It has a CCD sensor, not the better technology of a CMOS sensor found in current cameras. The CCD produces a substantially longer shutter lag (time lapse between button press and time for camera to complete photo) than the CMOS. This will result in blurry and lost shots if there's any movement in subject or camera. Buyer beware!

AmericanDad wrote:It has a CCD sensor, not the better technology of a CMOS sensor found in current cameras. The CCD produces a substantially longer shutter lag (time lapse between button press and time for camera to complete photo) than the CMOS. This will result in blurry and lost shots if there's any movement in subject or camera. Buyer beware!

That's why I think the Z990 (in addition to 1080P and viewfinder) is a better deal, at the same price, even if it is refurbed and only 12MP.

http://bensoutlet.com/products/kodak-easyshare-max-12mp-digital-camera-w-slash-30x

To bad kodak is dying.

uninvitedsaint wrote:WHY NO VIEWFINDER?! I would do it in a second if it did.

I have both z5120 and z990 w/view finder. I thought it would be good to have a view finder but have come to the conclusion after using both, It is no big deal. The other big difference in the 2 cams is one has a CCD chip and the other has a CMOS.

AmericanDad wrote:It has a CCD sensor, not the better technology of a CMOS sensor found in current cameras. The CCD produces a substantially longer shutter lag (time lapse between button press and time for camera to complete photo) than the CMOS. This will result in blurry and lost shots if there's any movement in subject or camera. Buyer beware!

Please define "better". Do you mean for longer battery life? Yes, I would agree. Certainly doesn't mean better image quality as most higher end professional cameras use CCD image sensors, and CMOS is mostly used in consumer products. Blurred images are a result of too slow a shutter speed resulting from not enough light for the given sensor. You cannot make a blanket statement that all CCD sensors have inferior light sensitivity to a CMOS sensor.

gak0090 wrote:That's why I think the Z990 (in addition to 1080P and viewfinder) is a better deal, at the same price, even if it is refurbed and only 12MP.

http://bensoutlet.com/products/kodak-easyshare-max-12mp-digital-camera-w-slash-30x

I have not found this to be a problem with my z5120. I used it for a newspaper shoot taking over 800 shots and I don't remember any being blurred. Of course, the shoot was outside on a bright day.

Last time I spent a solid hour reading these comments before giving in and buying the camera. It was the best dang thing I did.

I'm no photographer, so because of this purchase I taught myself the three very basics: Aperture, f.stop, and ISO. With the knowledge of how those work and handy Program and Manual modes, I was able to get nice clear shots indoors. (which on automatic Does. Not. happen)

The time from clicking the button to picture being taken is quick- near instant if you half press to focus. The zoom is the best. Check out this picture I took myself the first night I got it and barely knew what I was doing:



To me, that instantly made this worth it.

Videos are clear and HD, zoomed in pictures are sharp as long as you keep the camera steady. The batteries it comes with are not going to last you long, but I'm on lithium batteries and they've taken me through a lot. I like that all I have to do is throw two batteries in my bag and be off with it, no needing to have a special battery charger.

There is no strap which can be annoying. For the money I'd say it's an awesome deal for the newbs who are willing to research photography at the most basic level. Go for it!

sunaness wrote:Last time I spent a solid hour reading these comments before giving in and buying the camera. It was the best dang thing I did.

I'm no photographer, so because of this purchase I taught myself the three very basics: Aperture, f.stop, and ISO. With the knowledge of how those work and handy Program and Manual modes, I was able to get nice clear shots indoors. (which on automatic Does. Not. happen)

The time from clicking the button to picture being taken is quick- near instant if you half press to focus. The zoom is the best. Check out this picture I took myself the first night I got it and barely knew what I was doing:



To me, that instantly made this worth it.

Videos are clear and HD, zoomed in pictures are sharp as long as you keep the camera steady. The batteries it comes with are not going to last you long, but I'm on lithium batteries and they've taken me through a lot. I like that all I have to do is throw two batteries in my bag and be off with it, no needing to have a special battery charger.

There is no strap which can be annoying. For the money I'd say it's an awesome deal for the newbs who are willing to research photography at the most basic level. Go for it!

Beautiful shot.

Anyone else having issues with the site today? I have been trying to order and never got the website to show confirmation. Now, it shows I have bought three of these (only wanted one), and all three show I am on the waiting list. I requested cancellation of the first two orders. Will those get cancelled and will I actually get the third order that I didn't cancel?

What does on the waitlist mean? It shows an order #, does that mean I have orderd the product or do I need to cancel that order & redo it? The site was having problems when i was trying to order.

Thanks!

Ringo4422 wrote:You know, you just convinced me to buy another one, and this is $100 less thanks I paid before. It will be my spare, that's how much I like it.

Well, I bought the blue one. I think I broke Woot when I purchased it. I wasn't sure if I got it until it came back on line. I'm still wondering. What does being on the wait list mean?

That is EXACTLY what happened to me when trying to order. Now I am in a panic that they are going to charge me for 3.

pbowman823 wrote:Anyone else having issues with the site today? I have been trying to order and never got the website to show confirmation. Now, it shows I have bought three of these (only wanted one), and all three show I am on the waiting list. I requested cancellation of the first two orders. Will those get cancelled and will I actually get the third order that I didn't cancel?

Ringo4422 wrote:Please define "better". Do you mean for longer battery life? Yes, I would agree. Certainly doesn't mean better image quality as most higher end professional cameras use CCD image sensors, and CMOS is mostly used in consumer products. Blurred images are a result of too slow a shutter speed resulting from not enough light for the given sensor. You cannot make a blanket statement that all CCD sensors have inferior light sensitivity to a CMOS sensor.

CCD (charge couples device) sensors take longer to process an image (turn light information into electrical data that the camera can interpret) and thus produce a substantially longer shutter lag compared to CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)sensors. You can Google the difference to understand what I'm saying. Also, as you indicated, the CMOS sensor is more forgiving on battery life than the CCD sensor. That is why this camera is cheaper, because it is based on older technology.

I'm not saying it's a bad camera for the money, it just has some drawbacks.

AmericanDad wrote:CCD (charge couples device) sensors take longer to process an image (turn light information into electrical data that the camera can interpret) and thus produce a substantially longer shutter lag compared to CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor)sensors. You can Google the difference to understand what I'm saying. Also, as you indicated, the CMOS sensor is more forgiving on battery life than the CCD sensor. That is why this camera is cheaper, because it is based on older technology.

I'm not saying it's a bad camera for the money, it just has some drawbacks.

Yes, but CMOS sensors are inherantly noisier. Like everything, everyone has their preferences. Sort of like saying digital audio sounds better than analog... which it doesn't. :-)

I am in the market for a camera that takes good photos and video at concerts. Will this one suffice? I have a dinky little Canon that I use now, but when I zoom the video, it gets blurry and looks like crap.

Looking for a good "zoomer" that takes good video in dark settings. I just want to get some decent concert footage.

Comments/thoughts? Thanks in advance!

t1turner wrote:I have both z5120 and z990 w/view finder. I thought it would be good to have a view finder but have come to the conclusion after using both, It is no big deal. The other big difference in the 2 cams is one has a CCD chip and the other has a CMOS.

I rarely use it, except outside on sunny days- I have a sony DSC-HX100. I love the camera, but it cost me like $420. The Kodak Z990 is a great deal for $140. It's a nice combination of a superzoom + good HD video all in one package. Besides that the z990 also has great reviews around the web.

johndsotm wrote:I am in the market for a camera that takes good photos and video at concerts. Will this one suffice? I have a dinky little Canon that I use now, but when I zoom the video, it gets blurry and looks like crap.

Looking for a good "zoomer" that takes good video in dark settings. I just want to get some decent concert footage.

Comments/thoughts? Thanks in advance!

I think you will be thrilled with it. It will just take a little patience holding your breath with the camera to your face while holding the focus /shutter button. You'll get some great shots especially if the stage is well lighted. Just be sure to disable the flash.

sunaness wrote:Last time I spent a solid hour reading these comments before giving in and buying the camera. It was the best dang thing I did.

I'm no photographer, so because of this purchase I taught myself the three very basics: Aperture, f.stop, and ISO. With the knowledge of how those work and handy Program and Manual modes, I was able to get nice clear shots indoors. (which on automatic Does. Not. happen)

The time from clicking the button to picture being taken is quick- near instant if you half press to focus. The zoom is the best. Check out this picture I took myself the first night I got it and barely knew what I was doing:



To me, that instantly made this worth it.

Videos are clear and HD, zoomed in pictures are sharp as long as you keep the camera steady. The batteries it comes with are not going to last you long, but I'm on lithium batteries and they've taken me through a lot. I like that all I have to do is throw two batteries in my bag and be off with it, no needing to have a special battery charger.

There is no strap which can be annoying. For the money I'd say it's an awesome deal for the newbs who are willing to research photography at the most basic level. Go for it!

Very nice photo and a good review.Think maybe you sold a few.

maui wrote:Bought this one from Woot back in April (for 10 bucks more, I think) and I have been absolutely delighted with it. Great auto functions, definition and -- a REALLY pleasant surprise -- steadiness. The rule of thumb when I was a somewhat serious 35mm shooter was to use a tripod whenever the shot required a shutter speed of 1/30 or longer. This one I can get near crystal clarity at speeds as slow as 1/8. Long battery life, handy regime for downloading or "sharing." For any purpose that requires more than your phone can deliver, this one is the ticket. I can't imagine getting better results for anything near this price point. And the low price is the answer to anybody who is worried about continued customer support from Kodak. Come on, you're dropping about a buck fifty including shipping. When it craps out, I'll be very sad, but I won't be out a car payment or so, which is about what it would cost to get another name brand that would deliver similar results. On the fence? Buy it.

Thanks for the great review. I want to get 1, I spent alot of money on the Woot off with 8 items, several were in multiples. I need to crunch some #'s before the 1 st of the month and make sure I can swing this. If I can, I'm in for 1.

Thanks again for the excellent review!

Ringo4422 wrote:Yes, but CMOS sensors are inherantly noisier. Like everything, everyone has their preferences. Sort of like saying digital audio sounds better than analog... which it doesn't. :-)

I agree and disagree with your statements. I agree that it is preference based and one technology may have advantages over the other depending on application. Saying CMOS is noisier may have been accurate in the past, but the newer CMOS does not have this inherent "noise" issue, and the newer CCD have become better at energy efficiency. It still remains that the better digital cameras use CMOS technology, especially since backside illumination has evolved.

http://www.eetimes.com/electronics-news/4236103/Report--CMOS-in--CCD-out-of-image-focus

Agreed, great moon pic! I'm not a professional photographer here & got this a few months ago, (paid 10 more) NOT at all dissapointed! Fantastic pics & very idiout friendly camera, no regrets & very happy..Oh yea it did NOT come with a strap but no big deal I went to B Buys & picked one up for 15...

gak0090 wrote:That's why I think the Z990 (in addition to 1080P and viewfinder) is a better deal, at the same price, even if it is refurbed and only 12MP.

http://bensoutlet.com/products/kodak-easyshare-max-12mp-digital-camera-w-slash-30x

I've owned both cameras and the z990 is vastly superior to this camera. The z990 can still be found NIB on eBay and will set you back about $140-$150 for buying new there - beleive it or not, MANY Office Depot stores in medium sized metro areas still may have a z990 (you'll have to call and ask) and they will sell it to you for $125 plus tax. The white box refurb cameras that Ben's is selling are mostly all deactivated retail stock . . . I bought two z990's there after buying one new at Office Depot the last time this camera was for sale. There is no way that the cameras Ben's is blowing out have ever seen a consumer's hand (IMO).

The z990 is incredible.

This camera will leave you wanting.

Is any one having their credit card declined. My bank says Woot is declining.

megev wrote:That thread *might* be where staff know to go look and "every bit of" feedback submitted through the feedback button *might* be read, but staff will show no sign of it to the users. Sure, there are a few things that have been tweaked a bit, but (as of the last time I looked) there hadn't been A SINGLE written response in any thread or sent out to any user in response to all the "feedback."

So from the point of view of another somewhat frustrated user, I can understand the desire to post a "feedback" comment anywhere one might think it could possibly be seen. Also, feedback and/or criticisms might be *about* the site, but not directed at the staff to read. Someone might feel the urge to express their thoughts or point of view for other users to see and where they know other users are CURRENTLY reading comment.

BTW- it's actions and responses like the one pointed out here that are making your loyal users become less loyal.

Yep. This place is rapidly becoming 'just another retail site'. It's losing it's 'zip'. When it was a renegade, it was great, but now it's a part of the establishment.

AmericanDad wrote:It has a CCD sensor, not the better technology of a CMOS sensor found in current cameras. The CCD produces a substantially longer shutter lag (time lapse between button press and time for camera to complete photo) than the CMOS. This will result in blurry and lost shots if there's any movement in subject or camera. Buyer beware!

You are confusing a LOT of things with this post. Shutter lag (which may or may not be the result of the sensor, BTW) has nothing to do with "blurry" shots. Blurry shots are the function of a slow shutter speed (due to a small aperture) or out of focus shots (due to slow or poor responding AF). CMOS sensors are cheaper to produce and have improved in quality in recent years. CCDs use more power. But virtually all of the mash-up you wrote is in error.

insignis wrote:

I get away from pictures of fences by setting camera on "landscape". See if that helps.

berrybuzz, in M and P modes I see focus options of Center, Face Priority, and Multi-Zone. You can half depress the button to focus on one object, point at something closer/farther away, and snap the pic, but I don't see a manual override. This caused me some trouble at the zoo, where I took a lot of pictures of fences.

berrybuzz wrote:Here's what I mean at least:

Let's say there are two objects, one in the foreground, one in the background. I'm trying to take a picture of the background object and want the camera to focus there.

Every single freaking time across 10+ digital cameras (mine or borrowed from family members & friends), after I've gotten the focus on the background object, when I take the picture, the camera refocuses on the foreground image.

Also, I'll have what looks like a good shot, in focus. Once again that auto focus kicks on when I push the shutter button and unfocuses my picture, leaving it blurry.

This frustrated me so much, I went back to film cameras. Though I am looking for a camera I can manually focus. I was pretty sure I just needed to shell out for a SLR, but if a more affordable option arose I'd take it.

You need a DSLR, one with a real optical finder, not electronic. But be aware they do not put in focusing aids like they did in non-AF 35mm SLRs. Still, a lot easier to use than trying to focus something else.

someone please tell me what it means to be "on the waiting list" for this camera????? I ordered one for me this morning, and got another for my friend - but it is on the waiting list. I can't change that status?
so I ordered another one thinking I could remove the other one and now I have 3 ordered! crap. help

Seems like a good deal, any way I could get a rechargable battery instead of Alkalines?

consumer reports always has Kodak cameras at the very tail end of quality.
I'm not certain about this one, but I wouldn't risk it.

Kodak is always the very TAIL of quality according to consumer reports magazine. I would not risk it.

Colin6726508 wrote:Sanyo Eneloop AA rechargeable batteries (Amazon.com, ThomasDistributing.com) are top rated and have served me well.

I agree. Although they list 2100 milliamperes/hr on them, they outlast all others I've tried. And their simple charger is a "smart" charger and does a good job on other brands and varying milliamperes, AA as well as AAA.

jaybeesmith wrote:Kodak is always the very TAIL of quality according to consumer reports magazine. I would not risk it.

Consumer Reports also once listed an East German EXA camera as a "best buy."

I have an Kodak 5350 (16 MP $64!) that takes some of the best shots I've ever seen. But, over the years, Kodak has had an uneven record of hits and misses.

muditkumar wrote:Seems like a good deal, any way I could get a rechargable battery instead of Alkalines?

There are several brands of niMH rechargeable AA cells that will do the job. I always keep 2 sets so one can charge while I am using the other set. My preference is for the 15 minute rechargeables. I know somebody out there is going to say that they won't last as long as the slow charge ones, but I'd rather have the ability to have a set available and fully charged in 15 minutes.
My preference is Rayovac IC3 AA cells. I have 16 of them from 3 years ago and all still work like new. Also they run the camera at least 5x longer than alkalines.

jaybeesmith wrote:Kodak is always the very TAIL of quality according to consumer reports magazine. I would not risk it.

I wouldn't trust Consumer Reports as far as I could throw it. The most reliable car I ever owned and held up appearance wise was described by CR as not reliable and body integrety poor. It was completely opposite! In fact, years later was deemed as one of the most reliable vehicles made in the US. Guess what, ever hear of a police cruiser?

gusvonpooch wrote:Very nice photo and a good review.Think maybe you sold a few.

You definitely got me to buy one on the sole basis of this picture!! Woot needs to pay you a commission!!

I'm having same troubles with website, I've ordered one, but it says your on the waiting list. I didn't go ahead and order another camera, but I'm Worried I won't get one now. Any woot customer services help out there? I've even paid for 1 day shipping

berrybuzz wrote:Anyone know if you can turn off the autofocus? I have horrible luck with them!

The extended user manual is at the link below. It indicates ranges of AF that might be helpful. But, since there is no manual focus, it seems it would always be auto focus.
http://resources.kodak.com/support/pdf/en/manuals/urg01327/Z5120_xUG_GLB_en.pdf

rharris329 wrote:I'm having same troubles with website, I've ordered one, but it says your on the waiting list. I didn't go ahead and order another camera, but I'm Worried I won't get one now. Any woot customer services help out there? I've even paid for 1 day shipping

If you are concerned about the status of your order, please mail service@woot.com (We moderators have no access to your info!)