Kodak Z612, P850, or the Canon s2 is??

Question

Now i already have the z740 and the series 3 dock which makes me a little partial to the Kodak, the problem is i have children, and the 740 takes a while to focus, and i sometimes miss the picutre. I've played with the p850 and i love the fact that i can purchase an additional flash with it which would come in great for school plays and such. But the 612 seems a little more pratical. and i'm wondering if with the image stabelization i would be able to turn off the flash and get good pictures. I'm just so confused. The reason i threw the canon up there is everyone is telling me thats the way i want to go. Someone please help me!!

Answer 1

I had the P850 and S2 IS on my short list. I ended up with the Sony H1.

. Faster performance than than P850
. Bigger screen than S2 IS

I am very happy with the H1. Excellent results except in very low light situations.

Autofocus time is usually very fast, except in low light. I don't think any of them are great when light is low; they use contrast to detect distance. The Auto Focus Assist lamp helps, but annoys the kids. Manual focus with a lens ring (like on a d-SLR) is probably faster in low light. (The Panasonic FZ30 has a focus ring like the d-slr's, but it is larger than the S2 IS or P850.)

One option is to get a camera that allows manual focus, then set it at infinity before you photograph the kids. Then most shots will be in focus.

The long zoom is definitely an advantage for getting kids' school plays and sports. Image stabilization is mandatory though.

I have seen estimates that I.S. allows for 2 additional f-stops without flash. But that may not be enough for school plays unless the stage is well lit.

The Canon's always get the best professional reviews, but they are very picky on small details. Thousands of "everyday" people get very satisfactory pictures from the other brands. Of course, most cameras have things about them that not everyone will like. For example the Canon S2 IS has a 1.8 inch lcd screen that was just too small for me. Even the pro reviews complained about it! Canon increased the size to 2 in. on the 2006 S3 IS (still smaller than Kodak or Sony)

I am not familiar with the Z612, and am curious about why it is more practical.

The S2 IS, P850 and Sony H1 are 2005 models, so prices are down between $300 and $350.

Answer 2

I would recommend the Canon. 3 reasons.

1. Service or repair can be found locally in every major major cities I've been to or worked in. You have kids, S**T happens!

2. Mechanical and electronic reliability. Canon is more conservative on specs and performance and build more robust mechanical systems. Canon pioneered lens based Image Stabilization. I have use the S1 and S2 and both work much better than other systems that I have tested. Read a few reviews. Canon uses CMOS sensors while Kodak uses CCD's. I've had to have my Kodak CCD's replaced in both Kodak's that I have owned. I have not had a single problem with a Canon camera that I did not cause (water, dropping, falling objects).

3. Canon Glass. Canon makes it's own glass for its lenses. Most others do not. Kodak use to make their own glass. They have contracted out alot of their lenses.

Answer 3

Canon, i understand they're extra intense priced yet its nicely worth it. besides I easily have kinda classed Kodak as a decrease mid variety sort and the canon as a good high quality sort. There are alot of issues that make the canon more advantageous small issues eg.efficient reveal and straightforward menus etc... So if ya favor my advice bypass for the canon... You wont be apologetic about it.

Answer 4

Get the canon. thats the one im getting. it has 12x zoom which is great and image stableizer that helps reduce blurry images and what i love about it is that it has movie snap you can take pics while filming video. i think kodaks cameras are very basic and easy to use i prefer canon they do a good job but for printing pics kodak is the best quality