I’ve been avoiding this moment for a month. Before I left for Europe, Kodak sent me their latest ultra-zoom camera, the Z980, and I’ve been carrying it for over 30 days and through five countries. I’ve taken about two hundred photographs and I’ve gotten to know this thing fairly well. My initial conclusion? I’m going to say this just to get it over with: I miss my DSLR. Now, read on for a bit of clarification.
The Kodak Z980 is Kodak’s $399.99 ultrazoom camera. It is a 12-megapixel monster with 24x optical zoom and flash. It has a huge 3-inch back LCD and a false, LCD-based viewfinder. There are multiple modes including Manual, Scene, Auto, and Aperture- and Shutter-priority. It also takes video in full HD. It also takes panoramic photos using a built-in stitching system.
First, my quick look from a few weeks ago:
The Good – The zoom is quite stunning. I doubt many of us have used a lens this long and the ability to bring distant scenes into focus without much blur is impressive. This is by far the camera’s biggest selling point.
The pictures are clear and nicely balanced. In the bright sunlight we were able to take consistently acceptable vacation snaps. With a bit of tweaking we were able to get strong performance in most light although most of the best shooting was outdoors. The panorama mode, for example, was dead simple and allowed us to take some cool shots of Malta and Rome.
The camera has a nice wide ISO zone from – 64 to 6400 – and bracketing. There is no manual white balance but it shots 1fps in burst mode.
This, in a nutshell, is fine for 80% of the prosumer market. Birdwatchers and vacationers will enjoy shooting with the Z980. However, I have reservations about recommending the camera to those who might fall into that 20% set of consumers who are looking for something a bit more powerful than a standard point-and-shoot.
The Bad – Because that’s what the Z980 – a point-and-shoot bolted onto a large lens. And the lens, a SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON, is great. The click speed is about as fast as a standard point-and-shoot and although you can reduce the wait by turning off preview mode you still have about two seconds lag between most photos unless you’re in a special mode. At 12-megapixels you suffer from both lag and then, when you check the pictures on the LCD, you discover the poor quality of the LCD which blurs the pictures to heck and back and offers a pale imitation of what you can expect when you see the pictures on the desktop.
Then you stumble upon some decidedly odd design choices. Instead of depending on the orientation sensor built-in the camera has a “sideways” switch which activates a buttom on the right edge of the camera and changes the way the buttons on the back work. This decision is baffling and Kodak explained that they couldn’t get the position sensor to work under the requirements they had in terms of design and price. They even included a little thinger you connect to the bottom to make it easier to hold – and bigger. This camera doesn’t need to be any bigger.
Finally, the physical design is garbage. For example, the lens cap is junk. It fell off constantly and the camera lay in my bag with the glass exposed for most of the trip. One good drop and this thing is toast. Once the battery compartment opened randomly spraying batteries all over the street. In real world travel this is a major issue.
Finally, this thing is big. It takes four AA batteries – included – and is as big as a Canon or Nikon DSLR. So there we find the crux of my argument: why buy a $399 ultrazoom when you can get a DSLR with similar functionality and buy a zoom lens. Now, the most obvious reason against this course of action is price and if that’s your only concern then go out and get the Z980 right now if you need the 27x zoom for a specific purpose. It’s a strong camera and there are ways to work around its limitations.
However, the additional features and speed you’d get for a $200 bump in price with a DSLR – excluding the zoom lens – is fairly compelling. The ultrazoom category is obviously very specific to the consumer and I see a place for it. The Z980 is a good camera. It takes great pictures and is fun to use. But I missed my Rebl. I would have been fine not being able to take the tip of a church steeple from 500 feet away. The artifacts I got when shooting with the zoom lens were quite distracting. As you can see from this zoom example, the power and potential is stunning but the results are less so.
The Zoom
Bottom Line – Kodak makes a nice camera. They’ve redefined the low-end of the market and this is a strong addition to their portfolio. But, again, I’m not a fan of ultra-zoom cameras. This camera is bulky and its relative limitations hamper its otherwise impressive and pleasing performance. Comparing and contrasting this model with slightly more expensive DSLRs is a must, just as you would when dealing with any ultrazoom camera from any manufacturer.
That sideways ‘buttom’ sounds rather annoying.
I don’t give a darn what you think of this camera. I have it and a Nikon D2X and I love my Kodak just as much as I love my Nikon.
The Kodak is a great little camera. I guess I am not one to nitpik apart a camera like you do. I happened to fall in love with a camera based on their features, and the image quality it takes and as far as this one goes, it takes great quality pictures.
I have some samples posted on this website that I took when I first got the camera before I got to really know the camera so you can have a look if you wish. Look for the Kodak Z980 folder that has the imagers in it.
http://www.tidewater-photography.com
I would have loved to have seen sample pictures taken at night or in the dark.
I just bought this camera (Kodak z980)… can someone please tell me what setting I need it to be on when I go to a concert? I have tickets to two concerts, I have read the manual, but I’m still sceptical! I know very little about cameras. Please help!
You will need to set the white balance to tungsten for the most accurate color balance. All of the lighting used at major concerts has tungsten filaments.
Amen…I have to say that for the price of the Kodak Z980, I have no complaints. Many of the pictures I have taken looks extremely good even when taking zoom and/or close-up shots. I have taken pictures of live performances with only stage lighting and have still gotten beautiful pictures. The quality of the video taken with the Z980 is also extremely good. I have have received many compliments from friends & family that have viewed pictures & video taken with this camera. I would recommend this camera to anyone who is looking for an easy to use and a camera that is reasonably priced. In my opinion this camera shoud not be compared to a DSLR.
agreed…this camera cannot be compared to a DSLR…which it is not. But, with its capabilities…one cannot ignore the fact that the Z980 fills the gap between the serious amateur photographer who does not want to(cannot) spend mega-bucks on a DSLR setup.
Just to let you know Robert…I was not comparing my D2X to the Kodak.
Hey thanks i will have a look
Thanks Melissa. I checked out your pics and they are great. My husband just bought me this camera and I have never had one that has so many settings. It’s rather confusing. I had a Kodak dx730 which I loved. It was very simple. This is going to take more time. I know nothing about the P, A, S & M modes. I want to learn it though because I want to do more than the just the smart caputre features. We are going to Alaska for 13 days next year and I want to know this camera inside / out. If you have any information that you think would be helpful, let me know.
Gail (stormy53fla@yahoo.com)
Gail, don’t be selfish. Let them share their knowledge with all of us! =P
I do agree with most of comments above it seems for some people the world of photography resumes only to two makers NIKON and CANON and all the rest it is rubbish and unworthy to be mentioned and if it is , making hem appear bad.Any way I had too kodaks in the past z7590 and p880 and im looking to buy the z980 after id seen some photos taken with my friends camera and a can tell they are much better than some canons photos have seen with proper rich color and detail not grey like canons and sonys .
I’m looking at the photos, and frankly I don’t see what you mean when you say, “the power and potential is stunning but the results are less so”. All I see are fabulous, clear and stunning photos at any zoom level.
A few hundred bucks may not be much to you, as you have a successful website and probably get freebies all the time. However, for the rest of us living in the real world, struggling with an economy that is in the toilet and providing for a family, a few hundred bucks is a lot of money.
For a lot of us, getting this much camera for only 400 bucks is pretty damn good. I like your site, but you need to come back down to planet earth with the rest of us when you start talking about money. Consider your audience, and that not all of us are interested in buying the newest, hottest gadgets just so other people around us can go “ooooh and ahhhhh”. Some of us just need a good camera at a decent price so we can document our lives and share it with friends and family and don’t give a tinker’s damn about owning the sexiest toys.
Your contentions with the product are silly. The lens cap won’t stay on? It’s too big? One of the buttons doesn’t make sense? Give me a break. Here is what most of us care about….
1. Price
2. Quality.
3. Functions.
4. Is it easy to use?
5. Durability.
6. Will it do what I need it to do and keep doing it for at least a few years?
From the looks of the photos and gleaning what I can from your review, this appears like a pretty good product. The part about the battery compartment popping open is a real concern, and your feeling that this thing might give up the ghost after one drop is a point of concern as well. However, put yourself in the position of a family on a budget… a guy with a wife and two kids trying to make ends meet that wants a camera that will take good photos, is easy to use, will last, has some good functions and won’t bust the bank. From that perspective, this camera is looking very good. Please think about us — and there are a lot of us nowadays — the next time you review a product. Thanks.
Michael,
I agree with about 90% of what you wrote. However, I think the reviewer makes a valid point about the lens cap.
I’ve got a Kodak Z1015 camera and the lens cap is crap. (The camera itself is outstanding, but the cap is not so good.) I know I’m probably preaching to the choir when I say that if the cap comes off that easily, dust and scratches are much more likely. Because it’s not a DSLR camera, you can’t just swap the lens out with another.
I’ve also got a Nikon D60, and honestly I use my Kodak Z1015 about as much as my Nikon. It’s that good. If the Z980 is half-as-good as my Z1015, then it’s a fantastic camera.
Does anyone know if there are 3rd party lens caps that can be purchased that are better than the one that Kodak provides? If so, that might be the way to go.
If Z980 has filter thread on its lens or outside barrel, then a FastCap of proper size functioning like flip cover might be attached to the lens or barrel to save the trouble. The lens can even push open the cap even if you forgot to flip opne it.
For cameras I always find the deals here
http://amazonbest.blogspot.com/
The more I read this review, I get the sense that:
- the reviewer really wanted to bring a DSLR on his European trip — something with a five-letter name other than Kodak;
- the reviewer has a bias against ultra-zoom cameras (and says so) — hardly an objective perspective to bring to this discussion;
- the reviewer never took the camera out of its default automatic mode;
- the reviewer has never used a DSLR with a vertical grip / shutter release. Many pros and advanced amateur shooters use these.
In short: Crunch Gear needs to find a reviewer who can bring a little more open-mindedness to his or her work. That person might find the Z980’s strengths and weaknesses worthy of a less-biased review.
You said, in far fewer words, what I wanted to say and you did it in a much more eloquent manner. I agree completely. I’m no Kodak fanboy, but they got a raw deal with this interview. A friend of mine was looking for a camera and was leaning in favor of the Z980 when he read this review. That was, in fact, how I found out about it. He sent me the link when I asked him why he had decided against the Kodak. After I read the review, I found a couple different reviews from other sites that were far more balanced and well written. After reading those reviews he went ahead and got the Z980 and loves it. I have used it myself a few times, on outings with him and his family and frankly I’ve fallen in love with it. If I were in the market for a camera, this would be the one for me – at this time in my life.
As you said, this reviewer did a poor job of reviewing the product. Not only does he have a woefully inadequate knowledge of camera equipment, but he also doesn’t understand and/or respect the audience he’s writing for. That “$200 bump in price” line really hacked me off. For one thing, a Rebel with a decent zoom lens is going to cost you more than $200 more than the price of this camera, AND $200 isn’t a “bump in price” to those of us who live in the real world. With the economy as it is, that is a bunch of money.
At any rate, thank you Pearl Man for doing a much better job of listing the relevant contentions that exist in this review. Hopefully, others who read this… review… will see our comments and do a bit more research before dismissing this good product in this price range.
You wrote a much more concise and informative critique of this poor review than I did, and highlighted some other problems that I didn’t mention. The one thing you pointed out that was critical was the bias this person obviously had before he even touched the product. He can’t understand why you might want a zoom like that? Uh… I can think of dozens. Sitting on the bleachers trying to get a shot of my son playing cornerback. Getting a shot of my younger son getting his Arrow of Light. Taking a picture of my son performing with the school jazz band. Taking pictures of that cardinal that is perched high up in the oak tree in my front yard. Getting a shot of all the hot air balloons at the festival next week. Sneaking a picture of my wife digging in the garden from the living room window. Snapping a picture of Huey Lewis as he/they perform at the Bluebonnet festival this summer. And the list goes on and on.
That line, “a $200 bump in price” also chaps my rear. As if $200 is pocket change. Also, where are you going to get a good DSLR and a decent zoom lens for $200 more than the price of this camera?
A friend of mine had decided against this product, because of this review. That is what led me here, he sent me the link. After I read it, I found a couple other reviews that were more balanced and well written. After reading those reviews he decided to get the Z980 and loves it. I have used the camera on a couple of occasions on outing with him and his family and I like it too. If I were in the market for a camera, this one would be a winner.
As I said before, Crunch Gear needs to take a bit more care in selecting reviewers that live here on planet earth with the rest of us who don’t consider $200 “a bump in price”… pocket change. And as you said, they need to use someone who can show some objectivity, rather than jonesing for his “Rebl”. I’m no Kodak fanboy, but they got a raw deal from this… reviewer. In reality, this camera is a very solid choice, in this price range, and the zoom ability and quality are *pluses*, John Biggs, whether you understand why or not. One would think that should be apparent, but obviously it isn’t.
Anyway, thanks Pearl Man for expressing the shortcomings of this very-much-lacking review in a much more eloquent manner than I could muster.
Shoot. I thought I lost the first one. Crunch Gear, erase that last one… would ye? Thanks.
Don’t be so quick to judge this review. This camera sits at a portion of the market where individuals want more then is available in your standard point and shoot while avoiding the cost/complexity of a DSLR. Depending on the buyer this camera may or not may not be appropriate, but if the purchaser does see themselves with an on going interest in photography then the additional investment in a DSLR with more features and swappable lenses really is just a “small bump” in price.
Again, an increase of $200-$300 may be a “small bump” to you, but to most of us who live in the real world, that is no small “bump”.
I agree. Not too long ago I purchased a Nikon D60 with 18-55mm lens and an additional 55-200mm lens. I got the entire kit at Best Buy for a little over $700.
That was an extra $300 that definitely impacted my budget that month. Don’t get me wrong, I’d do it again in a heartbeat if needed, but for a lot of people, they simply cannot afford to fork out an additional $300.
Also, the contention with the article is not that it accurately points out the differences between this camera and a DSLR. The problem with the article is that it give a poor review of the camera. Please re-read my original post to see those problems. The most glaring of all is that, there are *no* artifacts in the photos as he stated. What we see, in point-of-fact, are clear photos taken at a considerable zoom factor. The review is poor because he makes a big deal about minor problems and doesn’t address important issues and functions the camera offers. The review is biased toward DSLRs and doesn’t appreciate excellent features of the camera that many would find quite important. In short, it’s a poor review.
I have had this camera for one month now. It is unbelievable! Don’t hesitate to purchase this camera. It is better than anything out there for hundreds of dollars more. I agree that this reviewer just didn’t want to pull out a camera that had Kodak written on it!, and way biased before he even opened it.
You should see the pictures I have taken with it. Some have been printed in the newspaper and are better than the actual sports photographers. He called to ask what kind of camera I had. Got great closeups of kids way out in left field from very far away bleachers!
And, I dropped it the first week I had it (my fault) on hard tile floor. Thought it would be a goner. Works perfect! Thanks Kodak for this great camera!
I still can’t figure out what the reviewer means by this statement,”the artifacts I got when shooting with the zoom lens were quite distracting.” This absolutely makes no sense, along with most of the rest of this review.
I really think this reviewer and this website owes Kodak an apology. This review was horrible. I think most people that have bought this camera (I for one, along with thousands of others), disagree totally with this review.
This camera is amazing!
I have spent the evening reading reviews about this camera and this site has been the most informative of all. I, currently, have a Kodak P850 which I love. When I found the Z080 in the latest B&H Catalogue, I thought..WOW, finally the camera I have been waiting for…My film SLR is sitting in a bag with 4 lens..waiting for me to buy the D-SLR body. This will definately not happen now. My longest lens with an excellent 2xadapter is only 500mm and light must be excellent as most of you know.
The size of this camera sounds more to my liking..I like the feel of a larger camera for more serious shots. I have a 10mp point n shoot pocket size camera which I carry with me all the time. I carry a tripod with me and a sandbag for those times when I need a steady shoot.
thanks to all of you who contributed to this site..
Susan McGrew and Kay kindly also post the links for your images. I am planning to buy this camera and now looking into images. Filckr gallery of Kodak Z980 has about 1200 images and all are awesome.
You can find coupons/specials on this camera, so the price is more in the $325-$375 range.
That is far lower than a DLSR body (which is what the original reviewer is suggesting you purchase for another $200) Then you still have to purchase lens, bag to carry all that stuff in etc:
I’ve been a solid Canon P&S user for years, but this Kodak has me really impressed.
The long zoom works great for grabbing photos of the kids doing their sporting activities. Hot shoe, RAW output, manual modes etc: Feature for $ this camera has it all over many of the others in this segment.
In fact, this camera led me to investigate and purchase an older Kodak P880 as well (for its wide angle 24mm Schneider lens)
There are a few design nitpicks. Having to open the battery door to get the memory card out is a pain. my Kodak V1273 has the same ‘feature’ :)
All in all, I wouldn’t hesitate again, to purchase this camera from amazon.com (where you get a bit of a discount) or direct from the Kodak store online (they usually have some sort of discount posted)
You can find samples from this camera in my Flickr photostream
http://flickr.com/photos/honemastert
Cheers! Thanks!
-tim
a good collection of shots from the Z980
Bought the camera on st. Patrick’s day when kodak had a coupon special for 30% off, so camera cost only $279.95. The pictures are very good quality and the zoom is outstanding. I’m really old school but this camera is a great compromise against a dslr. Instead of carrying all that equipment around and changing lenses, this is a terrific camera if your kids play sports or field activities like marching band. Yes the camera is made of 99% plastic but if your going to carry it around all day, this could be a plus. All in all a good camera but look for discounts especially direct from kodak, you could save a small fortune.
question .
one of his neagative comments awas about shutter speed of camera. I wuld be using it in sports situations. i need a camera which can get me a number of shots off quickly
thanks
ron
As I understand it, in burst mode it takes 9 shots per second if you bump the resolution down to 3 megapixels. I have an older similar model, 6490, and it takes 3 per second for 3 seconds. works great for sports IF the lighting is good enough for the speed of the older camera, as the max speed on it is only 800. I am considering the z980 as it goes to 3200 at 3 mp
I have a P850 and like it very much. All the comment have convinced me. I will buy the Z980.
Please tell me where the best discount is for the camera.
Costco right now has a coupon making it under #300.
I ordered this camera yesterday, May 22, from TriState $339 w/free shipping …they have a 4 1/2 customer rating out of 5 … and reviews are positive….I anticipate I will receive the box by the latter part of next week…if you want to do a wait n see as to their promptness of delivery and whether or not I am pleased…I will post my customer review as soon as I receive the camera.
In addition..I ordered a 4gb Kingston Class 6 sdhc
card through Amazon..shipping from Brainstorm..one of their 5 star retailers. The card was $7.80 with $5 shipping..ugh..for a 1 oz package…but, even with the shipping it is a good deal. I have Kingston Extreme, Sandisk and Lexar sd cards and find all of them to be good…I knew I wanted a Class 6 for this camera…rather than an 8gb card, I choose to get 4’s…and do a quick change if needed…even tho’ with this camera and the additional grip, a quick change may not be so quick !!! I can live with that ! I am looking forward to 4AA NIMH batteries … a change from the special battery (of which I have 2) for my P850.
I will post photos as soon as I receive the camera, as well.
This is one of the best forums I have had the opportunity to share comments with…keep up the good work everyone ! K
Thanks so much, Kay.
I checked Ebay a few minutes ago…one is at auction current bid is $310 with 3hr 25min left.
Go to ebay and search kodak z980 digital camera.
As is often the case, it is real people using the actual product sharing their experiences and results that makes the difference. The review was lousy, but the forum is great and the people that contributed (particularly those that posted links to photos) turned this around from something that told us very little about the camera to provide detailed and informative information we all can use.
Thanks to all those that contributed photos, reviews and real life experiences for those of us trying to make a decision about this product. I for one, really appreciate your efforts.
Regarding Rons comment about SHUTTER SPEED.
If you check the specs. on this camera you will find adequate shutter speed for all situations. What, I think, you are looking for is ‘burst’ .. how many shots can you get off quickly .. there are several factors involved here…transfer speed of the sd card you are using, size of file being transferred and transfer speed of the camera, which many manufacturers fail to address since there are those other factors involved. I use my ‘burst’ often, especially in nature shots and sports shots.
If ‘burst’ is not adequate, you have the HD video option, in the z980, …then, pull out the frames you like from the video.
Thanks kay
you were right i was talking burst . I also like that for nature and wildlife photography. your comments were very helpful. thanks again
ron
take a look at qvc price on this camera
Kodak Z980 12MP, 24X Zoom, Wide Angle Camera w/Smart Capture
QVC Price: $409.50
National Photo Month Price: $349.96
I just started researching this camera. It’s on Wal-mart’s website for 359.88 with a 4GB memory card. I am going to order from there…I think.
I checked out SAMs & WalMart and found the camera out of stock .. BestBuy was not carrying it yet. Spoke with TriState this am (I was a little nervous dealing with them even tho their customer rating is good)…they were shipping today. I will put it through the rigors as soon as the box is open ! If you are looking for a pretty constant price through good dealers try Amazon or Buy.com.
those of you interested in visiting QVC .. type in Kodak z980 digital camera … click on the video and you can watch their sales pitch. $349 and change plus shipping/applicable tax … the video is very informative with some good examples of shots taken at different focal lengths. If nothing else, QVC’s sales folks offer a short tutorial on the camera
OK..I received my Z980 Friday, May 29. Have not had much time to work with it, so far..however, the results have been what I expected. The zoom is satisfactory and having 12mp is exactly what I wanted for cropping. Those who have made a comment regarding the lenscap…that is how Kodak does it…in doing so, when you turn your camera on and forget to pull the cap it pops off easily..in addition, I found that if you place the cap so the releases are on each side, when you slip it into your bag they do not catch on anything and allow the cap to come off. On to more important matters….I find the flash very adequate under normal conditions…since I always shoot in the highest mp offered w/Fine setting…Kodak gives me the resolution, etc. I expect. The strap is, yes, light weight…fine for me..I have a heavy duty strap if I need it…I like the ’shoe’ attachment at the bottom of the camera..makes for easy attachment to my tripod and quick release from same..I was surprised at the light feel of the camera but it took no time to get used to it. I have posted 2 photos to this link, then cropped each.. and these were set at Standard resolution rather than fine..My first shots with it ! I will post a few more tomorrow. http://picasaweb.google.com/beamanron/May2009KODAKZ980FirstPhotos
I have read all of the above reviews and viewed all of the photos (great by the way) HOWEVER, can anyone tell me: How is the Z980’s LOW LIGHT performance? I have the DX7590 and was pleased with all; but the low light shots are lacking.
Thanks for your input.
Saturday, I shot a few in a roller skating rink to see how the Z980 performed…I got fair results, considering flash does not carry well on a skating floor…in the snack bar area results were good…last night I used the ’self-portrait’ mode sitting on the sofa…at arms length results were good…we have cloudy/rain conditions today…I will take a few and post them to my link, if that is what you are looking for.
By the way…TriStateCamera…shipped promptly, even tho they wanted to sell me an sdhc card..which I had and declined their pitch. Unopened box with everything in tact.
I have been comparing this camera to the NikonP90 after giving up on some other point and shoot cameras. Between the two, it takes the best indoor shots, very close up macro (indoor and outdoor), and the sport mode has the least amount of blurring. White balance is very good and Smart mode is more precise than me trying to use the manual modes at times. I love the P-program mode because I still get a good amount of control with some “help” that is not a nuisance. I like to keep the flash off most of the time and this camera makes it easy to shut it off with one button. Another plus is the ability to attach an external flash (which would have been great at the last concert I went to). I love the accurate colors outdoors. Indoor photos are still frustrating at times, as with a lot of cameras. The battery compartment is no big deal. You just need to firmly latch it when you are closing it. The lense cover falls off the same way it did with my last DX4330 Easyshare…very easily. One area that I can say I really don’t like is the power switch. It is a tiny lever that needs to be held down for a second or two before the camera will turn on and it digs into your finger a bit. I just don’t understand why the camera with the cheapest build has to be the one that takes the best pictures in this class.
I read your remarks regarding your z980…the on/off switch on mine is small, but, slides to the right quite easily..no pushing down at all. Today, I researched for a short time the online Owners Manual…I am interested in the more flexible AF modes which I am used to on my P850. I know they are there…just accessing them…I am anxious to use PASM..yes, I am that old…even tho’ I appreciate the Smart Capture mode, which is terrific…I still enjoy manual settings.
I may not get those photos shot this afternoon on my link until tomorrow. k
http://picasaweb.google.com/beamanron/May2009KODAKZ980FirstPhotos
more photos taken in different modes in cloudy conditions
I have had this camera since March and bought it straight from Kodak with the 30% off special and it cost me only $279. Worth every penny as it is great to only carry one device around that gives me excellent photos and HD video.
The lens cap is an issue and I have sent inquiries to Kodak to see if something can be done.
This review was fine with the one exception that others have pointed out, the “$200 bump is a joke”.
I’ve had 4 Canon DSLR cameras, still in possession of 2 of them (20D and 40D). These are in between entry level and pro cameras. Like ALL DSLR cameras, there is a failure period for their shutters. The lower end the camera sits at, the quicker the shutter fails. A shutter replacement cost $200.
The “then buy a zoom lens” comment was even a bigger joke. That beast doesn’t exist, the one 27X zoom lens, the author seems to think exist, it doesn’t.
As Vince stated in his reply above he “purchased a Nikon D60 with 18-55mm lens and an additional 55-200mm lens”. Hello Vince, that’s an 11x zoom you have there! Where’s the other 16x zoom at?
That, and you have an entry level camera and entry level lens. I’m sure that they take wonderful images but no matter what, they are entry level. If you’re going to DSLR, why go half way?
You do pay for what you get. You’d have to shell out over $3,000 to get quality lens to match the zoom of the z980.
Until recent changes in DSLR arena, you couldn’t get Live View or video (no big deal to me).
Correction, it’s a 24x zoom not 27x as the author states in one section of his review. He states 24x in another.
It appears to me that most folks who purchased this camera are in the same category. We are those who want to take GREAT photos, but, are not Pro’s..cannot and will not shell out $1000 to $5000 for a camera body then $500 – $3000 for the variety of lens to make that body worth the cost. I have found the Kodak cameras to fill my need quite well..take GREAT photos, with a few minor inconviences,…to share with family and friends and enter in the county fair. Sure, I would love to sell my shots…along with a million or so other photographers. In general,…’it ain’t gonna happen’…I found my P850 a terrific camera..only drawback was 5mp..when cropping it just did not get the job done..so, I moved up to the Z980..in the 5 days I have used it, I cannot complain…that lenscap thing, I think, is by design. So far, for the $$$ spent..which was less than I paid for my P850…I think I got a heck of a deal ! Why Kodak is selling this camera for such a good price is strange…what is gonna happen? I hope nothing…I like it, so far..am learning from the website Owners Manual daily.
lets see some photos from others who have put this camera through its paces.
happy shooting! K
I’ve enjoyed my point and shoot Kodak but, I’m ready to move up. I was just about to purchase a Z1015 when I discovered the Z980. Besides the obvious stronger lens how do these two compare?
JR
A few minutes ago, I added 2 shots which I took in my basement…no light other than a 40w bulb about 10′ behind me in nightscape mode…one is w/no flash and the other is in Smart Capture w/flash ..
I forgot to say..I uploaded them to my Picassa link which is on one of my other posts to this forum
Right now one of the best prices on it i can find is qvc. Now i know there will be shipping charges. I see no coupons at kodak .com
For a well rounded in depth review of any of the most popular cameras including the Kodak Z980 go to the “Steve’s Digicams” website. I think most people would benefit greatly by reading his reviews before buying a camera. As far as the Kodak Z980, he gives it a very good review. You won’t be sorry for using his site and will be quite pleased with his professional approach to testing and reporting on various cameras.
thanks Karen … Steve’s site is excellent and I agree, anyone considering the Z980/present owners should visit the site.
Is it true there is no way to attach filters or additional lenses to the Z980? I was sure this would be my next camera, but without a filter to protect the lens, or my dearly beloved macro lens, I’m not sure.
I currenty have a Kodak P712 and love it. I shopped for six months before I found a camera with all the features I wanted (I bought a car in only two weeks) so my priorities are obvious.
For my P850, I purchased the Kodak lens adapter and attached a 2x extender and, in addition my
set of closeup lens from my 35mm days. With awesome results. I checked to see if this 53mm adapter would screw in the Z980..it appears/feels like there are no threads there or it might be 54mm…hmmm!
There might be a chance that Kodak will offer an adapter after the initial sales period of this camera..or you might be able to purchase an aftermarket adapter which fits on the outside of the barrel of the lens.. I remember, when I bought the P850 I had to wait several months before the tube was offered on their site.
However…the Z980 has, what I hear, an awsome Macro and Macro+ .. neither of which have I had time to try. This morning, I will venture to my garden and shoot some of my flowers and post them to my link…with description and distance, etc. Checkout Steve’s DigiCams for an excellent
review and photos of the Z980.
So far, I really like this camera and have no complaints.
happy shooting ! K
I couldn’t decide which of 4 “Z” series cameras to get…leaning towards the Z980 so I started independent reviews & found this site… then called Kodak back… right now thru 6/21, this $399 camera is on sale for $339 PLUS you get a 4mb mem card and free shipping… I have a Z740 for 7 yrs (5mp 10zoom) which I loved but it’s worn out (yes they wear out… the actuation has a life.. mine is at 65,500 clicks!). My old Z740 cost $350 at the time.. with technology getting better & cheaper, I can now get “3 times the camera” for the same amount of money. The only bummer is that thru Kodak you only get 1 yr warranty as compared to buying it from a retailer which might be able to sell you an extended contract WHICH by the way is worth it on things that are supposed to last at least 5 yrs, IMO. I’m going to buy it.
GREAT price…I hope that sd card is 4gig not 4mb !
What a deal thru Kodak ! I got the same price thru
TriSate.
For warranties: go to squaretrade.com, they offer you extended warranties, no matter which retailer you bought from.. they also cover drops and spills!!! i have a 3year old and that is the best offer ever! check it out..
this is not a fair nor acurate review, full of bias language and subjective point of view, i own this camera and i absolutely loved it~! there are better andfar more in-depth review on the internet.
Please give us some internet sites for better reviews of this camera.
Yesterday, I returned from a trip to the Southwest.
I put the Z980 through a rigorous workout. To say it performed well is a understatement ! I shot people, using the portrait mode and sports mode..Landscape mode, day and night phase..PASM and Automatic mode, and others. I learned so much about this camera and feel very comfortable with it now. The issues which some folks seem to have, I did not. The lens cap was not an issue..it stayed on in my camera bag and did not come off randomly…the battery/sd card compartment worked well, even though it is a little tight..I would rather have it tight than loose. I am going to put on a wider neck strap of which I have one on my 35mm (which is not in use) I bought an extra set of rechargeable betteries (Duracell 1599 NiMH 2650 mAh) at BestBuy $14 on sale…those along with another set I already had served me well. I used my flash, as well as review and on and off alot…and all worked extremely well.
In landscape mode, I would not recomment zooming all the way in on extremely distant objects…this is a great camera but not a miracle worker. As with any distant scene, like mountains, you deal with atmospheric conditions…haze, etc., which the camera picks up on…one is better off to slightly zoom in, then use your computer or camera software to crop/zoom and edit.
I used my tripod several times in the over 500 shots I took.
I had no issues with the review screen…I, generally, use the view finder in bright light anyway..throwback to 35mm days !
I would like to see Kodak come out with a remote shutter release for this camera. That would be a nice addition.
All in all, I would recommend this camera to anyone who is looking for a complete camera.
I will post some shots my link later.
i realy appreciate looking at all of your cmments on cameras i am old have had the xpensive ones with all there lenss etc but now i want very light with good results and high pix and big zoom i have used and abused a kodak z650 for the last 6 yrs dropped it stuck the lens ring on threw away the cap fantastic results and its only 350 gms to hang around your neck if the z980 is as good and i bet it is i want to up grade asap tell todays best price
Thia seems to be a good and fair review of the Z980.
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3989&review=kodak+easyshare+z980
I apologize for not posting any new photos to my link yet…busy & ill…not a good combo. Purchase this camera with confidence and ENJOY !
I see it at Costco for 300.00 now… thinking about it that is why I am reading these reviews..
I’m ordering mine from Costco too and here is the reason why!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/martiger/3624888771/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/martiger/3624607348/in/photostream/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/martiger/3623782293/in/photostream/
the comments on this site are very helpful as I consider purchasing this camera from Costco for $299. Seems like a great price for an excellent camera…not wanting the expense of a DSLR but want to upgrade from my older Kodak point and shoot. Question: I want to take portraits where the subject is sharp in focus and the background is out of focus. Will this camera allow me to do that? Would that be in a manual setting and does this camera have that feature? How do I achieve that effect? How does this camera perform indoors? thanks so much!
Leslie,
The short answer is ‘yes’ but it requires some work as with any P&S camera. On a P&S camera, to achieve to narrowest Depth of Field (DOF) you should get as close as you can to the subject and have the largest zoom you can have both at the same time all while using the largest aperature (smallest f-number). Please review :
http://www.dpreview.com/learn/?/Glossary/Optical/Depth_of_Field_01.htm
thanks for the link…this is helpful.
This camera performs, in manual mode, perfectly.
I would add to Steve’ remarks..if you are an OLD 35mm photo enthusiast…that will help. Those of us who started out with a, strictly, manual camera can relate easily to what Steve suggested. If not, do not give up..practice makes perfect..to use an old/overused phrase. The nice thiing about digital is .. you are not wasting film/processing $$ on your experimenting…just a little time. I took many indoor photos while on a recent trip..albeit I was not trying to achieve the results you are looking for…this camera does respond to indoor conditions well…just remember all those setting you have available and use them.
good luck !
note: I posted 3 recent photos to FLICKR..if you use the links above..look for mine..submitted by KJAMS..I will upload a few more when I have time.
thanks Kay. Your photos on FLICKR are awesome, especially loved the dragonfly! wow! I used to use a manual Nikon way back when and took some photography classes while I was in art school at RISD ages ago, so Steve’s remarks and link re: depth of field make sense. It’s been awhile, so I need to practice. I decided to go ahead and order it tonight. $299 price at Costco just can’t be beat. With so many choices out there, I get overwhelmed, but price is a big consideration right now for me, so I think I will be getting alot for the $$. Can’t wait to try it out. thanks again
You are will enjoy this camera…I still cannot believe Kodak is marketing this camera at such a reasonable price…I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop !! Like a new model coming out in the fall with a different sensor or remote capabilities, etc. Regardless, I am so happy with this camera….and if my P850 had been 12mp, I would still be using it ! … actually, I am using it…it takes great photos and I let my grandkids use it and my new camera on my recent trip. They are 11yrs and younger and all are educated in the proper handling of a camera and love shooting as much as I do. My first camera was a vintage Argus my folks had..I shot slides with that camera for years. My first, purchased, 35mm was a Pentax Me-Super .. I learned so much from that camera…which is in perfect working order, still…Next was a Pentax M-7..needed an AF camera when the grandkids came along !!
I feel so fortunate to have grown up with vintage equipment. Many people who are entering the world of photography, with digital, are not exploring all the tools at their disposal, with these cameras…PASM teaches a person so much about photography. Do not be reluctant to use all the manual modes at your disposal..’it ain’t like you are wasting film’ .. ‘delete those trial n error shots ‘ til you get ‘em right !!!’
happy shooting !!
Thanks for all of the comments! In the original review which I agree seemed very biased against superzoom prosumer cameras to begin with John Biggs mentioned something about a “false” lcd viewfinder. As an old photographer and one who is always struggling to see the shot I’m about to take in the large screen in daylight, I almost always prefer to use the electronic viewfinder. Did anyone else notice the “false” comment and could you comment on the quality of the image in the viewfinder. Thanks
I agree with you, Dave,…the lcd is fine under certain conditions and I know it can be adjusted…but, in true daylight I revert back to the viewfinder…it is quicker and I have no problem using it … I suppose it is throwback to having used a viewfinder for so many years. Regarding
Mr. Biggs review..I, totally, discounted the negatives after reading many of the followups..and now that I have the camera in hand, I suppose that Mr. Biggs just did not want to
give up his DSLR identity. For me…I could care less if I ever have a DSLR now !
I just bought this camera… can someone please tell me what setting I need it to be on when I go to a concert? I have tickets to two concerts, I have read the manual, but I’m still sceptical! I know very little about cameras. Please help!
regarding your concert visit…first make sure you can bring you camera in…I went to a Miami Heat game a couple of years ago with my P850..and almost had it confiscated because it was so close to a ‘pro’ camera … the usher told me not to shoot with the flash if I used it. As far as setting go…move your dial to SCN and use Stage or Museum setting … in addition…if you are at an outdoor concert, you might try Landscape if in daylight…or night Landscape, depending on the light available…in Landscape all of your subject matter will be in focus…you, also, have high ISO as an option when shooting in low light conditions…but a high ISO can give you grainy results. Good luck ! just don’t lose your ‘new toy’ to the security/ushers !
It is a real shame that you can’t use cameras at concerts anymore. When I was growing up in the 70’s and 80’s, we could but I no freaking idea why you can’t now but many people sneak them in because they are getting smaller and smaller.
Good luck with you concert pictures. I am sure they will turn out nice using this fine camera.
Can anyone comment on video quality? The one posted to the review in this link
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3989&review=kodak+easyshare+z980
looks pretty jumpy, but I can’t tell if it’s the recording itself or limitations with playback over the web. Do you find that you use it as a video camera, too?
Thanks,
-Steve
hi Steve…when on my recent trip…I shot video at my Grandsons birthday party…I am pleased with the results…I have shot video with my P850 which does not offer the high resolution which the Z980 offers…I think you will be happy with the results..do use the highest resolution. Remember the size of your SD card will dictate the length of the video you shoot. In my case…I used mine, with a 4GB card for about 5-10 minutes both times and had no problems and that was with about 100 or so still shots on the card as well.
With a lot of shots still on my camera, it shows that I can shoot 29 minutes of video as 1280×720… I cannot complain !
In addition..take into consideration how experienced the photographer was in taking video…as you may know…a steady hand and correct technique plays a huge role in successfully shooting video.
kay, thanks for sharing so much knowledge! So helpful! I’m patiently waiting for mine to arrive. As for the battery issue, do you recommend a set or two of rechargables? I’m so used to my Lithium rechargable battery on my old Kodak…
regarding the rechargeables…the camera comes with 4 Kodak pre-charged batteries…not necessary to put them on a charger to get going..a neat idea. I, always, have a backup battery…even with my p850 which had the square lithium battery. I had an extra set of AA rechargeables…then, had the chance to get a set of Duracell AA rechargeables 2650mAh(on sale)…which is an excellent battery…the higher mAh translates to a better/longer lasting battery. I learned, a long time ago,..one cannot have too many charged, ready to go batteries.
have FUN ! you are gonna love this camera ! K
Are you sure they are not 2450 mAh? These are all I can fine. I’ll be getting my Z980 tomorrow and plan to get an extra set of batteries.
if you Google the Duracell battery it will appear on several sites…before I recommend this battery, other than by its name…I want to make sure it lives up to the Duracell name/reputation.