Kodak EasyShare Z1275 12MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Zoom

I've owned & reviewed numerous digital cameras, but this one has become my absolute favorite. I tend 2 get long-winded in my reviews, but I want 2 keep this one short & simple. Here are the benefits, as I see them:

- This camera has the shortest time between shots of any camera I've used in the sub-$500 range. That means you'll snap more pictures, & miss less opportunities. [Note: while the camera is letting you review your photo, you can go back into picture-taking mode by partially depressing the shutter button (the one used 2 snap a photo)--that'll get you shooting again quickly.

- The Smart Scene feature really does autodetect the best setting in most circumstances. I no longer need 2 stop & change over 2 micro 2 shoot flowers, & then back 2 portrait 2 shoot people. It simply works as advertised & MAKES THIS ONE OF THE EASIEST CAMERAS TO USE ON THE GO>

- Even at 12 Megapixel resolution, a 1 Gb SD card [Note: Purchase one right away.] will store hundreds & hundreds of photos in JPG format.

- Definately get a set of four NiHh rechargeable batteries (at least 2100 MAh rated). You'll be able 2 shoot most of the day on one pair (assuming you're not using flash 4 all shots), & the second pair can always be charged & ready.

- The LCD is a great size, & it surprisingly easy 2 read in sunlight. [Note: consider buying some plastic screen protectors 2 keep it safe from scratches.]

- The menu system is easy 2 navigate & use.

Overall, it's the best all-purpose digital camera I've owned. I'm planning on getting another one 4 my wife, since she likes 2 use this one so much that I often need 2 "steal" it back from her.

One last note: on cases. Generally, I recommend purchasing the camera case *after* you have the camera in-hand. If you purchase the case online, you risk that you might not like the way the camera fits in the case, or that the case is simply too large or too small. Don't wait too long, however, because that case is the best protection your camera will have when you are on the go!

This is my 2nd Kodak Digital Camera. I liked the 1st, used it 4 3 years, & was induced 2 move 2 the new camera 4 its superior MP rating (12MP vs. my old 6 MP camera), its better low light capabilities without using flash, & its higher magnification without resorting 2 computerized magnification.

Besides that, its sturdy, had good lens protection, & I expect will stand up well over several years of high usage.

I take several thousand photos a year & edit & crop photos a lot. You can make large prints of even a small portion of a picture, & be confident of its fidelity & resolution.

In researching the camera I was concerned about some negative comments by users, especially about battery life, but bought it anyway because of my excellent prior experience witht Kodak, & Consumer Reports Magazine's reviews of various Kodak models with similar battery usage characteristics. (They didn't review this model, but did do a similar lower MP model).

I just can't believe their experiences. The camera comes with excellent non-rechargeable AA batteries. They lasted well over 100 shots, most of which were energy hogging flash photos.

I'm now using rechargeable Kodak batteries, & their life seems at least as long, & they cost under $15 at Wal-mart 4 4 Rechargeable batteries + a recharger.

ps. The model I bought was a real bargain - I bought a remanufactured one, that came from Kodak with the same support a new one would get. Furthermore, I found out from Kodak that this camera, no longer in production, is identical 2 the newer Kodak 1285 camera, except 4 the model number.

Good camera at a good price!

After having this camera 4 a year now, we've determined the following:

1. It eats regular AA batteries in an hour. Lithiums will last about a month.
2. Having no viewfinder is annoying, since you'll have 2 set the LCD screen at its brightest level in order 2 see it outside. Therefore, less battery life.
3. VERY OFTEN, the flash will completely white out a picture. For a while I thought it was because I was trying 2 take pictures when the last one I took was still processing but now it happens the first time I take a picture, right after turning it on.
4. You can't set the camera 2 take pictures in black & white. I liked that feature on my old Kodak.
5. It takes beautiful outdoor pictures. Being able 2 set it 4 "snow scene" & outdoor action shots 4 kids is really nice & they come out great.
6. I've tried lowering the picture quality 2 6 or 8 MP in order 2 eliminate the annoying blue screen that comes up sometimes that says "processing" -- but then I can forget about taking pictures indoors. They always come out blurry or dark.
7. The large LCD screen is great!
8. Indoor shots are often either grainy & dark or overexposed, even if I set the camera 2 take photos in low light conditions.

I'm no camera geek & many of these issues may just be the nature of the point & shoot beast. I'm generally happy with the camera since we are outside taking pictures of the kids most of the time, but I do wish I could get better shots indoors.

This an amazing camera 4 someone who takes photos as a hobby. I find the quality 2 be awesome at 12 megs. The HD video is also amazing. I haven't really used the manual option, but it looks like a nice feature 2 have. Huge LCD screen. There is no view finder, but I don't find it 2 be a prob as I rarely use the view finder on my other cam.

A few cons: I don't think there's a way 2 adjust the intensity of the flash. Some photos look blowout but I used a semitransparent cloth 2 dim it a bit. Works like a charm.

It eats batteries quickly but this is remedied with rechargeables. Problem solved.

Wish it had a decent macro setting (I don't like the preset settings at all.) But I solve this but shooting at the largest setting & cropping in.

I've had mine 4 awhile now. I had seen the low quality exposures as others have reported. The source turned out 2 be the batteries I was using. I started using CRV3 batteries & the camera has performed very well since. If I could change my rating 4 this unit I'd bring it 2 4 stars.

The Kodak Z1275 has the exclusive Color Science Chip. Advanced algorithms & hardware acceleration along with the Color Science Chip perform split-second analysis 2 identify & adjust multiple factors 2 determine the correct exposure, capturing natural details, accurate flesh tones & rich colors. User-friendly features let you use 12 Megapixels & high ISO so bad lighting won't be a problem anymore. The 12 Megapixel sensor allows you 2 print up 2 30x40" pictures so you can crop & enlarge while maintaining great image quality. Capture MPEG4 QuickTime Videos in HD at 30 fps with sound limited only 2 the size of your memory card. The Z1275 is part of the Kodak EasyShare System so sharing your pictures is amazingly simple; just press Share. View pictures with brilliance & clarity on the wide-angle, High-Resolution 2.5 (6.4cm) color display White balance - Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent & Open Shade Scene modes - Portrait, sports, landscape, close-up, night portrait, night landscape, snow, beach, text/document, fireworks, flower, manner/museum, self-portrait, children, backlight, panning, candlelight, sunset & panorama stitch 5 color modes - High, Low, Natural, Black & White & Sepia 1/4 standard tripod mount System Requirements - Windows XP OS or later, Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher, Macintosh OS X 10.3 or higher, Safari 1.1 or higher, 600 MHz processor or greater, 128MB RAM, 200MB free space, CD-ROM drive, Available USB port, Color monitor, 800?600 display & 16-bit minimum Dimensions - 3.5 ? 2.5 ? 1.2 (89.5?64.5?31.6 mm) Weight - 5.7 ounces (161 grams)