The EasyShare Z1285 was announced on 8 January 2008 as a mid-sized 12-megapixel compact in Kodak's Z-series, positioned as a cheaper sister model to the stabilised Z1085 IS. It traded optical image stabilisation and some refinement for a lower price and a headline megapixel count.
A 12-megapixel CCD sat behind a Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 5x zoom covering 35-175mm equivalent, with a 2.5-inch, 115k-pixel LCD as the only finder. Sensitivity ran ISO 100-1600 with a reduced-resolution ISO 3200 mode, and 19 scene modes joined program and full manual exposure. It recorded 1280x720 HD video at 30fps — early for a budget compact — stored to SD/SDHC cards or internal memory, and ran on two AA batteries.
It works for snapshooters who want zoom reach, HD video and AA convenience in one inexpensive body. The dense 12MP sensor gets noisy above base ISO and there is no optical stabilisation, so it rewards bright light and steady hands; reviewers at the time preferred the Z1085 IS for image quality.
AA power keeps it usable with no charger worries — check the battery bay for alkaline leak corrosion. Test the zoom for smooth travel, the LCD for dead pixels, and record a short HD clip to confirm video works. CCD-era Kodak colour is part of the appeal, so shoot a daylight frame to check the sensor is free of hot pixels and smear.