Kodak EasyShare Z1285

“You press the button, we do the rest” – Kodak’s ethos since its inception and still prevalent in its contemporary technology. One such shining example is the HD-capable, 12.1-megapixel Z1285

Launched at the turn of the year with its equally HD-capable sibling, the 10MP Z1085 IS, the Z1285 introduced HD stills and video functionality (viewable with the optional HDTV dock connecting to HDTV) to the brand’s Z series of camera.

So where to start, with what appears, on first impressions, to be the same as every other compact product on the market? Well, first off, this is no regular point and shoot, its incorporated manual functionality means it’s dual purpose; its Auto modes provide for newbies, whereas its Manual modes come into play when the user is ready to move their photography skills up a gear. In Auto mode the camera judged scenes accurately and thus set options accordingly. There were few to no problems with exposure, white balance, speed, ISO or metering calculations, however there were some issues with focusing in Macro mode, but nothing too frustrating. On the whole the unit’s Scene modes excelled, correctly reading and adjusting true to the brand’s ethos. The Z1285 features a bounty of 16 scene modes, an ample selection, and, as well as the usual suspects (Portrait, Sports, Landscape etc), we particularly like the inclusion of Panning (great for capturing movement) and Panorama Stitch. Some critics urge that this feature is simply a dispensable gimmick, but the potential for stunning vistas or creative compositions is in fact a valuable asset to the compact. Those familiar with the Kodak brand will appreciate that the capture process for this is unchanged and it is as simple as ever to align the trilogy of shots.

When users are beginning to tire of the point-and-shoot restrictions, the Manual and Program modes are a welcomed addition. Users simply set the dial to P/M, and, at the bottom of the LCD, a row of manual options are highlighted. The first job is to choose between Manual and Program, followed by Aperture, Shutter Speed, Exposure Compensation, ISO and Focus (Auto, Manual, Macro or Landscape). Other options are programmable through the menu, but we congratulate Kodak on bringing sensibility and ease to the proceedings by providing these common options on the screen. Another handy asset is the onscreen grid, which can add users to execute the rule of thirds or qualify compositions. This feature can also be removed for the solo approach.

Design-wise this is no slim kitty, rather a large and well-fed Bagpuss. Cumbersome, squat and heavy are all adjectives one could associate with the Z-series model, but only in comparison with modern day feats of compact engineering. It is by no means more voluminous than the film compacts of yesteryear (pre-2002), and is probably big-boned rather than obese, as it houses the solid 5x zoom Schneider-Kreuznach lens. For its calibre, and consequent price point, the 35-175mm lens with a maximum aperture of f2.8 (wide-angle) and f5.1 (telephoto) is a considerable plus point here, offering a great deal of scope for enthusiasts. Unfortunately, the zoom is considerably noisy and the unit lacks the optical stabilisation and full-res High ISO achievable on its launch counterpart, the Z1085 IS – here, captures at ISO 3200 are reduced to 3.1MP. But, on the positive side, this gadget shoots images as low as ISO 64 and offers digital image stabilisation, so for well-lit environments, the Z1285 is a definite contender. On the back of the body sits an average 2.5-inch screen, which omits standard 115,000 dots. Viewing angles are satisfactory, although glare is prevalent in very bright conditions, but no more so than witnessed on other brands. Let us not also forget that the compact is stacked with a 12.1-megapixel sensor, perhaps more than necessary for the fair-weather enthusiast, so we welcome the healthy volume of alternatives available: 10.7, 9, 6, 3.1, 2.2, 2.1 and 1.2.

In terms of picture quality, the results are fantastic, especially when we consider the shooter’s price tag. Colour rendition is spot-on and detail excellent. As mentioned it struggles at high ISO, especially without the safety net of optical stabilisation, showing medium levels of noise, and at full zoom there are concerns with aberrations. However, for everyday situations, especially those in good light, the camera excels above and beyond expectations, with no evidence of exposure problems to boot. What is more, in Auto mode newbies have all the hard work done for them, with brilliant results in the bag.

The Playback menu opens another door of creativity for the consumer; once an image is shot, users can access the menu to find the brand’s Perfect Touch Technology. Here the camera presents a revamped edited image next to the original; the user has the option of saving the new image as well the original. Other edit controls include Crop, Record a Sound Tag and Rotate. In Review mode, the camera offers information onscreen, detailing date, size, colour treatment, lens info, ISO, shutter speed, metering, white balance and a useful, albeit tiny, histogram. Mistakes do happen, that’s why we are particular fond of the device’s Delete Safely feature, which allows users to undo the deleting of the most recently binned file.

Some people love it, some people hate it, but it has to be classed as an inconvenience, or, in the very least, an added expense. Powered by AA batteries, some users may be deterred, but actually we found the compact was able to deliver similar rounds as that of its lithium-ion-using peers. Elsewhere, the internal memory offered a standard of under 60MB, equating to roughly 15 shots at 12MP, or an ample 91 takes at 1.2MP.

There is just so much to get excited about here; if users can get past its chunky appearance, the Z1285 offers the whole nine yards and the ability to have fun doing it.

Final Verdict Added manual operability is the biggest sell of the compact here, and its ease of control and performance justify the appeal. An exceptional point and shoot. OVERALL

Backed with a journalism degree, Natalie has worked in the magazine industry for over five years. Since joining DP she has reviewed a plethora of cameras, gadgets and accessories, and is never afraid of telling it like it is.