New Camera Kodak Z981
Dec 7, 2010 0:14:14 GMT -5
Post by boarhog on Dec 7, 2010 0:14:14 GMT -5
Well I finally bought a new camera. Thanks to all on this board who passed along advice, and especially thanks to Ozark who kindly sent sample pictures along with his recommendations. I ended up buying a Kodak Z981, 14 MP, with a 26X optical zoom. I wanted at least 15X zoom, and had narrowed the possibilities to 3 or 4 brands/models. All of which were priced @ roughly $350.00. A bit more than I had available in my Rat Hole jar. My decision was made for me when I received emails from WalMart, and the Kodak Store, that showed a $100.00 discount off of an already discounted Z981. The final cost would be $199.00 plus tax from WalMart with free freight to home address, or plus shipping from Kodak. I opted for Wally World due to their easier return policy. Guess time will tell as to how well it will hold up.
Anyway, last weekend was my first try with the new toy. So far, I am very pleased with the zoom pictures I've taken. The following are a few examples.
A not too bad sunset.
The un-zoomed view up the Big Powerline. The poles closest to the stand are 35 yards away. Please note the next set of poles that lasered 254 yards from the stand.
The 254 yard poles @ 26X zoom.
And finally, a shot of 3 deer at a little over 300 yards. One of these is a little nubbin head buck we've been watching. He is definitely full of beans, and generally making life miserable for Momma, and anything else in sight. Bucking and raring, head butting and play fighting, or just running in circles! I wish I'd had the camera a weekend earlier when he was putting on a real show at less than 100 yards. This camera is supposed to take video, if I can ever learn to use it.
Boarhog
Anyway, last weekend was my first try with the new toy. So far, I am very pleased with the zoom pictures I've taken. The following are a few examples.
A not too bad sunset.
The un-zoomed view up the Big Powerline. The poles closest to the stand are 35 yards away. Please note the next set of poles that lasered 254 yards from the stand.
The 254 yard poles @ 26X zoom.
And finally, a shot of 3 deer at a little over 300 yards. One of these is a little nubbin head buck we've been watching. He is definitely full of beans, and generally making life miserable for Momma, and anything else in sight. Bucking and raring, head butting and play fighting, or just running in circles! I wish I'd had the camera a weekend earlier when he was putting on a real show at less than 100 yards. This camera is supposed to take video, if I can ever learn to use it.
Boarhog
You don't know how close I came to ordering that same camera last week. I saw Wal-Mart had it on sale also. I have the Kodak P721 now (but its out for repair - Best $49 I spent on a repair contract for five years!) (This is the second time I am having it repaired - Not complaining as I use the heck out of it. I love the camera but am still waiting to get it back) The reason I did not take advantage of the sale is the fact that a number of other places on line have it for the same price or even $10 cheaper..........so I figured I would just wait a while. My camera has 8 meg. pix. and 12X optical zoom. Does most of what I need but figured I would get a new one and keep the other for a spare, for my spare ;D. I feel lost without my P-721 and my still buy the one you have. Actually I am on my third digital camera and they all have been Kodak. Did you get the warranty plan?. I happen to know the outfit who does the warranty work up in NJ. I used to take our Police camera's to their shop for repairs...........A real heads up outfit: Mack Camera!