Color (9.3)
Using Imatest Imaging Software and an industry standard GretagMacbeth color chart we tested the color representation of the Kodak EasyShare LS743. Imatest allows us to measure color accuracy and saturation. The picture below is the corrected Kodak EasyShare LS743 image in which the outer squares represent the LS743’s colors, the inner squares are error corrected, and the vertical rectangle in the center represents the ideal color of the GretagMacbeth chart.

The graph below also displays the Kodak EasyShare LS743’s color reproduction capabilities. Each number represents a tonal gradation; the circles indicate the color produced by the camera, whereas the squares represent the ideal color. The greater the distance between the circle and the square, the greater the error of the camera.

According to the graph, the mean saturation produced by the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is 120%. Most digital cameras (especially point-and-shoots) will contain a certain degree of over-saturation to produce more vibrant images, but the Kodak EasyShare LS743 goes a little further than the rest. For example, the Canon PowerShot A80, a comparable 4.0 megapixel digital camera, produced a saturation score of 114.7% using Imatest Imaging Software. However, this is not a death sentence for the Kodak EasyShare LS743. It did very well in its overall color representation, collecting a score of 9.3 compared to the A80’s 7.78. So, if you prefer images that have more vibrant and bold colors, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 will suit you well.

Numbers 15 and 9 on the chart are consistently over-saturated to ensure good skin tones in images; this is seen with cameras across the board. The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is also over-saturated in some of the blues and purples as well as in color number 4. However, it produced very good color reproduction in the blue-greens, greens, and yellows (numbers 3,18, 6, 11, 16, and 7). Since no camera produces a perfect score, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 out-performs many of its peers and will not let you down.

Still Life Scene
The image below is our standard still life image which we photograph with every still camera:

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked image is VERY large!)

Resolution/Sharpness (2.76)
It is often the case that there is a discrepancy between the manufacturer-reported megapixels of any given camera and the “real pixel” count. Using Imatest Imaging Software we gather a score that highlights how the camera actually performs and compare it against the manufacturer’s boast. A score of 70-80% is a good performance, 80-90% is very good, and above 90% is excellent.

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 received a resolution score of 2.76 real pixels. The highest resolution settings for this digital camera are 2304 x 1728, which equates to the 3.9 megapixels recorded by the manufacturer. The Kodak EasyShare LS743 received a score of 69%. Although the “real” pixel score might seem low, it is actually fairly comparable to other digital cameras in the 4 megapixel category. For example, the Canon PowerShot A80 reported 70.4% of the manufacturer’s pixel count.

Noise - Auto ISO (6.16)
The Kodak EasyShare LS743 performed pretty well when noise levels were tested with Imatest Imaging Software. Noise in digital imaging is similar to grain in film cameras; it degrades the image quality and appears as little speckles on top of the picture. Since the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is aimed at a point-and-shoot audience, it is important that it produces good images with Automatic ISO since many of its users will opt for automatic control. The 80-800 ISO range that is offered in the LS743 is smoothly and aptly adjusted by the camera and can be counted on to deliver well exposed, low noise imagery without manual manipulation.

Noise - Manual ISO (8.09)
The Kodak EasyShare LS743 gives the user an impressive range of 80-800 ISO speeds. This is more than most digital cameras in its range which often do not exceed 400 or go below 100 in the case of more basic cameras. Using Imatest Imaging Software we test the digital camera at each ISO rating to determine a numeric value for noise and use a regression analysis to obtain an overall noise score. The graph below displays the noise for each ISO sensitivity setting, with the X-axis representing the ISO rating, and the Y-axis representing the amount of noise.

As expected, the graph shows a little bit of noise at the lower ISO settings and grows as the ISO increases. Fortunately the Kodak EasyShare LS743 has relatively low noise scores compared to other cameras in this category and will therefore have better responses and cleaner images in lower light situations. If you are not a fan of using a flash, yet still like to take pictures indoors, this camera will be a good match for you.

Speed Timing
Startup/First shot (6.41)
There is a noticeable lag time (3.59 seconds) between when the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is turned on and when it’s ready to take its first shot. This is annoying in situations where your camera is off and you see a scene that you want to capture right away.

Shot to shot (7.28)
There is also a 2.73 second lag between shots with this camera. This is common with digital cameras, but since it is a major concern for some users, manufacturers are trying to reduce the lag as much as possible. If this is a big concern for you I would consider some other cameras (e.g. Canon PowerShot S500) that respond more quickly.

Shutter to shot (7.9)
The Kodak EasyShare LS743 does pretty well in the time between pressing the shutter and when the shot is taken with a 0.55 second delay. Short of an SLR, most digital cameras aren’t instantaneous.