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Kodak EasyShare C433 Digital Camera Review

First Impressions Review

Previous: Page 8

Connectivity / Extras

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Conclusion
December 08, 2006 By James Murray
1 Comments
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Value (7.0)
When comparing the Kodak EasyShare C433 to other camera models out on the market for a similar price, the C433 holds its own in most categories and occasionally glimmers through as a better option. The 4-megapixel CCD, 1.8-inch LCD, still and video capture options, preset shooting modes, and 16 MB of internal memory are certainly enough to satisfy the budget consumer looking for a no-frills automatic digital camera. The C433 isn’t heavy on style or design aesthetics, but its external and internal simplicity logic is excellent and the included software will enable even novice users and technophobes to begin considering post-capture editing strategies. The AA batteries needed for powering could require a bit of money but purchasing a set of rechargeable batteries and a charger will quickly make this setback a non-problem. Currently selling online through Kodak for $99.95, the camera can be found selling on other reputable web sites for around $85.
 
Comparisons
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3 – This digital camera is definitely higher in price than the Kodak C433, but it shows consumers what they will get if they're willing to spend closer to $200 MSRP, in terms of image quality and control. This digital camera has double the optical zoom of the C433, with a total of 6x, and comes with Panasonic’s own Mega O.I.S. stabilization system that they’ve been heavily marketing. This camera has 5-megapixels on a larger 1/2.5-inch CCD. The auto focus on this camera will allow users to select between five different metering methods as well as normal, macro and wide focusing areas. The manual ISO range runs from ISO 80 to ISO 400 with a High Sensitivity preset shooting mode that can run from ISO 800 to ISO 1600. Exposure compensation is identical in both range and incremental steps to the C433, while the shutter speeds far exceed the scale found on the Kodak. With a night mode that goes all the way to a slow shutter speed of 60 seconds and a top speed that maxes out at 1/2000, the LZ3 will be able to perform in a wider variety of action and lighting environments than the C433. The Pansonic LZ3 also offers a burst mode in two quality levels. The video capture mode on the DMC-LZ3 offers video capture at 640 x 480 resolution at 30 fps when shooting with SD/MMC memory card. The downside of the DMC-LZ3's video capture mode is its utter lack of audio capture. Panasonic’s software is anything but stellar, but the LZ3 is still a tempting option with more resolution, 6x optical zoom, and a 2-inch LCD screen, at an online price under $200.
 
Canon PowerShot A430 – Rejecting the blocky square physique of the C433 for a lower more horizontal profile, the A430 by Canon has a 4.0 MP CCD, a 1.8-inch LCD screen with 77,000 pixels, an inaccurate optical viewfinder, and a messier external interface that has a cluttered and cramped design. This camera has a similar ISO range although it begins at ISO 64, instead of ISO 80 as with the C433. The camera’s shutter speed range does fall short when compared to the C433 with a range of just 1 second to 1/2000th of a second that will falter in darker shooting situations. That said, the A430 offers a more extensive metering mode that will enable users to select between center-weighted, spot or evaluative modes for a more selective and nuanced meter reading.  Additionally, the +/-2 EV exposure compensation scale trumps the C433 by using 1/3-stop increments for more, instead of the 1/2-EV increments on both the Kodak C433 and C533. Continuing to trump the C433 in terms of manual control, the A430 has not only more preset white balance modes but also includes a fully customizable mode.  A wider selection of photo effects and the extensive Canon My Colors mode exceed the shooting and post-capture in-camera digital manipulation and really make this camera a better option than the C433. In addition to all of this, the camera also has a 0.4-inch super macro mode for close-up shooting.  Priced slightly higher than the C433 at around $114 USD online, this marginal price increase may well be worth it for the budget consumer able to shake a few dollars from between the couch cushions.
 
Kodak EasyShare C533 – This model is the step up model from Kodak and can currently be found on Kodak’s website for a retail price of $149.95.  This camera has a 5-megapixel CCD, an identical 3x optical zoom lens and a video capture mode that has a slower frame rate than then less expensive C433.  Manual controls on this model include the same exposure compensation range and step increments, ISO range of up to ISO 400 at full resolution, the same scene modes, shutter speed range and auto focus modes.  Also included is an identically sized 1.8-inch LCD, although this more expensive model does include the inevitably inaccurate, but occasionally useful optical viewfinder (useful when running low on AA batteries and wishing to save battery life, for instance, otherwise it’s a rather pointless feature).  Like the C433, this camera is PictBridge and ImageLink compatible for easy direct printing.  Although some features are different, their "improvements" to shooting are minimal; the C433 will likely be a better option for the budget consumer market.
 
Fujifilm FinePix A400 – This point and shoot camera by Fujifilm can be found online for around $95.95 currently and has a similar boxy frame when compared to the EasyShare C433 and a comparably sized 1/2.5-inch 4.1-megapixel CCD. This model has a 3x optical zoom and 12 MB of internal memory, and records to xD card. The A400 has an ISO range up to ISO 400 in full resolution, but it will not offer the reduced resolution ISO 800 setting found on the C433.  Consumers will find that this camera has similar exposure settings (although at 1/3-EV increments) and a slightly fuller white balance preset list.  This camera falters when video capture is compared with the less-than-stunning results of the C433 far out-shining the maximum resolution of 320 x 240 at 10 fps rate of the A400.  Adding insult to injury, this video capture mode will not even record audio at all.  The A400 has an identically sized 1.8-inch LCD with a terrible resolution of 77,000 pixels and is included in addition to an off-center and inaccurate optical viewfinder.  Adding to these problems is the necessity of entering the menu structure for control adjustments, a terrible zoom control design and an unnecessarily cluttered external surface. This camera seems a pale comparison to the offerings of the C433.
 
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The Kodak EasyShare C433 is definitely intended for the point-and-shoot market with its simple controls, straightforward menus, large control interface and uncomplicated printing system.
Budget Consumers – The budget consumer will also find the EasyShare C433 to be a tempting purchase due to the $99.95 price tag online through Kodak and even less from other sellers. 
 
Gadget Freaks – The gadget freak isn’t going to look twice at the Kodak EasyShare C433 due to its stripped down simple point and shoot nature as well as the lack of innovative technology or design creativity. 
 
Manual Control Freaks – The manual control freak will be uninterested in the C433.  With only exposure compensation and ISO being truly manual and shutter speed is only for longer shutter times and white balance relys on preset modes, the C433 is not an option for this market.
 
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – The pro and serious hobbyist will have no reason to examine the Kodak EasyShare C433 with its budget design and point-and-shoot interface meant for basic shooting.
 
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Kodak EasyShare C433 Digital Camera Review
First Impressions Review
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Previous: Page 8

Connectivity / Extras

Previous: Page 10

Conclusion