168 of 169 people found the following review helpful:
With the CORRECT Battery, a Fantastic Little Camera...
I've been using the Kodak Z712 for the past couple years and LOVE it. However for vacations, it was a bit bulkier then I liked. I didn't want to downsize from a 12X zoom to a 3X, so I just continued using it till something else caught my attention. Enter the Z1485. An AWESOME little camera.
I received the camera in mid-December. I used the battery that came...
56 of 63 people found the following review helpful:
OK camera, not what I was hoping for.
I found this camera for a price that made it worthwhile to try. And I tried it. I wouldn't say it was disappointing, but definitely not what I wanted. I am very much a point & shoot type of photographer--as you'll see in my limited lingo below.
My findings:
Pros:
Smart capture is a nice feature that automatically determines the best settings for whatever...
This review is from: Kodak EasyShare Z1485 14MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5 inch LCD (Blue) (Electronics)
I've been using the Kodak Z712 for the past couple years and LOVE it. However for vacations, it was a bit bulkier then I liked. I didn't want to downsize from a 12X zoom to a 3X, so I just continued using it till something else caught my attention. Enter the Z1485. An AWESOME little camera.
I received the camera in mid-December. I used the battery that came with it, a non-rechargeable KLIC-8000 Li-Ion. It lasted about a month, all through Christmas (during which I took MANY pictures) and regular daily pics (I have an 11 month old, so I take a lot!). I just changed the battery a few days ago to a rechargeable KLIC-8000 Li-Ion. If you purchase this camera, MAKE SURE you buy the correct battery for it. Of course it's going to suck up regular AA batteries, it's a powerful little point and shoot.
The picture clarity is fantastic (keep in mind, I'm just a casual picture taker. Day-to-day pics of my son, and family trips). All the pics I've downloaded to my Kodak program and printed out have come out beautifully. I normally use the smart-scene, but sometimes (like during Christmas) I use other settings, like the candle light setting for pics of the Christmas tree. They came out perfect, all nice and soft. The size of the camera itself is perfect...I actually bought an ipod jogging case for it so I can wear it around my wrist or arm during vacations (nice to always have the camera handy), and it fit just fine.
I've always used Kodak for their simple no-brainer approach to picture taking, and this camera fits that to a tee. I'm so glad I upgraded. I'll always love my Z712, but this little guy has everything I need. PLEASE do not be dissuaded by the mediocre reviews here. Most people know NOT to put regular AA batteries in a digital camera. It sucks the life out of them in no time. With the proper batteries, this camera is light, clear, and does an all around GREAT job!
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This review is from: Kodak EasyShare Z1485 14MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5 inch LCD (Blue) (Electronics)
I found this camera for a price that made it worthwhile to try. And I tried it. I wouldn't say it was disappointing, but definitely not what I wanted. I am very much a point & shoot type of photographer--as you'll see in my limited lingo below.
My findings:
Pros:
Smart capture is a nice feature that automatically determines the best settings for whatever you're trying to take a picture of. (Great for point & shoot types).
Button placement is pretty intuitive.
Cons:
There is no viewfinder. This is of course a preference thing, but I found it hard for taking pictures in direct sunlight and in night shots (high amount of pixelation and streaking on screen).
The USB cord was very flimsy and easily damaged.
In many reviews I've read, there are a lot of complaints about the battery life. My only issue about the batteries is that after about 40 shots, the start-up and lag time between shots increased significantly--many missed opportunities.
Most of my night shots came out blurry, even though the camera was on a steady surface. Close-up night shots came out highly pixelated.
Face capture never worked (although this might be user error).
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I bought this camera to replace a Kodak 6 MP camera that bit the dust on a recent vacation (user error, no fault of the camera!). I spent several weeks researching cameras, going to every store to hold them in my hands, and ended up buying this gem from Amazon.
I have been very pleased with the picture quality both indoors and out. I am especially impressed with the photo quality in low light (considerably less noise than I have ever experienced in a digital camera). The focus is great, and moves right along with my subjects.
The video is nice, though definitely not why I bought the camera. It is very smooth and works well even in low light. I have had no problems with the battery holding a charge.
My biggest complaint (which I knew when I was buying the camera) is the lack of optical viewfinder. It was nearly impossible for me to find a camera with one, and I would have had to give up other features to get it.
All in all, I am very pleased with this Kodak camera. It is my third Kodak digital camera (a 4 MP, a 6 MP, and now this one) and definitely the best. The price was also fabulous, especially compared with what features rival camera manufacturers offer at this price point.
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Having been an adrenalin filled amateur photographer I have used Kodak camera C330, C813 and Z1275 for the last several years taking pictures deep within caves; while rock climbing or white-water rafting. I am really impressed by the pictures that the Kodak Z1485IS is producing. The pictures are stunning; sharp, and contain an amazing amount of detail. The first day I took a sample pictures of flowers and found an insect on them; it looked like a nature magazine picture! Every picture seems to look fantastic when I use the auto select snap and shoot mode.
The HD video is fantastic; although many computers have a hard time playing it because of the huge file size. This video is not shaky like the first generation Kodak Z1275 which was just not ready for prime time. You can even zoom in while shooting video.
Getting this camera and seeing the great photos may make you feel like a professional. Buttons and settings are very natural and easy to use for a point and shoot. You will be tempted to shoot a lot of pictures and video. Unfortunately; do to the huge file size of video do not expect to be able to share it. A 64 second 720 HD video of horses was 107 megabytes. Sharing large picture files (14mp=2-8megs) can be difficult too. I upgraded my subscription smugmug photosharing site to be able to share the HD video.
Sample pics... [...]
Running on Lithium AA batteries was essential for me as I frequently am in extreme environments -like caves- where I cannot put the camera on a charger. If you use alkaline batteries in a pinch only expect 30 minutes of operation. Energizer Ultimate Lithium gives about 2-4 hours on a $5 a set.
I am preparing to depart on an overseas trip and am really excited to be taking the Kodak 1485IS camera with me. It is easy to use; takes great pictures and mind blowing video. I think Kodak nailed the right combination of features with this one.
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This review is from: Kodak EasyShare Z1485 14MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5 inch LCD (Blue) (Electronics)
I was a little weary at first about buying a camera that claims 14.2 megapixels for this price. But let me tell you, this is an amazing little camera that takes phenomenol pictures and video. Recently my house took on about 4 inches of water due to a freak storm. I was able to take a picture through a whole in the ceiling of a 1/2" water pipe that was leaking. The picture came out flawless. No ordinary camera could do that.
This camera has a multitude of features for any lighting conditions. With my misfortune at the house I have used pretty much every one of them. The panoramic feature is very cool also. I do believe that is my favorite setting. At the Kemah waterfront (Kemah Texas), all my photos came out very sharp. The color was amazing and crisp.
I will warn against what type of memory chip you purchase for this camera. I wanted to stay with Kodak but they did not seem to offer what I wanted. I ultimatley went with a Sandisk product. 16 gig HD Video. I can put almost 4000 14.2 megapixel pictures on it. I can also take 2 hours of 760p video. This memory card was a good price for what you get. All in all, Amazon gets 5 stars, Beach Camera gets 5 stars, and Sandisk gets 5 stars. I am very pleased with my purchase and would not change anything.
side note, the Sandisk card will hold over 9000 pictures set at 5 megapixels. Not bad.
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This review is from: Kodak EasyShare Z1485 14MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5 inch LCD (Blue) (Electronics)
I actually bought my first kodak 14 mega pixel at hsn but it must have gotten hit against something hard and the screen became broken,however i loved that camera and since i had all the extras i decided to buy it from amazon. Excellent service by the way, the pictures from this camera are "THE MOST" beautiful they are clear and gorgeous. My daughter just had her prom and wanted pictures by a pond in the park and since it was soo sunny i used the option for by the beach and light behind the subject they are the most beautiful pics everyone that saw them on my daughters facebook page commented on how good they turned out. Now i just need to find a printer to print them out as wonderful as they look on my computer!
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I bought this camera to upgrade my own. My intention, as President of our Homeowners Association, was to reduce the cost for the association by purchasing a camera on my own dime that would work well with taking photos of the problem and neglected houses in our neighborhood.
With the Megapixals, and the scene shots that enable us to take full photos of homes and yards (usually what I need it for; to prove neglect, high grass, etc. The camera is wonderful; I am very fortunate to have chosen such a decent camera.
The photos are great, very detailed, and easy to transfer. They turn out great in print and on the pc.
The one negative comment I would say is that it only takes about 8 or 10 photos (if that many)without having an extra storage, which I forgot to order at the time of purchase, and wasn't included in the package deal I ordered. So I would recommend you remember to include the accessories in your purchase as you will most definitely need it for storage space.
I've also used it on photos of my daugher and they are all very nice; both close-up face shots as well as full body shots.
PLUS you can take quick repeat shots, which was a major improvement from my older digital.
It's not the super deluxe camera I wish I could afford, but it is definitely well worth the money and is, in my opinion, underpriced and is a steal. At 14 megapixals, it's probably the best camera anyone could ever hope to find for probably under 4 or 500.00. But of course, this is all just my humble opinion! But I would highly recommend it as a safe purchase. Shipping wasn't that fast though; it took a few weeks to arrive. The accessories arrived almost immediately, they must have shipped the next morning. But I had to wait forever for the camera itself.
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We've wanted a new digital camera for several years. I read & read - much of it here on Amazon. I'm shy of professional reviews (which can be overly into high end stuff) I like the reviews here on Amazon alot.
One of the biggest gripes I've seen here have been related to power issues. Yes You Must use Lithium Batteries or you're gonna be Disappointed. Its Twenty-0-9 get yer darn lithiums and move forward. Amazon has great deals on the lithium batteries - they're the Kodak KLIC-8000 style but the generic ones work quite well.
One of the things about it nearly being 2010 is small is the way things are. I like the fact that I can easily carry my Z1485 in my pocket. Thing is, I hate the way most of these cameras give you nothing to hold onto. Grabbing cameras at local retailers I found most of them all too easy to drop. That was the first thing I liked about the Z1485. That bit of a bulge with that rubbery strip makes it far easier to hold than most cameras in this class. The on screen little let you know what mode you just went into is handy too. A true view finder sure would be preferable but the screen works okay.
Then I seemed to recall that Kodak had slipped in to an abyss of poor quality and lack of keeping up with current technology. I went back and started doing some research and found that they had done a come back and were back as being a maker of `good bang for the buck' cameras.
I found that it had both the point & shoot for my hunny and multiple program modes for myself. We do alot of photography at night club shows - difficult and generally dim lighting, performers moving, dancing, and so on. The relatively large CCD helps the Z1485 handle poor lighting. Ricky likes the 'smart capture' features and gets plenty of good shots. The optical image stabilization is awesome!
The first pics I took with it were done by setting it to smart capture in a dim bar with awful lighting. I shook the camera like a can of spray paint and hit the shutter button repeatedly trying to get blur, backlighting, and whatever other intentionally bad situations to see what I'd get for results. What I got was a bunch of pretty good pictures of things I didn't care about. I was amazed at how well the Z1485 did with me trying to get bad pix. Of course when trying for good pix they're oft pretty good. Using the program modes is even better (for those of us so inclined)
We give it two thumbs up. heres a little thing on the smart capture feature - [...]
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This review is from: Kodak EasyShare Z1485 14MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.5 inch LCD (Blue) (Electronics)
I really wanted a good digital camera so I started looking for reviews online. That's when I discovered this 14mp camera and I suddenly NEEDED it so bad. I've never seen a 14MP camera, especially for under $200!. Still, I thought really hard before buying this camera. Even though it has some great reviews there were some people that insisted it took horrible pictures. SERIOUSLY?! I couldnt take a horrible picture with this camera if I tried! I bought it on ebay last week for [...] bucks (I KNOW!! :) ).
So far i've taken really great pictures with it. Im still trying out all the settings because there are so many and I want to experiment which ones work best with certain lighting. Im so glad I didnt listen to the bad reviews. I'm not sure if people realize that you have to hold down the shutter button half way and the camera will let you know when to take the picture (the frame will turn green). This takes less than a second but the results are great. Before you post a review saying youre getting blurry or bad pictures, make sure you are using the right setting.
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So far, excellent digital camera! Only "cons" discovered were that any power source other than rechargable Lithium Ion batteries are impractical. This little powerhouse of a camera gobbles up other batteries like a wood chipper! Also, I've found that you must be in the auto mode to get to macro program. You cannot select Macro from the dial. I did experience difficulty trying to take a macro photo where the camera oscilated between auto and macro. Many macro shots were out of focus because of this. This was a minor issue, though. Overall, very, very satisfied!
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