Digital Camera Review
Mar 08, 2005
- By Emily Raymond
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).
Value
A retail price tag of $249.95 is relatively inexpensive, considering the amount of resolution included on the C340. The EasyShare C340 boasts 5 effective megapixels for under $250, which is significantly cheaper than most cameras in its range. For example, the newly released Nikon Coolpix 5600 has 5 megapixels, 16 scene modes, no manual options, a 3x optical zoom, and 14.5 MB of internal memory — all for a retail price of $279.99. Kodak makes a camera similar to the C340, called the EasyShare CX7430. The two models have the same LCD, lens, features, and memory. The only differences are the body style, megapixel count, and price. The CX7430 has a more traditional look, 4 megapixels, and sells for $199.99. If it’s the ease of use and basic features that are desired, go with a Kodak - the C340 is definitely one of the best values available for 5 megapixels.