Kodak EasyShare Z740 Review

Good Points
(1) Excellent, real (aspherical lens) zoom, (2) Viewfinder-through-the-lens (EVF) and LCD view screen on back of camera, (3) "Auto" mode works perfectly for my mom, (4) Manual controls are available and easy to make use of, (5) Works well with rechargeable 2500mAh NiMH batteries, (6) Macro mode (close-up) produces excellent results, (7) All controls and menus are easily understandable, and in most cases intuitive

Bad Points
(1) The rocker switch for zoom is too far to the left (it should be closer to the outside of the camera for ease of use), (2) The ISO400 setting can net a significant bit of edge detection "noise" in poor or low-light situations (there are ways around this), (3) The flash angle is not adjustable, (4) The lens cap is easily dislodged

General Comments
I purchased the Kodak Z740 to replace my Kodak DX4330 (sadly, my 4330 was nicked from me whilst in Maui). The larger lens means no more through-the-microscope macro shots, but the 10x zoom has proven invaluable in a variety of situations. The camera does not make use of image stabilization, and I am not in the market for image stabilization in my camera (something to keep in mind, however). I have currently had my Z740 camera for almost a year, and it has travelled all over the Pacific Northwest of the US, as well as all of Turkey (and in every type of weather).



The Z740 uses SD/MMC memory cards, but can also be connected directly to a computer for image downloads (tested on Linux kernel 2.4+ and 2.6+). Most computer operating systems see the camera as an external storage device. I use a thumb sized USB card reader to download my photos which helps to extend the camera battery life.



There are three, easily-accessible buttons for controlling the flash mode, the macro/landscape mode, and for setting the shutter delay to 2 seconds or 10 seconds. These controls are nice to have at-hand when in Auto mode and when shooting in macro mode (close-ups).



The 10x zoom is best used with a tripod, even in the brightest of light. Really, any camera lens over 200mm could almost always benefit from the judicious use of a tripod. However, I use my camera in urban forestry and environmental horticulture, so the macro (close-up) abilities of the camera are of primary importance to me. To date, the camera has proven to be extremely flexible and capable in capturing close-up shots.



The EVF (electronic view finder) may seem a bit cheesy (of mixed quality), but for framing shots and controlling camera functions it is certainly suitable for nearly every task. The EVF, however, is not "pretty" to look at, merely functional, and it works surprisingly well in complete darkness (which is nice when you are framing night shots). I use rechargeable batteries, and don't typically use the LCD screen, and in this scenario, the EVF dramatically improves battery life.



The lens cover does tend to come off much too easily, so do carry lens cleaner and a suitable cloth for those times it needs a lens cleaning.



Overall, this camera has been an excellent compromise between a digital SLR and a digital point-and-shoot. It can easily be your first digital camera and still grow with you as your skills/abilities increase.