Kodak C340

 

With a list price of $249.95 and a street price below $195, the Kodak EasyShare C340 is cheaper than other 5 megapixel, 3x zoom compact cameras – though nearly all of that cohort offer much better LCD displays. The Kodak EasyShare C340's key advantage, aside from price, is its remarkable simplicity. The problem is, most people who want the C340's level of simplicity also need a decent-sized LCD display. To put the C340's problem in perspective, we often complain that a 1.8-inch LCD is too small, and a 1.8-inch LCD is 126 percent the size of the C340's 1.5-inch.

 

So, while we're glad to see a 5-megapixel camera sell for less than $200, we believe that the better values would be cameras with larger LCDs, even if the cost a little more. The good news is that several cameras with 1.8-inch LCDs sell in the same range as the C340, while cameras with luxuriant, 2.5-inch LCDs go for about $50 more.

 

Canon PowerShot A520 - The Canon PowerShot A520 provides users with a camera that is more expensive than the Kodak EasyShare C340 and also has smaller 4 MP CCD measuring 1/2.5 inch. The camera is equipped with a slightly larger 4x optical zoom and complete manual control. The A520 also has the added bonus of being able to accept both accessory lenses and flashes. The A520 overall is able to provide former point and shoot users the opportunity for advancement into the world of manual control. If a consumer has an interest in learning about manual control and features, then the A520 would make more sense than the C340 with its smaller LCD and minimal user input.

 

 

 

Fujifilm FinePix  A350 - With a slightly larger MP of 5.2 CCD the A350 has an optical zoom which is identical to that of the C340, 3x optical. Oddly this camera is only able to assure users of an LCD accuracy of 90%, a rating that might be acceptable in a real image optical viewfinder, but never in an electronic monitor such as an LCD. The exposure compensation scale for this camera is smaller than the C340 with a maximum and minimum of -2.1 to +1.5 EV. The white balance mode while minimal does provide a live view option, a feature not found on the C340. All in all, the A350 doesn’t manage to outdo the simple structure of the EasyShare series, and with minimal auto controls and a compromised viewing display it is unable to out perform the C340 in terms of the automatic point and shoot market.

 

Nikon Coolpix 5600 - With a comparably sized CCD of 5.1 MP when paired against the C340, the 5600 manages to provide users with a larger LCD screen, a similar real image optical viewfinder, more preset scene modes to select from, and an even more limited number of manual controls which allow for access to very few areas on this camera. ISO is fully automatic as is aperture along with metering. This camera does provide a full auto mode, 5 presets, and one manual mode option when manipulating the white balance settings, but for the manual control junkie this camera isn’t going to make the cut. And although the movie mode settings aren’t anything special on the C340, those on the Nikon don’t fair much better, providing just 2 frames per second faster recording at its highest resolution, not exactly smooth video.

 

Pentax Optio S55 - The Pentax Optio S55 is able to provide its users with an overtly large LCD screen for under $250 (USD) but is unable to produce a sports mode among its preset scene modes and an entirely devoid manual mode which only provides user input when manipulation and altering white balance settings. When being tested and reviewed, the S55 ate through an excessive number of batteries and although the LCD screen is large, the low pixel count and inaccuracy of the screen meant that framing problems and visibility, like the A350 makes capturing even the most basic image more complicated than is necessary. This camera has a 5 MP CCD and a 3x optical zoom making this pair of specifications identical to those found on the Kodak EasyShare C340.

 

Point-and-Shooters – This camera is designed for point and shooters; basic camera body, basic buttons, basic shooting and basic exporting and printing make this camera a snapshooter’s dream. Menus are easy to navigate and settings described for all modes.

 

Budget Consumers - With an original retail price of around $229.95 (USD) this camera is definitely entering the budget market, especially when considering the user-friendly structure for novice or point and shoot fans and the current sub-$200 price tag online.

 

Gadget Freaks - The gadget freak is sure to find the minimal color modes, the hokey preset scene modes, and a lack of features and accessories a downfall when searching for a camera to impress their inflatable girlfriend.

 

Manual Control Freaks - The manual control enthusiast is bound to find themselves lacking any sort of opportunity for manual adjustment when shooting with this camera.

 

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - There would be no conceivable reason for the pro or serious hobbyist to turn to the EasyShare system for photography needs. Even for a point-and-shoot counterpart, pros and serious hobbyists would likely seek out models with more opportunity for control.