Digital Camera News

August 29, 2007

Kodak Introduces Z812 IS with HD and Face Detection

Take a look at the new Kodak cameras

August 30, 2007 – Kodak today launched the EasyShare Z812 IS, the new flagship of its ultra-zoom compact Z-series. The 12x optical zoom camera touts optical image stabilization, face detection technology, and HD still capture and video. Kodak is also offering a new optional accessory, the EasyShare HDTV Dock. The 8-megapixel Kodak Z812 IS will retail for $299.95 when the camera is released this month.

"At Kodak, we believe consumers should be inspired, not intimidated, by the photography experience – from capturing to sharing and displaying. We are breaking down the technology barriers and making it easy for everyone to relive their memories in the highest quality possible," said Director of Marketing of Digital Capture and Devices Phil Scott in a company press release.

The new Kodak Z812 IS has a higher 8-megapixel count versus the 7.1-megapixel sensor of the earlier Z712 IS model, introduced in March. The EasyShare camera retains the zoom capabilities of its predecessor, equipped with a 12x Schneider-Kreuznach optical zoom lens with image stabilization for blur reduction. Like the Z712 IS, the Z812 IS has a 2.5-inch LCD screen.

Kodak made a few significant upgrades to the Z812 IS, which has the same $300 price as the Z712 IS. Promising "best in class click-to-capture," according to a company press release, the Z812 IS has a shutter lag time of 0.23 seconds, faster than the 0.26 second click-to-capture time of the Z712 IS, which at the time of its announcement was the best in its class, according to the release.

The EasyShare Z812 IS features face detection technology and a Smart Scene mode. The Smart Scene mode assesses a scene and automatically determines the appropriate camera settings.  

The Z812 IS compact includes Kodak’s high definition capabilities for still images and movies. Users can capture photos in 16:9 wide format and movies at 720p resolution at 30 fps. Previous models' movie capture was restricted to VGA (640x480) resolution. Users can then view their high definition images and movies on HDTVs or other HD-enabled devices.

The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS is compatible with the new optional Kodak EasyShare HDTV Dock accessory. Users can edit photos and slide shows with the dock, preparing the images for HD viewing while charging the camera battery. The EasyShare dock is compatible with SD memory cards and USB drives. The dock will retail for $99.99 when it hits the shelves in October.

Camera Model	EasyShare Z712 IS	EasyShare Z812 IS
Announcement Date	March 2007	August 2007
Introductory Price	$299.95	$299.95
Sensor	7.1 MP CCD	8 MP
Lens	12x optical zoom Optical image stabilization	12x optical zoom Optical image stabilization
Monitor	2.5-inch 115,000 pixel	2.5-inch
Still Capture	3072 x 2304 (JPEG)	HD 16:9 View
Video Capture	640 x 480 at 30 fps 320 x 240 at 30 fps (MPEG 4)	720 at 30fps
Key Features	0.26 second click-to-capture shutter lag time	0.23 second click-to-capture shutter lag time - Face Detection - HD Capture and Viewing
News Link	Kodak Release Two New Z-Series Models	Kodak Introduces Z812 IS with HD and Face Detection
Review Link	Kodak EasyShare Z712 IS First Impressions Review	- -

Spec Sheet

- Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS