Product Description

12.0 Megapixels; 24X Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon Optical Zoom Lens With Optical Image Stabilization; Captures Dramatic Shots In Tight Quarters Or In Front Of Landscapes With The F/2.8 26 Mm Wide-Angle Lens; Shoots Vertical & Horizontal Shots With The Con

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #3678 in Camera & Photo
• Brand: Kodak
• Model: Z980
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: 2.34 pounds
• Display size: 3

Features

• 12-megapixel resolution for stunning prints up to 30 x 40 inches
• 24x wide-angle Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon optical zoom lens (26-624mm)
• Capture beautiful HD pictures in 16:9 format; capture HD-quality video
• 3.0-inch LCD screen; Smart Capture feature
• Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)

From the Manufacturer

The power is in your hands. The Kodak EasyShare Z980 allows you go from horizontal to vertical shots with unbelievable ease using the new vertical shutter release. Switch seamlessly between 26mm wide-angle to 624mm (24x) optical zoom. The Z980 gives you the versatility and creativity you crave at a price you can’t resist.

Vertical shutter release

• Shoot vertical as well as horizontal with the convenient vertical shutter release
• Detachable vertical grip (included) provides maximum comfort while shooting vertically

Powerful 24x optical zoom lens

• The 24x Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon optical zoom lens (26-624mm) zooms in even faster and closer to deliver crisp, steady shots for extraordinary creative performance

Fast (f/2.8-f/8.0) 26mm wide-angle lens

• Capture dramatic shots in tight quarters or in front of spectacular landscapes

Image stabilization

• Capture sharp, steady shots when shooting at long zoom ranges
• Image stabilization automatically minimizes camera shake to deliver sharper pictures

Amazing quality prints with 12 megapixels

• 12 megapixels means you can make stunning prints up to 30 x 40 inches
• More megapixels means you can crop and enlarge and still have great picture quality
• However you choose to print--at home, at retail, or online--trust Kodak for picture quality that’s truly exceptional and for memories that will last

Best-in-class click-to-capture speed

• <0.2 sec. picture-capture speed means you can capture that challenging action shot without delay

Beautiful pictures, more often--automatically.

Who says you can’t have it all? The Kodak EasyShare Z980 digital camera blends the latest picture-taking technology with the ultimate in style. And with Kodak’s innovative Smart Capture feature, it’s the take-anywhere camera that does it all--automatically.

Kodak’s Smart Capture feature Take better pictures than ever before. Kodak’s innovative Smart Capture feature adjusts camera settings for great pictures in just about any environment--automatically.

• Intelligent scene detection--detects and analyzes scene conditions
• Intelligent capture control--automatically sets camera settings including exposure, focus and ISO for clear, sharp pictures even in low light and challenging situations
• Intelligent image processing--reduces noise and clears up dark shadows for vibrant, crisp details and true-to-life colors

True HD quality: capture stunning pictures and video

HD picture capture

• Capture beautiful HD pictures in 16:9 format
• View your pictures in high definition on an HDTV or other HD devices

HD video capture

• Capture HD quality video
• Capture more video while using less memory with MPEG-4 compression
• Print multiple frames on a 4 x 6-inch print
• Save single frames and e-mail family and friends
• Mark special spots in your video with video bookmarking

Be in control with sophisticated camera features

Enhanced lighting control

• Hot shoe flash connector for enhanced, flexible lighting control
• Take advantage of the optional Kodak P20 Zoom Flash for extended flash range
• Responsive performance, including fast power up, shot-to-shot and click-to-capture
• RAW file format (PC only) for full creative flexibility

Program auto, aperture priority, shutter priority and manual modes

• Program mode (P)--camera sets optimal shutter speed and aperture combination
• Aperture priority mode (A)--you choose aperture, the camera sets shutter speed
• Shutter priority mode (S)--you choose shutter speed, the camera sets aperture
• Manual mode (M)--you choose both the aperture and shutter speed

Manual controls

• Exposure compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in +/- 1/3 EV step increments
• Aperture: f/2.8 (wide), f/8.0 (tele)
• Shutter speed: 16-1/2000 sec.
• ISO equivalents: (automatic), 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400
• Auto focus: TTL imager AF system
• Exposure metering: multi-pattern, center-weighted, center-spot
• White balance: auto, daylight, tungsten, fluorescent, open shade
• Flash mode: auto, off, fill, red-eye reduction

Multiple scene modes

• Portrait modes--portrait, night portrait, backlight, self
• Landscape modes--landscape, night landscape, fireworks
• Bright scene modes--sport, beach, snow
• Action modes--sport, children
• Close-up modes--flower
• Text/Documents mode--ensures sharp text when photographing documents
• Manner/Museum mode--use when sound or flash are not desired

5 color modes

• High color
• Low color
• Natural color
• Black and white
• Sepia

Turning photography on its side

The Z980 allows you to take those versatile and creative shots you crave. So when the perfect picture-taking opportunity arises, you’ll be ready. Go from horizontal to vertical shots with ease. And with on-camera features like face detection, multimedia slideshow, text and sound tags, and HD video, taking the shot is just the beginning.

Face detection

• For great shots of friends and family, face detection locates faces and automatically adjusts camera settings

Multimedia slideshow
Tell your story your way using the multimedia slideshow feature.

• Turn your pictures into a creative multimedia slideshow right from your camera
• Set the mood when you choose from pre-loaded sound themes to accompany your slideshow
• Insert creative transitions and bring your pictures to life

Kodak PERFECT TOUCH Technology
Make your pictures as vivid as the moment you took them. Print better, brighter pictures using Kodak PERFECT TOUCH Technology in PASM modes.

• Make better, brighter pictures
• Relive your memories in richer detail
• Clear up dark shadows to reveal more smiles

Text and sound tags
Add text or sound tags to your pictures, on-camera, so you can easily find and organize them later using Kodak EasyShare Software.

• Never forget the details of your pictures with text tags
• Let your pictures have their say with sound tags

High ISO mode

• Capture the details in low light and fast action situations with a powerful, high ISO (up to 6400).
• Faster shutter speeds mean you can capture scenes in low light and fast action
• The camera automatically selects from ISO 64 to ISO 3200 based on lighting conditions
• ISO 3200 and 6400 available at 3.1-megapixel setting and less in PASM modes

On-camera picture-enhancing features

• Easily capture and create great shots with features such as on-camera cropping, blurry picture alert, and digital red-eye reduction
• Panorama stitch mode combines up to three shots into one large picture on-camera
• Verify the exposure of your picture using the histogram feature on live view, quick view, and review

Shoot video with ease

• Record continuous HD video (1280 x 720) at 30 fps or VGA video (640 x 480) at 30 fps with stereo sound and on-camera editing
• Video print options include 1, 4, 9, and 16-up prints
• Save single frames and e-mail to family and friends

Internal memory plus

• Don’t miss a shot if your memory card becomes full--switch to in-camera memory quickly, thanks to the internal memory plus feature
• Up to 64 MB of internal memory and SD/SDHC card compatibility lets you start shooting right out of the box
• Eye-Fi compatible--upload your pictures and videos automatically, effortlessly, and wirelessly.

Ni-MH rechargeable batteries & charger

• Don’t miss a shot with the power of the included Ni-MH precharged batteries and charger

The simple way to share

The Z980 is part of the Kodak EasyShare System, so sharing your pictures is amazingly simple. Just press Share.

On-camera upload via Share button

• Sharing starts right on the back of the camera
• Upload and share your favorite pictures and videos to Youtube and Kodak Gallery via the Share button and Kodak EasyShare software

Kodak EasyShare Software (included)
The simplest way to organize, edit, create, and share.

• Organize your pictures with your own tags and star ratings then use the search feature to quickly find any picture in your collection
• Edit your pictures with ease--select from a variety of simple tools that reduce red-eye, improve lighting, remove wrinkles and blemishes, and add text
• Create photo projects online or at home--choose from hundreds of templates and designs to create album pages, cards, invitations and much more
• Share your photos and videos with family and friends at the Kodak Gallery or YouTube

What's in the Box

• Kodak EasyShare Z980 digital camera
• Detachable vertical grip
• Kodak Ni-MH pre-charged rechargeable digital camera battery (4)
• Kodak Ni-MH charging solution
• USB cable
• Lens cap with strap
• Neck strap
• User’s guide with Kodak EasyShare Software

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Customer Reviews

Z980 ... Good camera (mostly)
I recently received my Z980. I am a professional, but was looking for a quick-cam as a backup. This unit takes excellent pictures in all modes. I like the RAW format, as it edits easily on my computer. The camera is very light, so tripod mounting is a must for any telephoto use. In lower ISO ranges, noise is minimal. In high ISO, photos are still quite useable!

The only drawback is the memory card/battery door. It is really a pain to close. I don't know how well it will wear, therefore the 4-star rating rather than 5-star. Filters would be another nice option! (What about it Kodak?)

I bought this through Amazon and it was shipped by Adorama. Shipping and packaging was excellent. If you want an excellent DSLR substitute, this would be a good choice. The only caveat is READ THE MANUAL. This is a complex camera, and you must read the manual to get the full use from it.

Great Picture Quality, Very Nice Zoom
First off, the quality of the photos I have taken are excellent which is what a still camera should be capable of. The pictures have rich vivid colors and are real eye catchers.

It has plenty of nice features and the zoom works very well. It is pretty easy to use, has a nice large LCD screen and has a hot shoe, grip accessory and extra shoot button for upright photo taking.
The quality of the HD video is better than expected but I am very disappointed no AV cable to hook up to your TV is included (a call to Kodak revealed that it is not even available as an accessory)

The camera itself seems fairly well made, but as others have notes, the battery compartment door feel flimsy though it has three locking metal tabs inside which should support it.

I noticed a slight noise coming from the camera, Kodak's live help informed me this is normal on "continuous" AF setting. I put it on a different setting and it went away. Kodak assured me this is normal.
Also the digital zoom is not available on Smart Capture setting (same for some menu settings)
The lens cover appeared to be loose fitting at first glance but it seems to be designed this way to prevent damage to the zoom when switching the camera on.
I charged the batteries before using it the first time and now about 150 shots later it still has plenty of charge.
I am pleased enough to have decided to replace my DSLR with this because I am fed up with carting all my bulky equipment around and this will suffice for pretty much all my needs.
The included software is bare bones, I prefer to use Photoshop Elements,

My Pro's
Excellent picture quality
Fantastic zoom
Nice upright grip and side shoot button.
Very good HD video
Good low light capabilities
Easy to use.

My Beef's
No AV to TV cable!!!!! and nothing available (per Kodak)
16 hours to charge batteries! ( better is available on their web-site for more bucks, and, no doubt, in any big box store, but make sure you buy the right batteries!)
Cheap neck strap (The real thing is about $20 on their web-site, what a nerve!)
Lack of decent manual

Summary.
The only major "Con" for me is the lack of AV to TV cable but there way more pluses than minuses. I will update this review as I see fit.
Bottom line, you get great photos, it's easy to use, great video and super zoom in an all in one camera. The bonus hot-shoe and side grip/shoot button are icing on the cake.
If you want plenty of features in an easy to use camera, this would be a good candidate for you.

Kodak Z980 Experience
I bought this camera for my wife for Mother's Day, and she is thrilled with it. I have been a semi-pro photographer since 1985 and have owned and used dozens of cameras since that time, including Olympus, Konica-Minolta, Canon, and Nikon high-end non-SLR digicams. The quality of the images produced by this camera is excellent and will meet or exceed the requirements of any photographer except in a few extreme cases of weird lighting. multi-shot action shots and other circumstances not normally encountered by non-professionals. I have three gripes with this camera: By far the most serious shortcoming is the lack of threads on the front of the lens mount to allow a filter to be attached. This lack has nothing to do with image quality, but being able to attach a clear, UV, or skylight filter is extremely important to protect the lens from damage due to scratches, bumps, dust, etc., not to mention fingerprints. The second problem with the system is the lack of a custom white balance control to permit precise color adjustment. In most cases, white balance can be adequately adjusted by post-processing with an image editor such as Photoshop or Aperture, but nothing beats having proper light balance to start with. Finally, I find the lack of camera Raw support for Macintosh computers to be a real problem for me, although most people do not need this feature and care not at all about it. Both I and my wife found the vertical hand grip to be superfluous because we are experienced in adjusting to holding the camera in either horizontal or vertical position, and all the extra grip does for us is to add extra weight and complication. Contrary to some other reviewers' evaluations we like the rechargeable AA batteries and always keep a charged spare set of batteries in the case with the camera. The batteries that came with the camera hold their charges well, although I use a better charger than the one that Kodak sells with the system. Finally, the Hot Shoe is an absolute plus and puts the Z980 way ahead of all the other super-zoom digicams currently on the market. The ability to add external flash capability to the camera is an absolute requirement for any photographer who aspires to creating the highest-quality indoor photographs.