Model Design / Appearance
The exterior of the EasyShare C340 looks exceptionally interesting. The left side of the camera has a dark brushed steel tone, while the right side is a brighter silver color with a strange texture that is similar to cheesecloth or wallpaper. The different tones and textures give the C340 a busy look, though there is a relatively limited button layout. The C340 takes on more of a modern, futuristic design that is significantly more attractive than the Kodak C300. Half of the camera body is built from a plastic composite, while the other half is constructed of aluminum. Both panels are dark in color. The darker silver tones of the C340 stray from the traditional light silver color used on most other digital cameras and distinguishes the C340 from other cameras within the sub-$250 grouping.
Size / Portability
The unique camera body of the Kodak EasyShare C340 weighs 5.1 ounces without the batteries or memory card. Even with those, the body is quite light for its 3.6 x 2.6 x 1.4-inch measurements. The C340 is compact, but a little too thick in places to fit comfortably in a pocket. The thicker right side gives the camera an uneven surface. This digital camera could fit in a large pocket, but not comfortably. It seems to fit much better in a purse or tiny camera bag. While light enough to remain easily portable, the oversized frame of the C340 does feel a bit inflated and hollow. The height and weight discrepancy may feel awkward to some though others will value the added size for its additional handling assistance; think of it like an abnormally large type font — those who need it will certainly appreciate and benefit from it, while others will never be able to empathize.
Handling Ability
Priced at just under $250, the C340 is designed for ease of use and accessibility. Along with the camera’s simplified frame and intuitive interface, the controls are easy to find and appropriately placed to provide smooth handling. The general construction of the back face of the camera also aids in handling, providing several raised dots where the right thumb normally rests, adding grip and support. The right side of the Kodak C340 is slightly thicker and has an awkward lumpiness to it. The front of the camera slopes into an odd crest on the left side; however, there is no defined grip for the fingers. While this should not present a problem in most shooting situations, moist fingers will easily slip off the frame. What I find particularly strange is the dichotomy in the C340’s design; the right-hand grip is smooth, while the opposite side of the camera has the cheesecloth-like texture. Perhaps if Kodak swapped materials, the right-hand grip would be a lot easier to grip and users could shoot easily with one hand? As it stands, the C340 does have a bit of an awkward feel, though the oversized frame should have a strong appeal to ease of use shoppers who would be grateful for something they can hold on to.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size
The buttons on the Kodak EasyShare C340 are clearly labeled and logically arranged, though most are quite small. This setup seems almost laughable when contrasted with the overall size of the frame. The zoom controls could create the most problems; the Wide and Telephoto controls are two separate buttons, but are so small they could easily be pressed at the same time. The prominent Share button is placed in the empty space below and to the right of the navigational dial. This creates a distinction between the lone (essential) printing control and shooting functions and helps to minimize accidental engagement along the way. The fortunate result of using such small buttons is the amount of space that remains of the back of the frame. With all the leftover real estate, Kodak can easily situate the Share button in the lower corner, away from potential trouble, while keeping all controls (printing and shooting) easily accessible from the basic shooting position.
Menu
The menus of the C340 are expectedly user-friendly and easy to navigate. Controlled by the four-way dial and accompanied by simple icons and brief explanations, the menu is intuitive, even for beginner users. Each menu option has a small representational graphic, such as a snowflake to indicate its mode (Snow). When the user pauses on the graphic for a moment, the informative element is engaged and a title pops up with an explanation of the function. For example, when the snowflake is scrolled on, the following words appear: “Snow mode: use for bright snow scene.” However, there are no live views, illustrating alterations of lighting or contrast when users scroll through the selections. The main recording menu consists of the following options: Exposure Compensation, Picture Size, White Balance, ISO, Focus Zone, Color Mode, Long Time Exposure, Set Album, Image Storage, and Setup Menu.
Ease of Use
Kodak aims to please the point-and-shoot crowd with its basic features and intuitive interface. The C340 succeeds in these areas by eliminating extraneous manual functions and simplifying the basic features utilized by point-and-shooters. The C340 contains an easily navigable menu, complete with icons and text in a nice large font. When scene modes are scrolled through, explanatory text appears indicating the mode’s use and purpose. The buttons are all just as easy to use and intuitive as the menu options. Most critical controls have been simplified down to a single button and are all clearly labeled and discernable. The layout is practical and logically arranged to place the most frequently utilized controls closest to the user’s right (shooting) hand. The result is a camera that is internally and externally designed for point-and-shoot users and easily adaptable. It really does not get much easier than this.
