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Kodak Z981 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Kodak Z981

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    Main Features

    • 14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 64 - 6400
    • 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • Electronic viewfinder
    • 1 fps continuous shooting
    • HD - 1280 x 720 video
    • 540g. 124 x 85 x 105 mm
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    Kodak Z981 Overview

    First introduced in July 2010 , Kodak EasyShare Z981 is a 14.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 lens.

    Kodak Z981 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Kodak Z981 has an Overall Score of 43/100 and ranked #77 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 10 Bridge), and ranked #655 out of 1225 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.



    Kodak Z981 Physical Specs
    Kodak Z981 weighs 540 g (1.19 lb / 19.05 oz) and has external dimensions of 124 x 85 x 105 mm (4.88 x 3.35 x 4.13″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 105mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Kodak Z981
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Kodak Z981
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Kodak Z981 with the dimensions:

    Kodak Z981 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Kodak Z981 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Kodak Z981, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Kodak Z981 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Kodak Z981 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery


    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Kodak Z981 with its main competitors:

    Kodak Z981 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs Z981 Thickness vs Z981
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Kodak Z990
    Compare
    445g 95g lighter 105mm equal thickness
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Kodak Z980
    Compare
    445g 95g lighter 105mm equal thickness
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Kodak Z5120
    Compare
    445g 95g lighter 105mm equal thickness
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Nikon D80
    Compare
    668g 128g heavier 77mm 28mm thinner
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Canon T6
    Compare
    485g 55g lighter 78mm 27mm thinner
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Fujifilm XP80
    Compare
    179g 361g lighter 26mm 79mm thinner
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Nikon D500
    Compare
    860g 320g heavier 81mm 24mm thinner
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Fujifilm HS30EXR
    Compare
    687g 147g heavier 126mm 21mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Kodak Z981 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Kodak Z981 Sensor and Photography Features

    Kodak Z981 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4288 x 3216 pixels with aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. Z981 has a native ISO range of 64 - 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Kodak Z981 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Kodak Z981 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Kodak Z981's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Kodak Z981 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Kodak Z981 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Kodak Z981 Lens

    Kodak Z981 features a 26-676 mm F2.8-5.0 26× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 26mm and remarkable super telephoto reach at 676mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Z981
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Z981
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f5.00.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Z981
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Z981
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    Z981 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Kodak Z981's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.



    Kodak Z981 LCD and Viewfinder

    Kodak Z981 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 201k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Kodak Z981 back view and LCD

    Z981 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

    Kodak Z981 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Kodak Z981 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Kodak Z981 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Kodak Z990
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots No No No
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Kodak Z980
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Kodak Z5120
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Nikon D80
    Compare
    None shots No No No
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Canon T6
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 500shots Yes No Yes
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Fujifilm XP80
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 210shots Yes No No
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Nikon D500
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 1240shots Yes Yes Yes
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Camera Fujifilm HS30EXR
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots No No No

    Kodak Z981 Video Features

    With Kodak Z981, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30 fps and save in and H.264 formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    Z981 has a built-in Mono microphone but no speaker.
    Kodak Z981 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Kodak Z981 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Kodak Z981 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately Z981 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Kodak Z981 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    Kodak Z981 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Kodak Z981 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    26mm Wide Angle Lens
    676mm Good Tele Lens
    26.0X Optical Zoom
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    Report a correction

    Buy Kodak Z981 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Low Screen Resolution ( 201kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Heavy Body: 540
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.00
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Kodak Z981 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Kodak Z981 in 5 different photography areas.

    Kodak Z981 for Portrait Photography

    Kodak Z981 has a score of 42 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    Image Stabilization
    RAW shooting capability
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
    No External Flash Shoe

    Read the details of how we scored Kodak Z981 for Portrait Photography

    Kodak Z981 for Street Photography

    Kodak Z981 has a score of 69 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Medium sized Body
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Kodak Z981 for Street Photography

    Kodak Z981 for Sports Photography

    Kodak Z981 has a score of 47 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    676 mm Tele Lens
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Focus Points
    No External Flash Shoe

    Read the details of how we scored Kodak Z981 for Sports Photography

    Kodak Z981 for Daily Photography

    Kodak Z981 has a score of 61 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    26.0X Optical Zoom
    RAW shooting capability
    Medium size Body
    540g
    Body Thickness 105mm
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Kodak Z981 for Daily Photography

    Kodak Z981 for Landscape Photography

    Kodak Z981 has a score of 35 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theZ981.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    26 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Kodak Z981 for Landscape Photography
    Kodak Z981 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Kodak Z981 compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Kodak Z981 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Kodak Z981

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Kodak Z981 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Kodak Z990
    Kodak Z990
    Compare
    Kodak Z980
    Kodak Z980
    Compare
    Kodak Z5120
    Kodak Z5120
    Compare
    Nikon D80
    Nikon D80
    Compare
    Canon T6
    Canon T6
    Compare
    Fujifilm XP80
    Fujifilm XP80
    Compare
    Nikon D500
    Nikon D500
    Compare
    Fujifilm HS30EXR
    Fujifilm HS30EXR
    Compare

    Kodak Z981 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Kodak Z981 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Kodak Z981's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Kodak Z981
    Does the Kodak Z981 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Kodak Z981 have RAW support?
    Does the Kodak Z981 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Kodak Z981 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Kodak Z981?
    What is the Sensor Size of Kodak Z981?
    is the Kodak Z981 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Kodak Z981 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Kodak Z981 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Kodak Z981?
    What is the Weight of Kodak Z981?
    What are the Dimensions of Kodak Z981?
    Kodak EasyShare Z981 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Kodak
    Model Kodak EasyShare Z981
    Announced 2010-07-06
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 26-676 mm (26×)
    Max Aperture F2.8-5.0
    Macro Focus Range 10cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 201k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution n/a
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 16s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 6.20 m
    Flash Modes Auto, Fill-in, Red-Eye reduction, Off
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm
    Sensor Area 27.72mm2
    Sensor Resolution 14 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4288 x 3216
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 64
    RAW Support
    Autofocus
    AF Touch
    AF Continuous
    AF Single
    AF Tracking
    AF Selective
    AF Center
    AF Multi Area
    AF Live View
    AF Face Detection
    AF Contrast Detection
    AF Phase Detection
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats H.264
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 540g
    Physical Dimensions 124 x 85 x 105mm
    Battery Model 4 x AA
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC card, Internal
    Storage Slots 1


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