Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

May 16, 2005 - By Patrick Singleton
The Kodak EasyShare Z700 targets a market that Kodak has served for about a century — folks who want to take snapshots without knowing much, or bothering much, about photography. The camera, which is bundled with a printer, is designed to keep nearly everything simple, while offering even the most casual user a range of options. The EasyShare Z700 is the low end of Kodak’s new “Z” line of consumer-oriented EasyShare digital cameras. It features a 5x optical zoom and 4 MP CCD imaging chip, which are smaller than the 10x lens and 5 MP sensor on the higher-end EasyShare Z740. The fixed LCD screen is also a bit smaller than the Z740’s. There are other differences between the cameras, but they aren’t major. The two cameras are built for the same market and serve the same basic functions with an overwhelming simplicity.
Advertisement


Connectivity
Software (6.5)
The Z700 comes with Kodak’s EasyShare software in Windows and Macintosh version 4.0.2. EasyShare aims to be all things photographic and simplified to its users: with it, you can organize your photos; edit them a little (crop them, remove red-eye, adjust color and contrast); e-mail, with an option to compress images enough to e-mail to friends with slow connections; print photos with the EasyShare printer; create web-based photo albums to share with friends; and order prints from Kodak. Not at all incidentally, it’s easy for your friends to order prints of pictures in your online albums as well. The software is easy to use. Like the camera, it integrates very basic information into the interface — the FAQ includes a definition of “upload.”

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)
The Z700 has an ImageLink port built into the bottom of the camera, as well as the USB / A/V port on the right side. The ImageLink port is universal to all ImageLink-compliant manufacturers. The printer also functions as a pass-through for a USB connection between the camera and a computer: seat the camera in the ImageLink port, connect the printer to a computer with a standard USB cable, and the computer will communicate with both the camera and the printer.

I have a significant gripe with the USB / A/V port: it’s not nearly as well-documented as the rest of the camera. In the manual, the port is labeled “USB/AV Out,” indicating that it has two functions. Unfortunately, the manual doesn’t explain the dual role explicitly. In the section that explains how to use the port to show images on a television (the AV Out function), it doesn’t mention that it’s also a USB port. The same goes for the section about using it as a USB port — there’s no mention that it’s also an A/V port.

This seems likely to confuse the snapshooter who buys this camera. The camera manual refers to “Transferring pictures with the USB cable,” but only the A/V cable, not the USB cable, is included in the package we received to review. It’s easy to imagine a casual user reading the manual, plugging the A/V cable into the camera, and trying to find someplace on their computer to plug in the three RCA plugs on the other end.

Kodak says that the camera will also be sold without the printer, and that bundle will include a USB cable. Taking that into account, the manual makes a bit more sense, but it’s still confusing and may pose a problem for users.

Direct Print Options (8.5)
The Kodak Z700 allows for one-touch printing via its “Share” button. When it is connected to the Printer Dock, a press of the button produces a 4 x 6-inch print in about two minutes. It’s a somewhat entertaining two minutes, as the paper slides in and out of the printer as each of the colors — yellow, magenta, and cyan, plus a sealer coat — are laid down in progression. I had a bit of trouble with the perforated ends of the paper breaking off prematurely, but after I taped them back together, they worked fine. All in all, for ease of use in the printing department, you still can’t beat Kodak.

Memory (6.0)
The camera’s 16MB internal memory is not enough for the typical user, though it is always a welcome inclusion. Prospective buyers should factor in a 64 or 128 MB card to the overall price. The camera will accept up to a 512 MB card, which would hold hundreds of pictures. Again, intent users seeking an upgrade can look to the Z740, offering twice the storage with 32 MB internal.

Other Features (7.0)
110-volt power supply - While not included in this bundle, users have the option to purchase this later; Kodak sells rechargeable batteries as well as chargers for the camera. The 110-volt power supply might be useful for powering the camera while running slide shows through the A/V port. A USB cable is available as well.

One-year Manufacturer’s Warranty – Kodak includes a limited one-year warranty, which covers any defects or manufacturing flaws. This offer is only extended to the original purchaser of the camera and will be honored by Kodak, who will replace or repair the defective product at no cost to the user.

Self-Timer - The camera has a self-timer, which can be set to either 2 or 10 seconds.

Image Parameters Page 9 of 12 Overall Impressions
Kodak EasyShare Z700 Digital Camera Review Navigation
Advertisement