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Great quality and value, January 1, 2006
Reviewer: P. Caiola
I just got this camera and within minutes (about 7)out of the box I was up
and running. Snapping photos and loading them on the computer. The Kodak
software works great with my XP, and the kodak interface is easy to work
with. Some photo editing features, email and print straight from camera.
Literallly plug in the camera and after it downloads the photos (seconds)
it will automatically prompt for printing or email. Way cool feature.
The camera settings are easy to use, dial is clear and well placed. LCD
screen is viewable in bright light. Manual flash settings are convienently
located, camera feels comfortable in hand, SD slot placement is logical. I
am not sure what was confusing to others in the reviews seen here, my
fiance who is a camera novice (and not computer savvy) was up and shooting
photos as soon as I handed him the camera. There are a lot of features on
this camera, what a great value for the money! Kodak online has great
photography tips and help for you and your camera, as well as a
downloadable user manual.
Also, yes there is an option for manual settings like a good old fashioned
SLR camera. If you are not familiar with traditional 35mm SLR camera
settings...then either don't use this feature, take a intro to basic
photography course, or buy a cheaper camera that does not offer manual
settings. I have had a tried and true SLR camera for years and love it. I
was excited to find an affordable digital camera that combines what I like
about "point and shoot" style camera, and manual settings that I like
about my 35mm SLR. SO - the feature is there, I thought it was pretty
straightforward how it works. So if you are familiar with fstop, aperature,
ISO, etc...this will be no problem.
The quality of the photos are amazing!! In the "Auto settings" mode even.
I have tried many of the special featured setting specifics like the
Museum/manner, People inside at a party, and Close up modes and have been
happy with results.
One not so great thing, the non-rechargeable batteries that came free with
the camera lasted us about 4-5 hours total. So, I reccomend a great
quality rechargable set of batteries.
Also, FYI, the internal memory holds about 16 pictures or so. I purchased
seperately a 256 MB SD card and now my camera will hold just shy of 200
basic photos (mine says 198).
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Kodak Z700 Comments, March 19, 2006
Reviewer: Paul F. Jatkowski
Easy to use, easy to hold especially as I'm left handed. No complaints
except they could have given you rechargeable batteries. Somewhat new with
digital but this looks like a great camera for a beginner.
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good camera (but with a few caveats), March 17, 2006
Reviewer: C. K. Warley (USA)
The Kodak Z-700 is my first digital camera. I like it very much, except
for...
The cons: The camera's 16 MB internal memory card is a joke, as are the
two included AA Kodak batteries. Within less than two hours of use, the
memory card filled up; I would expect a modern "high-tech" digital camera
to match if not exceed the 24-photo minimum of its 35mm predecessors. And
although the batteries probably ran low because I tested the camera at
night using the flash and fiddled with the menu and other controls, I
would expect more.
The next day I ventured outside to take photos with a different set of
used but fairly new AA batteries. All went well at first. But then the
camera began to power off suddenly, sometimes in the middle of a photo
comp or after I'd used the zoom, and sometimes when placed in certain
modes such as close up, landscape, etc. I noticed the occasional red
flashing light indicating a low battery, yet the low-battery icon on the
view screen appeared to be around the 50-percent mark. I considered
returning the camera to Amazon. Sigh.
Recommendations: Luckily, though, I had heeded the fine advice of other
reviewers in this forum and had also ordered a 256 MB external memory
card, rechargeable batteries, and docking station. (At the time of
purchase, the docking station was just $7 more than the charger and
offered some handy features.) I recycled the depleted AA batteries,
inserted the rechargeables, and let the camera charge overnight on the
docking station. The next day I inserted the external memory card,
formatted it, and began taking photos...
The pros: Lo and behold! Properly geared and powered, this camera exhibits
no aberrant behavior and takes gloriously sharp, clear pictures. Its focus
is better than that on my point-n-shoot 35mm. The color is realistic and
vivid. The software is intuitive, and with the docking station you can
recharge the batteries and transfer photos to the computer with the touch
of a button. The camera itself is ergonomic and nicely weighted, like a
fine chef's knife.
Overall, I'm happy I purchased the Z-700. It's rated #2, after a Canon, in
a recent Consumer's Reports review of digital cameras. I just wish that
Kodak packaged the camera with everything it needs instead of enticing us
with a low purchase price and allowing us to discover later that the
alleged "accessories" (rechargeable batteries, charger, external memory
card) are actually mandatory.
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