I’m a Canon fan too, but the Canon model similar to that Kodak is much more expensive.

It depends what’s most important to you… The better zoom or a smaller camera. The Canon A560 is not a tiny camera, but it will fit in a pocket if you really need it to. The 10X zoom cameras will not. I went with a smaller Canon A630. My brother has a 12X zoom Canon. It takes nice pics, but I wouldn’t want to haul it around. He took some zoom pics of the planes at the air show and you can read the lettering on the planes. More zoom can be fun at times…

If you decide to go with the larger camera for the better zoom, maybe consider the Fuji Finepix S700. Costs a little more than the Kodak, but the quality of Fuji cameras is usually very close to that of the Canons.

The optics and image processing of the Canons usually beats the other brand’s cameras in the same class. Better sharpness, color, lighting, etc…

The larger 10X zoom cameras usually take slightly better pics than the more compact cameras though… So, all the cameras you’re looking at will probably be very similar in picture quality. Smaller Canon vs. a larger model from another brand… Probably an even match. I would probably just decide what was more important to me…. compact or better zoom and buy based on that. I would probably choose the Fuji over the Kodak for maybe better all-around quality.

EDIT: Sorry… Didn’t see that the zD710 does indeed have image stabilization. I’d probably still choose the Fuji. Really… You’ve done your homework and you aren’t going to go too wrong with any of these nice cameras. I think you could throw the Canon A570 into the mix too. It’s basically an A560 with image stabilization. I think it’s selling for not much more than the Kodak these days online.

What is your advice for a camera AND a printer? I see that Epson has one that takes 6 ink cartridges, does 13X19 prints and is 5760 X 1440 DPI for $300. I’ve been taking pictures for quiet some time, so I know how to use a basic point and shoot. Currently, I have a Kodak 5 MP, 10X optical zoom. Let’s assume that I want to stay within $1000 for both the camera and the printer…what are your suggestions? Also, what accessories do you recommend to go with a camera? I already figure to buy the props and stuff…but how about lenses or lights?

Thank you in advance for all who answer BOTH questions (printer & camera).

Printer: right now Epson has some specials. Go to http://www.epsonstore.com They had a photo printer for $75 yesterday and also sell the 13×19" printers too.

I would argue against getting a 13"x19" printer unless you’re prepared to make a substantial investment in inks and paper and routinely need to print larger than 8.5" wide. Most people never go larger than 8 x 10 or notebook paper 8.5" x 11".

A 13" x 19" printer will also be pretty large and take up a lot of space. So, carefully evaluate your needs before getting it.

For printers, stick with Epson or Canon photo printers; they are the best.

As for the camera…that will depend on your needs. I would suggest a Nikon D40 or Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT to start, because those cameras are available new. Just get the standard 18-55mm kit lens to start. For lights…either 1) get the manufacturer flash to start or 2) use a tripod and get some inexpensive photofloods (and then custom white balance).

Now, because I’m more of a risk taker I would get a different setup for myself, and I’ll share that with you in case you want to take that chance too.
1) I’d get the $75 Epson Photo printer, the R380:

http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=63059189

2) I’d get a used Fujifilm S2 Pro, about $350 used. Yeah, it’s older and used, but will blow even modern cameras out of the water for color.

3) I’d get the SB-800 flash, about $320.

4) I’d get an alien bee with an umbrella and stand (extra):

http://www.alienbees.com/b400.html

You can skip the SB-800 if you plan on staying in-studio.

Edit: forgot to add the lens! I suggest in my scenario above the 50mm f/1.8 lens. $125 new. And the alien bee light is about $250 with stand/umbrella. So to keep it around $1000 you’d have to forego the SB-800. So: 350+75+125+250 = $800

That far it’s how its supposed to be. By then it goes wrong;

A yellow light flashes from the Control Dial, but soon after that the screen goes black and the light turns orange. and thats the promlem.

what can I do?

If you don’t know what type of parts i meant check:

http://www.cameras.co.uk/camera-reviews/kodak-easyshare-z650.cfm

send it in for repairs

please help? pleasepleapleasE???! the camera is a kodak AF 3x optical asheric lens camera.

Cameras and gravity don’t go well together. Fixing cameras is NOT a do it yourself project because you would actually be screwing something else up while attempting to fix the original problem. go forward and tell your parents what had happen and offer to pay for either to repair or a new camera. believe me don’t go behind your parents back and get the camera repaired because it’s only going make things worse.

http://www.gateway.com/accessories/product/13789524.php?seg=hm

I’ve had my eye on this one for awhile! It would be my birthday present (from my parents!) and I’m not sure which to get.
Do either record short videos?

I think that the first one is going to end up being better. It has 12x zoom compared to the 3x. The only thing is that it has less megapixels. The second one doesn’t give you much information.
You’re going to have to take a quick trip to your electronics store to find out for sure though. Test them out, take a picture or two, and see which one is going to come in clearer.

I’d suggest a much better brand – Canon or Nikon for your replacement.
Trust me, you’ll be much happier in the long run.

Kodak is good for an entry level camera, but it is not a good camera as far as longevity and overall quality is concerned- that’s just my opinion.

http://www.in4search.com/kodak-cameras.html