A glance at its features and you’d think that this 12 Megapixel point and shoot can trounce any other camera in the market. Too bad it looks as boring as dad’s vintage Leica from 1980.

Let’s talk specs. Kodak integrated the V1253 with the Kodak Color Science chip that touches up images. If you use a Canon, you’ll think “aha! it’s like the Digic3″. If you use a Sony, you’ll think “Bionz”. Yep, these new cameras are so smart, they all sport processors that rival the core duo heating up your laptop.

Low light conditions and fast action do not daunt the Kodak- details come in crisp at high ISO 3200. Pictures blitzed with this camera are so defined from the background down to blackheads on your nose.

Kodak pumped up the V1253 with tech that rolls out great shots even before pressing the shutter. There’s the 3x Schneider-Kreuznach Variagon optical zoom, 5x digital zoom, face detection technology, digital image stabilizer, red-eye reduction, multiple scene mode and blurry picture warning. All the ensure you have a great shot from the start.

Post-shotwise, you get cool options to enhance the image, like an on-camera cropping and panorama stitching. Landscape artists would love the latter option when attacking breath taking vistas at the a lush african forest!

There’s more coming. Made a mistake? There’s an undo/delete function that restores murdered files in case you realize they were too valuable to lose. The large 3.1 inch hi res display empowers you to review images with brightness rivalling the sunlight over your shoulder. HD Still images (16:9 aspec ratio) and video (720p at 30fps) treat movie buffs with a smile.

So is there a downer? Just one. All this tech really weighed down the camera. I felt like I was holding a rock lugging this around. But you’ll forgive that soon as the first pix of your girlfriend roll out.