Kodak Z981 Users Guide

							Setting up your camera
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 5
Using the vertical grip (for portrait orientation)
The vertical grip makes it easier to take pictures in the vertical, portrait orientation.
1
Attach and 
tighten the 
grip.
Tu r n  o n  t h e  
camera.
2
Slide the 
Vertical 
Shutter switch.
3Take pictures in the 
portrait orientation.
Use  Use the Vertical 
Shutter button to 
take pictures.
to zoom.
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							6www.kodak.com/go/support Setting up your camera
Storing pictures on an (accessory) SD or SDHC Card
Your camera has internal memory. You can purchase an SD or SDHC Card to store 
more pictures and videos. (Maximum supported card size is 32 GB.)
CAUTION:
A card can only be inserted one way; forcing it may cause 
damage. Inserting or removing a card when the camera is on may 
damage the pictures, the card, or the camera. 
Purchase accessories www.kodak.com/go/z981accessories
1Turn off the camera.
23
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							Setting up your camera
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 7
Using other (accessory) power options
Use the KODAK 5-Volt AC Adapter to save battery power.
NOTE:  The AC adapter does not charge the batteries.
Purchase accessories www.kodak.com/go/z981accessories
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							8www.kodak.com/go/support
2Taking pictures/videos
Taking pictures in Smart Capture mode
NOTE:  For more information on Smart Capture and other modes, see page 11. Framing marks do not 
appear in some SCN (scene) and Video modes. 
Press the Shutter button halfway to lock the focus.
When the framing marks turn green, press the Shutter 
button completely down.
1
2Turn the Mode dial to Smart Capture
.
EVF/LCD
To save battery power, 
press the EVF/LCD 
button and use the 
electronic viewfinder.
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							Taking pictures/videos
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 9
Using the framing marks
Framing marks indicate the camera focus area. 
1Press the Shutter button halfway.
If the camera is not focusing on the desired subject, 
release the Shutter button and recompose the scene.
2Press the Shutter button completely down to 
take the picture.
NOTE:  Multiple framing marks may appear when faces are detected.
To access your camera’s Help system, see page 50. 
Taking a video
Framing marks 
Turn the Mode dial to 
Video
Press the Shutter button 
completely down and release. 
(To stop recording, press and 
release again.)1
2
.
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							10www.kodak.com/go/support Taking pictures/videos
Reviewing the picture/video just taken
After you take a picture/video, the LCD or EVF displays a quickview for several 
seconds. (To dismiss the quickview sooner, press the Shutter button halfway.) The 
picture/video is saved unless you press the Delete  button.
To review pictures/videos anytime, see page 28.
Adjusting LCD brightness
To adjust the LCD brightness for your environment, see page 43.
Delete
Play a video
OK
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							Taking pictures/videos
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 11
Capture modes
Capture modeFor
Smart CaptureExcellent image quality and ease of use.
■Faces are detected.
■The scene is analyzed for other content and for lighting.
■KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology is applied, for better 
pictures.
You can choose the best picture size and aspect ratio for your 
needs—just press the Menu  button and choose Picture 
Size.
PortraitFull-frame portraits of people.
SportSubjects that are in motion. Shutter speed is fast.
Panorama“Stitching” 2 or 3 pictures into 1 panoramic scene. (See 
page 18.)
ScenePoint-and-shoot simplicity when taking pictures under special 
conditions. (See page 12.)
Program
Aperture Priority
Shutter Priority
ManualMore creative control. (See page 19.)
VideoVideo with sound. (See page 9.)
Choose the mode that 
best suits your subjects 
and surroundings.
SCN
P
A
S
M
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							12www.kodak.com/go/support Taking pictures/videos
Scene modes
1Turn the Mode dial to Scene  .
2Press     to display Scene modes.
NOTE:  If the mode description turns off before you finish reading it, press OK.
3Press OK to choose a Scene mode.
SCN modeFor
High ISOPeople indoors, in low-light scenes.
Night 
Portrait Reducing red eye of people in night scenes or low-light conditions. Place the 
camera on a flat, steady surface or use a tripod. 
LandscapeFar-away scenes. The camera uses infinity auto-focus. Framing marks are not 
available in Landscape.
Night 
Landscape Distant scenery at night. Flash does not fire. Place the camera on a flat, steady 
surface or use a tripod.
FlowerClose-ups of flowers or other small subjects in bright light. Focus is Macro.
Sunset Capturing the deep hues seen at sunset.
BacklightSubjects that are in shadow or “backlit” (when light is behind the subject).
Candle lightCapturing the ambiance of candle light.
Manner/
MuseumQuiet occasions, like a wedding or lecture. Flash is off.
TextDocuments. Focus is Macro.
BeachBright beach scenes.
SnowBright snow scenes.
FireworksBright, colorful light displays. Flash does not fire. Place the camera on a flat, 
steady surface or use a tripod.
ChildrenAction pictures of children in bright light.
Self-PortraitClose-ups of yourself. Assures proper focus and minimizes red eye.
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							Taking pictures/videos
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 13
Using the zoom
Use optical zoom to get up to 26X closer to your subject while taking pictures/videos.
IMPORTANT: 
If the camera is in portrait mode (see page 5), press   to zoom.
1Use the LCD or EVF to frame your subject. (For 
focus distances, see Camera specifications, 
page 57.)
2Press Telephoto (T) to zoom in. Press Wide Angle 
(W) to zoom out.
3Take the picture or video.
NOTE:  To get a focused picture every time, remember: 
■ Use the framing marks, page 9.
■ As you zoom in, you may need to move away 
from your subject. See Focus System on 
page 57.
Using digital zoom
Digital zoom is not available in Smart Capture mode.
NOTE:  You may notice decreased image quality when using digital zoom.
StagePeople on a lit stage. Fast shutter speed, high ISO. Flash and sounds are off. 
(Flash setting can be changed.)
SCN modeFor
Optical zoom Digital zoom
view single picture.
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							14www.kodak.com/go/support Taking pictures/videos
Using the flash 
Use the flash when you take pictures at night, indoors, or outdoors in heavy shadows. 
Flash settings are limited in some capture modes.
Flash modesFlash fires
Auto When the lighting conditions require it.
FillEvery time you take a picture, regardless of the lighting 
conditions. Use when the subject is in shadow or is 
“backlit” (when the light is behind the subject). In low 
light, hold the camera steady or use a tripod. 
NOTE:  Not available in Smart Capture mode.
Red-eye Reduction 
To choose 
Preflash 
or Digital 
Correction, 
see page 44.Preflash A preflash fires, shrinking the eye pupil, before the picture 
is taken.
Digital 
CorrectionA preflash does not fire; the camera corrects red eye.
NOTE:  When using digital correction, image processing takes 
longer than when using preflash.
OffNever.
Press the Flash button repeatedly to scroll 
through flash modes. 
The current flash mode appears on the LCD or EVF.
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