Model Design / Appearance (7.0)
The silvery EasyShare Z740 is minimalist in design. It has a smoothed square shape, and its SLR styling echoes the Kodak DX7590 and DX6490. Lines are used sparingly in this fluid form, especially on the sleek front. Unfortunately, the right hand grip (protruding below the shutter release) sports a black rubber grip that attracts dirt and dust, but does provide substantial support for gripping. This part of the camera is functional, but never stays clean. The large grip is visually balanced by the zoom lens when its two concentric circles move out.
Size / Portability (7.5)
While the Z740 is designed in line with Kodak’s DX frame structure, the Z740 is both smaller and slightly lighter then it stylistic inspiration, providing added portability and control. It weighs 10.1 oz, minus batteries and memory card, and measures 3.8 x 3.1 x 2.9 inches (34.16 in3), a solid reduction from the DX7590’s measurements of 12.3 oz and 3.9 x 3.2 x 3.2 (39.94 in3). While smaller than the DX7590, the Z740 is still a bit heavier and larger than most compact point-and-shoot cameras. Nonetheless its size doesn’t negatively affect its handling ability and it remains easy to transport; it has neck strap loops on both sides and is small enough to carry in a camera bag.
Handling Ability (8.0)
The Kodak Z740 has those classic EasyShare traits of functional simplicity and intuitive user interface, and there are even brief descriptions in the menu that lets users learn as they go. Kodak continues to rely on their “one-touch” system, which has one specific button set aside for each essential control and feature (e.g. the “share” button). The large protruding rubber-coated right hand grip is comfortable to grasp and won’t slip, though if you have large fingers you might have trouble fitting them in the space between the grip and lens barrel. This lens barrel helpfully serves as a counterweight to the grip, adding to the camera’s stability. While the lack of a manual focus ring gives the front a slightly artificial feel, it doesn’t affect handling.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (7.0)
The DX line has obviously inspired the general layout of the Z740. The Z740 has essential shooting 
features within easy reach of the user’s right index finger (near the shutter release button are the buttons for Flash, Macro, and Burst settings) and right thumb, when the camera is properly gripped. There is plenty of space for the controls, thanks to the relatively large frame and reduced 1.8” LCD screen. The buttons are large and slightly raised for easier access and location. The zoom toggle and oversized finger grip are arranged intelligently around the shutter release.
The only problematic placement involves the mode dial. It’s near the back of the frame on the bottom right, rather than near the shutter release button. This unusual position means that it’s designed to be manipulated with the user’s thumb, rather than the index finger. There is a joystick in the center for menu scrolling and navigation. This mode dial placement is odd, but ultimately not too difficult to adapt to. Other essential controls have their own button, and no other access problems are foreseeable.
Menu (7.5)
All menus on the EasyShare Z740 are designed for simplicity and easy of use. There is a large menu button on the back of the camera that instantly activates the menu and provides direct access to shooting controls. Within the menu, users can alter image presets and shooting settings, to personalize the camera and accommodate their shooting needs. As users scroll through a menu, the feature title appears at the top of the screen and the highlighted line displays an icon next to the selected option within the sub-menu. Sub-menu options can be changed by pushing the joystick to the right when highlighting the desired feature.
Depending on which mode is selected on the mode dial, a menu will appear that can be lengthy or truncated. When the camera is in the Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, or Manual mode, the following menu appears: Picture Size, White Balance, Exposure Metering, Focus Zone, AF Control, Color Mode, Sharpness, Reset to Default, Set Album (still), Image Storage, and Setup Menu.
The menu appears shorter, with different options in Movie mode: Video Size, Set Album (video), Video Length, Image Storage, and Setup Menu. The Auto and Scene modes share the same menu with the following options: Picture Size, AF Control, Color Mode, Set Album (still), Image Storage, and Setup Menu. There are three scene modes located directly on the dial – Sport, Portrait, and Night – that have this menu except for the AF Control option.
As indicated above, the Setup menu is available in every recording mode. Its lengthy menu offers these adjustments: Return, Quick View, Adv. Digital Zoom, Print Warning, Sound Themes, Sound Volume, Mode Description, Auto Power Off, Date & Time, Video Out, Orientation Sensor, Date Stamp, Video Date Display, Language, Format, and About.
The menus are easy to understand and navigate through as long as users have the gist of the joystick, which can take some getting used to. The combination of large text and intuitive graphics appeals to a wide audience of users and differing levels of photographic knowledge. All menu options are displayed on a blue background instead of a translucent menu that allows live views. This provides better visibility of the options, but takes away the enhanced live view that can aid users in making adjustment decisions.
Ease of Use (9.0)
There is a reason Kodak’s line of compact digital cameras is called EasyShare. The company has targeted consumers who want good pictures to print and share with family and friends – without the fuss that some connect with manual control. From its digital debut, Kodak has focused on ease of use as its major market priority. The Z740 carries this tradition well. With automatic and manual options coupled with an easy to use interface of properly positioned buttons and menus, the camera is intuitive for beginners and even allows them to expand their own abilities as they mature in their photographic skills.
