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Introduction
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01.Testing / Performance
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02.Physical Tour
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03.Components
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04.Design / Layout
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05.Modes
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06.Control Options
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07.Image Parameters
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08.Connectivity / Extras
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09.Overall Impressions
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10.Conclusion
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11.Specs / Ratings
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12.Comments
Kodak EasyShare P850
Previous: Page 5
ModesNext: Page 7
Image Parameters
The P850 is outfitted with an advanced hybrid auto focus system that works through-the-lens. The hybrid external passive sensor detects subjects and focuses on them – most of the time. Sometimes the sensor just can’t figure it out, like in low contrast situations or if the subject is very small. Also, the focus often lags behind the zoom lens. The lens zooms in first, then it takes another half-second or so for the system to focus on the subject. The auto focus system has two control modes typically found on digital cameras: Single and Continuous. The system can be set to focus on the center zone, multi-zone (default), or the focus point can be moved around to 25 different points around the frame. Both the AF control mode and the AF zones can be set to be selected on the Program button. In line with more advanced models, the P850 includes a manual focus mode. It can be accessed with a designated button on the top’s left side and controlled with the joystick on the back of the camera. The LCD/EVF display shows a tiny indicator in the bottom left corner of the screen. The center of the screen is magnified so users can more accurately assess whether the subject is in focus or not. Many competing models do this, but not many have great resolution on their display screens – making it very difficult to tell whether subjects are in focus. The LCD screen has this awful problem; it only has 115,000 pixels of resolution. However, the electronic viewfinder is stocked with enough resolution for users to make a good judgment of sharpness. The manual focus mode works very well and is very easy to use.
Exposure (7.5)
Metering (6.5)
Many of the current compact EasyShare models on the market have only four white balance settings, so it is refreshing to see a few more offerings on the Performance series cameras. The P850 has plenty of white balance control. It has three custom white balance settings, plus an automatic mode and the following presets: Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Open Shade, and Sunset. There is also a manual mode that can save current settings or use the last captured picture as the measurement for white balance. But wait, there’s more. The Kodak P850 has a white balance compensation setting that shows users a tiny rainbow-colored box in the corner of the screen. Users can scroll around the box to adjust the shade toward blue, red, magenta, or green. There are 196 different points in this box that users can scroll upon. All of the white balance options can be accessed in the advanced recording menu or through the Program button if set. 
Shutter Speed (6.25)
In the Manual and Aperture priority modes, the aperture can be changed with the jog dial and the Set button. The jog dial moves from the aperture setting to the exposure and flash exposure compensation settings on the bottom of the LCD screen. When the aperture is scrolled upon, users must push the Set button to then be able to scroll within the aperture range. In the wide angle of the lens, the range extends from f/2.8-f/8.0. The maximum aperture shrinks to f/3.7 at the telephoto angle. There are a total of ten stops within the full range. When the camera thinks the picture will be underexposed, it flashes the aperture in red. Acceptable aperture choices are displayed in white. This is a nice setup especially for beginning photographers who are exploring the manual modes. Shop for the Kodak EasyShare P850
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