Kodak's 7.1-megapixel EasyShare Z712 IS excels by combining an optically stabilized 12X zoom with a set of manual and automatic controls that are easy to operate. Snapshot photographers who want greater creative control will benefit from this compact EVF (electronic viewfinder) camera's enhanced features without spending more than they would on a typical point-and-shooter, such as the Fuji FinePix F40fd or the Canon SD1000. But the EasyShare Z712 IS doesn't have the performance muscle, feature set, or photo quality to satisfy serious amateur photographers.