Kodak Z612 Review: Budget Zoom Digital Camera with Video for Under $250

Not long ago I thought ISO meant "I Shake Obviously"- at least that is what my digital camera photos and videos told the world. Then I found the Kodak Z612 super zoom camera with image stabilization and it put my version of "ISO" in remission.

About the Kodak Z612

Once prohibitive in price, the Kodak Z612 opens the doors to the world of hybrid SLR-like features to budget consumers. Serving as both a 12X optical zoom camera and a video camera, the Kodak Z612 outshines many competitors.

From the award-winning lens to an impressive line of easy-to-use features, advanced manual focus options, and filled with style and practicality, the Kodak Z612 will delight many new and intermediate digital camera owners.

Is the Kodak Z612 Right for You?

Video Production: If video is as or almost as important as photo imaging the Kodak Z612 makes a good pick. Additionally, both single and multiple video frames can be selected and printed as 4 X 6 in. photos.

Many digital cameras which claim to serve as video cameras fail miserably. They record choppy video at a mere 15 frames per second (fps) or less, and severely limit the size and length of the video.

The Kodak Z612 records both 640 X 480 and high resolution (QVGA) 320 X 240 videos at 30 fps using MPEG-4/ Quicktime MOV compression. This is not high definition but it is better quality than commonly seen with budget digital cameras.

With a 2 GB memory card (purchased separately), the Kodak Z612 can record 56 minutes of video at 640 X 480 and 80 minutes at 320 X 240 resolution.

Out of the box, the Kodak Z612 hosts 32MB internal memory which allows for 46 seconds and 1:42 of video respectively - enough to tease the owner or at least record some short clips for YouTube.

Apparently 80 minutes is the maximum for continuous recording, this limit is not mentioned on many Kodak Z612 reviews.

Of note, one of few flaws seen with the Kodak Z612 is that auto focus lens adjustment may be picked up by the microphone. Switch to single, rather than continuous, focus if this sound is a problem.