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76 of 77 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great quality and value, January 1, 2006
This review is from: Kodak Easyshare Z700 4 MP Digital Camera with 5xOptical Zoom (Electronics)
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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65 of 67 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good inexpensive camera for intermediate user, December 1, 2005
This review is from: Kodak Easyshare Z700 4 MP Digital Camera with 5xOptical Zoom (Electronics)
This is my third Digicamera. For the price you can't really beat it. This camera takes excellent pictures in the dark.
Great, clear, full of features. This camera is not that difficult to use either. It does not require a degree in rocket science, just read the manual.
I still can't get over how well it takes pictures in the dark.
I took a picture of my living at night with no lights on. Totally pitch black. With the flash, the picture of the room looked as if it was mid day and well lit. Amazing
Use the web to research your camera purchase. I checked this camera out through google before finally buying it. I am very pleased with the purchase.
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33 of 34 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
good camera (but with a few caveats), March 17, 2006
This review is from: Kodak Easyshare Z700 4 MP Digital Camera with 5xOptical Zoom (Electronics)
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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