Customer Reviews

Kodak Easyshare V1253 12 MP Digital Camera with 3 xOptical Zoom (White)

5 star:		(33)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(11)
1 star:		(18)

 

 

In brief, this camera is very cool - but not perfect.

Let us start with the downsides.

The first is Kodak itself. They have selected Quicktime MPEG-4 as the format for their videos. As a result, incorporating video with typical video editing software will require a conversion that can cause the quality to degrade.

Kodak has also made a small mess by choosing only a proprietary port on the bottom of the camera to connect it to a computer (without a base) and that little adapter is small enough you'll surely lose it within a year.

By the way, if you like Kodak's Frame Dock II you are out of luck - although it claims to support the V1253, there is no adapter available for it. I called Tech Support; I was embarrassed for them.

I am also a firm believer that the timer feature should be controlled by a physical button and on this camera, it is not.

Now, capturing HD quality is amazing, but be ready to train your mind to frame photos differently because you cannot print in 16:9 format.

12 megapixel is a little misleading, too. You will probably default to 9 megapixel because it is the only size that will support HD and the 16:9 format. Otherwise you get vertical letterboxing - wasting real estate on the beautiful LCD.

This camera is not a point-and-shoot. Although really it is, until you get the settings just right and understand how to use the flash, ISO and stabilization, your first few photos will likely be blurry.

If you are like me, you like to access your camera through Windows. When this camera is connected, only the Kodak Easyshare software can see it. That's a drag if you like Picasa. You could always read from your memory card directly but if you get the Extreme III card like me - because it is the fastest and largest on the market - most card readers can't see that either. So much for backwards compatibility.

The icons and such on the screen are fine, but for some reason they are fuzzy. Although the psychological effect makes you think your photos are even more clear, anything unclear on an HD camera seems lame.

Now, let's move to the positives (less negatives).

Any new camera without face detection is not a real camera, I think. This camera has it and does it as fine as any Canon camera I have ever uses. It can even detect two faces at once. It's great.

The video quality is the best video quality I have seen on a camera or even on a video camera. It's stunning, stereo, and in amazing HD. It's not like Monday Night Football good, but it's better than anything you have ever created before (for the price, I should add).

You know that delay digital cameras have when they start up and before you can take the first picture? Sometimes you even miss the shot (especially with kids). This camera has two seconds to first shot. In my opinion this is a far improvement from earlier Kodak cameras, but there's no question the Canon Sureshot's one second time is better.

Kodak reproduces the best color of any camera I have EVER used. I am dedicated to Kodak regardless of their lame software and the imperfect user interfaces as a result. The final product (the photo) is all that ultimately matters, and Kodak simply delivers. Canon is a far cry from the best. Sony's good, though Olympus is better. Kodak still rules.

If you are familiar with how to focus a digital camera by holding the shutter button half way down - then you will be able to overcome any delay that is classic with digital cameras. This camera has some delay but it also turns the screen to gray once it takes the photo which is a real disorienting feedback.

Switching between photos and video in review mode is amazingly slow. Although it is fast compared to how fast my mobile phone can do it, it's still a little slow. To be fair the resulting images are nearly 2MB and the video is terrifyingly large. So, I can give some mercy on this point.

It is not my preference to have the zoom as a shuttle control surrounding the shutter button. I prefer it in the top right of the back. It is also not my preference not to have a physical view finder. However, each camera is different and in the end it is just a preference I have.

Finally, it seems to me that the battery might not be as long lasting as I have seen the Canon Sureshots last. They really are a fine camera. Even so, it seems to last an all day excursion. Of course, without a base charging it requires a computer.

To be fair, Kodak has an HD base just for this camera. However, it is intended to expose this and other media to an HD television. A base that is not connected to a computer? Couldn't they have added WIFI or something? Dumb.

Conclusion

I bought this camera because I like cool things. This thing is cool. The video is amazing. The photos are great. The size is nice and small. I bought the IPod white one (which you have to get directly from Kodak) and I love the look of it.

However, I don't like Kodak's software and hate that it appears I am stuck with Easyshare. Even so, this appears to be the next big thing in photography - stunning quality, small devices, and cheap prices.

Right now, there's nothing else like it out there.

In this round of wanting a new camera for myself, this is my third purchase. I have sent the first two back. This one is a keeper. The quality, the color of the images, the small size, the big screen, the video, the cool factor (and color). And it's only $300 (Sept 07).

PS: I know the specs say this camera comes with a camera case. But just think "soft camera sack" and you won't be disappointed.

[UPDATE - late September]

My original observation about the battery life was correct. You might as well make plans to buy an additional battery (which is incredibly small for the size of the screen) and also buy a battery charger so when you are on vacation you can charge the camera up without toting your laptop all around.

Another down-side to this camera is that when the battery dies, the camera just freezes. It looks like it's a glitch to me. No warning, just black screen and no response - it doesn't even bring in the lens.

Yet another downside is that the above freeze issue seems to be recreatable. If you take many photos in quick succession, it seems to freeze pretty reliably. I am hoping for a firmware update to correct this craziness.

I would still buy this camera. However my previous comments on video quality might be adjusted since my recent experience. The quality is very good and the size is quite nice, but it does not seem to handle high action very well. There's likely no fix to that - it's likely a flaw in the quality of the MPEG encoder.

Even still, the quality of the stills is even more stunning that I initially thought. They are tremendous (even at 9MP) and the HD format really is cool.

I was leery to purchase this camera one month ago after some negative reviews that cited issues such as slow picture time, blurry, no A/C adapter and that it does not come with a memory card but instead with internal memory storage (with option for SD memory card). However, I figured the best review I could get was to open the box and use it for a month myself. The time to take a picture is not slow. I have a new baby and I push the button down half way to focus wait for the perfect moment and I get the perfect timing every time as opposed to prior cameras. So I am happy with that. Only one out of fifty pictures are blurry and that may be because of a poor focus or other issues. I am happy with that. It doesn't have an A/C adapter but that cuts the price of the camera for those who don't need it. If you want one pull out ten dollars and get one. It does not have a memory card include however that too reduces the cost up front for those who don't need one. Most people are upgrading cameras now days and already have a memory card from a prior camera. I love the operation system. It is very easy to navigate and to download onto your computer. I also like the software that it comes with. It is all very simple and user friendly. The weight and design are nice. It has a large picture viewer. I have used it for every day around the home and traveling for a day use and have not yet noticed any battery drain. (I suppose that could change with more frequent use)

My pictures are taken in wide format with 9 mega pixels and that is the format and detail that I have become to use. However I do change to standard 12MP at times and I took some close up pictures of my wife's flowers at that level and the picture quality was perfect.

The negatives are that after taking the picture, my camera takes about 1 to 5 sec with gray screen to record the shot. I have found that to be okay though because we already got the shot we wanted by holding the focus and taking the picture at the right moment. After the gray screen the picture shows up for view for 3 sec but can be easily by-passed by clicking the action button half way.

Good camera... Good price.

I purchased this camera a week ago and I am completely satisfied with it. I have read a lot of negative reviews about this camera and I am really shocked at how people are reviewing it. I'm no photography expert, but i have used digital cameras throughout the years and have come to the conclusion that this one has exceeded every camera i have used. I hope those giving negative reviews have FIRST upgraded the camera's firmware from kodak's website, because all SLOW writing issues and time between shots have been addressed. I use a 4gb class 6 SDHC card and have no issues between shots. It even saves the HD movies at incredible speeds, i'm talking 200+megs in under 4 seconds, thats unheard of. As far as focusing and sharpness is concerned, people have complained about blurry images. Could it be something as simple as holding down the shutter before taking the picture first so it focuses and locks on? When you master this you can take crystal clear pictures very quickly. Minor complaints usb charging, but you can pick up the AC adaptor for 10$. For the first HD video pocket cam, this camera is a hit.

I bought this camera a week ago but I didn't open it up until I did the research on it. Seems backwards but indulge me and I'll explain. First of all, I rely on the Amazon reviews when choosing a product. So far I have not been disappointed, for the most part people are responsible with their comments. I initially went to buy a different camera. However, after reading the reviews on it, the only negative review on that camera was the camera jammed. When I went into the store to ask if this was an issue, the demonstration model was jammed. Since, I had a coupon that expired that day I picked the brain of the sales people and found that the Easy Share V1253 exceeded the minimum number of options that I wanted and was well within my price range.

Well, I just can't be more pleased with my selection. Kodak loses a star for not including a useful manual or an adapter that can be purchased for $10. My concern was that I'd never figure out how to operate this camera. It wasn't the challenge I thought it would be. Also, when I picked up my 16 year old grandson, he had expanded my knowledge base in a few minutes.

Love the large screen!!!!

Also, I was given a firmware chip upon purchase. That upgrade resolves the speed issues and then some. You can view what version of the firmware that is in the camera and compare it to the latest version on the website for a free download.

Battery----anything you buy can have a defective battery. If it takes three hours to charge a battery and the battery doesn't seem to hold a charge, that should be a big clue.

Memory ---the earlier cameras came with a memory card because the camera didn't have internal memory. This camera holds about 10 pictures in the internal memory. The nice feature is unlike some of the other brands that require a special memory card that you can't find just anywhere, it uses the SD Card which is more popular and always on sale somewhere.

Settings----I wouldn't want a camera to hold a setting for snow, moving subjects, panoramic etc. After I turned the camera off, I might forget that setting is on and take inside pictures with a snow setting.
The pictures are crisp and clear, download is fast and it has many options for the price that I'm looking forward to learning how to use.

I bought a small inexpensive case and it fits nicely in my purse so I'll be prepared to take pictures of my new twin grandsons.

I would highly recommend this camera--main reasons the large screen on a compact camera--it takes beautiful pictures--and you get more bang for the buck.

While their are some bugs with this camera, that need a firmware update.
(Sep/NOV 07'contact Kodak) once this is done with the correcting
software, it is one of the best digital cameras on the market.

It features Smart scene mode which actually automatically selects the
best scene mode for you, if you don't have the time to choose it.

Actual video specs listed by Kodak are higher then what is stated.
(listed 1024x720)the actual is 1280x720 Full Frame Progressive at 30
frames per second. So the video on here with a large SD card is close to
and in some cases even better then many entry level HD Camcorders!

Sound on the video is in stereo which is also new to Kodak.
To playback HD video beyond the camera's high res 3" screen, you will
need to purchase the Kodak HD dock. ($99)
(This hooks directly to your HD TV and is essential to get for viewing
both Still images as well as the 720p video)

Note Sony's 1080i video on their digicams, does not come close to the
Genuine-Progressive full frame video @ 720 on this new Kodak camera.


Has an 3200 ISO. About 1600 without to much quality loss.

Bottom line while Canon & Nikon cameras may still have the nicest designs
this new Kodak is coming closer BUT with better detail and color acuracy
then many of them due to its new Kodak Color Science Chip.

I had high hopes in the purchase of this camera, and I am still not quite content. I'll start with the first issues I've encountered that bother me the most and then detail additional pro's and con's at the end.

Please note that I have installed the firmware update as of the first week of December 2007.

1. I've looked all over for a solution, but there is a missing codec for Quicktime, which is largely Apple's fault, but it prevents you from viewing and hearing the video's recorded in HD 720 at this time. I've read this is an issue in both Vista and XP, although I only have Vista at this time. I've tried all of the proposed solutions, and I am not the slightest bit challenged in this department. This is also a pain when you want to take the video you've captured and convert it to a DVD or other media.

2. No matter what size of memory card you have in the camera, it maxes out at 16 minutes of constant video capture. If you have the memory for more video, you can take more than 16 minutes in total, but they will be in 16 minute (or less) chunks.

3. The focus can be a little glitchy. I find myself being more patient to wait for it to come into focus, but my wife and mother-in-law have taken many poorer photos with the camera with the point-and-click mentality. I got the camera in anticipation of the birth of our first child, and I've been disappointed by many of the pictures that my mother-in-law was able to get of the delivery. As an addition of this, sometimes the foreground is focused correctly but the backgrounds come out very pixelated and blurry, without zoom.

The Good:
- Re-chargeable battery, just plug into your USB or buy the AC Adapter and you aren't loading up on rechargeable AA batteries anymore, or carrying around the lot in your camera case.
- Great HD quality video that will be functional on computers in the future.
- Price. $230 is the going rate and very competitive.


The Bad:
- Takes poor pictures in poor light
- 3x Optical Zoom
- 16 minute limit for consecutive video

Wow, checked out this one with a friend and compared back to back with sony Cybershot the new 8.0 mp, this Kodak is a tag or two better than the Sony's quality and features.

Boy, wa i hooked when i found out the panoramic stitching of three or two photos to form a super wide angle photo, it was stunning!!!! i dont understand why some reviewers say that the camera does not focus well, because even though i am not familiar with this camera yet, i was able to zoom 1x, 2x and 3x and still get very very good results with very crisp and detailed pictures.

i thought the video was fine also as i was able to film for about 10 seconds in HD mode with the internal memeory in BestBuy today. i love the design of it, it is longer than some cameras, but the screen is HUGE!!! and the camera looks so magically stylish.

and touching the buttons gives satisfaction as well and the camera feels so solid in the hand. and the buttons are just right for my fingers.

To bad i am not in a market for a sub $[...] camera, and this Kodak, while being so great, is only being sold for $[...] on [...], i cannot believe it. for the price, this one is simply the BEST!!!!

The closest Sony i saw in the Best Buy was $[...]. There is just no match for price, quality and features. This is my fair comparison. I am not biased to any camera and Sony is very good too, but it lacks features and price is just a downright drawback when Kodak can do with the same great quality or better.

Good points about this camera:
- high res for low price
- panoramic feature is cool
- colors look great
- responsive (seems to start fast without a long delay)
- HD video with great colors

Negatives
- If you want to take video at 720p, you are limited to 16 minute shots. I have a 2GB and 4GB card, and with each, it limits you to 16 minutes; must be a file size restriction or something...very annoying.
- On some of the videos that I've captured (while using zoom) the video capture slows down and people look like they're in slow motion. :(
- NO DOCK! This wouldn't be so bad except it's really hard to find a dock to buy for it. I bought one but it doesn't fit firmly on the dock. :(
- I don't know why they went with Quicktime format...my first impression was that the video from my old Casio Exilim was less pixelated. It may be a higher resolution but some of that effect is taken away by the fact that the compression isn't as good as some other cameras.
- The camera interface isn't as intuitive as I hoped it would be.

-Overall
This is a very good camera at a great price. It has great colors and some really neat features. It's not perfect...but I'd still recommend it.

It's not often I write reviews for tech gadgets but I thought I would make an exception. Allow me to introduce you to the Kodak Easyshare V1253, a 12-megapixel camera that I had the opportunity to use over the holidays. What sets this camera apart isn't its large image capacity - after all, exactly how far will the megapixel craze take us? Will we have 30 megapixel cameras by next Christmas?

What really impressed me was the identity crisis this camera has - it thinks it's a camcorder too! I read on the box that this camera was also capable of capturing 30 frames-per-second widescreen video in High Definition (720p). I must admit that I was skeptical since every video I had ever seen captured on a digital camera was horribly inadequate for viewing on a television screen.

The video quality blew me away. I shot countless videos over Christmas and proceeded to integrate them into a DVD using iDVD. The end result was a video that impressed everyone who saw it. You could have fooled anyone into thinking it was shot on a HD video camcorder costing 3 times as much.

Which brings me to the final selling point for this camera - the price. I would have thought $220 for a 12MP camera was a good deal by itself but the ability to shoot great digital photos and high-definition video? Now that's pretty amazing.

There's plenty of other features this camera has such as great face recognition technology, impressive low-light capability but for me the video sealed the deal. And for the price you can't go wrong.

I bought an Adata class 6 8gb SDHC to use with this camera. While the camera does not accurately report the number of photos or video time left with the 8gb card inserted, it can use all 8gb. Recording HD video it has a 2gb file size limit (most likey due to the FAT32 file system). So the max you can record at one time without stopping to create another file is 19:12. I was able to record a grand total of 77 minutes at the highest HD 720p resolution without problems, other than it was in four files. This review is based on my experience with the V1233, but I believe they share the same specs and firmware.