I have owned 4 Kodak digital cameras, the last 3 being the DX7590, the P850 and now the P712, which I have owned for a month. The camera has a long zoom (12x), which is the same as the P850, so my filters, adapter, external flash and lenses fit both cameras. The P850 and the P712 both have a hot shoe and I had the Kodak P20 flash, which works seamlessly with both cameras. The only quibble I had with the P850 was that it took a couple of seconds between shots and was a little slow from the time you push the shutter to when the picture is taken. I have found the times for both on the P712 to be improved. The resolution of the P712 also is 7 megapixels, versus the 5 megapixels for the P850. The higher resolution helps if you want to enlarge pictures such as 8x10 or larger.
Kodak cameras are know to be easy to use and the P712 lives up to this, just run it on Auto. The camera also has several scene modes, which preset the camera for special situations such as sunset, snow, beach, sports, portraits, candlelight, fireworks, etc. The P712 also has a panorama mode, which enables you to stitch 2 or 3 pictures taken into one wide picture. I have used several of the scene modes and they work well. the panorama mode works well also, after taking one picture, the camera will show part of the previous picture so that you can line up the 2nd or 3rd pictures.
Although the camera works as a point and shoot, it's also a camera with room to grow. It includes Program, shutter priority, aperture priority and full manual modes, as well as 3 modes that you can customize for unique situations. Flash and exposure compensation, flash settings, white balance and other settings are easily accessed and used.
The hot shoe is great to use with an external flash. I have used the P20 flash for weddings and large group events and the flash has worked well at lengths up to 30', such as my daughter's concert. Most digital cameras don't have a hot shoe unless they're more expensive than the $398 I paid. The camera also has image stabilization, which helps when you're using the zoom extended out. Without image stabilization, cameras pick up the small shaking of your hands and pictures come out blurred unless you use a tripod. You do need to use a tripod if you're taking a picture in a low light situation without flash; this is normal even in film photography due to the lens having to stay open longer.
What's included: the camera, lens cap, neck strap, EasyShare Software, a rechargeable battery and charger, a USB cord, a cord to connect the camera to a TV or computer (I've used this to view pictures over friends' TV) owner's manual and the insert to use with Kodak docks and printers.
Transferring pictures to your computer is easy: you can connect the camera with the included USB cord, use a secure digital card and remove the card and use a card reader, or purchase one of Kodak's printer or camera docks. I have the Kodak Easy Share printer dock plus and have found it easy to print 4x6" prints, transfer pictures and charge the camera's battery simply by placing the camera on the dock and pushing a button.
The bottom line: The camera is easy to use, takes great pictures, allows for creativity and has room to grow. If you're looking for more than just a simple point and shoot, or are looking to make the switch from film photography and enjoy photography, try the P712.
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