Full Review

Firstly, I am an amateur. I use my camera to take pics of my kids while on vacation, at school concerts or during sporting events like soccer. I chose the Kodak Easyshare Z812-IS because I wanted a camera that could really zoom in from a distance, but is easy enough for me to use with my very limited knowledge of photography and cameras. I like to aim, zoom, click.

The price (~$260) was double that of smaller, slimmer cameras; but I have had cameras like that in the past and have not been happy with my pictures. It has a wide digital screen to review the images, it docks easily onto the Kodak printer, and charges at the dock as well. Not too many buttons on the camera--great for someone with limited knowledge.

Like many others, my biggest complaint about digital cameras has been the short duration of charge in the batteries, regardless of the type of battery used. I was able to purchase an extra battery and car charger to maintain the battery while not at home. It is very easy to set my camera on the printer dock when not in use to maintain the charge. I have yet experienced a "dead" camera.

The Z812-IS has 8.1 megapixels so the images are sharp. 12X optical zoom with Image Stabilizer allows me to focus in on the subject from a good distance--great for kids sports and vacation pics of family.

Familiarity with Kodak cameras, software, and website significantly contributed to my reason for purchasing another Kodak. I have had no complaints and Kodak Easyshare software is so simple to use. The ease of uploading and using the editing features was a big sell for me with my limited capabilities.

The camera has many other functions which I have yet to explore--like video capability. I intend to learn how to use the advanced features, but they were not my reason for purchasing this camera. Purchasing the printer has been a huge asset. I can print the pics I like, and print them at home.

I ordered this product from the Kodak website (www.kodak.com) I received the camera, printer, and all of the accessories that I ordered withing 2 days, packaged perfectly. The Kodak site offered comparison shopping amongst it's products, but not against others.

They call it Easyshare for a reason!