Latest - Review at CNET.co.uk (added 18 December ‘07)
Kodak EasyShare Z1275 features:
- 12 megapixels
- 5X optical zoom Lens
- 2.5 inch LCD
- ISO range from 100 to 3200
- 64 MB of internal memory
- Panorama stitch mode
Reviews - (updated 18 December ‘07)
| CNET.co.uk |  |
| Steves-Digicams |  |
| PhotoReview |  |
| TrustedReviews | |
| InfoSync | |
| Good Gear Guide | |
|
CNET.co.uk - 18 December’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z1275 and thought the camera had a great lens but super sluggish performance. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“The Kodak EasyShare Z1275 has a respectable lens and plenty of potential, but is let down by excessive corner-cutting. Features such as optical image stabilisation are sorely missed, while the poor screen and plasticky build scream of a camera bodged up on the cheap.”
Steves-Digicams - 08 December’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z1275 and felt this camera was a little bulkier than others in this class making harder to pack around. Here’s an excerpt from their review conclusion -
“Featuring a 5x optical Schneider - Kreuznach Variogon zoom lens, a 12-megapixel imaging sensor, and user friendly design, this is a great camera for home or the office. It is easy enough for anyone to use with the fully automatic “Smart Scene” and pre-programmed scene modes, but also features a fully functional manual shooting mode for more experienced users. With a street price of US$229 or less, the Kodak Easyshare Z1275 Zoom offers a great combination of quality, performance and versatility, all without making a huge dent in your wallet this holiday season. “
PhotoReview - 17 October’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z1275 and thought this camera had a very small sensor and limited features. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“The test camera’s exposure metering system was idiosyncratic, tending to over-expose in bright conditions and under-expose when skies were cloudy. It was actually quite difficult to predict how exposures would end up at times as three sequential test shots we took varied by approximately two f-stops. Colour saturation was visibly elevated, resulting in shots that looked bright and very punchy.”
TrustedReviews - 08 October’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z1275 and indicated his camera had a major technical issue which caused it to repeatedly lock up. Here’s the final verdict -
“The Kodak EasyShare Z1275 is a camera with a number of problems and few saving graces. It is heavy and bulky for a compact, build quality is below average, it lacks any real image stabilization for its longer-than-average zoom range, and its performance and image quality are well below par. The HD video mode is potentially useful, the lens is very good and the asking price is relatively low for a 12MP camera, but I’m afraid that isn’t enough to save it. The possibility of a crippling technical problem is the final nail in the coffin.”
InfoSync - 05 October’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z1275 and was not impressed with the off and on image quality. Here’s the final conclusion;
“Right off the bat, we were not drawn to this camera. It’s design is clunky, reminiscent of years past when we expected cameras to be bulky and unattractive. The lens is massive, yet somehow it doesn’t translate into crystal-clear images or even a superzoom, stopping short at 5x. We liked the video and panorama modes, but these certainly weren’t enough to make us actually want to own one.”
Good Gear Guide reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z1275 and writes;
“Aesthetically this camera follows the standard Kodak design. Largely constructed of plastic, it has a gunmetal colour scheme that is fairly smooth, but the design is a little boxy and isn’t likely to stand out from the crowd. It is fairly sturdy, however not as solid as its metal counterparts from other companies.
Considering the 12 megapixel sensor it is quite small, which is one of its key benefits. Typically, to capture such high resolution images you need an SLR or at least a top of the range ultra-zoom - the Z1275 is barely larger than your average compact camera, so it will safely fit in your pocket or bag.”
Sample Photos
[Sample Test Photos at Steves-Digicams]
[Sample Test Photos at PhotoReview]
[Sample Test Photos at TrustedReviews]
Specifications
[Official Kodak Specification]
Owners Manual
Firmware Updates
Press Release
June 12, 2007 — Kodak announced today the new EasyShare Z1275, a compact digital camera offering 12-megapixel imaging and 5x optical zoom with photographically-advanced features. The EasyShare Z1275 is equipped with features that help consumers take consistently better shots, like digital image stabilization and KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology. The Z1275 will begin shipping in August, 2007 at a price of $249.00.
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{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
Brian Gerrard 09.07.07 at 3:36 pm
Bought one of these cameras and did a number of test shots under varoius conditions. Have to say it was absolute crap. Even using the ‘image stabilization’ mode the images were horrible. They ended up looking more like impressionist paintings. 12MP doesn’t do you a whole lot of good when a camera cannot produce a sharp image
SG 09.11.07 at 3:09 pm
I bought a z1275 last month, and so far, it’s served me pretty well. I have not had any problems with photos looking like “absolute crap”, in fact, most of mine came out exceptionally sharp, although some look a little overexposed. There are plenty of manual features in the P/M setting, but the auto setting works well for most conditions. High ISO mode is a plus, although the photos get pretty grainy towards higher ISO settings. My only complaints are the slightly shaky video and the lack of a normal viewfinder.
ML 10.05.07 at 9:56 pm
I have had this camera for about a week now and so far I am very pleased with it. I wanted it because it offered 12 megapixels in a compact size for a digital camera and at a reasonable price. If someone wants the features that a higher priced SLR camera offers then they should not buy this camera. This camera is more for the casual user who wants to take quick clean pictures for the quick enjoyment of it, not for the serious camera enthusiast or for a proffesional photographer. For my needs, this camera is great and I also say, it does not take “absolute crap” pictures. As a matter of fact, I have been very impressed with the pictures this camera has taken and I would reccomend this camera to anyone who likes to take digital pictures.
Luis Perez 03.29.08 at 12:30 am
Someone at Kodak needs to update their resume, fast.
1GB = Pics: 1.2MP/1604, 12MP/273
4GB = Pics: 1.2MP/6426, 12MP/1096
That’s seems normal, about 4x the 1GB module.
1GB = Vids: 320×240/78min, 1280×720/14min
4GB = Vids: 320×240/80min, 1280×720/29min
What? I add 4x the RAM and I get only 2 minutes more? Look at HD. 4x 14 should be at least 56min. This signifies a serious problem with the calculations.
On occasions, you will get photos that post to the card, but upon review show a blue screen with an error. You will not have a choice but to format the card. Use Windows, then the camera to format it.
Battery life is questionable. Expect heavy drainage if you leave batteries in this unit for a “rainy day” or that “magic moment” due to the drain when off, you may not have enough power to take the photo. Best to take the batteries out and just take the default settings for time etc. or keeps lots of spare batteries. NiMH 2300mAh batteries work great if you intend on taking lots of pictures. However, extended (more than a few days) non-use significantly reduces NiMH capacity. No camera should be eating batteries this fast when it is off.
On the bright side, photo quality is decent in good light. The manual options of this camera are significant enough for professionals and amateurs. Speed is OK and it can capture images in about 1/4 second of clicking the shutter. When using the sequence shooting, ensure you use SDHC. Also, you may need to wait as much as 30 seconds before you shoot your next series of sequence shooting, or the camera will lock up for even longer and display a “Processing” message on the screen.
Video is nice, but I was surprised at the pixilation (grainy) in the video.
When you playback a video, you can hear the sound. You may find no sound on your computer. This is the format the video is in. You will need to either convert it to WMV/AVI/MPG (etc.) or install QuickTime.
This would have been a fabulous camera if the issues above were looked into. I think the QA team was given test cases that did not look at the camera is it would be used in the real world, leaving lots of “oops” for us to find, at our cost.
I am sure a newer version will replace this model with some fixes, but be sure to TEST the heck out of your camera before you decide on keeping it. Some stores give you as little as 7 days to return it - don’t get stuck with something that doesn’t work for you.
litesong 04.02.08 at 5:46 pm
The Z1275 takes excellent pix, despite the despicable manual. The panoramic mode gives superlative seamless pix. The viewing screen is often difficult to see tho, especially the edges in the panoramic mode. The panoramic mode gives 6500+ pixels across the long dimension & 1850+ pixels across the short dimension…solidly packed with detail. Should give excellent 24 by 8 inch pix. The video mode is excellently sharp with fine sound. You will capture people & scenery with nuance & detail. Camera may be delicate. I don’t remember pressing anything hard against my shirt pocket where my camera was, but later I tried to take pix & the viewscreen was broken. Still, I wish to get another Kodak Z1275 camera.
Stefanie 06.07.08 at 10:38 am
I just bought this camera yesterday. It was on clearance for about $140 at Office Depot. I really like this the features on this camera but mostly the fact that it goes way beyond a 3x zoom.I also like tcan change the setting for anytime and anywhere you go.The memory isn’t that great even with an SD card & the quality of the images is fair…pretty bright for a camera,perhaps a little bit too much with the flash on.. My HP Photoshop camera performs way better than this image quality-wise. (My HP camera is 8.0)
The only thing that REALLY annoys me about this camera is that when you zoom into photos, it takes forever to load. Other than that’s kind of bulky for my taste and it really is unappealable, Kodak has yet again failed to leave me satisfied. I’m considering returning this camera.
Maybe I should’ve settled for a $200+ Cannon camera, eh?