The Kodak EasyShare-one begins its own genre of digital cameras as the first wireless-enabled consumer digital camera. The EasyShare-one retails for $599 and comes with a wireless card and a host of accessories, including a leather case, a nice software package, 256 MB of internal storage, and a slew of limited time offers from Kodak. In addition to its wireless capabilities, users will get a 3-inch 230,000 pixel touch screen LCD, digital viewing capabilities, and a still and video imager that produces rich color tones with minimal noise. While the EasyShare-one does far exceed the $500 mark, the capabilities included will make for a strong value for those who can afford it.   

 

Nikon Coolpix P2 – Nikon released this model the same week the Kodak EasyShare-one began shipping, so it’s hard to say which is truly the first Wi-Fi consumer camera to hit the market. The P2 has 5.1 megapixels in a generally unassuming camera body. Its features are also fairly unassuming; the P2 has 16 scene modes and a 3.5x optical zoom lens. This model includes a Nikon technology set that offers in-camera red-eye fix, lighting compensation, and a face priority auto focus mode. However, it does not have the organizational features that the EasyShare-one includes. The Nikon Coolpix P2 has 16 MB of internal memory and a slot for an optional SD card. The 3.6 x 2.4 x 1.5-inch body is thicker than the EasyShare-one, but weighs less at 6 ounces without the memory card and battery. The Coolpix P2 has a large 2.5-inch LCD screen that is not a touch screen and does not have anywhere near the resolution of the EasyShare-one’s large display. The P2 has 110,000 pixels on its 2.5-inch screen as compared to the EasyShare-one’s 230,000 pixels on its 3-inch screen. The most comparable aspect of these cameras is the wireless capability. They both come with Wi-Fi cards included and can sync with computers and printers. The Nikon Coolpix P2 retails for $399.95.

 

Nikon Coolpix P1 – Released at the same time as the Nikon P2 and the Kodak EasyShare-one, the Coolpix P1 has very similar features to the P2. It has 16 scene modes, the same 2.5-inch LCD screen with 110,000 pixels, Nikon technology, the Nikkor 3.5x optical zoom lens, and even the same size and weight. The Nikon Coolpix P1 adds more megapixels and internal memory to its feature set. With 8 megapixels, the Nikon Coolpix P1 doubles the amount of resolution available on the Kodak EasyShare-one, but still cannot compete as a digital photo album. The Nikon P1 has 32 MB of internal memory. This digital camera does add a touch of manual functionality with an aperture priority mode that offers a maximum aperture of f/2.7 for a slight edge in low light. The Nikon P1 has a movie mode that shoots VGA video at a faster rate of 30 frames per second and adds a burst mode that can take 2.3 frames per second. The Nikon Coolpix P1 retails for $549.95 and includes a Wi-Fi card for communicating with computers, printers, and other wireless devices.

 

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N1 – The Sony N1 attempts to merge a camera and a digital viewer together like the Kodak EasyShare-one, but does not include the wireless capability that can sync it with software and other organizational programs. The Cyber-shot N1 has the same 1-inch thickness, but weighs 5.5 ounces without the card and battery. Available in November, this digital camera has twice the resolution of the EasyShare-one with 8.1 effective megapixels. The Sony N1 comes with a Carl Zeiss 3x optical zoom lens and a similar 3-inch touch screen with 230,000 pixels. This model has automatic and priority modes, but still no fully manual mode. The Sony N1 offers 26 MB of internal memory. The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-N1 will retail for $499.

 

Point-and-Shooters – With all kinds of automated modes and features, the EasyShare-one is made for point-and-shooters who want the convenience of printing and communicating wirelessly.

 

Budget Consumers – For a 4 megapixel digital camera with a 3x optical zoom, $599 isn’t exactly a bargain. But when you consider the wireless capabilities, the 3-inch touch screen, the 256 MB of internal memory, and the two-year warranty, the price doesn’t sound all that steep.

 

Gadget Freaks – The Kodak EasyShare-one is bliss for gadget freaks; it has so many gadget-friendly features. A 3-inch touch screen and stylus can organize 1,500 photos into a calendar. The wireless card can e-mail those photos, print to a home printer, and sync the camera with home networks and the EasyShare Software. This is definitely a must-have for the gadget freak.

 

Manual Control Freaks – This EasyShare doesn’t offer many manual controls. But a manual control freak who also wants wireless capabilities will have to pay a few thousand dollars for a professional model.

 

Pros / Serious Hobbyists – Professionals and serious hobbyists will have fun with the Kodak EasyShare-one, but the concept may not be new to them. Digital SLRs already have wireless capabilities.