Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

The Kodak EasyShare C340 joins the crowd of simplistic digital cameras aimed at first-time users or consumers who don’t want to bother with manual modes. With 5.36 total and 5 effective megapixels, the C340 has plenty of resolution on its 1/2.5-inch CCD. The sensor is complemented by a Kodak Color Science Chip, ensuring quality images. The C340 caters to consumers who value strong, instantaneous pictures without the fuss of intricate manual modes or complicated image transfer. While the Kodak C340 eliminates the manual mode from its selectable options, users still have the option to manually choose the ISO, exposure metering, and focus zones. The compact EasyShare C340 aims for simplicity, stocking 12 scene modes, in-camera cropping, 16 MB of internal memory, and a one-touch printing Share button. Rounding out the features are a Kodak Retinar 3x optical zoom lens, a 1.6-inch LCD screen, and a movie mode that records with audio. The EasyShare C340 will be available in May 2005 for an estimated $249.95 (USD).
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Connectivity
Software — Like all EasyShare models, the C340 comes with Kodak EasyShare Software that is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh. The software takes about ten minutes to completely upload; while it’s loading, users can see a slide show of Kodak EasyShare pictures. The software is simple to use and editing changes can be made easily. Users can crop, remove red-eye, add special effects, and make color and contrast changes to their photographs.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs — The EasyShare C340 has an open DC in jack on the left side; this feature would be a lot better with a cover of some sort. Luckily, the other ports are covered with a plastic door on the right side. The A/V out cable and mini-USB cable share the same port, which should be fine, as users won’t be using these two features at the same time.

Direct Print Options — The C340 is compatible with PictBridge and ImageLink printers and works with the optional Kodak EasyShare printer dock series 3. To print, users merely need to press the Share button and select the number of prints desired. For efficiency enthusiasts, while the 4 x 6-inch prints are being produced, the printer dock can also charge the camera’s battery in 3.5 hours.

Memory
This year, several digital camera manufacturers have decided to include internal memory on their new models. Kodak has been in the club for a while and continues to be, packing 16 MB into the C340. While internal memory is largely a convenience feature, 16 MB surely will not suffice for prolonged shoots. For these instances, a Secure Digital flash memory slot has also been included.

Other Features
Self-Timer — As with most digital cameras, the Kodak C340 has a self-timer that blinks as it counts down from 10 seconds before capturing the photograph.
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