Overall, as one of the smallest cameras with a 12X optical zoom, the Kodak Easyshare Z712 IS does not perform so badly. Image quality is decent for small prints or web-use and the camera shows good handling. On the other hand, most cameras in its class perform better in terms of image quality and battery-life, plus they all have a custom white-balance to boot.

 

While the Z712 could be recommended as a money saver, there are many superior and relatively light ultra-zoom cameras like the Canon Powershot S5 IS or the Sony Cybershot DSC-H9 and its sibling the H7. There are also a few truly compact ultra-zoom cameras with stabilized 10X optical zoom lenses around. Specifically, the Canon Powershot SX100 IS performs quite a bit better than the Kodak Z712, features custom white-balance, exposure lock and superior battery life.