Auto Mode (7.5)
The Z-line won’t have as many manual controls and options as the DX-line, so the Z740’s auto mode should be sufficient for setting the sensitivity, exposure, and white balance parameters. Auto mode can be found on the mode dial; it’s the setting with the Auto label and camera icon. It offers an abridged menu with elementary settings like color mode and picture size. Since Flash, Macro, and Burst have their own buttons atop the camera, users can use these in Auto mode as well, which is unusual (but welcome) in a compact digital camera. Exposure compensation can also be adjusted in this mode, with the joystick. Auto mode will likely be the setting of preference for many of the Z740’s users and will not disappoint, providing ample assistance and accurate metering for striking automatic images.

Movie Mode (6.0)
The MPEG-4 movie mode on the Kodak Z740 captures video clips up to 80 minutes or until the memory card is full with audio. Within the movie mode menu, users can choose to record shorter clips of 5, 15, or 30 seconds – or opt for the unlimited option that records continuously. The movies look a bit choppy with the 13-frame-per-second rate at 640 x 480 pixels. There is also a QVGA-quality setting that shoots at 20 frames per second and looks choppy, which is expected at this setting because it’s optimized more for transferring than for quality. The Kodak EasyShare Z740 fails to impress as a camcorder, especially to those users who were expecting to use that long zoom lens with video clips. Sorry guys; the zoom is disabled in the movie mode. The clips look choppy and bumpy on the LCD screen and don’t look any better when blown up on a television. One of the better features of the movie mode is its ability to record audio and play it back within the camera.

Drive / Burst Mode (6.0)
With two burst modes that will record up to 4 images at 2 frames per second, the Z740 can compete with other compact digital cameras. In this market segment, manufacturers either completely leave this feature off the camera or go for a 1.5-3 frame-per-second rate. The Z740 ranks as average with those cameras that do include it; however, it must be emphasized that this camera includes the burst mode. In fact, it packs two burst modes. A “first burst” setting captures four consecutive frames in two seconds; a “last burst” mode continuously records images at the same rate, but only saves the last four. Both modes can be accessed by the conveniently located Burst button on the top of the camera.

Playback Mode (7.5)
The Z740 excels in usability in the playback mode; note the name “EasyShare.” Lots of options exist for the social photographer who wants to spread their pictures on all media. Users can print, email, or play slide shows to share their Kodak moments. Like many previous EasyShares, the Z740 offers more options than most digital cameras in playback mode.

The playback mode can be entered in any mode with the Review button on the back of the camera. The following options are available: Album, Slideshow, Multi-up, Copy, and Protect. Users can access the internal memory for their Favorites or other on-camera albums. An automatic rotation function keeps pictures in proper alignment, even if they were taken vertically and are being shown on the horizontal screen. When the red Share button is pressed, users can easily print or email pictures from the camera. These features combine to create one of the easiest playback modes to use.

Custom Image Presets (7.5)
The Kodak Z740 carries its EasyShare legacy and shows it off with its expansive pallet of scene modes. These include the following: Children, Party, Beach, Flower, Fireworks, Snow, Backlight, Close-Up, Night Portrait, Landscape, Night Landscape, Museum/Manner, Text, Self-Portrait, as well as Portrait, Sport and Night settings directly on the mode dial. When users scroll through the scene options, an icon appears at the bottom of the screen and a text explanation of the scene is displayed over a real-time image. This setup makes picking a preset even easier, which definitely appeals to the point-and-shoot crowd that will utilize this mode most.