Kodak z740

[Dizholic]

First off let me start by saying Thank You so much for starting this board. I have the Canon A70, and although it takes great day pictures, it stinks at everything else. I was just at WDW last week, and I was able to take some decent pictures of IllumiNations, but I must have shot about 20, and deleted most of them. At MNSSHP my camera was useless for Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, and I didn't even try to take Happy HalloWishes. I have also tried to take a picture of the Castle at MK at night on several occasions, and it never came out. So I am looking to upgrade, and from my research so far it looks like one of the things I need is a decent optical zoom. I have been shopping around, and this Kodak Z740 keeps showing up all over. So I need an opinion from the experts. All I want is to take some decent night shots. Please tell me what you think. :earsgirl:

[ndelaware]

The experts are here : http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/kodakz740/
And here: http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/z740.html

BTW, my sister has the Kodak Z7590 and loves it.

[Kelly Grannell]

I have the Canon A70, I was able to take some decent pictures of IllumiNations, but I must have shot about 20, and deleted most of them. At MNSSHP my camera was useless for Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade, and I didn't even try to take Happy HalloWishes. I have also tried to take a picture of the Castle at MK at night on several occasions, and it never came out.

So I am looking to upgrade, and from my research so far it looks like one of the things I need is a decent optical zoom. I have been shopping around, and this Kodak Z740 keeps showing up all over. So I need an opinion from the experts. All I want is to take some decent night shots. Please tell me what you think. :earsgirl:

It's the camera technique that you need to upgrade, not the camera. You need either tripod or really steady hands for Illuminations, castle pics at night etc.

For any type of night-time parade, you'll need a camera with low-noise high-ISO capability such as Canon RebelXT (great up to ISO 1600), Fuji S9000 (great up to ISO 400) or Nikon D50 (great up to ISO 800).

Hope it helps.

[Kelly Grannell]

As an addition, the 740 'high' ISO setting only works okay up to ISO 200 (great only up to ISO 80, but then again any digicam usually great at that level of ISO, which is really low), at ISO 400 it's only somewhat useable.

Sharpness, the Canon beats Kodak hands down.

Colour saturation, if you prefer very saturated colours as opposed to muted albeit natural, then Kodak is the answer for you.

[goofy4tink]

I'm not sure how I did it, but I took some beautiful shots of IllumiNations from my balcony at BCV last June and then some great shots of the Wishes fireworks at MK later in the week. I have a very basic Koday Easyshare, no optical zoom. Might I just have turned off the flash both times and just gotten lucky?? Several photo types have asked how I managed such good shots with such a crappy camera!!! You know...I have liked the photos I have gotten using this camera, but miss the optical zoom and have issues with my memory card messages. So, I think I'll just upgrade within the Kodak line.

[Kelly Grannell]

You must have really steady hands. Congratulations!

[melagan]

i have the Kodak Easyshare CX7530 and love it. I have had more expensive kodak cameras but the pictures never came out right. My camera is just the right size for my hands and it it take beautiful pictures.

[Alicnwondrln]

i have opened it put in the batteries and stuff and now its charging
I wanted to set the date but hit the wrong button
how do i go back and reset it?
anyone know
i dont see anything in the book about it

thanks

[KinziePooh]

I have no idea how you can reset the date. Have you tried going to the menu?

I've been thinking of upgrading my camera (I want more optical zoom) and this is the one that I have been looking at. Anyway, I'd love to hear what you think of the camera once you get used to using it.

[Dznefreek]

If you do not have a menu go here:

Date and time setting (http://www.kodak.com/global/en/service/publications/urg00330toc.jhtml?chapsec=urg00330c1s5&pq-path=6629)

[aka-mad4themouse]

Dznefreek's link tells it all. I just wanted to say that I got the z740 in July and I am in love with it! That 10x optical zoom is absolutely awesome! And I like the fact that it doesn't go into digital zoom mode automatically. Personally, I hate digital zoom.

[HayGan]

I would love to hear any thoughts on this camera as I just got one off of Ebay for $200 shipped! I am so excited! I can't wait for it to get here!

I would love to know what size SD cards most people use with it. I have a spare 256 and I was going to pick a 512 up at Circuit City on Thanksgiving. Is that enough? Should I get a 1G card? I don't want to waste alot of battery deleting pics at WDW :teeth:

[mtblujeans]

I am looking at getting a new digital camera and I have found good prices on the Kodak Z740 and Kodak Z7590 right now. But, they seem so similiar, I am not sure which I would be happier with! Does anyone have any experience with either of these cameras they can share? TIA :goodvibes

[Nank]

I just purchased the Z730! It is all so confusing to me. My first digital. I hope I can figure it out!

[mtblujeans]

I know what you mean! I have a little HP that I am comfortable with but that one is pretty simple to operate. I think I have decided on the Z7590 as I like all the features but I see comments about the Cannon on this board, too, and I wonder if Kodak is the way to go? :confused3

[abitgoofynow]

I am looking at getting a new digital camera and I have found good prices on the Kodak Z740 and Kodak Z7590 right now. But, they seem so similiar, I am not sure which I would be happier with! Does anyone have any experience with either of these cameras they can share? TIA :goodvibes


Go for the Z740 better deal for the price

[minnieluvzmickey]

I am thinking of buying the Z740 also. What kind of price did you find on this camera? I found it for 299 and a $75 rebate at office depot. Did you find a better price than that?

[mtblujeans]

I found the Z740 in this week's Office Max ad. It is $299.99 with a free 512MB SD card. I hadn't looked at Office Depot!

[Princess Mckenna]

I bought the Z740 a few weeks ago, and I love it. It is my first digital camera so I am still practicing with it. The pictures I took so far are great. Mine came with the printer, 399 at best buy. The printer prints great, but it is more expensive per print then going to a developer to print. The camera is very user friendly. I researched for weeks trying to find the best camera for what I could afford, and I am very pleased.

I hope this helps!
Karen

[Aalore]

Does the Z740 take good indoor pictures? Anyone know?

[Princess Mckenna]

I took pictures at an indoor childrens birthday party and decorated the christmas tree and they came out great, real clear and the colors were great. I am leaving for WDW today so I hope to get some great pictures!!

[bullpup12564]

I got mine Z740 from Dell. My wife found a Dell coupon she was able to apply and a free shipping coupon so it came to 279 total with a docking station.

[ndelaware]

I bought the Z740 a few weeks ago, and I love it. It is my first digital camera so I am still practicing with it. The pictures I took so far are great. Mine came with the printer, 399 at best buy. The printer prints great, but it is more expensive per print then going to a developer to print. The camera is very user friendly. I researched for weeks trying to find the best camera for what I could afford, and I am very pleased.

I hope this helps!
Karen
Karen, see this: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=971447 It may save yo some money.

[mtblujeans]

I got mine Z740 from Dell. My wife found a Dell coupon she was able to apply and a free shipping coupon so it came to 279 total with a docking station.That's a good suggestion.....I am going to check Dell out! Thanks! :goodvibes

ETA: Dell does has the Z740 for $254.15 and the Z7590 for $296.65. Now off to find discount coupon codes....

[cobbler]

I currently have a Kodak CX6330. Its great and I have loved it for the last 2 years I have had it. I received the Z700 for Xmas. I like it, its better than what I currently have. Improved from 3.1mp to 4 and zoom from 3x to 5x and the scene settings.

Now my stepdad has a Z740 and I have played around with it for a while. It seems a little better yet 5mp and 10x zoom.

I am debating if I want to upgrade by exchanging my 700 to 740. There is one thing that I have found that I don't like about the 740. When looking through the viewfinder (not the LCD) its the electric one - fine - but it looks all grainy in the veiwfinder, the picture looks all orange (even though the final picture doesn't), and the words (when you switch settings and such) look all blurry through the viewfinder too.

This is one thing that truely gets on my nerves. I like the fact that the 700 doesn't have the EVF, but the traditional viewfinder that older cameras have.
Is there something going on with this that I don't know about? Someway to fix this where it looks more clear instead of so grainy and blurry?

So basically I want the 700 for the traditional view finder and I want the 740 for the fact it has the 10x zoom. Hubby asks me if I will really use the zoom all that much since I am only used to a 3x and going to a 5x would be an improvement.

I typically take family pictures, events and such and of course trips to Disney. What is everyone's expirence with the Zoom and does anyone have any suggestions, ideas, opinions and such? Kind of lost on which model to have.

[cobbler]

PS - Is there a traditional time where companies put out new models? Wondering if I should hold off a month and see what new may come out.

[BethanyF]

Im looking at both of these cameras...any experience? I am currently using a Kodak DX6490 and I love it, but I want to upgrade a bit.

I have lots of battery questions more than anything else

the rechargeable battery...will it recharge on the dock I have been using for the 6490?

AA's....on Kodak's site it says not to use alkaline batteries. How much more are the non-alkalines?

Im going to WDW in 2 weeks and have been known to shoot 150-200+ pics per day (I shoot at the best quality, but in the 2:3 ratio) How many batteries will I be going through? I have plenty of SD cards and a laptop, so Im not worried about storage.

Is the z650 worth the extra $$?

thanks a bunch for any advice :)

[Kelly Grannell]

Just use NiMH rechargeable batteries. They are relatively cheap (maybe about double the price of a Duracell) but you can re-charge it for at least 100 times and they actually last longer per charge than regular alkaline.

[BethanyF]

Just use NiMH rechargeable batteries. They are relatively cheap (maybe about double the price of a Duracell) but you can re-charge it for at least 100 times and they actually last longer per charge than regular alkaline.
Do I need a seperate charger for these? Or can I use the dock from my other camera?

[Kelly Grannell]

I honestly don't know. The best thing, however, to get a separate multi-channel charger (the tell-tale sign is: if it can charge 4 batteries, there will be 4 LED indicators, if it can charge 4 batteries but only with 2 LED indicators, that means it's a 2-channel charger -- most chargegrs are 2-channel)

[Keebles]

Do I need a seperate charger for these? Or can I use the dock from my other camera?

Hey Bethany...let me try to help you a little bit...
Your dock is not compatible with the newer models without an adapter (runs about $14 - but most newer models come with the dock as part of the package, so if you're a dock person, you might as well take the leap). I've got the 6440 right now (but planning on upgrading to a new one before the next trip) and we both operate off the same dock...the newer dock is the series 3.

I've never been a fan of the dock because I use the NiMH's and our current does not charge them. It will only charge the Kodak NiMH pack that came with the camera (or at least mine does). I've never been able to figure this out. It is so much easier for me to just carry the camera, the batteries and the folding NiMH charger I got at Radio Shack than that whole dock mess. And you can hook the camera up directly to the computer, so once again, dock not needed.

I shoot probably about the same amount of pics as you a day (maybe a little more) and with my old 6440 I only had to change the battery set once a day. But the newer ones eat the batteries much faster than ours because the MP's are higher and the zoom is higher so I'd plan on two changes per day (maybe even three to be safe).

You can either compare the specs on the two at the Kodak site or try www.steves-digicams.com or www.dpreview.com.

[Anewman]

If you have a Frys near you they always have deals on chargers and batteries.

Look at the one in the bottom left corner.

http://latimes.p2ionline.com/shoppingchannel/data/images/1469269_3473901.jpg

[BethanyF]

I dont think I have a Fry's near here, but at least looking at that I know the chargers arent terribly expensive.

As far as using the dock, the 6490 uses an LI-ion battery, so it was just easy for me to put the camera on the dock to charge. I never use the internal memory and have a card reader, so the dock has only been used for charging.

I never did get out today to buy a camera....Ill do it next weekend. Maybe someone will have a sale by then.

[DisneyGirl4188]

I received this camera for Christmas (I picked it out). I *thought* it had everything I wanted, but now I realize that I should have gotten a camera with anti-shake or image stabilization. Almost every picture I have taken ends up blurry, unless of course I use the action mode.

I have never had this problem before, so I am wondering if perhaps there is something wrong with my camera. One of my other cameras is a Canon A310. I took it to WDW last year and had no problem walking and taking a picture at the same time. The pictures were just fine. However, with this Kodak I have to be completely still and still the pictures are somewhat blurry.

I really wanted a camera with high zoom and not too much money. I spent under $300.00 for the Kodak. I really don't want to buy another camera (DH will kill me!)

Is anyone else having this problem with their Kodak???

[Kelly Grannell]

MAYBE, there is something wrong with the Kodak. MAYBE there is something wrong with the way you hold the camera (did you hold it with one arm, stretch out, while the other hand juggling three hackey sacks while you walking backwards?)

I guess it's far too late to return the camera? I want to suggest Canon S2 IS, but that means spending more money.

[Chickysmom]

If buying an SLR type camera, do the bodies have some type of IS in them...or is this something a special lens would take care of?

[Kelly Grannell]

it's the lens, not in the body

[jer1997]

I have that camera model and I love it. Do you hold the button down half way and wait for the green light before taking the picture? I use the auto mode most of the time and have been very happy with the results.

[Kelly Grannell]

For Canon, find lenses with IS (Image Stabilizer). For Nikon, find lenses with VR (Vibration Reduction)

[clori]

I did not have that problem with my kodak 6440 or my kodak p850 (which does have image stabilization). I would recommend asking for help at www.dpreview.com under the kodak forum.

[npealer]

I had the z740 and took it back. I know a lot of people do not like the Kodaks. I bought the P850 because it had the zoom and the image stabilizer. I would suggest taking it back if you can. I used the auto mode alot with that one. And if you don't max zoom it is ok. Otherwise you need a tripod or something to keep the camera still at 10x zoom.

[DisneyGirl4188]

I have spoke with Kodak and they seem to think it is a problem with the camera. I have no problem with my other digital cameras; heck, with my Canon I can walk and take a picture without the blurriness the Kodak has.

I have been looking at the Canon S2 IS. I am thinking of trying that one. I am going to have Kodak look at my camera and see if it is in fact a problem with the camera. If not, then I may end up getting the Canon S2 IS.

[Kelly Grannell]

or wait a bit for S3 IS with ISO 800 capability (easier for low-light picture taking)

[BabyFu18]

I've been trying to decide what camera to buy before I go to Disney and the Canon A620 and Kodak Z740 both look like good choices, the only thing I'm worried about is that neither has an anti-shake/stablizer. For anyone who has one of these cameras do you think it's fine with that? Or should I look into a camera with that feature?

Also, do the cameras us SD memory cards? I want to make sure I buy a camera that can use my Sandisk SD Ultra memory cards since I already have a few of them.

If you have either of this cameras, or know anything about them which would you suggest for someone who pretty much just wants the camera to take nice pictures on vacation and family/friend pictures for fun? I'm really not looking for the biggest and best camera out there, just something better than my 2MP one I have right now.

Thanks for any help!

[Laura]

I have an A620, and I think it's really great. It does take SD cards. I use it for what you stated--vacations and for fun. I'm not a serious photographer in any sense; I've only used simple point-and-shoot cameras. For me, I don't really see the need for image stabilizing, but everyone has a different preference. If you want that, a lot of people seem to like the Canon S2 IS and the newer S3 IS. They aren't terribly expensive, especially the S2 since the S3 has recently been released.

[Greg K.]

I have the A95, which was a predecessor of the 620, and while I do love it, and it takes excellent pictures, my one regret is that I didn't get a camera with IS. Sometimes, you just want to click off the flash and use available light for a more natural look.

If I were you, I'd seriously consider the S2 (the price keeps dropping, it's now hovering just over $300) or take a look at some of the smaller cameras by Casio or Panasonic/Lumix that come equipped with IS. For starters, check out the reviews at www.dpreview.com. Good luck!

[BabyFu18]

Thanks everyone, I've looked at the S2 IS and it looks really nice but really complicated and big (how big is it compared to the A620?), I'm worried about it being a little more than I'd like to carry around at Disney. I'm still going to go in store and look at the S2 IS so I can see a little more about it. Anyone else got an opinion about any of the cameras I've posted about? Thanks!

[Greg K.]

Here. This will give you an idea of the size.


http://i44.photobucket.com/albums/f46/gkandra/inhand1.jpg

FWIW: during my last trip to Disney, last summer, I saw a LOT of people with S2s. It's bigger than the 620 -- significantly -- but it's still smaller and more portable (and, I think, lighter) than a DSLR.

[ducklite]

There is just no comparision between a Canon and a Kodak. Buy the Canon.

Anne

[YEKCIM]

Have you considered the A700? It is 6MP, which should be plenty, and has a longer reach zoom (6X, 35-210 in 35mm terms) than the A620. Online pricing runs about $285 shipped; the S2-IS is going for about $330 shipped. Not sure how long you will be able to buy an S2-IS, though, as the S3 hit the market a couple weeks ago, so a new S2 will become hard to find, at some point. Personally, I'd go for the S2, due to stabilization and extended zoom range (36-432mm equivalent). It's worth the extra $45.

~YEKCIM

[Jeanne B]

I recently bought the A610 and I took it with us to WDW 2 weeks ago. It's a great travel camera due to the size but DH and I really missed having a stronger zoom (I also have a Kodak DX6490 with 10x zoom that I left at home). Other than that I LOVE the camera but I'll be adding either the S2 or the S3 to my collection soon for the zoom and IS (and getting rid of the Kodak per DH :teeth: ). If you really want zoom I would suggest the S2 or S3 otherwise I'm sure you would be VERY happy with the A620 and it's a little more pocketable than the S2. I chose the A610 over the A620 because the extra megapixels weren't important to me and it was quite a bit cheaper than the A620 - I also needed a camera that I could get a Canon underwater housing for and Canon doesn't make one for the S2. Definitely go into a brick & mortar store and handle the cameras you're considering - that can sometimes make the decision for you.

[ugadog99]

For my daughter's 16th birthday she will be getting a new digital. Currently she has a Kodak CX7300 and has done very well with it. She's ready to move up to something a little better now. I'm trying to decide between the Kodak Z740 and the Z650. Does anyone have any opinions of either of these and which might be better for her? Thanks!

[Kelly Grannell]

neither... they are Kodaks.

[ndelaware]

It looks like the Z650 is a better camera. If you look at this review of the Z650 it makes a few comparisons to the Z740. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/kodakz650/

BTW, you can save yourself almost $100 if you buy it online rather that at a store like Circuit City

[Kelly Grannell]

from Digital Camera HQ


Maybe I'm just being picky....

I bought this camera because it had good reviews, but after I got home and startedtaking pictures, I was not impressed. The auto focus is slow, especially when zooming in and out. And in my opinion a camera should take the picture as soon as you push the button, but this one has about a 1/2 second delay and by the time the camera takes the picture, the moment has passed—action pictures forget it. If I push the button the moment my daughter looks into the camera, the camera takes it after she's already looked away or blinks her eyes. I even used all the different settings to see if there was a difference, but I didn't notice any.

Another l little thing I don't like is that the lens cover comes off very easily, the slightest bump and it will fall off, plus it is a big lens, so it gets smudged quite easily by fingerprints or whatever—and then the smudges show on the pictures. So, you have to make sure the lens is wiped clean in order to get clear pictures.

Some good things that I do like about it is that it does take good pictures when the image is still and in focus and you happen to catch the right moment. It also feels comfortable in your hand. Other than that, I'm not impressed.

I'm taking it back to the store tomorrow.

and at the apparent $229 price, you can get a Canon A620 which will yield better result and faster AF with less shutter lag.

PS: the ISO 800 on the Kodaks are fake ISO 800, meaning it doesn't use the entire megapixel counts to get something at ISO 800, only a small portion of it so the max you'll be able to print is 4x6. Also remember that Kodak is a grainy/noisy camera starting at ISO 200.

[spaceacewannabe]

For my daughter's 16th birthday she will be getting a new digital. Currently she has a Kodak CX7300 and has done very well with it. She's ready to move up to something a little better now. I'm trying to decide between the Kodak Z740 and the Z650. Does anyone have any opinions of either of these and which might be better for her? Thanks!

I have a Z740 and rather like it for my purposes; it's got some nice features to play, and I consider it to be a lot of bang for the buck. It is on clearance at Target, btw, and they had been running an additional $15 off cameras (not sure if that's still current info :confused3 ).

[DisneyGirl4188]

Does anyone know where I can get a hand strap that will fit this camera?

[DisneyGirl4188]

I have a z740 and I really like it. The only thing I dislike is that it doesn't have image stability. I just received it for Christmas and the next camera I want to get is a dSLR.

That being said, I have been looking at getting a Canon IS S2. It (to me) is pretty much the same as my Kodak with the added benefit of IS.

Is there any reason I should get the Canon now (even though I am planning on getting a dSLR within a year?)

[caniswolfie]

I would say that if you are happy with your camera now and are planning to get that dSLR soon that I would wait until you get your dSLR and not buy now. Especially since all you really want is the IS.

I think the money spend on the new camera could be better spend on accessories for the dSLR (lenses and whatnot) so that you had some more versatility with it. Ultimately this is up to you, but you did say that you are happy with camera now and are definately buying a dSLR so this would be a "temporary" camera between now and then.

I don't know what dSLR you were thinking of getting but if you were getting one that does not have IS built into the body, you might want to save the money you would have spent on Canon S2 into buying an IS lens.

[DisneyGirl4188]

Thanks.

I am driving DH crazy because I keep buying cameras (I do use them all though). It just seems as though I am never completely satisfied.

I am undecided on the dSLR I want; thinking either a Canon Rebel or a Nikon. I am still researching.

I have a tripod and a monopod, but have never taken either to WDW. How bad is it to take either? I may just take it once to each park (for Wishes and Illuminations).

[caniswolfie]

I took a tripod with me to the park once or twice. For the most part we did it on days that we weren't going to go real crazy about running around. We also did on a night where we went to the parks, then came back to the hotel to drop some stuff, go to dinner, and then go back to the park with the tripod. It was a little unwieldy but it wasn't that bad for the couple of days we did it.

I've heard, but haven't tried that some tripods might fit in the lockers and you drop it in there in the morning and pick it up later when you need it. That definately depends on the size of your tripod/monopod.

I can understand the buying of cameras. I keep wanting to buy stuff for my Rebel xt, but I know if I did I would be getting into big trouble. :)

[ukcatfan]

I am undecided on the dSLR I want; thinking either a Canon Rebel or a Nikon. I am still researching.

Canon is supposed to be announcing new cameras this Thursday. All of the big manufacturers should be making new releases in the next couple of months because of the big Photokina (SP?) show in September.

Kevin

[Kelly Grannell]

don't buy S2 IS if you're buying a dSLR soon. You'll be wasting your money.

[Boss Hogg]

I guess it depends how soon you are planning on buying a dSLR. I used to have a Fuji Finepix 6900, which sort of the same type of camera as the S2, I think they are referred to as bridge cameras in some circles.

I always thought our Fuji took nice pics, but, when compared to what our 300d takes they are nowhere near as good. That having been said, the 300d is a lot more expensive and you have the lenses to deal with, so I guess it is horses for courses.

I guess it is also the case that you might use the S2 once you have an dSLR as it's smaller size may be beneficial in certain circumstances.

The question of wasting money is always a tricky thing in as much as things go down in value as soon as you buy them, everything from cameras to cars generally speaking.

So, I would say if you want to buy it get it especially if you feel it would help your picture taking. Also, are you able to do more things with it like changing aperture and shutter for example? If so, then this would be good to give you practice at what this does to the picture. Obviously, if your Kodak does this then ignore the last sentence;)

I was speaking to someone who is going to an event Thursday run by Canon to find out what they are launching towards xmas, so, I guess some of the current models may take a price dive some time very soon, so I would certainly wait and see what comes of that.

The camera itself seems to get some good wrods written about it, but assume you've read enough reviews already.

Not sure if I've made any sense or helped but my twopenneth!don't buy S2 IS if you're buying a dSLR soon. You'll be wasting your money.Kelly, do you mean because the OP will not use once she has bought a dSLR? Just wondered if you could clarify your remark?
Cheers.

[handicap18]

I would say the same as Kelly. Don't spend the money. That $350 you can spend on lenses. Lenses can be expensive, but that is where you really want to spend your money. You can spend thousands on a great dSLR camera body, but if you have crappy lenses, then you'll have crappy pictures. If you already have a good camera that your happy with and are going to upgrade to the dSLR relatively soon, then spend the money on lenses.

[pisco]

I would offer some slightly different advice here. If you are planning on buying a DSLR but want a new camera for now I would suggest thinking in terms of what would make a good back up to the DSLR. I have had my DSLR for a couple of years now and am very happy with it but there are times when it is impractial or just to much of a headache (or is that backache ;)) to lug all that equipment around. So I am looking for something smaller (hopefully pocket sized) to use on those occasions.

The kind of things you will not want to compromise once you get used to a DSLR will be shutter speed, image noise at higher ISO and lense coverage. Probably in that order. So far I haven't found the perfect camera yet. The Fuji F30 seems to fit the bill in all areas except lens coverage. It only has a 3x zoom. But so long as I am not out to shoot wildlife I think I could live with that.

Good luck with your search.

[Kelly Grannell]

Kelly, do you mean because the OP will not use once she has bought a dSLR? Just wondered if you could clarify your remark?
Cheers.

The way see it, the Kodak, although not ideal (according to the OP, which I happen to agree), is a very capable point and shoot. So if the OP requires point and shoot, the Kodak will already be there.

The S2 budget plus a bit more $$ will enable the OP to buy something like Canon 70-300 IS that can be used for the dSLR. Or if the OP doesn't buy Canon, that extra budget can go towards something like Pentax body with in-body Anti Shake and buy a long enough lens (Pentax K100D w/ Sigma 18-125 + Sigma 70-300 will run about $1,500 total)