Auto Mode
The auto mode is the default setting for the camera and is the mode with the most, even if minimal, manual control settings. The auto mode can be switched in and out of by pressing the scene mode button on the top of the camera. When shooting in auto mode users will still have access to ISO manual control, preset white balance, exposure compensation and long time exposure in addition to color effects, image size and other alteration options.
Movie Mode
Movie mode is quickly and easily entered by pressing the movie button on the top of the camera. The movie mode allows for the user to engage zoom when shooting. The Kodak EasyShare V603 has a maximum resolution of 640 x 480 VGA video at a rate of 30 fps, so smooth video clips should be possible. Video can also be recorded at a rate of 30 fps with reduced image quality at a resolution of 320 x 240. Audio may be recorded simultaneously with video capture via the microphone; however, the mic’s positioning makes it easy to muffle it with the fingers of the right hand when shooting haphazardly. While a great little accessory feature, this mode is certainly not going to be able to stand up to the quality of video yielded when shooting with camcorders, but does have a strong edge in portability.
Drive / Burst Mode
The burst mode on the Kodak EasyShare V603 isn’t the most impressive, with a four shot maximum capture at an advertised 3 frames per second. The burst mode may be activated by entering the shooting menu and selecting the burst submenu. The user will then be able to set the burst mode to off or on, depending on their needs. Under informal testing, the camera showed a quick reaction time, although further testing in our full review will be necessary to see if the V603 is really able to offer its advertised 3fps capture rate.
Playback Mode
The playback mode of the Kodak EasyShare V603 is quickly entered by pressing the review button to the left of the LCD. The playback mode allows users to view images in either 9-image format, single image format or single image with up to 8x playback zoom. The user can create albums and slide shows as well as copy, protect and crop images to further suit their needs. The playback mode is simple to navigate and the printing/sharing process was engaged with the Kodak signature “One Touch” ease that it has been known for.
The most interesting new addition to the playback mode seems to be the Perfect Touch feature, applied in playback mode to images that suffer from incorrect exposure levels. This can be fixed partially if not entirely through the engagement of this automatic feature. The Perfect Touch feature instantly re-evaluates exposure and flare in an attempt to balance the image more successfully. Once complete, a split screen with a before and after shot is displayed and the user can study the new image prior to confirming the change. The V603 saves both versions, in case the user has a change of heart later.
Custom Image Presets
Custom image presets are becoming more and more fashionable in the point-and-shoot market these days, as is evident by the somewhat overwhelming number of presets provided with Canon, Kodak and especially Casio cameras. This Kodak, the V603, allows users to access 22 different options with parameters tailored to the general demands of a particular scene.
The custom image presets are accessed through the scene mode button on the top of the camera, and each option is displayed as a minute thumbnail in the lower half of the LCD screen with a text description displayed in the upper half when selected. The preset options for the V603 are Portrait, Panorama Left-Right, Panorama Right-Left, Sport, Landscape, Close-up, Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Snow, Beach, Text, Fireworks, Flower, Manner/Museum, Self-Portrait, Party, Children, Backlight, Panning Shot, Candlelight, Sunset and Custom modes.
