Kodak EasyShare P880

Connectivity
Software (6.5)
The P880 comes with a CD-ROM that includes Kodak EasyShare software version 5.2. This version comes with all the viewing and editing features of earlier versions and enhances the printing and projects portions of the program. The software syncs with the Kodak EasyShare Gallery online so users can order prints, photo cards, and calendars. Great marketing idea by Kodak. Users can tag photos as Favorites in the software if they haven’t done so already in the camera. Another new feature in the 5.2 software is the Quick Print function, which lets users print from any view in the software: thumbnail, list, full screen, or even slide show. The parameters of the Quick Print function can be changed so that the printer always produces 4 x 6-inch prints, 8 ½ x 11-inch prints, or whatever the preference may be. EasyShare Software 5.2 also has a feature that detects duplicate images and alerts the user; this prevents users from accidentally downloading the same picture over and over.

Images can be uploaded and organized, then edited with Kodak’s many tools. Users can tweak everything from the color balance and the crop to the use of less important functions like the coloring book effect. Pictures can be emailed straight from the program if Internet access is available. In fact, many of this program’s features require Internet access. The Creative Projects tab is what links the software to the EasyShare Gallery and lets users build photo books and calendars. The only catch is that purchases can only be made from the Kodak Gallery and nowhere else.

All in all, the version 5.2 Kodak EasyShare Software is easy to use. It makes it simple to email, print, and otherwise play with pictures. But a warning to Macintosh users: the RAW files from the P880 will cannot be edited in the software program – or anywhere on a Mac for that matter.

Jacks, Ports, Plugs (6.0)
The Kodak P880 has a rubber cover on its left side that houses a USB / A/V port and a port for an optional power adapter. There is also a circular cover on that side that protects the flash port. A hot shoe atop the digital camera accepts Kodak flash units, namely the P20. There is a door on the right side of the camera that protects the slot for the SD card; this door is difficult to open. The Kodak EasyShare P880 comes with a plastic adapter so it can fit on a Kodak EasyShare Series 3 camera dock or printer.

Direct Print Options (8.0)
The majority of P880 users will want to download and edit pictures before printing them, but in case a few instant prints are needed the Kodak P880 is compatible with PictBridge and ImageLink printers. Kodak recommends its own EasyShare printers of course and includes an adapter that rests the P880 directly on the EasyShare Series 3 printers. The Kodak P880 is DPOF compatible and lets users select prints by tagging them. Users can also make an index print and print all photos at once. Kodak simplified direct printing long ago with its designated ruby red Share button that transfers images to the printer.

Battery (5.75)
The P880 uses a Kodak KLIC-5001 lithium-ion battery. The rechargeable battery fits into the included wall-mount charger and takes three hours to fully charge. Kodak didn’t release battery life stats on its battery, but it performed well in testing, lasting for most of the day before it needed a recharge.

Memory (3.5)
The Kodak EasyShare P880 has 32 MB of internal memory, 31 of which are available for image storage. The Favorites album is kept on the internal memory unless otherwise specified. 8 megapixel RAW files will use up the internal memory quickly, so purchasing a SD card will be necessary.

Other Features (2.0)
Live Histogram – One advantage of the P880 over a DSLR is the ability to view a live histogram. This provides users with an accurate assessment of the tonal values within the composition of the shot and is far more accurate than the LCD view.

Self-Timer – Available with the Drive button, users can select the self-timer and activate it after 2 or 10 seconds.