Full Review

I was replacing an older Kodak Easy share camera, so this camera made a lot of sense. I already had all the software loaded, so it was just a matter of popping in the batteries and snapping away.

I was also drawn to the 12X optical zoom. While I don't often have reason to zoom quite to this level, I want to always make sure to avoid the Digital Zoom. My experience with digital zoom has been that it dramatically reduces picture quality. This camera also provides an image stabilization feature to make sure that your zoom shots don't blur.

This camera has many features you will not find on the compact digital cameras. For the amateur, there is the automatic setting where you simply point and shoot and the camera handles everything else. For the more advanced user, you can manually adjust the shutter and aperture speeds, manually focus or adjust the flash.

Some of the other great features offered by the Z812, burst (which takes a rapid series of pictures so you can catch an action shot and decide which shots to keep later) and video mode where you can shoot short videos with sound included. These videos are also a great way to catch action shots or baby's first steps.

I would consider myself more of an amateur user, but that's what is so great about digital photography, the instant feedback. You can play with some settings, review your work and delete any mistakes.

All of the competitors out there have a camera out there that offers similar specs, but the Kodak comes in at about $200, or $100 cheaper than all the rest!

The only pitfall to this camera is it's bulky size. It's great for birthday parties, weddings or sightseeing, but you wouldn't want to carry it around all day at an amusement park.

One last word of advice, this camera eats batteries. Make sure to purchase a rechargeable battery and keep a backup ready.