Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS

Updated - Friday, 14th December 2007

Latest - Review and Sample Test Photos by thinkCamera (added 14 December ’07)

Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS features:

8.2 megapixels
12x optical zoom
Optical image stabilization
HD stills from video

Reviews - (updated 14 December ‘07)

ThinkCamera
GoodGearGuide
DigitalCameraInfo
PhotoReview
DigitalCameraReview

ThinkCamera - 14 December’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS and thought it had iffy color reproduction. Here’s an excerpt from their review verdict -
“If you are looking for an affordable camera that offers more features than your average point and shoot snapper there’s still a lot on offer here - especially if video takes up a large part of your wish list. A few issues about color reproduction aside, we feel the Kodak does a good job at providing that little bit more, but without the extra bulk or expense of buying into the ‘proper’ SLR world.”

GoodGearGuide - 23 November’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS and were impressed with the cameras speed test results. Here’s an excerpt from their review conclusion-
“As with most ultra zooms, the Z812IS’s design is far from stylish, but it does the job. The massive zoom lens and jutting right-hand grip are its most prominent features, although Kodak seem to have gone with a ‘more buttons is better’ approach here and as a result the chassis is littered with controls. The interface takes a little getting used to, but most people should master it given some time.”

DigitalCameraInfo - 21 November’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS and warns that although the camera has lots of bells and whistles it comes with some blemishes. Here’s an excerpt from their review conclusion-
“In terms of image quality, the Z812 IS doesn’t perform as well as top ultra-zooms from other manufacturers, such as the Panasonic Lumix FZ18, Canon Powershot S5 IS, or Sony Cyber-shot H7. The Kodak Z812 IS has one of the slowest processing times we have seen. At high ISO settings, images suffer from extreme noise smoothing, which destroys fine image detail. The camera also has disappointing color and white balance accuracy. On the up side, our tests show the camera has very good resolution, good dynamic range, great versatility in low light, and decent video capture.”

PhotoReview - 29 October’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS and writes that it is easy to set main camera functions with dedicated buttons. Here’s an excerpt from their review -
“The test camera’s exposure metering system tended to over-expose by between 1/3 and 2/3 of a stop, particularly in bright conditions. However, when this was allowed for, the resulting shots were bright and punchy, with natural-looking colours when the default Natural color mode was selected. Imatest showed most colors to be accurately reproduced but indicated boosted saturation in reds and some slight color shifts in yellow and cyan.”

DigitalCameraReview - 29 October’07 - reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS and indicates that anyone on a budget and wants lots of camera for the dollar this may be the right choice. Here’s an excerpt from their review conclusion -
“Consumers buy mega-zoom digicams because they want a camera that provides most of the benefits of a digital SLR without the bulk and expense of a modular imaging system, but there are currently so many worthy options that it’s very difficult to choose. The Z812 IS delivers SLR-like handling, lots of nifty features, surprisingly good performance, excellent image quality, and P&S (point and shoot) ease of use – and it does it at a conspicuously lower price than the competition.”