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Strengths: 12x zoom and the macro-close up, Image stableizer, EVF/LCD choice, lots of scene options, great pictures
Weaknesses: I do not like the "Ok/ 4way Review buttom" Lens noise in video mode
Summary: 2006-05-22 12:29:35 My first digital was the Kodak DX6440. It has been a great camera and I still use it, I was looking for a camera that had a better zoom and could also do closeups--flowers well. I have researched a number of cameras, including an SLR. The Z612 fit my budget, and I decided I did not want to get into inter-changable lens. I also have been more than impressed with my DX6440 that I decided to stay with the Kodak line. I bought the camera May 19th at BestBuy (the clerk didn't even know it had been stocked in that day!)
As a disclaimer....I am not a photographer, I like to take pictures. What I know about cameras is what I read or work with.
Out of the box, the Z612 was easy to use. The manual walked you through every thing. My learning curve was not as hard since the features are similar to the DX6440. One thing I did like is a battery charger was included with the kit. If you want to dive right in, buy some throw away batteries, as the chargable battery takes 3 hours to power up.
The zoom lens is awesome. At 12x it'll pull in a lot of stuff. I was on the 19th floor of a hotel, and could read the bill boards across the river. I was not impressed with the 4x digital zoom...is is grainy, and you must use a tripod or flat surface at that level. I have turned it off. I love to tramp Civil War battlefields, so I am looking forward using the zoom feature there.
My favorite subject is flowers. The Z612 has a flower scene you can choose from that lets you get right on top. In addition, if you are two close or out of focus, a warning indicator will come up in the viewfinder when you slightly depress the shutter button.
The only feature I do not like is the "ok and 4 way" button. On the DX6440 it is a raised toggle button- a joystick. On the Z612 the "ok" is flat, and you have to press an arrow on a 4 sided circle for direction. I'm a lady with a small hand, so I do ok. My big handed husband found it all but impossible to manipulate this. I wish Kodak kept the joystick feature.
I do like the size of the camera. It is still small enough to fit in my purse or the camera bag I used with my DX.
Another cool feature is the EVF/LCD. The Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) gives you the same image as the LCD (and saves battery power). You can see you zoom length and all of the focus features. I do like the 2.5 inch LCD display as I can now see it (!) You can also do some picture editing right on the camera which is nice.
The focusing lens sounds like a purring kitten. It is noticable while taking video if you use the zoom feature.
All in all I very happy with the Z612. I am pleased with the purchase and the features
The billboard in the photos below was taken with the zoom (digital maxed). It is located on the city picture between the two bridge uprights
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