Simplify your laptop buyingKodak EasyShare Z650
Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Co. Part number: 8152571
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Accessories
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- This budget superzoom's price will garner interest, but the Kodak EasyShare Z650's performance and image quality will ward off enthusiasts.
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Where to buy
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| Amazon.com Marketplace |  | In stock | Enter zip code to get total price: Price +Tax +Shipping =Total price | as of 12/02/2009 |
CNET editors' review
Kodak EasyShare Z650 price range: $799.95
- Reviewed by: Philip Ryan
- Reviewed on: 07/05/2006
- Released on: 01/17/2006
The good: Full manual exposure controls; 10X optical zoom.
The bad: No image stabilization; noticeable fringing and artifacts; ISO 800 not available at full resolution; no manual white balance or focus; choppy video.
The bottom line: This budget superzoom's price will garner interest, but the Kodak EasyShare Z650's performance and image quality will ward off enthusiasts.
One-handed shooting is definitely possible with the prominent, rubber-accented right-hand grip, though we found that our pinkie fingers were left dangling uncomfortably. A rubber ring on the lens barrel provides a perfect left-hand grip, which should help when shooting at longer focal lengths. Dedicated buttons for flash, macro/landscape mode, and drive mode sit atop the grip, along with the shutter button and on/off switch.
All other controls, including the mode dial, are on the camera's back. A small five-way joystick in the middle of the mode dial lets you navigate and select from the easy to navigate menu system. Depending on the mode you choose, the joystick also lets you change camera settings on the LCD, including shutter speed, aperture, exposure compensation, and ISO. Strangely, program, aperture- and shutter-priority, and manual modes all occupy one spot on the mode dial and can be selected using the LCD in the same manner as the aforementioned settings.
Metering options include multipattern, center weighted, and spot, and they can be tweaked with as much as plus or minus 2EV exposure compensation. Focus can be set to multizone, center-spot, or full auto, but manual focus is not available. As with most of the cameras in Kodak's Z series, sensitivity ranges from ISO 80 to ISO 400, with a boost mode that gives you ISO 800 at a reduced resolution of 1.7 megapixels.
Video lovers should note that this camera's video-capture mode can serve up only 11fps at 640x480 pixels, or 20fps at 320x240 pixels. Either way, that's well short of the 30fps of regular TV, making for choppy video if you choose to use that feature.
With the exception of shutter lag, the Kodak EasyShare Z650 was slow in our lab tests. It took 3.6 seconds to start up and capture its first image and 3.6 seconds between images thereafter without flash. With flash, it took 3.9 seconds between shots. Shutter lag measured 0.4 second on our high-contrast test pattern and 1.0 second on the low-contrast pattern. The camera fared slightly better on continuous shooting, capturing VGA-size images at 5fps, slowing to 2.5fps when capturing 6.1-megapixel images.
Auto white balance yielded a slightly warm image with the tungsten lights in our test lab. While the tungsten preset turned in more neutral results, they look just slightly cool. Either setting should work though, with auto preserving that touch of warmth that some people prefer for indoor shots. In general, colors looked natural, and exposures were typically accurate, though very bright whites tend to become blown out.
Noise fared slightly worse. At ISO 80, noise was minimal, with just a few speckles showing up, mostly in darker colors, and it remained well under control at ISO 100. By ISO 200, noise was obviously noticeable, and at ISO 400, it grew to the point of obscuring finer details and gave images an overall softer look. Images we shot at ISO 400 were usable as 4x6 prints but likely wouldn't be pleasing at larger sizes.
Casual snapshooters who need a long zoom lens might be happy with the Kodak EasyShare Z650, though if you plan on shooting in lower light, you'll likely want to look for a camera that has less noise at higher ISO, such as Canon's PowerShot S3IS, or at least step up to a Kodak with image stabilization, such as the EasyShare Z612.
User reviews
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Great Camera for the Casual User
by colclayton on May 15, 2006
Pros: Lightweight, versatile, easy to use.
Cons: Battery charger did not come with the camera. It has to be purchased separately. I had a problem installing the EasyShare software - basically, I can't.
Summary: The Kodak Z650 camera has great characteristics for the casual shooter. It has several pre-set automatic functions as well as a fully manual option. The zoom is excellent and very ...
Summary: The Kodak Z650 camera has great characteristics for the casual shooter. It has several pre-set automatic functions as well as a fully manual option. The zoom is excellent and very smooth. Resolution is great, and it doesn't use a lot of memory space - approximately 2.5MB for a 6.1 Megapixel shot. The flash is effective, expecially for front lighting nighttime pictures. One problem: I was unable to install the software even after several emails to the tech staff - it requires small fonts and neither my laptop or PC have the option in XP. I got around this with a USB reader for my 512MB SD card - by saving all pictures to the SD card and transferring them through the USB port. Then I use regular photo software to process the pictures.
8 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great Camera w\ Man. Features for price
by Craskill on September 30, 2006
Pros: Great MP rating, Very sharp prints, on-camera cropping, a lot of in cam. extras, LENSES!!!
Cons: Bad button placement, no image Stabaliztion, no flash adaptibility
Summary: The lack of image stablization does not bother me. The battery life is very good ( lasted a 3 hr party taking 80-90 pictures with flash, and still had enough for ...
Summary: The lack of image stablization does not bother me. The battery life is very good ( lasted a 3 hr party taking 80-90 pictures with flash, and still had enough for moderate use the next day). I love the available lenses, but they are a little pricey. 10X zoom is very impressive and auto focus works well.
Bad button placement means you may find yourself re-adjusting settings/ retaking pictures.4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great, basic, high resolution digital camera.
by 22post on April 5, 2006
Pros: Fits well in the hands, super fine resolution, easy to use.
Cons: Lens cover cheesy and cheap, zoom button somewhat clumsy.
Summary: Even in my fairly large hands, this camera fits well and feels surprisingly sturdy. Perhaps it is due to my large hands, but the zoom button on the back of ...
Summary: Even in my fairly large hands, this camera fits well and feels surprisingly sturdy. Perhaps it is due to my large hands, but the zoom button on the back of the camera is a bit smallish and difficult to work deftly. All of the other functions and buttons are easy to understand and use. The camera comes with a batter pack that can be charged in the camera, but a seperate 3 volt charger must be purchased seperately. The overall look is of a shrunken down SLR camera. Picture quality is excellent and the 6.1 pixel count makes for very sharp rich pictures. That is the best feature of the camera, the picture quality. For those who don't know, the pixel size makes for clearer, sharper pictures the larger the picture is blown up without distortion. kodak claims a 20X30 inch maximum picture size without pixel deviation, but I cannot comment on this as I have not doen this as of yet. After conducting two weeks of research I decided on the Kodak and I do not think I will be sorry. If that changes I will be sure to update this post.
4 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great camera for this price range
by gambrinus97223 on June 27, 2006
Pros: Clear images, 10x zoom
Cons: slow image capture, expensive batteries
Summary: This was my first "good" digital camera and I was looking for a point and shoot with a manual setting. The Z650 fit the bill very well. My other choice ...
Summary: This was my first "good" digital camera and I was looking for a point and shoot with a manual setting. The Z650 fit the bill very well. My other choice was the Canon A620 but I decided to go with the megazoom of the Kodak instead of the compact size of the Canon.
Photos are clear and of excellent quality. A photo of a friend holding a letter at low zoom was clear enough that I could zoom in on the photo and read the letter easily.
Two negatives are the shutter speed and the flash.
The shutter/image capture is slow and there is a delay between pressing the shutter button and the photo being taken that you need to track moving objects if you don't want the object to move out of the image before the image is taken.
This camera also like to use the flash a lot. The flash always pops up when the camera is turned on, and the auto setting seems to like to use the flash even in bright settings.
Positives are the range of easily selectable features and shooting modes. On screen help makes using the menu system easy.
For cameras in this price range you can't have everything. While the shutter is slow, you get a 6 megapixel camera with 10x zoom. In my case the zoom was the deciding factor and I can live with any percieved minuses.3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A lot of strengths
by craigmcb on November 30, 2006
Pros: Good zoom, easy operation
Cons: picture quality in low light
Summary: Here are some positive points on this camera for the casual user:
It's easy to use.
The display on the back is big and easy to see.
Optical zoom ...Summary: Here are some positive points on this camera for the casual user:
It's easy to use.
The display on the back is big and easy to see.
Optical zoom is 10x - better than most.
Battery life is good. Suggest you add the optional battery charger and rechargables.
...But you can use AA batteries in a pinch.
Internal memory allows operation even without an SD card.
Many picture modes, plus option to go full manual.
Records "video" with sound.
6.1 Megapixels with 10x optical zoom at a real decent price.
Negatives:
You can use the zoom. And you can take pictures in low light with the built in flash. But you can't do both and get good results. It's difficult to get high quality photos in low light in some situations.2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Works good for me
by KsPlainsman on November 20, 2006
Pros: Size, 10x Optical zoom, 6+ megpix, good grip
Cons: No image stabilization
Summary: I thought the lack of image stabilization would be bad, but so far, it hasn't caused any problems. Those pictures where I thought it might be a problem - ...
Summary: I thought the lack of image stabilization would be bad, but so far, it hasn't caused any problems. Those pictures where I thought it might be a problem - high shutter speed and NO problem. I've been very pleased with the ease of shooting, picture quality, capacity (1Gb chip = 500+ 6 Megpix pictures). Unless you're a LOT pickier than I am and almost a pro, this little camera should do a very nice job for you.
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great colors, superb photos, wide angle rulez!
by moise99 on September 9, 2006
Pros: Great quality for price
Cons: No digital stabilizer
Summary: Excellent quality for the price and you have the possibility to add a wide angle lens!! For approx 750$ CAD you get a complete kit : camera, wide angle lens, 4 ...
Summary: Excellent quality for the price and you have the possibility to add a wide angle lens!! For approx 750$ CAD you get a complete kit : camera, wide angle lens, 4 AA batteries + universal charger and carrying bag. No need to use Kodak easyshare software, that's great!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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A lot of camera for a low price.
by gerrydee on January 3, 2007
Pros: 10X Zoom, Evf+2" Lcd, AA batteries, great performance
Cons: No stabilization
Summary: I researched a lot of cameras before coming to this one. Everywhere I went, the reviews were 8-10 stars from the owners.
The experts were not as approving. I think ...Summary: I researched a lot of cameras before coming to this one. Everywhere I went, the reviews were 8-10 stars from the owners.
The experts were not as approving. I think they are gurus who expect this low cost gem to compare to a Canon IS at $800.00.
The pictures are sharp and the color is perfect. Indoors the flash is super. The AE assist lamp is a plus! I have not had one redeye in over 150 shots including dogs which tend to glare even with most other cameras with redeye removal.
It is one of the easiest cameras I ever used. In order to get a clear shot at top zoom (50X), just set the shutter speed at 100 or higher if you shake a lot. But I have taken some outdoor shots at that zoom with just the regular Auto setting and they came out very clear.
I wear polarized glasses and the LCD is almost black outside as with any LCD on any camera I tried, so I can use the EVF and see the shot clear as a bell. I just love all the information displayed right on the screen!
I highly recommend this camera and I'm certain you won't be disappointed either.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pretty Awesome
by jj1973 on November 7, 2006
Pros: Awesome photo quality, Great zoom, small camera, easy to use, great features.
Cons: Bad battery life,
Summary: Excellent camera. I have been nothing but satisfied with it. Many people complain about image stabilization with this camera, but honestly, unless you know how to use the features on ...
Summary: Excellent camera. I have been nothing but satisfied with it. Many people complain about image stabilization with this camera, but honestly, unless you know how to use the features on it, you can use settings that can give it stable non blurry images.
Updated
Whoever did the review on this camera must not know cameras very well. I have this camera, and it has been an excellent camera and takes excellent quality pictures. I am sure this moron does not know how to use the features the camera offers and would not know how to take a decent picture if his life depended on it. Before you knock the camera, USE ALL OF THE FEATURES FIRST. Otherwise, shut your piehole!!! I had nothing but compliments on my photos from this camera, people thinking I was a professional photographer. Whoever wrote this review, does not know cameras and the customer review rating proves that.1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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GREAT CAMERA
by ckl94 on August 24, 2009
Pros: i love this camera, i have had it for about a year now and it still works great. it takes good pictures and videos if you know what setting to put it on for what you want it to do.
Cons: i don't like the size of the camera. it's too bulky sometimes but i guess thats the price to pay for a good camera.
Summary: excellent camera!!
Summary: excellent camera!!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Co.
- Part number: 8152571
- Description: Intense zoom. Incredible simplicity. PRODUCT FEATURES: 6.1 MP for prints up to 20 × 30 in. (50 × 75 cm); 10X SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON Optical Zoom Lens; 2.0 in. (5.0 cm) indoor/outdoor color display; Picture enhancing features; KODAK Color Science Chip; Auto options and manual modes.
General
- Product Type Digital camera
- Point-and-shoot highlights Video capture ability adds convenience for the user.
- Width 3.9 in
- Depth 2.9 in
- Height 3.1 in
- Weight 0.7 lbs
Main Features
- Resolution 6.1 megapixels
- Color Support Color
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Total Pixels 6,360,000 pixels
- Effective Sensor Resolution 6,100,000 pixels
- Light Sensitivity ISO 80, ISO 100, ISO 200, ISO 400, ISO 800, ISO auto (80-160)
- Digital Zoom 5 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Snow, Text, Beach, Flower, Museum, Children, Close-up, Document, Fireworks, Landscape, Back light, Manor shot, Night mode, Sports mode, Party/indoor, Self-portrait, Night portrait, Night landscape
- Special Effects Sepia, Black & White
- Max Shutter Speed 1/1700 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 8 sec
- Exposure Metering Spot, Multi-segment, Center-weighted
- Exposure Modes Manual, Program, Automatic, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority
- Exposure Compensation ±2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- White Balance Presets, Automatic
- White Balance Presets Shade, Daylight, Fluorescent, Tungsten light
- Digital Video Format QuickTime (MPEG-4)
- Still Image Format JPEG
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture QuickTime (MPEG-4) - 640 x 480 - 107 sec - With 32MB built-in memory, QuickTime (MPEG-4) - 320 x 240 - 203 sec - With 32MB built-in memory
Memory / Storage
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
- Integrated Memory 32 MB
- Floppy Drive None
- Image Storage JPEG 2832 x 2128 : 14 - With 32MB built-in memory, JPEG 2832 x 1888 : 16 - With 32MB built-in memory, JPEG 2304 x 1728 : 21 - With 32MB built-in memory, JPEG 2048 x 1536 : 27 - With 32MB built-in memory, JPEG 1496 x 1122 : 46 - With 32MB built-in memory
Camera Flash
- Camera Flash Pop-up flash
- Flash Modes Auto mode, Fill-in mode, Flash OFF mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective Flash Range 2 ft - 16 ft
- Features AF illuminator
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - F/2.8-3.7
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 38 - 380 mm
- Focus Adjustment Manual, Automatic
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Min Focus Range 23.6 in
- Macro Focus Range 0.12-2.1m
- Lens Aperture F/2.8-3.7
- Optical Zoom 10 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Lens Manufacturer Schneider-Kreuznach
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 2 sec, 10 sec
- Additional Features Direct print, Audio recording, Auto power save, Date/time stamp, Cropping an image, Histogram display, PictBridge support, USB 2.0 compatibility, In-camera red-eye removal, Camera orientation detection
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type Electronic
- Viewfinder Color Support Color
- Viewfinder Diagonal Size 0.2 in
- Viewfinder Resolution 201,000 pixels
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 2 in - Color
- Display Form Factor Built-in
- Display Format 110,000 pixels
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Microphone
- Type Microphone - Built-in
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB, 1 x Docking station, 1 x DC power input
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Software
- Software Kodak EasyShare, Drivers & Utilities
System Requirements for PC Connection
- Operating System Support MS Windows 98, MS Windows ME, MS Windows XP, MS Windows 2000, MS Windows 98 SE, Apple Mac OS X 10.3 or later, Apple Mac OS X 10.2.3 - 10.2.8
- Peripheral Devices USB port, CD-ROM drive, SVGA monitor
- System Requirements Details Windows 98/98SE/2000/ME - 64 MB - 200 MB, Windows XP - 128 MB - 200 MB, MacOS X 10.x - PowerPC G3 - 200 MB - 200 MB
Miscellaneous
- Carrying Case None
- Included Accessories Lens cap, Lens adapter, Carrying strap, Docking station insert
- Cables Included USB cable, A/V cable
Power
- Power Device None
Battery
- Supported Battery AA, CR-V3
- Supported Battery 1 x CR-V3 Lithium battery, 2 x AA
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - 1 year
CNET Labs' Benchmarks
- Labs information All values are expressed in seconds. Please visit our labs information page for information on how digital cameras are tested.
- CNET Labs Flash shot to shot time 3.9
- CNET Labs Shot to shot time typical 3.6
- CNET Labs Shutter lag bright 0.4
- CNET Labs Shutter lag dim 1.0
- CNET Labs Typical burst speed 2.5
- CNET Labs Wake up time 3.6
Accessories
Manufacturer info
- Eastman Kodak Co.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Eastman Kodak Co. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.kodak.com/
- Address:
343 State St.
Rochester, NY 14650 - Phone: 800/521-0788
