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The Kodak EasyShare Z612 is another 6 megapixel digital camera to be announced today - the difference with it when compared to the others is it's 12x Optical Zoom Schneider-Keuznach Variogon lens. It also features a 2.5inch LCD Display.
The Z612 has a variety of on camera editing, including cropping, live-histogram, and auto-image enhancing. It also has burst flash and flash compensation for optimal indoord shooting.
The Kodak EasyShare Z612 is expected to be in stores in April for a retail price of $299 USD.
Get the latest price on the Kodak EasyShare Z612 at Amazon and from around the web.
Eastman Kodak Company today announced the new KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 zoom digital camera, the latest model in its Z-series line, which helps everyday picture takers get closer, better, more creative shots.
KODAK EASYSHARE Z-Series digital cameras combine fast-performing, point-and-shoot flexibility with the photographic control achieved through a higher optical zoom. The 6-megapixel KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 Zoom Digital Camera is a compact camera boasting a 12X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON optical zoom lens with Kodak�s image stabilization technology for sharp shots and steady videos.
The camera�s easy-to-use performance features include a 2.5� display, PASM modes, auto-image enhance, on-camera cropping, histogram and advanced video designed to help aspirational photographers take better pictures with sharper detail.
�The EASYSHARE Z-Series cameras offer a vast array of user-friendly features in a compact model with advanced controls that allow users to dive into photography and achieve more satisfying results,� said Mary Hadley, general manager of digital cameras for Kodak�s Consumer Digital Imaging Group. �In addition to its impressive resolution and 12X optical zoom, the Z612 enhances the overall digital photography experience by delivering the natural details, accurate flesh tones, and impressive color via Kodak�s proprietary color science chip.�
The EASYSHARE Z612 camera records TV-quality video, up to 30 frames per second (fps) using advanced MPEG-4 compression. Built-in image stabilization technology reduces on-screen shaking from unintentional hand and camera movement. The camera also offers an optical zoom feature for video including auto focus. And it is simple to select any frame in a video, then save and print it as a �freeze frame� still picture in just seconds.
The KODAK EASYSHARE Z612 Zoom Digital Camera will be available worldwide beginning in April 2006 and will retail for US$299 (MSRP).
Innovative Features of the Z612 Camera
The EASYSHARE Z612 camera builds in a number of innovative features that photographers will appreciate, including:
- Compact size;
- The exclusive KODAK color science image processing chip that results in portraits with edge-to-edge sharpness and brightness, rich color, accurate skin tones and highly accurate exposure;
- Remarkable dynamic range, fine detail and delicate highlights;
- A large 2.5-inch, high-resolution indoor/outdoor LCD screen that allows previewing of shots or reviewing pictures stored in 27 MB internal memory or on an optional SD/MMC card;
- A live histogram that enables photographers to see the exposure of their subjects before taking the shot;
- Automatic, aperture priority and shutter priority modes, full manual, plus 16 scene and 5 color modes;
- A high-speed precision auto-focus system that offers fast click-to-capture times;
- First and last burst modes and flash compensation;
- On-camera editing features includes automatic red-eye reduction, cropping, and auto picture rotation;
- The exclusive Share button to tag pictures for e-mailing, printing and saving to the on-camera digital photo album, computer, and online album as favorites.
Making the EASYSHARE System Connection
Z-Series camera owners can quickly print KODAK 4 x 6-inch pictures with just one touch in as little as 60 seconds, using the new KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Dock Plus Series 3. The Series 3 printer docks are the first to support the new IMAGELINK print system, working with new EASYSHARE cameras and other manufacturers� compatible cameras.
The Printer Dock Series 3 also transfers pictures to a connected computer, and recharges and reconditions the cameras� batteries. Pictures made from EASYSHARE printer docks are vibrant, borderless, waterproof, and will last a lifetime, under typical photo album display conditions. The line of EASYSHARE printer docks makes printing truly one-touch simple, and does not require people to connect a cable between camera and printer. Their convenience, print speed, ease-of-use and phenomenal picture quality have resulted in overwhelming demand from picture takers worldwide, with the line having achieved the number one market position in the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom, according to The NPD Group and GfK.
The Z-Series cameras include new KODAK EASYSHARE software version 5.2 for WINDOWS and MACINTOSH systems, providing effortless digital picture organization, editing, sharing and printing. The exclusive One Touch to Better Pictures feature takes advantage of proprietary color technologies developed by Kodak to help users get vibrant, true-to-life prints from inkjet printers. Version 5.2, which is available for free download from www.kodak.com, also makes sharing your favorite pictures as simple as possible, automatically placing them in albums on your camera, on your computer, and in your online KODAK EASYSHARE Gallery albums.
The KODAK EASYSHARE digital photography system consists of cameras, snapshot printers, services, docks, software, inkjet and thermal photo papers, and accessories, making taking, organizing, sharing, and printing high quality digital pictures effortless. Further information on KODAK EASYSHARE products is available at www.kodak.com/go/EasyShare
Digital Camera Info has reviewed the Kodak EasyShare Z612 and writes - 'With all these features come a few inconsistencies and shortcomings. The user can only control white balance via presets, and a poorly designed jog dial control is responsible for controlling the manual options listed along the bottom of the LCD screen. In review mode, Kodak ironically hasn�t caught up with the competition and is only providing one editing option for images; this is underwhelming when compared to the plethora of editing options available for both still and video review from other manufacturers.'
CNET reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z612 and gives it a rating of 7.2 out of 10. They write - 'Kodak's 6.1-megapixel EasyShare Z612 looks like a Lilliputian SLR. But as with the crafty little people in Jonathan Swift's novel, there's more to it than meets the eye, some of which should be approached with caution. Like most superzooms, it uses an electronic--rather than optical--viewfinder, so if you don't like looking at tiny LCD screens, this isn't for you. On the plus side, it's fairly high-res at 202,000 pixels and doesn't blank out as much as some EVFs when in burst mode, though the image is still a bit herky-jerky compared to an optical finder's. If you don't frame with the EVF, you'll use the Z612's 2.5-inch, 230,000-pixel LCD, which is viewable even in bright light and brightens--that is, gains up--in low light to make it easy to frame in dim situations. Its 12X optical, 35mm-to-420mm (35mm equivalent), f/2.8-to-f/4.8 Schneider-Kreutznach zoom lens gives you plenty of reach, and the camera's image stabilization should help keep things steady at the longer end of the zoom.'
Infosync has a review of the Kodak EasyShare Z612 and gives it a rating of 72%. The review notes, "photos looked natural with decent color and saturation, although some indoor shots displayed a yellowish tinge. Photos taken outdoors returned to normal, but bright light caused noticeable artifacts as well as a loss of certain details." Overall? "The Kodak EasyShare Z612 offers a mix of advanced features and ease of use. If you’re looking to step up from a basic point and shoot, but aren’t ready for a DSLR, the Z612 is a good option. Photo quality suffers a bit in certain lighting conditions, but overall snaps look natural. With the Z612’s 12X zoom, you’ll be able to get closer to the action than ever before (without suffering image distortion)."
ThinkCamera has a review of the Kodak EasyShare z612 and writes, "the image quality is quite a pleasant surprise. The lens appears to pick up lots of detail and the image stabilisation works well. All my test shots were pleasantly exposed and rather better than I expected given the huge amount of zoom built in. ... The camera delivers some really nice images and the zoom has a fantastic range. Image stabilisation is essential on a camera this small with a 420mm lens but I'm pleased to say that it works well and removes a lot of blur from pictures. The screen is very pleasant to use and the eyepiece is great. It's a little flickery in low light but it gains up nicely so that you can always see what is going on regardless of how bright or dark the day."
Digital Camera Review has reviewed the Kodak Easyshare Z612 and writes - 'First time ultra-zoom buyers who are a bit intimidated by the Z612's competition, casual shooters who want sharp pictures (in all lighting conditions), family photographers who want a versatile easy to use camera that is kid and pet picture friendly, and nature and wildlife photography enthusiasts on a budget. The Kodak EasyShare Z612 offers users a nice balance of prosumer flexibility, advanced features, and P&S (point and shoot) ease of use. How does the Z612 stack up against its competition? Overall, the Z612 has more warts than a bullfrog, but in the end it's all about the pictures and when it counts and where it counts (except for macro) the Z612 delivers.'
Steves Digicams reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z612 Zoom where they write - 'Kodak has created yet another awesome digital package. With an affordable price of only US$399, it offers an outstanding value for a 6-megapixel super-zoom model. With great image quality, speedy performance, Image Stabilization, and loads of useful exposure modes, the Z612 is sure to be a very popular model this year.'
Cameras.co.uk review the Kodak Easyshare Z612 where they write - 'I like the Kodak Easyshare Z612. The problem it has is that it is up against some stiff opposition in a tough market. It is one of the easier super zoom digital cameras to get to grips with and I have no real complaints about the picture quality. Well worth considering.... I found it hard to find fault with the Kodak Easyshare Z612. It has more features than a lot of its direct competitors, yet retains a good level of ease of use. Picture quality compares well with other models and it is well worth considering.'
Unbeatable.co.uk has a review of the Kodak EasyShare Z612 and writes, "With no intention of making the Kodak Z612 feel big headed (if a camera can?), the speed of this little beauty is just as impressive as the features list. We started this bad boy up and within a second and a half we had taken our first shot. The next shots came with only 1.5 seconds between them too. The shutter lag was extremely efficient with only a 0.4 second delay, which knocked our socks off. The Kodak Z612 is highly competitive and so far through this review we are struggling to think of an alternative. Kodak really do seem to have the knack of producing cameras that deliver amazing colour reproduction and clarity and the Z612 is no exception as our images showed. Although all of our images were great, we did notice image noise creeping in at ISO 400, but they were still printable and were by no means useless. The share button on the camera is a great function and enables you to upload your images quickly to a compatible printer or email to friends and family at the touch of a button. There are a number of optional accessories that create further possibilities, such as a photo printer and camera dock. ... We were very impressed with the Kodak Easyshare Z612 ..."
Get the latest price on the Kodak EasyShare Z612 at Amazon and from around the web.
Posted by Darren in our Kodak category on February 18, 2006