Kodak EasyShare Z1015IS 10MP Digital Camera Review
I recently purchased the Z1015 IS mostly for it’s HD video and mega zoom features and I’m pleased with the results. The zoom feature is available while in the video mode which was what I was looking for. The sound is recorded in stereo and is good although it’s compressed. Kodak using .MOV (QuickTime codec). The 720p widescreen video is quite impressive and you can film up to 29 minutes, if you have the memory. I find making videos with digital cameras convenient and easier than using a camcorder.
The picture quality is excellent too and the smart capture mode works well. It is true that there is a delay in processing the photos as another reviewer mentioned but this is not a problem for me. There may be a firmware upgrade for this in the near future. You can avoid this by using the program mode according to another reviewer.
The Z1015 IS may be a better value then the lower model Z1012 IS as the Z1015 IS comes with a rechargeable battery and charger. The Z1012 does not. Also the Z1015 has a 3 inch screen compared to 2.5 inch screen for the Z1012. Lastly, the zoom is 15x compared to 12x for the lesser model.
I purchased the Easyshare camera dock which works well with this camera and is very convenient as it’s always connected to my computer. It also works as a charger too.
One minor complaint. The screen could be of higher resolution like I’ve seen on the Panasonic models but that’s about it. For the price, this is an excellent camera.
Update (Oct 12, 2008): Kodak has a 1.02 firmware update that addresses the slow processing speed when in Kodac’s smart mode. I’ve updated my camera but don’t see any significant difference.
Update (Nov, 2008): Kodak has updated their firmware again with version 1.03. This takes care of the processing delays. A Big improvement.
About the video: This camera does not film with stereo sound although the manual and online user guide shows two microphones. Zoom up on the photo here on Amazon and you will see two holes next to each side of the lense. These are the mic holes. Well, my 1015 comes with only one mic on the right side (if facing the lense). I called Kodak and they confirmed that this model records in mono. They have since updated their manual online but not the user guide. The Z1012 records in stereo but I think the Z1015 has higher quality sound (less compression)than the Z1012. I’m a little disappointed but this camera is excellent and most people should be very pleased with both the photo and video quality.
Product Description
Versatility is at your fingertips when using the Kodak EasyShare Z1015 IS 10-Megapixel Digital Camera, featuring a powerful zoom, wide-angle lens, and precision optics. The all glass 15x Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon Optical Zoom Lens (420mm) zooms in fast to deliver extraordinary creative performance. Capture dramatic shots in tight quarters or in front of spectacular landscapes with a fast (f/3.5) 28 mm wide-angle lens. Image stabilization automatically minimizes camera shake to deliver sharper pictures. Get sharp, steady shots when shooting at long zoom ranges. A less than 0.20-second picture-capture speed means you can capture that challenging action shot without delay.Best in class click-to-capture -16 to 1/1000 Second Shutter Speed White Balance -Auto, daylight, tungsten, fluorescent, and open shade ISO Sensitivity -Up to 1600 ISO in Smart Capture Mode, Up to 6400 in PASM Mode Shooting Modes -Smart Capture, high ISO, sport, P (program mode), A (aperture priority mode), S (shutter priority mode), M (manual mode), panorama (left-right, right-left), video, SCN (scene modes -portrait, night portrait, landscape, night landscape, flower, sunset, backlight, candlelight, manner/museum, text, beach, snow, fireworks, children, self-portrait, stage) Dimensions -Width 4.65 x Height 3.28 x Depth 3.06 (118.2×83.2×77.6mm) Weight -13.79 ounces without SD card and battery
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