Question about Kodak Z712 IS

[Strinesky]

Hi! I got a Kodak Easyshare Z712 IS camera for Christmas to replace my old Kodak easyshare 6440 which finally stopped working after four years. I had LOVED the Easyshare, and figured that this larger one would be even better. But, I find that it takes much worse pictures than my older, cheaper Kodak in that almost every picture I take is blurry AND there is a shutter delay. First, does anyone know why my old Kodak had no noticeable shutter delay but this one does? Most of the pictures I take are indoors with moving subjects (my children, mainly). So, by the time the camera actually takes the picture, the expression/action/sport move/ etc. is done and I get a very uninteresting picture. Then there is the blurring problem. If anyone moves, they appear blurry. My old Kodak captured everything "in the moment" and showed no blurring. I've tried with flash, without, manual settings, continuous mode, etc. and they still don't turn out. My theory is that these two problems have something to do with the larger lens--does that add to shutter lag, and would that account for all the blurring? When everyone is perfectly still, the pictures turn out great, but that's just not what I need a camera for! Finally, we bought the camera at Best Buy. Does anyone know if they're likely to allow me to return it since it's been opened and used? I never would have bought the camera if I had known this was a problem. If anyone is familiar with this camera and can suggest how to capture action without blurring while not getting the high grain of the ISO setting, please let me know! Thanks! Stephanie

[Photo-John]

I've used the Kodak superzooms like your Z712. I'm not familiar enough with your 6440 to be able to say anything about it, though. My guess is you need to adjust your shooting style a little. It could be that the camera is a little slower to focus since it has so much more lens. Last summer I wrote an article on getting better photos with compact digital cameras. Why don't you try reading that and see if it helps. And be aware that shooting action is hard, no matter what camera you're using. Shutter-lag is always a problem. The trick is getting used to the shutter-lag with the camera you're using.

Here's a link to the article:

Point-and-Shoot Digital Camera Tips >>

Blur is a separate problem. That means you're using too slow of a shutter speed. There are various ways to deal with that. What mode do you have the camera in? Are you a pure auto person or have you been experimenting with some of the manual controls?