Value (4.0)
Kodak faces stiff competition, with a number of rivals in the $200 price category. The V803 has basic specs and is attractive, but there are better performing cameras with more advanced features, including face detection technology, available for the same price.
Comparisons
Canon PowerShot SD40 – People who are attracted to the short and sweet types might also consider the Canon SD40. At a notably higher introductory price of $349, the Canon camera has a lower 7.1 megapixel count compared to the Kodak V803’s 8-megapixel sensor. The Canon camera also has a smaller 1.8-inch, 118,000-pixel resolution LCD versus the Kodak’s 2.5-inch, 154,000-pixel monitor. The Canon offers a shorter 2.4x optical zoom, less than the Kodak’s 3x optical zoom. What will customers get for that near-$150 price difference? Canon’s face detection technology. Both cameras have a maximum sensitivity of 1600 ISO for shooting in low light. The Canon SD40 offers four color options: Noble Blue, Twilight Sepia, Precious Rose, and Olive Gray, while V803 has eight color options.
Kodak EasyShare V1003 – Introduced at the same time as the Kodak V803, the Kodak EasyShare V1003 is the slightly more advanced edition of the V803. At about $50 more than the V803, the V1003 offers pretty much the same things as its little sister. The main difference is the V1003 has a higher 10-megapixel count compared to the 8-megapixel V803. Because the variance is so small between these two Kodak cameras, we recommend consumers save the extra $50, unless they are planning on making massive prints with the images captured from the V1003.
Fujifilm FinePix Z5fd - The Fuji Z5fd offers similar specs to the Kodak V803 at roughly the same price. For about $30 more, at $229, the Fuji camera possesses a 6.3 megapixel count compared to the 8-megapixel EasyShare camera. Both cameras are fitted with a 3x optical zoom lens, although the Fuji’s lens is non-extending. The FinePix and EasyShare cameras both have a high sensitivity at 1600 ISO. Those who opt for the Fuji camera will gain face detection technology and a built-in Web resolution Blog mode. Consumers can also choose from the Z5fd’s Wine Red, Chocolate Brown, and Lustrous Brushed Silver colors, while the Kodak V803 is available in eight trendy colors.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W55 – The Sony W55 and Kodak V803 share the same intro price of $200, but have slightly different rap sheets. The 7.2-megapixel Cyber-shot has less resolution than the 8-megapixel EasyShare camera. The Sony W55 is fitted with an equally sized 2.5-inch LCD, but with less monitor resolution at 115,000 pixels compared to the 154,000-pixel resolution of the Kodak V803. Both come equipped with extending 3x optical zoom lenses. The Sony camera has a maximum sensitivity of 1000 ISO, less than the Kodak’s 1600 ISO maximum. Sony offers the W55 in silver, black, pink, and blue.
GE G1 –The GE G1 and the Kodak V803 share the same price tag. The 7-megapixel G1 camera carries fewer megapixels than the 8-megapixel Kodak V803, but the two cameras share comparable monitors and 3x optical zoom lenses. The GE camera possesses a 2.5-inch, 153,600-pixel LCD compared to the 2.5-inch, 154,000-pixel screen on the EasyShare camera. Both have a max 1600 ISO setting and three-image panorama stitch function. Those who purchase the GE G1, however, will gain face detection capabilities and a built-in red-eye removal function.
Who’s this Camera For?
Point and Shooters – Absolutely. The Kodak EasyShare V803 is geared for the type of shooter who simply wants to push the shutter and not think about anything else.
Budget Consumers – At less than $200, the camera falls into the budget category. While consumers can get cameras for even less at online retailers, thrifty shoppers will be attracted to the V803’s low price tag.
Gadget Freaks – Negative. The EasyShare’s basic features likely won’t be enough for this group. Those with a thirst for gadgets will gravitate toward features such as face detection, touch screen abilities, or wireless photo transfer technology.
Manual Control Freaks – Eh. That’s pretty much the reaction a more experienced photographer would have about the EasyShare V803. Since the camera only comes with automatic Scene modes and limited manual controls for settings like aperture and shutter speed, the control freaks will likely look elsewhere. Advanced compact zooms or entry-level DSLRs are better suited to this segment.
Pros / Serious Amateurs – Not at all. Professional photographers are more apt to purchase higher-end cameras, such as pro DSLRs and digital medium format cameras.
