malcolmg
New member
I purchased the z612 for c$299 after returning a Canon S3 and a Fuji s6000fd. I was very disappointed with the Canon S3 picture quality at anything above IS0200, focus problems in low light, the lack of auto-popup of the Flash, and the lack of ISO setting reporting. The s6000fd was excellent, especially up to ISO800, but it was simply too large, it had no IS, and the zoom just wasn't long enough (28-300). Hence my compromise choice of the Kodak z612. I find it really easy to use in all modes including manual. The resolution and clarity of the EVF (202Kp) and 2.5-inch LCD (230Kp) are excellent and I find them both very useable. I also find the jog dial very easy to use when selecting the various settings in each mode. I also purchased the Camera Dock Kit (c$53), the z612 will fit in the kit bag with room for a spare battery; according to the user manual, you can't use the Ni-MH battery pack included in the kit and you will have to use the USB cable provided with the z612 (I ordered a spare, c$10 on ebay, to take with me when I travel). I also purchased (c$64) a 2GB Patriot SD card (20GB read/15GB write). Although the z612 has some of the same issues as the Canon S3 and its specs are not as good, and, according to some reviews, its image quality is not as good (personally I find the image quality very good), I find it is easier to use and a significantly better value than the S3 (in my case, I saved c$155). Even with the issues I've mentioned below, I plan to keep the z612 and would personally recommend it over the Canon S3 for general family use.
Problems:
The zoom button feels flimsy and there is a lack of feel with it. There is also a lack of feel with the shutter button, you can't tell when it is partially depressed. I find that it is best not to use the continuous autofocus when using the video mode (otherwise you will see items coming into and out of focus especially with moving objects or when panning). When previewing anything the zoom lens is extended, you can't preview with the lens off like you can with the Canon s3 or Fuji F10. You can not use any SD card above 2GB. The fastest speed is 1/1000 (compared to 1/3200 for the Canon S3). There is no dioptric adjustment for the EVF. The Kodak KLIC-8000 battery is very expensive (c$45) but I found an equivalent on ebay for c$16 delivered.
Problems:
The zoom button feels flimsy and there is a lack of feel with it. There is also a lack of feel with the shutter button, you can't tell when it is partially depressed. I find that it is best not to use the continuous autofocus when using the video mode (otherwise you will see items coming into and out of focus especially with moving objects or when panning). When previewing anything the zoom lens is extended, you can't preview with the lens off like you can with the Canon s3 or Fuji F10. You can not use any SD card above 2GB. The fastest speed is 1/1000 (compared to 1/3200 for the Canon S3). There is no dioptric adjustment for the EVF. The Kodak KLIC-8000 battery is very expensive (c$45) but I found an equivalent on ebay for c$16 delivered.