The first Kodak Easyshare Z812 IS review we have seen comes to us from DigitalCameraReview.com The Z812 IS (the flagship of Kodak’s megazoom Z-series) is a compact 8.2 megapixel digital camera with a 12X Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon (36mm-432mm equivalent) zoom, optical image stabilization, a 2.5 inch LCD, auto and manual exposure options, face detection AF, a Smart Scene mode, and a 1024×720 @ 30fps HD (high definition) video mode.

“The Z812 IS does have a few shortcomings - Kodak doesn’t include a rechargeable battery and charger in the package - they must be purchased separately. Additional shortcomings include the lack of a custom/manual white balance mode (a feature lots of photography enthusiasts regard as essential) and the jog dial (push to engage and turn to change settings) which offers direct access to exposure compensation and ISO sensitivity is too easily pressed/turned accidentally. Finally, noise management is a little too aggressive, so shadow areas are a bit darker and highlight areas are tiny bit less defined than they should.

Consumers buy mega-zoom digicams because they want most of the benefits of a dSLR without the extra expense and bulk of a modular camera system. The very compact Z812 IS delivers SLR-like features and performance, a nice balance of tweakability and flexibility, and P&S (point and shoot) ease of use at a much lower price than a comparable dSLR.”

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