Kodak EasyShare C663

Comparisons
Kodak EasyShare C643 – This digital camera is under the flagship C663 in Kodak’s point-and-shoot series. It has many of the same features such as 6.1 megapixels, a 3x optical zoom lens and 2.4-inch LCD screen. The biggest difference between the two cameras is that the C643 doesn’t have manual control over shutter speed and aperture like the C663. There are subtler differences too. The Kodak C643 has only 11 scene modes; omitting the Night Landscape and Text presets. It does not have High and Low Color modes, but it has the Sepia and Black and White modes. This model does not have exposure bracketing and it has only four white balance options. Kodak seems to think these differences must add up to a huge change on the price tag. This more automatic 6.1-megapixel model retails for $199. It does keep the positive aspects of the flagship ; the Kodak EasyShare C643 includes Perfect Touch technology and 32 MB of internal memory. The Kodak C643 provides a cheaper option to consumers who want all the bells and whistles without manual controls.

Kodak EasyShare-one 6 MP – This digital camera also doesn’t have manual control over exposure, but it has promising features and sells for the same $299 retail price as the C663. The 6-megapixel Kodak EasyShare-one has a sturdy, inch-thick, metal body that includes a 3-inch, 230k LCD screen which folds out and rotates. Better still, the screen comes with a stylus that reacts when touched. This model has 256 MB of internal memory and includes a WiFi card to wirelessly transfer images from the camera to a computer. It can also email pictures and messages straight from the camera; no need to shuffle in the included software to manage addresses and send messages. The Kodak EasyShare-one has a 3x optical zoom lens that can’t shoot as close in its macro mode (3.9 inches), otherwise it is very similar to the C663’s lens. The EasyShare-one has 16 scene modes, an auto mode and a movie mode. Consumers will have to forego manual control over exposure, but would gain a movie mode that can shoot 30 fps. This digital camera also includes Perfect Touch technology and even comes with a leather carrying case. The 6-megapixel Kodak EasyShare-one is ideal for someone who wants more innovative features and doesn’t care about manual functionality.

Canon PowerShot A620 – This digital camera falls under Canon’s point-and-shoot series of digital cameras. It debuted in August 2005 at a higher price, but currently retails for $299 (although it can be found for about $220 online). This camera comes with mode resolution at 7.1 megapixels and more zoom power with its 4x lens. It has a smaller 2-inch LCD screen that has 115,000 pixels, and the display folds out and rotates almost like a camcorder’s screen. The A620’s body is much thicker and much heavier, but its appearance is plain. The Canon A620 has a variety of recording modes including a fully manual mode, two priority modes, programmed and auto modes and 11 scene modes. There is also a movie mode that records 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 at a selectable 30 or 15 fps. A Fast Frame Rate option is also available; with 60 fps and 320 x 240 pixels, it records action smoothly for up to a minute. This PowerShot earned decent resolution scores with so-so colors. It handled noise respectably and illuminated and focused subjects properly in low light. The A620 has an optical viewfinder and runs on 4 AA batteries, which need to be charged every 350 shots or so. The Canon PowerShot A620 gives consumers more resolution and zoom, along with overall better image quality and more manual control for about the same price.

Fujifilm FinePix F470 – For a $279 price, consumers can get the same amount of resolution in a slimmer and sturdier camera body. The 6-megapixel Fujifilm FinePix F470 has a much sleeker look and fits much better into a pocket with its mere 0.8-inch thickness. This digital camera has a 3x optical zoom lens and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with 115k pixels. Manual controls are not including with this model and there are 10 scene modes. There is a movie mode that records 640 x 480-pixel video clips at a full 30 fps frame rate. The FinePix F470 has a pedestrian burst mode that shoots 1.9 fps and performed poorly in low light tests. Still, it produced colors fairly realistically and handled noise well. The F470 has 16 MB of internal memory and more white balance presets than the Kodak C663, even though there is still no manual setting. The Fujifilm FinePix F470 is a good option for consumers who don’t care for manual controls but want a relatively inexpensive camera that will fit in a pocket.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 – This digital camera has 6 megapixels and comes with a much longer zoom lens. The Panasonic LZ5 has a 6x optical zoom lens that is optically stabilized, which reduces the effects of shaking hands on images and movies. Still images can be recorded in widescreen format, which like having a built-in panoramic mode. Some Lumix cameras can record videos in 16:9, but the LZ5 cannot. The Panasonic LZ5 has 15 scene modes; in addition to the normal Portrait and Landscape stuff, it has two Baby modes that save the exact age of the subject (you have to preload the birthday, of course. It can’t magically guess) with each image file. The camera also includes a High Sensitivity mode that uses ISO 800-1600 settings to capture images in low light without firing the flash. The LZ5 does not have manual control, but it does have an exposure bracketing feature and a custom white balance setting. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ5 produces great colors and decent resolution, but it does poorly in low light. It has a better burst mode that snaps 3.4 fps for up to 6 shots. The LZ5 has a 2.5-inch LCD screen that has a disappointing 85,000 pixels and runs on AA batteries that can get 235 shots per use. This digital camera offers consumers a lot more zoom and image stabilization for a cheaper $249 price.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – The Kodak EasyShare C-series is designed with this audience in mind. The C663 is at the helm with its few manual controls for those point-and-shooters who just want to dabble with exposure control.

Budget Consumers – At $299, consumers can get better digital cameras. There are models out there with more zoom, more innovative features, more manual control and even more resolution at a smaller price.

Gadget Freaks – The C663 has plain features that aren’t very innovative or interesting. Gadget freaks would be completely bored with this camera and would be embarrassed to even be seen holding one at a store.

Manual Control Freaks – The Kodak C663 does have manual control, but unlike other models, it is not as extensive. The shutter speeds and apertures can be adjusted in the manual mode, but there are no priority modes and other manual controls like metering, focus, and white balance simply are nonexistant.

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Despite being the flagship of the C-series, the Kodak C663 probably won’t ever be picked up by a professional or even a serious hobbyist. It doesn’t have the right body type, manual control or look.