Model Design/Appearance (8.0)
The Kodak EasyShare LS743’s sleek comfortable design is small and compact, and the body of the camera is reminiscent of a large cell phone. The Kodak EasyShare LS743 has an overall metallic gray appearance, with highlight areas of polished metallic plastic. The 1.8-inch LCD monitor consumes most of the back area of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 with the optical lens being relegated to the top upper left corner on the back of the model.

Size/Portability (7.5)
The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is small, weighing only 5.8 oz without the battery, and its condensed form allows for it to be easily transported without extraneous effort. Measuring only 4.3 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches, with a volume of 9.8 in³, this camera will easily fit within a user’s pocket or in the palm of a hand, making it perfect for immediate use and point-and-shoot capabilities.

Handling Ability (7.5)
With a jog dial located in front of the shutter button, it is easily and quickly operable. The dial is a new design feature which allows for immediate mode changes to be recognized on the LCD screen. Having done away with the more traditional dial, users no longer need to familiarize themselves with confusing mode symbols. Instead, the setting information appears on the LCD monitor.

The major and immediate concern regarding handling comes from the position of the viewfinder. It is located exactly where I would place my middle finger so I immediately obstruct any viewing abilities as well as the built-in light sensor. Instead, I had to revert to using the much more conveniently placed central LCD monitor. Otherwise, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 did not have major handling complications during use.

Control Button/Dial Positioning/Size (6.0)
For the most part, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 had well placed and well considered button features. The user can now access the jog dial while holding the camera only with the right hand, and easily switch between modes with the index finger prior to depressing the shutter button. However, the major issue I had arose with the four-way controller/OK button. At times when using the camera, I was forced to slow my operations because my fingers would bump the button and accidentally trigger a function. The small size and multiple functions of this button made it so I was rarely immediately able to achieve the desired result. However, delicate handling and a user with smaller hands would make this a moot point.

Menus (7.0)
After pressing the Menu button on the Kodak EasyShare LS743, the user can navigate through the settings with the up and down arrows and press the OK button to activate them. The following options are available through the menu: self-timer, exposure compensation, burst mode, picture quality, video quality, white balance, ISO speed, color mode, metering, focus zone, long time exposure, image storage, set album, video length, and set-up menu. The user can hit the menu button a second time to return to shooting mode. The menu system on the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is simple and pleasant enough so as not to confuse or frustrate the user, a surprisingly important feature when looking for a digital camera that is right for you.

Ease of Use (7.5)
Kodak EasyShare LS743 is perfect for the point-and-shoot consumer who isn’t looking for a large amount of manual control over the images being captured. Its price is good for the budget consumer looking for a smaller and more appealing model of digital camera. The major concerns for ease of use emerged in the placement of the viewfinder and the undersized four-way control/OK button. I would definitely not recommend this camera to any user with dexterity issues or with large hands. The four-way control is used often enough that it becomes a hassle. I found myself constantly pressing OK by mistake, or choosing incorrect settings because of its small size. However, nimble and small-fingered users would find this unimportant. The new jog dial, which enables the user of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 to switch between modes, is a great advancement, allowing for quick decisions to be made without excessive hand adjustment.