The front of the Kodak P850 shows the SLR shape with the prominent hand grip on the left and the large lens barrel on the right. The hand grip has a chrome vertical highlight down its most prominent edge, with a rubbery material surrounding it. At the top of the rubber and chrome highlight is the shutter release button, surrounded by the power switch. Directly to the right of the grip is a rectangular window where the external hybrid auto focus system does its business. Below is it a small circular LED that indicates the self-timer and video modes. At the very bottom is a small glass-like plate that reads, “5.1 Megapixels.” The right side of the P850 is dominated by the large lens barrel. There is an outer beveled edge that is threaded on the inside for attachment of conversion lenses. The inner lens rim is brushed chrome and labeled, “Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 36mm-432mm (Equivalent) AF 12x Optical Zoom.” Directly above the lens is the built-in flash, which pops up when needed. Above the right side of the lens barrel are three holes that serve as the microphone.

 

Back (7.5)

The back of the Kodak P850 is more reminiscent of a DSLR than a compact digital camera. Still, there are elements from both types of cameras. There is a 2.5-inch LCD screen set within a slightly raised frame. At the bottom of the frame is the model name: “Kodak EasyShare P850.” Directly above the LCD is a viewfinder, which shows up as a circular window in a large rubber eyecup. Above this is the hot shoe. To its left is a tiny gray diopter adjustment. On the far left edge of the left side is a circular button that changes the view from the viewfinder to the LCD screen. To the right of the LCD screen is about an inch and a half of space occupied by all sorts of dials and buttons. At the top, the grooves of the mode dial protrude for easier rotation. In the top right corner is a grooved jog dial with a Set button beneath it. To its left is a zoom switch. Below the Set button is an AE/AF button. Below the zoom switch is a status button, with a review button beneath it. At the bottom of this space is a silver joystick surrounded by a ring with arrows pointing in the four directions; this navigates through menus and pictures. Below the navigational joystick are three buttons: the Delete button on the left, the Menu button in the middle, and the ruby-colored Share button on the right.

From this angle, users can see the protrusion of the lens barrel with its chrome ring and rubber material covering the barrel. The rubber surface is also on the left side, with a finger grip at the bottom for users to pry it open and connect the power adaptor, USB, or AV-out cables. Above the rubber door is a red rubber panel that reads, “12x IS” to boast the optical image stabilization system. Above it are a set of holes that is actually the speaker. Above this is a silver eyelet to attach the neck strap.

The right side is fairly plain with only the black plastic surface showing. A door opens near the rear side to expose the slot for the SD or MMC card. At the top of the right side is another silver eyelet.

Again, the P850's SLR-like shape can be seen from this angle. The lens barrel and silver ring protrude nearly an inch and a half. The viewfinder sticks out the back side in half that length. Atop the viewfinder is a hot shoe on the rear and a Kodak label on the front atop the built-in flash unit. To the left of this feature are two circular buttons: the one near the front changes the focus modes and the one near the back switches flash modes. To the right of the hot shoe/viewfinder unit is the mode dial, which is about the size of a dime. It has grooved edges are protrudes slightly out the back so the thumb can rotate it easily. To its right are three buttons: Drive, Program, and Metering. Above these buttons is the protrusion to the hand grip, with the shutter release and power switch out on the edge of its peninsula.

Below the hand grip is a plastic door that swings open to reveal the battery compartment. Centered on the bottom of the camera is a metal tripod socket, with the serial number and dock connector near the back side.