High definition (HD) is a buzz term circling the consumer electronics industry for televisions, camcorders, and now digital still cameras. Following in the footsteps of powerhouse Canon’s first still camera to capture HD video, the PowerShot TX1, is Kodak’s EasyShare Z812 IS, introduced in August 2007. The 8.1-megapixel Kodak Z812 IS can record pictures and movies in high-definition 720p (progressive) resolution. The ultra-zoom compact camera has an optically stabilized 12x zoom lens, face detection, and quick click-to-capture time. The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS retails for $299.95, but can be found for less online.

The Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS records movies at 1280 x 720 pixels at 30 frames per second (fps), much higher than standard 640 x 480 pixels at 30 fps. Pictures and movies won’t look any different for buyers without high definition TVs, however. To use the camera with an HDTV, users must purchase the $100 EasyShare HDTV dock.

Testing shows the Kodak Z812 IS’s movies produce better overall image quality without the ugly streaking artifacts of the rival Canon PowerShot TX1, although the movies are not as sharp. The Kodak camera’s overall resolution is good, along with its wide tonal range. The camera is also very capable in low light scenes such as weddings or clubs.

Kodak claims the camera has the fastest click-to-capture time in its class. Tests confirmed its incredibly fast reaction time of about 0.23 seconds from when the user hits the shutter to when the camera captures the picture.

Processing is painfully slow, though. It takes a sloth-like five to 10 seconds for the camera to process each shot. This is one of the worst processing times we’ve seen thus far, and the delay could easily lead to missed opportunities. White balance and color reproduction, particularly on yellow and blue tones, are inaccurate. The camera smoothes over shadow noise when the ISO is set high, leading to blurry edges in photos, though making for “cleaner” prints.

The Kodak Z812 IS does have a few good points, including its 12x optical zoom lens, which carries lens-shifting optical image stabilization to reduce blur resulting from camera shake. This is a necessary feature when shooting with long zooms. Some current compacts now offer a longer focal range however, such as the 15x Sony Cyber-shot H7, or the 18x Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ18.

The EasyShare Z812 IS has a fixed 2.5-inch, 203,000-pixel LCD screen, while other video-focused cameras have more flexible, flip-out monitors, like the Canon PowerShot TX1 or the Canon PowerShot S5 IS, which scored as one of the best still cameras for video this year.

Recommendations for the Kodak EasyShare Z812 IS depend on what customers are looking for and their willingness to invest the extra $100 in the accessory HDTV dock. The camera does not score as well as the competing Panasonic Lumix FZ18, Canon PowerShot S5 IS, or Sony Cyber-shot H7, but does have a lower price tag. That said, if the customer only has $300 to spend, the Kodak camera performs well with its advanced features and flexibility in HD format – if they invest in the dock later down the road. Kodak makes solid strides into HD format. It’s a good start for Kodak, but strict HD-users should wait for the successor model for more-streamlined high definition improvements.