I'm not familiar with Kodak digital cameras, but I can tell you that 2GB SD refers to the size of the memory card (good size), 12X is a decent zoom IF it's mostly optical zoom, not digital zoom (and it would help to have Image Stabilization), and 8.1 megapixels is more than enough unless she plans to blow her images up to poster size. (Even then, it might work.)

As for the quality of the pics, the quality of the lens is key. I don't know how much lens you're going to get for $145, especially when you're already paying for a fairly long zoom and decent MPs.

Was it on sale?

The 8 megapixel is plenty. Anything over 3 or 4 is more than enough, unless you are looking at huge posters or wall sized prints.

Is it the Kodak EasyShare Z8612IS?

The reviews for this camera are decent at Amazon. The price was a little lower, but not to much.

It does sound like it has a very short battery life.

Get some GOOD rechargeable batteries and a charger. Get a couple sets of batteries. Keep one set charged at all times, so you are always ready to go.

I really hate the Kodak EasyShare software..but some people like it. Whatever works for you - or Ashley :)

Practice makes perfect - make sure she uses it a lot. The more pictures you take, the better they are.

Here is a link that might be useful: Amazon Customer Reviews - Kodak Z8612IS

I didn't know they made such a thing, but someone recently posted that her new easyshare did not have an actual viewfinder at all (!!!)for the picture taker to look through.
She said it was really hard (especially in the sun) to take pics by just viewing the subject of the screen.

Imagine stabilazation would be a much needed feature I'd imagine with moving subjects. My Easy share (c743) does not have one, and it is impossible to get a clear flower pic, if the wind is blowing at all.

What model # is it? There is a world of differnce in the many easyshare models.

Sue

There are several Kodak Easy Share models. You can get more information and reviews here on this website.
Clare

Here is a link that might be useful: Kodak Digital Cameras

Okay Its the camera that Iowagirl2006 said.It came with rechargeable batteries.We got it at walmart and the girl that waited on us said she had it and loved it.She said the batteries lasts along time since it was rechargeable.Also she has 2 weeks to take it back if she does not like it.She is going to day and take some flower pics and than go get her dogs and flower pics printed out to see how well they turn out.I was going to buy me a new digital one but am waiting to see how Ash's pics turn out.Thanks so so much for all who answer my post.I truly apprecaite your time.Also we got recharger.Also the lady said it was a step up from the one that was on display.Not sure what was on display other than it was a Kodak.Ashley was looking at them and asked if they had the one on display.The lady looked and said we do not have the camera on display no longer because we want be carrying it no longer.She than pulled this one out and said this is the next one,a step up from the one you wanted.It might have been on sale.The lady said it was a good price for the camera.
I perfer Canon.I have a very good digital Canon Digital camera.Greg had gotten Ashley a good Canon flim Camera.he paid right at 800.00 for it.Ashley is very good in taking pics.She has made some great pics using the Canon Camera,blowed them up.I have several framed in my home of a Sunflower,old homes,lakes,birds,animals.She made a pic of a old barn and had it blowed up,gave to someone.They loved it.I have to brag even though she is my daughter but she is so good at this.She was going to go to school to study Photograph but she choice Grooming school.But greg told her she still could do pictures on the side.Someone asked her to take pics of a wedding.But she was not off.Hope I have answer some of the questions.I am not very smart about cameras.Sorry.

hhhmmm...read this at the review page.
Once I received it and realized there was no viewfinder, I thought surely it wouldn't matter. In my case, having the viewfinder is essential. If I was in the shade, taking photos with the screen was fine, but in bright sunlight I couldn't see the screen well enough to take good photos.

Though it sounds like a nice camera for the most part, I for one would never buy it because of there being no viewfinder. I'd hate to miss taking pics just because they happened to be in the sun, as most of my flowers are.

She is going to day and take some flower pics
Hopefully she will then find out how easy, or hard it is to take flower pics in the sun looking at the screen.

Please keep us posted...Thanks

Sue

I had to get a viewfinder too on my digital camera. These old eyes ain't what they use to be and I find the LCD screens hard to use. I just can't focus with them for macro shots and they are almost impossible to use in sunlight. But that is just me. DH uses his LCD screen with no problems.

Here is a link to Photobucket with pictures shot with my digital camera, both close up and distant.
Clare

Here is a link that might be useful: My flowers

What might you have Clare. I don't like mine because there is no image stabilization feature.

Some great flower pics, btw. Will have to check them out more later.

Sue

I had a Kodak EasyShare and so did my daughter and we BOTH repalaced them with Canons for about the same price. MUCH nicer pics. Kodak had to come up with something because they were always in the FILM business, but their cameras aren't much....

chemocurl - Thanks. I have a Nikon Coolpix 8800 that is a few years old. It has the image stabilization feature, view finder, 8MP and lots of other features. The current Nikon with a view finder is Nikon Coolpix P6000. It also has image stabilization feature and 13.5MP.

Here is a comparison of all cameras with those features from all the brands.
Clare

Here is a link that might be useful: Digital cameras with viewfinders

I've always loved the Canon Power Shot cameras. I've owned 3. My current one doesn't have a viewfinder but it doesn't bother me in the least.

Ashley is well pleased.She had pics printed and Oh my they were perfect.She made some of flowers and of a red bird.She got a close up on the red bird.It was lots better than I have been able to do with my canon camera.It was very clear and it looked like the bird was sitting on the camera that is how good and clear it was.I am getting me a new one in a few day.Love it.Thanks for all who posted.When I can I will post some of her pics.She has to have it all the time at work,so on her off days I will try to upload the pics.

That is great. Sometimes is not always the camera, but the person behind it.

She must have the "gift"!