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The Kodak Easyshare P712 zoom digital camera is setting a new performance benchmark for the consumer "superzoom" category. Its precision auto-focus system with best-in-class click-to-capture rate - literally faster than the blink of an eye, at less than 1/10th of a second (0.07 seconds) - helps photographers get the exact shots they want, whether action on a sports field or children on the playground.The Kodak Easyshare P712 camera features a 12X (36 - 432 mm equiv.), image-stabilized, f2.8 - f/3.7, Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens that delivers exquisite detail and sharpness. Its 7.1 megapixel sensor is paired with legendary Kodak Color Science image processing for spectacular, highly accurate color - shot after shot.Optical image stabilization provides a two-stop advantage over non-image stabilized systems for better capturing subjects in low light for both stills and video. It also minimizes handheld camera shake at longer focal lengths, which is ideal while photographing sporting events and during everyday picture taking when carrying a stabilizing device is impractical.The Easyshare P712 camera's large 2.5-inch, high-resolution LCD and electronic viewfinder simplify framing, reviewing and sharing pictures. TV-quality, 30 frames-per-second VGA video with sound (Motion JPEG) is always available on the P712 camera with the turn of a dial. Convenient on-camera video editing includes functions such as split, cut, merge and trim, plus the ability to create single-frame or multi-frame "storyboard" still pictures.As with all Easyshare cameras, the P712 model is compatible with Kodak Easyshare snapshot printers and camera docks, the Imagelink print system, and Pictbridge technology for direct photo output without a computer.
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 An easy to use, long zoom Digital camera with room to grow. |
| Review Date: November 27, 2006 |
| Reviewer: K. Heller, Wisconsin |
I have owned 4 Kodak digital cameras, the last 3 being the DX7590, the P850 and now the P712, which I have owned for a month. The camera has a long zoom (12x), which is the same as the P850, so my filters, adapter, external flash and lenses fit both cameras. The P850 and the P712 both have a hot shoe and I had the Kodak P20 flash, which works seamlessly with both cameras. The only quibble I had with the P850 was that it took a couple of seconds between shots and was a little slow from the time you push the shutter to when the picture is taken. I have found the times for both on the P712 to be improved. The resolution of the P712 also is 7 megapixels, versus the 5 megapixels for the P850. The higher resolution helps if you want to enlarge pictures such as 8x10 or larger.
Kodak cameras are know to be easy to use and the P712 lives up to this, just run it on Auto. The camera also has several scene modes, which preset the camera for special situations such as sunset, snow, beach, sports, portraits, candlelight, fireworks, etc. The P712 also has a panorama mode, which enables you to stitch 2 or 3 pictures taken into one wide picture. I have used several of the scene modes and they work well. the panorama mode works well also, after taking one picture, the camera will show part of the previous picture so that you can line up the 2nd or 3rd pictures.
Although the camera works as a point and shoot, it's also a camera with room to grow. It includes Program, shutter priority, aperture priority and full manual modes, as well as 3 modes that you can customize for unique situations. Flash and exposure compensation, flash settings, white balance and other settings are easily accessed and used.
The hot shoe is great to use with an external flash. I have used the P20 flash for weddings and large group events and the flash has worked well at lengths up to 30', such as my daughter's concert. Most digital cameras don't have a hot shoe unless they're more expensive than the $398 I paid. The camera also has image stabilization, which helps when you're using the zoom extended out. Without image stabilization, cameras pick up the small shaking of your hands and pictures come out blurred unless you use a tripod. You do need to use a tripod if you're taking a picture in a low light situation without flash; this is normal even in film photography due to the lens having to stay open longer.
What's included: the camera, lens cap, neck strap, EasyShare Software, a rechargeable battery and charger, a USB cord, a cord to connect the camera to a TV or computer (I've used this to view pictures over friends' TV) owner's manual and the insert to use with Kodak docks and printers.
Transferring pictures to your computer is easy: you can connect the camera with the included USB cord, use a secure digital card and remove the card and use a card reader, or purchase one of Kodak's printer or camera docks. I have the Kodak Easy Share printer dock plus and have found it easy to print 4x6" prints, transfer pictures and charge the camera's battery simply by placing the camera on the dock and pushing a button.
The bottom line: The camera is easy to use, takes great pictures, allows for creativity and has room to grow. If you're looking for more than just a simple point and shoot, or are looking to make the switch from film photography and enjoy photography, try the P712. |
Kodak's top-of-the-line is first rate
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| Review Date: February 21, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Thomas Kerr, New York City (Pod town USA) |
Got the P712 as an upgrade and gift over the holidays. I think that the learning curve is past me at this point and now have a handle on how to take a decent photo with this super-zoom. Here's what you might like:
*Excellent zoom lens with world class optics.
*Shooting a photo in Auto mode makes picture taking easy.
*7.1 mp provides for good detail.
*Very good battery life. 200+ shots using the rechargeable included.
*Manual mode, Shutter priority mode and aperture mode are great for the serious amateur.
*Uses SD cards which are inexpensive and easily found.
*Does all it's metering through the lens so filters and add on optics work well.
*True optical image stabilization.
A few reviews mentioned Kodak's add on lenses. I have both the telephoto and wide angle and must say they really extend the optical range of the P712. The telephoto turns the camera into a 635mm lens, the wide angle down to about 20mm. The Flash that Kodak markets with this unit is also pro level with enough "oompf" to light a auditorium.
I'm pleased and impressed with this camera. I'm getting great shots with it. I think you will too.
Any downshots? A few:
*Video is marred by sound of auto-focus. Forget about using the zoom while making a video, it sounds like a truck is driving by.
*Tends to overexpose a little in bright sunlight in auto mode.
*Not pocketable-this is a substantial camera.
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This camera is awesome.
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| Review Date: December 25, 2006 |
| Reviewer: Mark Butler, Houston |
I previously owned a fully manual Minolta 35 mm, then a 3.1 digital Kodak. The 3.1 was nice, but lacked control over needed features. The P712 is full of options and mimicks most of the features on my 35 mm. I have almost full control over the features. The beauty is that the control is optional. I can set the camara to "Auto" and it functions just like a point and shoot camera.
The pictures are beautifully clear and sharp. The optical zoom still amazes me. The battery typically lasts about 160 pictures, using the flash most of the time. On the highest resolution a picture is about 2.6 meg. (I highly recommend a 2 gig card.)
This is a terrific camera for the novice and expert. |
Great Camera, Allows Maximum Creativity
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| Review Date: February 17, 2007 |
| Reviewer: Scooterist, Illinois |
I used to be pretty good with an SLR and B&W film. I thought I was a decent photographer and could do a lot with a camera. WHen Digital came out with all the automatic settings and 'no thinking required' settings, I lost enthusiasm for the sport. The P712 has brought my interest in photography back to life.
Along with all the good things everyone else is saying about this camera, it has the ability to give the photographer complete control over every critical factor in making the photograph. Not just aperture and shutter speed, but white balance, 'film speed', quality level, color, B&W or Sepia, and a multitude of other user controllable features. This camera is loads of fun for me as I enjoy messing around with all the settings.
If you are a person who doesn't enjoy all the playing around I just described, you can be assured this camera will deliver the best pictures possible in it's Automatic mode. It's is the best point and shoot camera I've ever had. But it can do so much more.
I like the feel of the P712 much better than the Z612. The 612 has a plastic/flimsy feel to it, in my opinion. It seems a bit larger and more substantial than the 612 although I expect the picture quality is about the same. I am very pleased with my 712. |
F*A*N*T*A*S*T*I*C, by a serious amatuer camera person
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| Review Date: January 11, 2007 |
| Reviewer: JPN, Louisville, Ky |
This is my third Kodak over the last 40+ years. (Both film & digital) First was a Kodak Retina Reflex III (SLR), fully manual. Then I went to a Kodak "point and shoot" digital at 2MP(fully automatic). It was great, but I missed all the creative things I used to be able to do. The camera gave me good pictures, but the process was kind of boring, especially in unique suitations. Well, now the P712 is all I ever had and much, much more. First, it's through the len, no parallex, what you see is what you get. Secondly, it's a tremendous 12X optical zoom with image stabalization (a necessity). Thirdly, it can go full manual w/ f/stops, ASA film ratings up to ASA800 @1.2MP,and a full range of shutter speeds. And just in case your are not that technical, it has 20 or so preset "Scene" modes that calculate those special settings for you. Add manual focus, flash options (red eye/fill/none), a "hot shoe" for an extra flash right on the camera. (most on camera flashes are only good for about 8-10 feet), and a "Movie Mode" and you have everything. And oh yes, an on camera mode for cropping in the review mode that saves your original as well as the cropped image. I recommend the optional P-20 flash and especially the optional lens tube extension to protect the lens in case of dropping. And, one more thing, selective grid lines in the viewfinder, or view screen for lining up pictures. Can you tell I LOVE it. It really brings back the joy of photography at a reasonable price.
And it captures unbelievable detail. JPN Louisville Ky. |
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