Would I buy a New Kodak???

I think its nice that people have their opinion on what is good and what is bad with digital cameras but really who cares?

I am one of the idiots that got sucked into the digital camera pixel race, started off with a 2mp Kodak and in a period of 6 years tried 35 different Kodak models, I also tried Konica/Minolta, Fuji, Panasonic, Canon, Olympus and several other brands, not much between them all really, also had the pleasure of working in a pawnbrokers store that enabled me to test many more cameras.

What I have learned over the years is that some of the top of the range cameras from all manufacturers do not produce better pictures, one example is the Fuji S5600 that IMO produced better quality images than the then top model S9500 both of which I owned.

I have never been a camera snob in the nearly 50 years I have been involved with photography and regardless of the shortcomings of Kodak cameras things like easy to read menu's, lens quality and an unbeatable picture quality are the things that have returned me to the Kodak fold after a couple of years of using Panasonic cameras.

Would I buy a new Kodak manufactured today?, to right I would but I am content with the two vintage Kodaks that I use, do I care what others think?, no way, the only person I have to please with my photography these days is me, do I think Kodak are behind the times compared with other brands?, maybe but not when it comes to the most important "Picture Quality".
--
Regards
Dave
Downunder.

Kodak cameras have a good balance of picture quality and price it seems by looking at the results achieved here in the forums with 100 dollar cameras.

Picture quality is partially dependant on the camera and the user too.
--

Overall I can't say enough positive things about this camera. Sure it would be nice if it had HD video or a higher resolution screen but those aren't required to take fantastic pictures.

oldshutterbug, I rarely post here, because I rarely use my Kodak cameras any more… I don’t have my P712 any more as I trade it with some Euros…LOL, and the P880 is resting and be used mainly for serious landscapes, and other things…

There is a factor that Kodak at least in their older cameras, (I have no idea for current models), failed to catch…
And this factor is the joy of use…
Panasonic is a grand master in this… Other companies too…

This is the reason why cameras like the whole generation of canon G series are best sellers… I felt the same when I used for first time my G9…

I never got a better picture from my G9, and I would dare to say that in jpegs straight out of the camera the P880 is far better…

But man… come on, the G9 had a great screen, (and there are cameras with even better), had not only live view, but a real live preview… in M mode you could see the scene exactly as it would be… even if you turn flash on, the camera preview the change… it was fantastic… specially for low light situations…letting advanced user to play with light and shadows, before click…

The IS… great, the battery, and the general feeling of the camera… it’s a pleasant to use a camera like this….

But what for me is a pleasant and adds to my photographic experience, for other people maybe easy of use, luxury, or even status, if there is such a think in camera’s market… But there is a “status” situation, and you understand this the moment that you ask for some money for that used Kodak camera that you don’t need any more…

I had a terrible experience trying to sell my P712, with a tonne of accessories, and in excellent condition… Don’t ask me for the price I got…. It was just some money I got 2 SD cards, and 3 cokin filters… LOL…

So my opinion… with my personal experience, and as I see the current models, and the company's profile NO I would never buy a Kodak camera again… No way for me… Picture quality…. Is just a factor…

--
Just lost my Dpreview account known as mike_mike
*****************************************
Have a look at the totally new http://www.spiridakis.gr

Certainly. After more than half a century with Kodak cameras, films, papers and chemicals, a Kodak DC290 provided me with an excellent introduction to digital photography.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1011&message=36265908
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1011&message=36273306

A P880 gave me wider experience, and a Z885 was a constant companion. The DC290 stopped working after 7 years. The P880 is helping a grandson to develop his skills, and the Z885 is in my wife's hands.

But my needs in recent years, for more portable models, with faster and wider lenses, and greater scope for control, have not been satisfied by Kodak's range. Nor has Kodak's full range been easy to check out in regional Australia, where distributors with comprehensive inventories are absent.
--
Cyril

I have used and have no problem with the G Series Canon cameras but considering they are far more expensive than the average Kodak do they produce a better picture ?.

There is so much baloney spouted out about digital photography and which is the best camera, all I can say is some of the best photos I have taken with digital cameras were taken with Kodaks, sadly manufacturers release new models as often as some people change their socks, frankly I am bored with all the useless features that are used on modern cameras as IMO there is no substitute for a good basic camera with a 5-6mp sensor and a quality lens, as I have said I found I liked Kodak others like other brands and thats great but having tried other brands I stick by my statement that I would buy a new Kodak in preference to others.

Yes I am a Kodak freak, I used Kodak film for 40 years, Kodak Chemicals for 30 years and a Kodak lab to process my Wedding Photos for 25 years, to me Kodak are still the masters of fine color.
--
Regards
Dave
Downunder.

Speaking for IQ, I think that a lot of things have been made around, take canon S90-95, they sport a fine 10mp sony sensor, with exceptional degradation and noise control, in terms of WB both my Fuji S100 and the small S90 are far batter than my P880, take a look at ricoh and the CX4 they managed matrix WB control, (well a CX4 will be mine next year)… Kodak ? where is Kodak…? We cant repeat and repeat this special color rendition something like coca cola flavor that I doubt if exists in all models, when at the same time fuji has its finest films as emulations inside the serious models… Come on, they have to do things… a lot of things…. At the moment they produce just cheap cameras for the supermarkets, and some superzooms without any interesting thing to talk about….

They have a company to copy and this is Ricoh… but first they need to take the decision….

--
Just lost my Dpreview account known as mike_mike
*****************************************
Have a look at the totally new http://www.spiridakis.gr

Mike is correct, Kodak IQ is fine, but there is more to a camera than that, most of my photography now is when I am out cycling or other outdoor activities, I need reliable battery life, quick operation, good screen and fast operation....oh and a 28mm wide lens minimum with some zoom, also it needs to be tough, simple to use and lightweight

I was a great defender of Kodaks for years, but they are just no way good enough anymore, I now use a little Canon IXUS (SD880) and it is pretty well perfect, fast, 28mm-120mm zoom (fast operation) excellent screen, its small, the metering is excellent, the IQ is great (no better than Kodak...maybe even not as good as the C875) but everything works perfectly, it doesnt steam up in my ack pocket, the battery lasts forever, its nicely made

We have 200 members in our cycling club, and the IXUS cameras are the prefered option for most, not because any of us could give a damn about brands, but the IXUS cams just do the job.....its not just about image quality, and Kodak cameras are just not good enough

actually many Canonites will tell you they prefer the 'Canon look' in their pics much like Kodak users like their Kodak color. Some fanboys operate from the emotional defensive level, but I prefer to be objective and give all brands their due according to their strengths. For kodak users looking for something more upscale - they might try Olympus (certain cams have a similar Kodak look). I still have my old Canon SD500 which still works and gives good pics - it's a handy dependable tool. My Kodak z8612, v1073, z1085, etc etc are also handy - each with it's strengths but sadly all highly compressed jpegs (note to Kodak - memory is cheap nowadays, we're not using floppy discs anymore).

Images these days are getting pretty good from all brands such that users are looking at function more closely. After all they are just tools.

Good ole Dave! Another thread which captures our interest... even those of us who rarely post here anymore.

Would I buy another Kodak? You bet your life I would. We've had Kodaks ever since they produced their first digitals. In fact, my wife still (on occasion) will get out her DC4800 and fire away. We also use our DX7590's and on our recent trip to Europe took along the Kodak C633 and it performed admirably.

Right now... our Pentax dslr's are languishing in their cases. Two weeks ago we returned from Maui (anniversary) and decided that the dslr's were too heavy to lug about so she took her Panasonic Lumix and I bought one at Costco (Lumix DCM-ZS6). Dave, the images I was able to make with this Panny were equal to or better than anything I could have made with my dslr. Seriously, I was amazed at the ability of this little marvel.

Color-wise, the Kodak reigns supreme but with a few minor adjustments, I was able to get pleasing colors with the Panny's output.

I nearly bought the Kodak Z950 since everyone was raving about it and it was dirt cheap. But after some serious research I opted for the Panasonic and I honestly don't regret my decision.

That said... YES, I would (and will) definitely purchase another Kodak. And NO, I don't really care what others like or dislike. As you mentioned so eloquently, my primary audience is myself (and some family members) and that's really all that matters at this stage. I've nothing to prove to anyone nor do I care less what some strange thinks of me when he sees a Kodak (or Panny) hanging from my neck and/or wrist.

Nice to see you again, Dave.

--
JamesD
Happy Snappin'

Good for you James and its great to see you both getting around and taking lots of photos, looks like the problems you had some time back are resolved, Great.

I cant figure this out, if Kodak are producing supermarket cameras and are not up to the standards of other brands like Canon why do people waste time on a Kodak Forum?.

OK people can post where ever they wish its a free world, to me the proof is in the pudding, the pudding being the great photos posted on this forum that are taken with Kodaks both old and new.

I think some folks are like you and I, they have been satisfied Kodak users in the past and cant get Kodak out of their blood, I messed around with top of the range Panasonics and Fuji's but came back to the Kodak fold because I have never seen better IQ from anything else.
--
Regards
Dave
Downunder.

I have a DX6490 and a Z980. The problem I have with Kodak is that they are "spastic" when it comes to strategy and don't have a stated market or development path. Note the dropping of the adjustable diopter, the threads on the lens for screw in filters, and a separate "review" button when moving from the DX6490 to the Z980. Then, the dropping of the hot shoe when moving from the Z980 to the Z981. Their evolution of cameras defies any logic and makes it impossible to grow with Kodak. Too many "one step forwards, two steps back". When looking to upgrade from the Z980, I will be looking at all camera makers at that time, and no longer "waiting for the latest from Kodak" before selecting a new camera.

These are just a few images of our anniversary trip this month taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-Z6S I mentioned above.



Old Paia town along the Hana highway.



Hibiscus outside a drugstore.



Lahaina, where Snappie got her bracelets.



A single banyon tree!



Lahaina from our cocktail cruise ship. Yes, I was still able to make a steady shot... a testament to the IS of the Panny.



Lin's drink (Blue Hawaiian) and mine (Lava Flow) one of several. Nice trip!



Another view of Lahaina.



The sister cruise ship.

It seems to me that the Panny displayed itself admirably. Mind you, this is only one of several albums I shot. If interested, I'll post a few more at a later date. The point is, Kodak, Panasonic and several other so-called point and shoot cameras can handle themselves well and I honestly don't care what others think about my equipment.

--
JamesD
Happy Snappin'

old shutterbug said:

if Kodak are producing supermarket cameras and are not up to the standards of other brands like Canon why do people waste time on a Kodak Forum?.

Click to expand...

In my case, (i) to catch up with folk I've 'met' on the forum, and (ii) to see if there are any developments in Kodak models, or marketing.
--
Cyril

"Kodak never really was a great camera company (perhaps Brownies excepted). They seem content on proving that over and over."

Hi James, really I don’t want to play the smart guy but all these Panasonic pictures that you post here, are (as usual the Panasonic way) over digitized, with usual Panasonic weird colors, unacceptable death white balance, and green skies, and BTW when me and others are talking about Kodak criticizing and asking for more its not because we are antikodaks nor because we don’t like Kodak colors, we are just asking some more from the cameras in terms of hardware design…. And quality….

JamesD2 said:

These are just a few images of our anniversary trip this month taken with the Panasonic Lumix DMC-Z6S I mentioned above.



Old Paia town along the Hana highway.



Hibiscus outside a drugstore.



Lahaina, where Snappie got her bracelets.



A single banyon tree!



Lahaina from our cocktail cruise ship. Yes, I was still able to make a steady shot... a testament to the IS of the Panny.



Lin's drink (Blue Hawaiian) and mine (Lava Flow) one of several. Nice trip!



Another view of Lahaina.



The sister cruise ship.

It seems to me that the Panny displayed itself admirably. Mind you, this is only one of several albums I shot. If interested, I'll post a few more at a later date. The point is, Kodak, Panasonic and several other so-called point and shoot cameras can handle themselves well and I honestly don't care what others think about my equipment.

--
JamesD
Happy Snappin'

Click to expand...

--
Just lost my Dpreview account known as mike_mike
*****************************************
Have a look at the totally new http://www.spiridakis.gr

Spiridakis Michael said:

....... all these Panasonic pictures that you post here, are (as usual the Panasonic way) over digitized, with usual Panasonic weird colors, unacceptable death white balance, and green skies, and BTW when me and others are talking about Kodak criticizing and asking for more its not because we are antikodaks nor because we don’t like Kodak colors, we are just asking some more from the cameras in terms of hardware design…. And quality….

Click to expand...

I have to agree with you, Michael about the colour but this girl is not sure what 'over digitised' means and will be pleased to know.

The third and fifth pictures have a 'seaside postcard' quality about them and I am wondering if this effect is what you mean.

I have a boxful of cameras here ex Bertie. He kept the DX6490.

Case closed.

Love, Muvvie.

And for anyone who may be wondering what we're talking about, here is a small-ish panorama made with two stitched DX6490 pics.

Township of Llandeilo in Carmarthenshire, Wales and home of Bowen Thomas (the famous tailor).

Muvvie said:

Spiridakis Michael said:

....... all these Panasonic pictures that you post here, are (as usual the Panasonic way) over digitized, with usual Panasonic weird colors, unacceptable death white balance, and green skies, and BTW when me and others are talking about Kodak criticizing and asking for more its not because we are antikodaks nor because we don’t like Kodak colors, we are just asking some more from the cameras in terms of hardware design…. And quality….

Click to expand...

I have to agree with you, Michael about the colour but this girl is not sure what 'over digitised' means and will be pleased to know.

Click to expand...

+1.

I'm sorry to say this, but I don't like these either. They're too sharp, weird colors, and looks flat. But then again, soo many people love pany cams.

--
regards,
-Jr-
http://rondonuwu.net

jody rondonuwu said:

......But then again, soo many people love pany cams.

Click to expand...

I have an FZ18, jody and it's a splendid little camera for me as I can leave it on the Intelligent Auto setting and just leave it do its stuff giving me almost 100% keepers.

A lot of the time, I find the FZ18's colour is quite acceptable and depending on the subject matter, almost indistinguishable from both my DX-es.

As the children are watching some horsey videos for a while, I found the time to cobble the following pics together and I'm sure Michael in particular will be interested judging by what he's written.

Just for colour comparison - no artistic or other merit claimed and I know they're on the light side.

7 pics (800 X600) from 7 different cams.....

Muvvie said:

I have an FZ18, jody and it's a splendid little camera for me as I can leave it on the Intelligent Auto setting and just leave it do its stuff giving me almost 100% keepers.

A lot of the time, I find the FZ18's colour is quite acceptable and depending on the subject matter, almost indistinguishable from both my DX-es.

As the children are watching some horsey videos for a while, I found the time to cobble the following pics together and I'm sure Michael in particular will be interested judging by what he's written.

Just for colour comparison - no artistic or other merit claimed and I know they're on the light side.

Click to expand...

Hi Muvvie,

I only like the first two. The colors from the FZ18 doesn't look natural to me. I think Fuji is doing great. I look forward to the X100...

My latest (last? ) Kodak is the v1073. Here's a few photos taken in Smart-Auto. No PP.

Nice blue sky





Quite good for "action shots"





Little Ana and her aunty. I just love the Kodak's auto fix is a great feature!









Wow! A paraglider passed above us! How come there's a Korea flag?





Learning to surf!





Steady!





She loves it most when she fell... 8-}





Can't see the sunset, too much clouds





I finally need to add some flash





For $150, this cam is priceless for me...

--
regards,
-Jr-
http://rondonuwu.net