Digital cameras forum: Hi all, new here. Thoughts on Kodak Easyshare z812 IS?

The Z812 has only been available for a few weeks.

Much too early for a review.
A review can not even start until the reviewer get a production model.

I could not find any sample photos.

I notice that Amazon.com has them in stock.
You may find a few owner reviews there.

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I too am very interested in this camera as an HD camcorder alternative.

For a sub-$300 to do 720p video would be awesome! I don't expect it to be on par with the $1000+ HD camcorders out there, but common, I don't have that much mullah--I can pick this puppy up for like $250 this Christmas!

So I need some reviews of the movie mode. If this movie mode is good, Kodak could really put some pressure on the camcorder market.

The Kodak Z812 IS has and engineering or technical problem of over modulation, distortion, and lack of AGC Automatic Gain Control limiting loud or live music, or stereo playing in the background during recording still image add on sound or during HD or Video recording. My $30 audio cassette recorder has better AGC and sound recording level control that this Kodak model. The sound recording level cannot be adjusted, and any other than a normal soft speaking voice behind the camera results in unusable, distorted, over modulated audio not fit for consumer use.

Kodak customer service, technical support, says its normal to have distortion with live music, when a lesser canon still digital camera records audio and maintains AGC audio just fine in the same environment. My cassette and MP3 voice recorder do a better job at recording audio than this Kodak model Z812 IS does.

I have sent sample audio and video files to Kodak and they have not responded as to replacement, repair, or 30 day money back guarantee. I have challenged them, and they have charged me for two of the same models pending receipt and evaluation.

Still, Video, and optical performance and features of this Z812 IS the best I have seen, and one of the first with HD Video and Stills in the HD wide screen 16 x 9 format. Optical Image stabilization works excellent, and the optical zoom is awesome.

G Bart
Sacramento, CA

I am now sending back my second z8612 is to Kodak for "repair" under warranty. It has the exact same problem that you are describing for the Z812. Have you had any success getting a refund for the camera or a replacement model that DOESN'T have sound issues? Should i even bother sending this one in? Will they ever offer a refund or other offer? I really love the way the camera performs otherwise, it just makes me ill to have to get rid of it. Any advice?
Thanks a lot!
-Amy Liebl