Kodak EasyShare Z740

Value (8.0)
The Kodak Z740 retails for $379.95 by itself or $499.99 with the Kodak Printer Dock Series 3. With 5 megapixels of resolution, a 10x optical zoom, all-glass lens, intuitive functionality and additional accessory options, engaged point-and-shooters seeking strong image quality and an extended telephoto view should get their money’s worth. The Z-line seems tailored to a specific demographic of digital camera users, while more expensive point-and-shoot cameras try to turn heads with a flashy frame and rapid video recording rate. The Z740 targets those perpetually overlooked users who seek something with larger zoom and more flexibility. At this price, it is easier to sacrifice the image stabilization that is available on other long zoom models.

Comparisons
Kodak EasyShare DX7590 – The DX7590 has a 10x optical zoom lens; however, it is a Schneider-Kreuznach branded lens rather than the Kodak Retinar lens on the Z740. The DX7590 performed well on our resolution tests and decently on the color tests. It has a slightly slower movie mode that shoot at 12 frames a second and a similar 2 frame-per-second burst mode. The DX7590 retails for $499 and has 5 megapixels. The EasyShare DX7590 has the same modes and comes with a larger 2.2-inch LCD screen.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H1 – Sony built this camera for "serious enthusiasts," but it has very similar features to the Kodak Z740. With 5 effective megapixels and a 12x optical zoom lens, it retails for $499. It packs a larger 2.5-inch LCD screen and Sony’s Super SteadyShot image stabilization system, which is handy for the long zoom. The H1 has a similar compact SLR style and 32 MB of internal memory, but has a slower burst mode and faster movie mode (but only available with the optional Sony Memory Stick Pro).

Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5 – This $499-priced model also comes with 5 megapixels and a 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilization. It has a similarly sized camera body and 1.8-inch LCD screen. It has a full range of automatic and manual options, including a manual white balance mode with Kelvin temperature adjustments. This camera performed well on our color, resolution and low light tests and even has flashy features like a flip animation mode.

Konica Minolta DiMAGE Z5 – Retailing for $499.95, the Z5 offers 5 megapixels on a 1/2.5-inch CCD, a 12x optical zoom lens with image stabilization, and a full range of automatic and manual options. The Z5 performed well on resolution tests, but failed to impress with inaccurate colors and lackluster image quality. The 2-inch LCD screen is a diamond on what is otherwise the rough unattractive camera body.

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters– The Kodak Z740 is built for point-and-shooters. With easily accessible modes and a wide palette of scene modes, this crowd can be as automatically oriented as they wish or opt for the more manual options, which are just as accessible.

Budget Consumers– A $379.95 price tag is quite good for the long zoom and other included features. However, budget consumers will have to sacrifice image stabilization.

Gadget Freaks– When our Other Features section resorts to talking about manufacturers’ warranties, you should know this is not the camera for the gadget freak.

Manual Control Freaks– While this camera offers the basic aperture, shutter speed, exposure compensation, and ISO controls, it lacks a custom white balance option.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists– Photographers who are serious about their pictures will not only want to manually white balance their pictures, but manually control the focus and other settings. There is a 10x optical zoom lens, but I don’t think this will be enough to attract the professionals.