Auto Mode (7.5)
With the C360, like most EasyShare models, the Automatic mode will be heavily relied upon by most users in search of simplicity and ease of use. When using the C360’s Auto mode, the user is paradoxically given the most opportunity for manual control. When desired, users can opt to set the image size, exposure compensation, white balance, metering mode, ISO rating, focusing zone, auto focus, color (picture effects), and image sharpness. Although this is a significant degree of control, when users do not actively alter settings, the camera will assume responsibility for the exposure.
The alterable settings typically only offer two or three options, providing the user with simplified versions of more advanced photographic settings. For more experienced photographers this may present a problem; however, most users drawn to the EasyShare line will find it an ideal blend of opportunity and simplicity.
When the camera switches into Preset Scene shooting modes, the user is able to access none of these controls and will have to rely fully upon the camera to adjust properly for photographs.
Movie Mode (6.0)
The movie mode for the Kodak EasyShare C360 enables the user to shoot video clips at resolutions of either 640 x 480 or 320 x 240. The rate of capture in both of these modes is 24 frames per second with accompanying audio recording. While 24 fps is adequate and is viewable without inducing seasickness, 30 fps would allow the user to capture fluid motion. Unfortunately, unlike the current trend among digital cameras towards more hybrid functionality, the C360 does not permit access to zoom levels when recording. Users can adjust the focal length prior to shooting, but once recording has begun, the perspective is fixed. Also prior to shooting, the user may enter the menu and make alterations to features like video size, set album, video length, image storage, and setup menu. When recording video to a less qualified microphone (such as the one on the EasyShare C360), it is necessary for subjects to speak loudly and directly into the face of the camera to remain audible. Audio can be listened to directly from the camera via a playback speaker positioned on the back of the camera body. Audio quality on the C360 leaves much to be desired, but then again, this is an area that has not (yet) been targeted by digital camera manufacturers.
Drive / Burst Mode (5.0)
There are two burst modes offered by the Kodak EasyShare C360. They allow the user to shoot a series of photographs at a quicker frame rate when compared to shooting in standard mode. Both modes are accessed by pressing the Self Timer/Burst Mode button located on the top of the camera body. “First Burst” mode captures 5 pictures at 2.4 frames per second, except when shooting at ISO 400 or 800 ratings, where the total duration will fall to 4 consecutive images. The camera also contains a “Last Burst” mode that shoots up to thirty photos and saves only the final 4, ignoring any frames previously recorded. While this mode can be handy, it can also be aggravating when you’ve shot a series of photos and realize that the shots you wanted were eight frames prior. It’s unfortunate that there is no continuous mode that allows for shooting an extended series of images, but the 2.4 fps rate is fairly quick for an entry level point-and-shoot camera.
Playback Mode (7.5)
To enter Playback mode the user must press the Review button located next to the lower right-hand corner of the LCD screen. Once the camera is in review mode, the user can review full size images individually by pressing the left and right arrows on the four-way control. Magnification in playback functions that same way focal length or zoom is controlled in capture modes. All other playback mode controls are accessed within the menu, and they be viewed with either a standard background or a background of the current image. The user can view images in a nine frame multi-up format, as a slide show, crop and save images, set albums and pictures, enter the standard overall setup menu, alter image storage setup, protect images, or copy images. Unlike other digital cameras which require the user to access the playback menu to print, the Kodak EasyShare C360 uses a simple share button to print images directly to a printer.
Custom Image Presets (8.0)
This camera comes with a number of custom image presets which present the user with prepackaged settings calibrated for various shooting scenarios. The Kodak EasyShare C360 has 16 custom image presets in total, which is a pretty hefty selection. Portrait, Sports, Landscape, and Macro mode settings are all positioned externally on the mode dial for quick access to those shooting parameters. The Scene mode setting (SCN) allows the user to access other preset scene modes, which are displayed on the LCD screen. They are: children, party, beach, snow, fireworks, flower, self portrait, backlight, night portrait, night landscape, manner/museum, and text modes. These modes are toggled through using the left and right arrows on the four-way controller. When shooting in scene mode, the user is unable to access the manual controls that are available on the C360.
