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Kodak have just announced the flagship of their new Z Series of digital camera - the Kodak Easyshare Z740. The Z740 has a 10x optical Zoom, 5 megapixel sensor, 1.8 inch LCD and 18 scene modes. It will retail for $499 (US) and will be packaged with the new Easyshare Printer Dock Series 3.
Buy the “Kodak Easyshare Z740 5MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom”
Steves Digicams reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z740 Zoom digital camera and writes - 'Overall the lens produced sharp results throughout its zoom range, with an average amount of barrel distortion at wide angle and slight pin cushioning present at telephoto extremes. There is a moderate amount of chromatic aberration (purple fringing in high contrast areas) present throughout the zoom range, but this is something we see on almost all of the “super zoom” digicams. The lens is relatively fast, with a wide-open aperture range of F2.8 (wide) to F3.7 (tele); this allows the use of faster shutter speeds which minimizes camera shake when shooting at the telephoto end of the zoom range. However, camera shake is always an issue at longer focal lengths; an inexpensive monopod or tripod would be a worthwhile addition to your Z740 camera kit.'
DCRP reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z740 and writes - 'While it's not perfect, the Kodak EasyShare Z740 is a pretty good ultra zoom camera for people on a budget. It offers good photo quality, manual controls, an easy-to-use interface, an AF-assist lamp, and Kodak's famous EasyShare system....
The Z740 is a midsize camera made mostly of plastic. Despite that, it never felt cheap in my hands (okay, maybe the door over the SD slot does). The camera is very easy to use, with just a few clearly marked buttons and a simple menu system. The camera can be used in auto mode (including tons of scene modes) or in manual mode. While I love having aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual modes available, I wish Kodak didn't have to stick them all on the same spot on the mode dial. Photo quality is good for the most part, though the white balance didn't work well with my studio lights (which is pretty rare) and the night shot was soft and “overprocessed”. Thankfully my “regular shots” looked very good. The movie quality wasn't much to write home about, and the frame rate is awfully sluggish. Camera performance is good for the most part, with great low light focusing. In addition, both the LCD and EVF are visible in low light conditions. The camera has a decent burst mode as well, with no “blackout” on the LCD/EVF between shots.'
Photoxels has posted a review of the Kodak EasyShare Z740 and writes - 'Even though the Kodak Z740 is targeted to beginner amateur photographers, it is equipped with full exposure flexibility and all the features important to serious amateur photograhers. Beginners will obtain great images in Auto mode, Program Auto mode, or the many Scene modes -- and progress to use the other exposure modes, including full Manual mode, when they are ready for more challenging and creative photography.'
PC Magazine reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z740 and writes - 'Our test shots revealed the Z740's image quality to be unsatisfactory overall. Both our simulated-daylight and flash test images showed good dynamic range, very strong contrast, and very good color saturation, but beyond that, the images had serious problems. The first thing we noticed in both shots was the noise—more so in the daylight shot (even at ISO 80), but still quite noticeable in the flash shot (ISO 140)—which may be one reason why Kodak included ISO settings up to only 400, even in Manual mode. Both images also had a bluish cast. Another major flaw was that both images showed significant purple fringing and a disturbing amount of artifacting—unwanted visual data most likely caused by digital processing and compression. One plus for the camera is that flash coverage was very good and even, and no highlights were blown out.'
Megapixel reviews the Kodak Easyshare Z740 and writes - 'The most notable feature of this lens is its power, as the 10X focal length makes it possible to take photos of distant subjects (see the photo above and below). Still, the caveat that applies to all long zooms that do not have the advantage of a built-in stabilization system remains valid: at its maximum power, the lens will emphasize the slightest camera movements which in turn can cause blurred images. Therefore, to obtain the best results, either a high shutter speed must be available, or the camera should be stabilized.
With this camera, the autofocus shows clear improvement over the previous model. The Z740 focuses faster and more reliably, which makes the camera quicker to use. As well, the Z740 benefits from the addition of a powerful green light which assists the auto focus system when the ambient light is too soft, making it possible to capture well-focused shots under low light.'
Digital Camera Review has reviewed the Kodak EasyShare Z740 and writes - 'The ease of use is the primary draw for this camera. For those who want to make superb, durable prints quickly at home (or on vacation) without the hassle of computers and software, the Kodak EasyShare Z740 is a perfect choice. The camera is no slouch in the features area either. It has tons of scene modes that are actually easy to understand, a great zoom to pull distant subjects in close, and battery life to last all day.'
CNET Reviews has posted a review of the Kodak EasyShare Z740 digital camera and writes - 'A 10X zoom lens, manual exposure controls, 5-megapixel resolution, a versatile burst-shooting mode, and an electronic viewfinder that works as well in blazing sunlight as in murky interiors--there are certainly aspects of the Kodak EasyShare Z740 that might cause photo enthusiasts to sit up and take notice. Unfortunately, the downside includes rampant purple fringing, a bit of noise (marring otherwise decent image quality), a lack of manual focus, and a low-resolution EVF, which suffers from ghosting and blackouts between shots.'
DP Review has reviewed the Kodak EasyShare Z740 and recommends - 'the EasyShare Z740 is a budget camera that in many respects punches above its weight, and one that is perfectly targeted at the first-time user who wants a bigger zoom and appealing 'straight out of the camera' results. In the bundle form it offers a complete digital photography solution for a very low price. As to whether the camera on its own is a good deal will depend on your priorities - if you rarely shoot handheld in low light then maybe image stabilization isn't a major issue, and if you're on a budget then the $130+ you'll save by not buying a Panasonic FZ5 or Canon S2 IS is going to be a deciding factor. Like everything in this life, you get what you pay for, and the Z740 is a lot of camera for not a lot of money.'
Designtecnica reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z740 bundle (including printer) and writes - 'After using the Kodak EasyShare Printer Dock Series 3 it's easy to understand why the company has sold over 2 million docks of various stripes the past few years. It's an effortless solution for quick 4x6 prints that you'd love to pass around. And the Z740 that's bundled with it is a very good 5MP digicam with a 10x optical zoom. Although it has its limitations, I heartily recommend this Instant Dark Room for casual picture takers.'
Buy the “Kodak Easyshare Z740 5MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom”
In addition, the 5-megapixel EasyShare Z740 camera includes more advanced, yet simple to use, features to help people get exactly the pictures they want. These include 18 scene settings (e.g., party, sport, portrait) for various environments, continuous autofocus for crisp pictures, first and last burst modes for action photography, color options (e.g., black-and-white, sepia), and even PASM (program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual) modes for greater control and creativity. The exclusive KODAK Color Science image processing chip helps deliver vibrant, accurate colors time and time again.
As with all EasyShare cameras, the Z740 includes the favorites feature, which lets people store dozens of pictures in internal memory for anytime, anywhere sharing; the Share button for designating pictures to be e-mailed or printed; popular EasyShare software for computer-based picture viewing, organizing, and sharing; and even high-quality video (640 x 480 pixels) for recording and sharing life in action.
Z740 camera owners can also take advantage of a range of accessories for additional creativity, including a 0.7x wide-angle lens and 55 mm circular polarizer and neutral density filters.
EasyShare Printer Dock Series 3
Z-Series camera owners can quickly print real Kodak 4 x 6-inch pictures with just one touch in as little as 90 seconds, using the new Kodak EasyShare Printer Dock Series 3 (included with Z740 and Z700 camera purchase). This version is the first to support the new IMAGELINK print system, working with EasyShare cameras and other manufacturers' compatible cameras.
The Printer Dock Series 3 also transfers pictures to a connected computer, and recharges and reconditions the cameras' batteries. Pictures made from EasyShare printer docks are vibrant, borderless, waterproof, and will last lifetime.
Only the EasyShare line of printer docks makes printing truly one-touch simple, and do not require people to connect a cable between camera and printer. Their convenience, print speed, ease of use and phenomenal picture quality has resulted in overwhelming demand from picture takers worldwide, with the line having achieved the number one market share in the United States and the United Kingdom, according to The NPD Group and GfK. Since Q2 2003, Kodak has sold more than one million EasyShare printer docks worldwide.
Kodak has also announced the EasyShare Camera Dock Series 3 (May 2005 availability; US$79 MSRP), which provides one-touch picture transfer to a connected computer, video out for television viewing, and battery recharging and reconditioning.
Digital Camera Info reviews the Kodak EasyShare Z740 and writes - 'The initial headline of Kodak’s Z-line, the EasyShare Z740 targets point-and-shoot users seeking more out of their camera without sacrificing simplistic functionality. Catering to the alternative point-and-shoot crowd, the Z740 emphasizes extended zoom, accessory functions, ease of use and manual options rather then the traditional diminutive measurements, large LCD and rapid video recording rate. Designed for accessibility, the Z740 provides a 10x optical 38-380 (equivalent) all-glass Kodak Retinar zoom lens, 1/2.5-inch., 5.36 megapixel CCD, and Kodak Color Science chip to ensure the highest quality with minimal effort.'
Get a Price on the Kodak EasyShare Z740
Posted by Darren in our Kodak category on January 05, 2005