Kodax Easyshare DX4900---E12 error message

try replacing the battarys with known good ones

It is best to replace the batteries in the camera with some new ones. Make sure that you stay chilled and don't worry.

my camera is playing up the same way as yours! i think we will have to get our cams repaired as i have have found NO solutions at all x

This camera is so plagued with defects, it's hard finding anyone who actually likes it.
usually the battery is the part that goes, and you can't get anything done with replacement batteries. As for your e12 error, I know this was a very common error with the 4800, saw many posts with people who had to retire their cameras because of this. One of those people took it upon himself to take the back cover off his DC4800 and discovered a small screw that had fallen out of its hole under the power strip. He shook the camera dislodging the screw and re-installed it in its hole. Camera fixed. Other people then got fixed the same way.
And kodak is asking 150$ for looking at it.

Hope you work it out, but fortunately the camera isn't expensive. The real solution will be when kodak takes this product of the shelf.

Good luck