitor resolution at 230,000 pixels versus the paltry 115,000 pixels of the Sony monitor. Both cameras are capable of image high definition output for stills, but the Sony H7 is not capable of HD video. Both utilize face detection systems.


Fujifilm FinePix S8000fd – At $399.95 original price, the 8-megapixel Fuji S8000fd costs $100 more than the 8.1-megapixel Kodak Z812 IS. For that extra chunk of change, Fuji users will gain a longer 18x optical zoom. While the Kodak Z812 IS employs lens-shifting optical image stabilization, the Fuji S8000fd uses CCD-shifting mechanical stabilization. Consumers should note, however, that the FinePix camera significantly downgrades in movie resolution with a standard 640 x 480 at 30 fps, while the EasyShare camera can record high definition video at 1280 x 720 resolution at 30 fps. Both cameras have 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD screens and face detection systems.




Canon PowerShot S5 IS – At a significantly more expensive $499 original price, the 8-megapixel Canon S5 IS scores as one of the best video performers this year and is a strong rival to the 8.1-megapixel Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS. Both have 12x optically image stabilized lenses, ISO 1600 sensitivity at full resolution, and face detection technology. Consumers will notice some distinct external differences between the PowerShot and the EasyShare compacts, however. While both cameras have 2.5-inch LCD screens, the Canon S5 IS has a flip-out Vari-angle LCD with 207,000-pixel monitor resolution. The Kodak Z812 IS has an immovable, built-in screen with 230,000 pixels. The PowerShot S5 IS also includes a hot shoe for an optional flash accessory, unlike the Kodak camera.


Canon PowerShot TX1 – For consumers with money to spare, the Canon PowerShot TX1 retails for $499.99 original price. The Canon TX1 is worth mentioning in comparison with the Kodak Z812 IS because this PowerShot is one of the few cameras capable of high definition video. Both cameras capture at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 fps. The 7.1-megapixel PowerShot TX1 is fitted with a 10x optically stabilized lens, and the 8.1-megapixel EasyShare Z812 IS features a longer 12x optically stabilized lens. Designed to be a hybrid camera-camcorder device, the Canon camera features a 1.8-inch flip-out Pure Color screen with 115,000 pixels, compared to the Kodak built-in 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel screen. Both include face detection.