Kodak Z981 26X Optical Zoom Test

Update 06-2011: Correct procedure to have your zoom stay in focus:
1. Before recording, zoom in all the way.
2.Make sure the camera is focused on your target.
3. Then zoom back outout and start recording.
4. When you zoom in, it should still in focus.

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This camera can be irritating at times, but I'm happy with its performance on a recent trip. I was able to take nice, hi-res photos plus have the capability to shoot "decent" 720p HD home videos. The built-in stabilization works, but don't expect miracles.

[samilinno]

@MadLab92
Unfortunately, the Z981 does have a loud noise when you zoom in and out, and the noise can get recorded in your videos. I don't think there's a Pause button while recording a video. Thanks,

[samilinno]

It's a great camera for the price alone.
A few positives- powered by AA batteries, built-in video stabilization, long zoom range, noisy zoom, etc. A few negatives- slow to focus at times, the flash seems underpowered, videos seem a bit dark, no video settings, etc.

[MadLab]

Does the kodak Z981 creates irritating noise while zooming in/out while recording ?
Is there a function to "pause" while recording a video ?

[samilinno]

I keep looking at new cameras, but i think the price of the Kodak Z981 still makes it a decent choice. When you zoom in and out, yeah you do hear the lens mechanism and the sound does get recorded along with your video. BTW, I think Canon or Nikon now has a new camera that has 36X Optical zoom!

[samilinno]

@samilinno oops... I made a mistake. The noisy zoom is not a positive feature of this camera.

[kazarian]

@KiddiMpulseee I'll give you a few Reason why you should get the Z981
Z981 has
Shoots RAW
Better image stabilization
Longer exposures
Significantly more zoom
Wider aperture
And Better macro capability.
I made a Review about the Z981 Check it out.