Kodak has produced the Easyshare Z980, an ultra-zoom with a massive 24x zoom and 12-megapixel sensor. It also has the unique hardware setup where you can rotate the camera 90°, and shoot using a second shutter button and extra grip. The pre-production floor model we used felt a bit on the flimsy side, but this might be cleared up by the time it hits the market. The Z980 will be available in Spring 2009 for $399.95
We had the opportunity to take the Z980 for an extended test drive at the Consumer Electronics Show. Here's what we found.
The Kodak Easyshare Z980 is a new 24x ultra-zoom with a 12-megapixel sensor, and will cost $399.95 when it comes out in Spring 2009. In addition to the massive zoom and high pixel count, the defining feature of this camera is a second shutter button and extra grip that straps on to the base. These together let you rotate the camera 90 degrees, and shoot easily in portrait mode (i.e., vertically). Based on the floor model we used, however, we found the build quality of the camera to be slightly lacking, but we liked the menu system and the hot-shoe for an external flash.
The following First Impressions review is based on an extended test drive on the floor of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas. Performance may vary when we get a final retail model out into a real-world environment.
The Kodak Easyshare Z980 is a new 24x ultra-zoom with a 12-megapixel sensor, and will cost $399.95 when it comes out in Spring 2009. In addition to the massive zoom and high pixel count, the defining feature of this camera is a second shutter button and extra grip that straps on to the base. These together let you rotate the camera 90 degrees, and shoot easily in portrait mode (i.e., vertically). Based on the floor model we used, however, we found the build quality of the camera to be slightly lacking, but we liked the menu system and the hot-shoe for an external flash.