Optical image stabilization, combined with the advanced, hybrid AF system (25 selectable points), provides a 2-stop advantage over non-Image Stabilized systems for better capturing subjects in low light for both still and video. It also minimizes handheld camera shake at longer focal lengths, which is critical when not using a tripod -- a scenario found on the sidelines of sporting events, on scenic hiking trails, and during everyday spontaneous picture-taking when carrying a stabilizing device is impractical.

The autofocus range is:

Normal: 3.9 inches (10 cm) to infinity in wide angle, 35.4 in. (90 cm) to infinity in telephoto.








Macro close-up: 3.9 to 35.4 inches (10 to 90 cm) in wideangle and from 35.4 in to 6.6 ft. (90 cm to 2.0 m) in telephoto.

Selectable Zone lets you select any one of 25 different AF areas

Manual focus is aided by a distance indicator and center enlargement in the LCD/EVF for critical focusing.

P850 owners can also take advantage of a range of accessories for additional creativity, including a 0.7x wide-angle and 1.4x tele lens, lens adapter for 55mm filters and a petal-shaped lens shade.

The built-in flash has modes for auto, slow-sync fill, fill, red-eye and forced off. The flash is automatically "popped up" when needed and can be used with an external flash on the hot shoe.

Enhance your picture taking experience with the KODAK P20 Zoom Flash. The bounce head allows images to have a more natural light affect; the automated zoom gives greater flash coverage; the intelligent flash system can read camera setting information through the hot shoe and react accordingly.

• Recycle time on fully charged batteries is approximately 10 seconds
• At ISO 100 speed, the flash reaches a distance of 30 ft (9.1 m) at wide and 33 ft (10 m) at telephoto. At ISO to 200, flash ranges can be doubled
• Bounce head for more natural light
• Automated zoom for great flash coverage
• Intelligent TTL flash interacts with camera
• Guide number: 40 at 80 mm position (ISO 100, m)
• View settings on LCD display

The eyelevel finder is really an electronic viewfinder (EVF) which is a small 237,000 pixel electronic color viewfinder with a magnified eyepiece and dioptric adjustment. It can display anything on that can be displayed on the color LCD - just press the EVF/LCD button to swap the displays. The EVF automatically turns off after 1 minute of inactivity. To turn it back on just press any button.

Controls on the back: Upper left corner is the EVF/LCD button to toggle the active display. The SET button works with the Command Dial to select and change camera settings that are displayed on-screen. The zoom lens control which acts as the zoom- in/zoom-out control during review. The "i" button controls the amount of information that is overlayed on the EVF/LCD image. The AE/AF button locks exposure and focus for re-framing. The Review button puts the camera into playback mode. The 4-way joystick lets you navigate menus and images, accept selections by pressing it inward. The Delete button erases images during review. The Menu button calls up and dismisses the menus. The Share button lets you select images for printing, e-mailing, or to mark as a favorite.

Controls on the grip: Shutter release with the Power/Favorites switch built around it. The Metering mode button (multi, center, spot). The Program button is user- programmed to quickly access a capture or review submenu. The Drive mode button (normal, selftimer, burst, AE bracketing, time-lapse modes). The Mode Dial: Auto, Program AE, Aperture priority, Shutter-speed priority, Manual, Custom1, Custom2, Custom3, Movie, SCeNe (portrait, self-portrait, sports, landscape, night portrait, night landscape, snow, beach, text/document, flower, sunset, candlelight, backlight, manner/museum, fireworks, party).

P850 Burst Rate Depth

Controls on the top/left: The Focus button selects macro, infinity or manual modes. The Flash button selects auto, fill, off, red-eye reduction with flash mode.

I/O ports on the side: USB port works with the Kodak EasyShare Sofware to make image downloading fast and easy even without the use of the optional Easy Share Camera Dock or Printer Dock. The USB port is Pictbridge compatible for direct, computer-less printing. This port also facilitates the A-V output cable with selectable NTSC or PAL format and monoraul audio for connection to a TV set. The DC IN jack for an optional AC power adapter. Not shown is the docking connector on the bottom of the camera.

The P850 Zoom comes with 32MB of internal memory and is equipped with a SD/MMC card slot that accepts any capacity SD or MMC flash card. Shown here with the spacious and speedy Lexar 32x 512MB SD card.

Power is supplied by a proprietary KLIC-5001 3.7v 1700mAh Li-ion battery pack that Kodak claims will capture 210-290 shots per charge based on CIPA standards. You can also use the KLIC-5000 1050mAh battery but expect about 30% less capacity. Included is a small AC rapid charger.

The camera battery can also be recharged when used in conjunction with any of Kodak's Easyshare Camera or Printer Docks.

Click to view our Printer Dock Series 3 mini-review