The Z1275 in Smart Scene (Auto) mode is very simple to use. On screen the icons for auto flash, image size (12.0 MP) and number of pictures left (105). When the Shutter is half-pressed, faces are detected, the scene is analyzed, and the best settings are applied.

Here you can see the information present when you half-press the shutter release (manual mode) to achieve the focus and exposure lock. Smart Scene mode only shows the icon in the upper left corner and the focus lock (the red "AF" appears if the camera cannot focus).

Scene mode lets you select from 20 different pre-programmed modes portrait, sports, landscape, close-up, night portrait, night landscape, snow, beach, text/document, fireworks, flower, manner/museum, self-portrait, children, backlight, panning, candlelight, sunset, and panorama stitch.

Manual mode lets you freely set both the aperture and shutter speed, the exposure value is displayed on the right to help you get it "right." You can also change the focus mode, ISO, and switch from manual to program mode by using the 4-way selector.

MENU options in Program and Manual modes:

Picture Size - 12 MP, 10.7 MP, 9 MP, 6.0 MP, 3.1 MP, 2.2 MP, 2.1 MP, 1.2 MP
Color Mode - High Color, Natural Color, Low Color, B&W or Sepia
AF Control - Continuous AF, Single AF
Date Stamp - On, Off

MENU options in Program and Manual modes (continued):

White Balance - Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Open Shade
Exposure Metering - Multi, Center, Spot
AF Zone - Multi, Center
Exp. Bracketing Interval - ± 1 with 1/3 intervals
Sharpness - High, Normal, Low
Red Eye Preflash - On, Off

You can record 1280 x 720 HD, 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 motion video with audio at 30 frames per second. The length of the movies is dependent on available space on your memory card. Unlike most cameras, the optical zoom can be used while recording. The addition of the HD (720p) mode is a feature not found on most digicams.

MENU options in Video mode:

Video Size - 1280x720, 640x480 or 320x240
AF Control - Continuous AF, Single AF