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  • Performance

  • Physical Tour

  • Components

  • Design / Layout

  • Control Options

  • Control Options

  • Image Parameters

  • Connectivity / Extras

  • Overall Impressions

  • Conclusion

  • Specs

  • Performance
  • Physical Tour
  • Components
  • Design / Layout
  • Control Options
  • Control Options
  • Image Parameters
  • Connectivity / Extras
  • Overall Impressions
  • Conclusion
  • Specs

Performance

The same information is displayed in a more graphical manner below. The circles represent the color produced by the Kodak Z700, while the squares represent the ideal colors. The farther these two shapes are from each other, the more errant that particular tone.

The Kodak Color Science Chip came through on this test. The Z700 scored a 10.49 overall color score, which is quite similar to the Z740’s 10.9. All of the Kodak Z series cameras have been quite impressive in this area, producing images with striking, accurate color portrayal. The Z700 does diverge a bit from the ideal on some warmer colors; however, the slightly embellished red and pink tones apply a more vibrant overtone to the scene and is certainly intentionally constructed that way by Kodak.

Still Life Scene

Below is a copy of our still life scene, taken with the Z700.

[

Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is very large!)](../viewer.php?picture=Kodak-Z700-StillLifeLG.jpg)

**Resolution / Sharpness ***(2.63)*

The Kodak EasyShare Z700 has a 4.23 megapixel CCD engine beneath its hood. Of those, only 4 megapixels are effective in imaging. To see how many pixels are used in the Z700’s pictures, we uploaded exposures of an industry standard resolution chart into Imatest Imaging Software. The program counted every last pixel and we compared this with the advertised effective pixel count. When a camera comes within 70 percent of the advertised count, it is considered "good." Within 80 percent, we think that’s "very good." An "excellent" designation goes to the cameras that can score 90 percent or better.

[

**Click on the chart to view a full Res. version **](../viewer.php?picture=Kodak-Z700-ResLG.jpg)

Unfortunately, the Kodak EasyShare Z700 didn’t perform very well in our resolution test. The Z700 recorded 2.63 megapixels at its highest resolution, which is just 66 percent of the advertised image size. This camera’s counterpart, the Z740, tested similarly at 67 percent of its advertised count. This will not have a dramatic impact on those 4 x 6 prints, however, users should beware that larger prints will display compromised quality.

**Noise - Auto ISO ***(3.43)*

Since this camera is aimed for beginning point-and-shooters, the Kodak Z700 should score well in the automatic ISO setting — in theory. Although, oddly enough, many compact cameras fall short in this field. This model’s bigger sis, the Kodak Z740, scored a 3.88, which is acceptable, but certainly not stellar. The Z700 performed similarly, earning a 3.43 overall noise score in the automatic ISO setting. Most digital cameras, the Z700 included, perform better in the manual mode because they have shortened automatic ranges. The Z700’s automatic ISO range extends from 80-160, while the manual ratings extend to 400.

**Noise - Manual ISO ***(6.27)*

Noise is bound to happen in digital photography, just as grain is bound to emerge on film. Less is better, of course. We tested noise levels at the 80, 100, 200, and 400 manual ISO ratings offered on the EasyShare Z700; the results can be seen below. The chart shows the Kodak Z700’s ISOs on the horizontal axis and the produced noise on the vertical axis.

To determine the overall noise score, we compiled the results from all of the settings into a regression analysis. The Kodak EasyShare Z700 scored a 6.27 overall manual noise score, which is almost as good as the Z740’s 6.75. Both Z-series models score better than most compact digital cameras, where the average is often dismally in the threes and fours. When users have time to adjust the ISO rating, they should definitely take the opportunity, as it will increase the quality of their photographs exponentially.

**Low Light ***(5.5)*

To test each camera’s low light capabilities, we record four images at decreasing light levels without the use of the flash. We set the camera to its highest ISO setting and shoot the images using the Program setting. The test enables us to isolate the sensitivity of the sensor to light and observe the camera’s point of limitation. Cameras are tested at 60, 30, 15 and 5 Lux, in an attempt to replicate common low light shooting conditions; 60 Lux is appears soft, like a bedroom at night, while 30 Lux approximates a single 40 watt lightbulb, and 15 and 5 Lux display the camera’s potential to record in near darkness.

Click on any of the above charts for additional image analysis

Surprisingly, in our low light tests, the Z700 outperformed its Z-series counterpart the Z740. Images recorded with the Z700 at 60 Lux nearly retain the vibrancy of daylight shots. Dropping to 30 Lux, there is a definite compromise in quality, but tonal gradations remain pronounced. At 30 Lux, noise suppression is ample and users would be able to clearly discern their subject and scene. Moving to 15 Lux, the camera displays a significant drop in image quality and while the chart remains readily visible, color accuracy has waned substantially. 5 Lux with the Z700 appears almost as 15 Lux, which is a significant notch-up over the Z740, which virtually recorded a black frame. I’d say users could take the Z700 comfortable down to 35 or 30 Lux and still walk away with an image worth keeping. When levels drop below that, the camera is pretty useless, but still far more impressive than its counterpart. All around, with a limited shutter speed range, the flash may often be needed when shooting with the Z700 at night, although atmospheric night shots should not be ruled out entirely.

Speed / Timing
*Startup to First Shot (5.65)
*Users can turn on the Kodak EasyShare Z700 and capture an image in just over 4.35 seconds. At this sluggish rate, make sure the camera is powered up before you leave the house.

*Shot to Shot (8.27) *

The EasyShare Z700 contains two different burst modes that shoot at the same 2-frame-per-second rate. The "first burst" mode took 5 exposures at a rate of 0.41 seconds per frame, then took a 20-second break before regrouping and capturing the next set of pictures. The "last burst" mode shot subsequent images every 0.51 seconds, but only saves the last four images. This will function as long as you know when you get the picture you want and stop shooting or you might record right over that precious image.

*Shutter to Shot (8.61) *

While there is no apparent lag in focusing, the Z700 requires 0.2 seconds to take a picture. This is by no means the slowest camera on the market, but still may result in a few blinked eyes.

Physical Tour

**Front ***(7.5)*

The lens barrel dominates the front of the camera, just as the barrel of the higher-end Z740 dominates that frame. On the Z700, the barrel is fatter than it needs to be to accommodate the actual lens — the 5x, f/4.8 zoom on the Z700 is naturally smaller than the 10x, f/3.8 zoom on the Z740.

The optical viewfinder window is on the far right of the camera, above the lens, and next to the flash. This is a bit of a compromise, because the ideal spot for a viewfinder is directly above the center of the lens, where it’s more likely to accurately show the view of the recorded image. Unfortunately for camera designers, that’s also the best place for the flash.

 The flash is a small, wide strip of frosted plastic, and Kodak put it directly above the lens. The position is important because off-center flashes cast shadows to the side of the subject. When the flash is centered above the lens, the shadows fall directly behind the subject, and in most cases, the subject hides them. Unlike the Z740, the Z700 flash does not pop up, a disadvantage because the pop-up feature can help prevent "red-eye," the disturbing glow in subjects’ eyes in some flash pictures. On the other hand, pop-up flashes are often made of delicate moving parts that are susceptible to damage, so this camera may be a bit more durable than others.

Three holes in the front of the camera, between the lens and the hand grip, serve as the microphone, applying audio to video clips. Above them is a small light which signals both the self-timer and the video operation.

The hand grip, wrapped in a substantial rubbery grip, initially looked funny to me, as if Fisher-Price had modeled a toddler toy after a high-end Canon or Nikon SLR. However, in use, the grip seems just right - no larger than it has to be, but certainly supplying additional control and handling to the camera.

**Back ***(7.0)
*The 1.6-inch LCD screen dominates the back of the camera, which makes sense, because it provides the great majority of the feedback that the camera offers its user, both in shooting mode and when it’s docked to the printer. Above the LCD, there is a protruding rectangular panel, centered around the optical viewfinder. To the left of the viewfinder window is the ready light for the flash, which is visible when one looks through the viewfinder. As the name suggests, the light indicates that the flash is ready for use. In room light, I didn’t find it distracting while I used the viewfinder, but it may present a problem in darker conditions. On the opposite side of the viewfinder, there is a small adjustment wheel for the viewfinder diopter. It’s a useful adjustment that allows users to keep the small indicators in the viewfinder in focus. It’s not easy to turn the little wheel, which is buried deep in a narrow slot, although that may actually work to the user's advantage - helping prevent accidental changes in the diopter setting, which would skew perspective and be very annoying.

A navigation control dominates the right side of the back. It’s a pretty common format: a central "OK" button is surrounded by a ring that accepts directional input. Press the top to go up, the bottom to go down, left to go left, and right to go right. The ring is a continuous circle and does not contain separate boundaries or directional controls, so the user runs the risk of accidental engagement, although it is a step up from the pseudo-gaming joystick that dresses the back of the Z740.  

Above the directional pad and at the far right of the camera is the zoom control, which is both hard to use and too small. The toggle is duel-directional, but like many cameras, the control is formed of a single plastic rocker that moves in either direction and feels quite frail.

An on/off switch for the LCD display sits between the zoom and the top of the screen. Press it once to show the current status and shooting settings on the camera. A second press turns off the display entirely and conserves power.  

Below the power switch is the red "Share" button, which initiates the process of tagging an image to print, e-mail, upload, or making a favorite. The "favorite" function is an interesting one for some snap shooters: favorites get stored in the camera’s 16 MB of internal memory. It’s easy to display favorites on the LCD. In effect, the camera has an internal photo album.

The "delete," "menu", and "review" buttons sit along the bottom edge of the camera's back face. The delete button is logically set away from the other two, which should help decrease the number of accidental image deletions.

**Left Side ***(7.0)*

Along the left side of the EasyShare Z700 is a jack for an optional external power source. The typical user won’t have much need for that — the camera can draw power from the printer when it’s docked, both for printing and recharging.

Other than that, the left side could have been elegantly plain, but the designers choose to print "4.0 megapixels" on it, with the "4.0" in remarkably large type.

**Right Side ***(7.0)
*The camera’s lone strap lug is on the right side, at the top. It’s suitable for a wrist strap. The camera isn’t too heavy for that, but when you use one, your right hand is pretty much committed — you won’t be using it to open doors, shake hands, make shadow puppets or whatnot until you peel the camera off. You could attach a neck strap to the lug, but I’ve found that the longer strap tends to get in the way when it’s attached to only the right side of a camera.

A plastic door takes up the rest of the right side of the camera. The door is spring-loaded, rather than latched. I didn’t have a problem with the door in testing, but I prefer latches personally. A spring-loaded door is more likely to open if it snags on the user’s clothing or extraneous object inside a bag. Plastic doors have a tendency of being easy to break and hard to replace. Perhaps a more desirable alternative would have been using a positive closing mechanism, like the one concealing the Z700's battery compartment.

***


The spring-loaded door on the side covers a USB / A/V port and an SD/MMC card slot. The USB / A/V port is smaller than the typical small USB jack. Kodak informed us that it functions as both an analog jack to run slide shows on a television and as a USB port. In the bundle we’re reviewing, with the EasyShare printer dock, Kodak provides the A/V cord to connect the camera to a television, but not the USB cable.

The SD/MMC card slot is standard, and the camera will accept card capacities up to 512 MB. Unfortunately, a memory card will not be included in the packaged bundle, since the camera contains 16 MB of internal memory, which will only hold about 25 or 30 images at the camera’s highest resolution. Any prospective buyer should factor additional cards into the budget.

**Top ***(7.0)*

The top of the EasyShare Z700 scores well for usability: the controls are large and nicely arranged. Just as important, there isn’t anything extra on top to confuse or distract the user.

 

Out at the end of the hand grip is the massive shutter release. All the way back, along the same side is the mode/power dial, which is also large and well-marked. The flash control and the self-timer/burst mode buttons sit between the mode dial and the top of the flash and will cycle through the available flash settings.

That’s it, except for the pronounced Kodak logo.

**Bottom ***(8.0)
*The bottom of the camera has the battery compartment door, which snaps shut securely. It’s a solid protective door. There’s a tripod socket and the ImageLink port, which connects the camera to the EasyShare printer dock.

Components

Viewfinder (2.5)

The viewfinder is small but very clear, and it’s easy to see to the corners, even for folks who wear glasses. Unfortunately, at close range it is inaccurate, and in macro mode it is completely useless. Structurally, the viewfinder on the Z700 is a clear notch down from the Z740. Lacking an eye cup or even rubber outline, the viewfinder on the Z700 is about what you'd expect from a pocket-bound point-and-shoot rather than a bulkier compact. Kind of a lame place to skimp out!

**

LCD Screen ***(2.0)*

The 1.6-inch, 72,000 pixel LCD display adorning the back of the EasyShare Z700 is pretty small in sheer size and frankly pathetic in terms of image quality. By today's standards, 130,000 pixels of resolution should be the minimum. Cut that in half and that's what the Z700 offers. While the fixed screen will reproduce nice color tones, displayed images will appear heavily pixillated and difficult to discern. Users wishing to upgrade can look to the EasyShare Z740, which offers a larger 1.8-inch screen, composed of 134,000 pixels.

** 

Flash ***(7.0)*

The stock flash unit fixed to the Z700 is small and placed close to the lens, so it casts pretty harsh light. Because it’s in the right place (directly over the lens), it should not make the ugly shadows encircling subjects that many in-camera flashes do.

The plastic window covering the flash tube is frosted, improving the evenness of the flash’s light across the field of view. It is not a powerful flash, pegged by Kodak as having a maximum range of about 12 feet. In a room with a low, white ceiling it will probably do well. Outdoors in the dark, 12 feet is optimistic.

**

Zoom Lens ***(6.5)*

The EasyShare Z700 is fitted with an all-glass Kodak Retinar 5x optical zoom lens that offers a variable focal length equivalent to 35-175mm in 35mm format. The 5x zoom range spans from a slight wide angle to a moderate telephoto focal range, with an additional 4x digital zoom available when desired. With the limited wide angle perspective, users will have to back up and tell large groups to squeeze together to get everyone in. At the telephoto end, you’ll have plenty of magnification for taking portraits from 8 or 10 feet, but is not enough for baseball, soccer, or wildlife photography. It’s also hard to control the zoom accurately with the rocker switch and stop the lens at a precise point of view. This may become frustrating and does not seem to be avoidable. The lens has a limited aperture range of f/2.8-f/4.8.

Design / Layout

**Model Design / Appearance ***(7.0)*

The EasyShare Z700 is encased in a condensed silver-toned package with an added black rubber protrusion for gripping. Its shape and proportions mimic a generic 35mm SLR of 10 or 15 years ago, with a bulging grip for the right hand, and a lump above the lens resembling an SLR pentaprism. With its rounded corners and some extra lines, the Z700 feels more familiar and less modern than many of its competitors, helping users with their initial acclimation. The lens barrel is labeled with a large "5x" to describe the zoom ratio, and the body sports "4.0 megapixels," advertising the resolution of the sensor. The bold typeface is big in an awkward way. There isn’t a good reason that I can think of to post specifications on the side of a consumer camera — since they're mid-market, they aren’t going to impress many folks, but many manufacturers seem intent on doing so anyway; guess they just can't pass up an advertising opportunity.

The EasyShare Z700 has a built-in, automatic lens cap. It’s great that the lens is covered and protected when the camera is shut off, but this cover is made of several very small, very thin pieces of plastic that pivot in and out of harm’s way. They look too delicate to be practical to me — I worry that they’ll break or jam over time.  

In addition to the sensor and LCD size, the Z700 strays a bit from its initial Z-series counterpart, the Z740, in terms of design as well. Unlike the Z740, the Z700's stock flash is encased in a fixed rectangular form, where the Z740 offers a pop-up mechanism. This will sacrifice a bit in terms of illumination, but aesthetically, looks far more mundane. The back of the camera is also slightly compromised from its peer, with a smaller LCD screen and flat, plastic viewfinder. The viewfinder on the Z700 is small and virtually flush with the camera's back face, making it uncomfortable to use and far more like other compact cameras that do not intend for users to take advantage of the feature. This would make far more sense if Kodak retained the larger LCD monitor of the Z740, however, to compromise on both viewing mechanisms does not make much sense, other than trying to force users to upgrade to the more expensive and lavish model.

**Size / Portability ***(7.0)*

The Z700 is small compared to cameras it will likely replace — smaller than Kodak’s DX series cameras, and certainly smaller than many of the earlier generation digital cameras and 35mm point-and-shoots that its target market may have left languishing in kitchen cupboards and glove compartments. It is also nicely proportioned — at 3.8 x 2.85 x 2.2 (23.83 cubic inches) when shut off, it tucks in its lens, avoiding the space-hogging "T" shape of many larger cameras with long lenses. It has a single lug for attaching a strap, on the right side, intended for a wrist strap rather than a neck strap. At 7.7 ounces, carrying it won’t wear anyone out, but there are many cameras with comparable specs that are far lighter and more compact.

**Handling Ability ***(8.0)
*There are smaller cameras than the Z700, but size and a bit of bulk has its benefits as well. The buttons on the Z700 are not so close together that it would be hard for large-fingered users to hit the right button. By spreading the buttons apart, and keeping some important ones large — the shutter release button is huge — Kodak uses the camera’s size to ensure its ease-of-use.

The camera includes an optical viewfinder, for people who don’t want to use the 1.6-inch LCD screen to frame their shots, although the viewfinder is quite small and not accurate close up. The manual even warns against using it in macro mode. But if you do use it, and turn off the LCD, Kodak promises increased battery life. Of course, the rational button layout is a real benefit when you peer through the viewfinder: because it’s relatively easy to find the right button by feel, there isn’t any need to take your eye away from the viewfinder to look for it.

The hand grip on the right side is a great feature — your hand wraps around it, right palm at the back of the camera, and fingertips all the way round in front. That encourages the user to grip the camera firmly, reducing camera shake and the possibility of dropping it. In contrast, many of the smallest cameras these days are shaped like a deck of cards, and folks hold them with their fingertips. Those users are more likely to move the camera as they take a picture, blurring the image. This should not be an issue with the Z700.

**Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size ***(7.0)*

Most buttons and major controls on the EasyShare Z700 are both large and well-placed. I found the menu navigation control easy to use and responsive — it was easy to locate and select the option I wanted. A notable exception is the zoom rocker switch. It’s small, and I found it hard to control. The lens continued to zoom for a fraction of a second after I lifted my finger from the button. I ended up getting shots that were a little closer up or further out than I wanted, which I found very frustrating and unavoidable.

Kodak’s "one-touch" system — providing a dedicated button for each major function of the camera — is very effectively embodied in the Z700. The camera will perform its basic functions with a single button-press. When the LCD is on, the camera provides very clear feedback to the user as the controls are actuated. For instance, as you turn the shooting mode dial, the menu not only shows the names of the modes, it also gives a brief description of the mode, or a tip for using it.

The Z700 also departs from the Z700 with separate mode and navigation dials. The Z700 has a traditional continuous navigation ring on the back of the camera and a rotating mode dial on top. The Z740 aims to simplify this process, making a joint control for both and placing it on the back of the frame. While perhaps a good idea, in practice, the joint dial on the back of the Z740 proved to present a sequence of problems that are fortunately avoided on the Z700 (relying on a feeble joystick to render selections).The Z700's more traditional controls do not have the aesthetic edge of the Z740, but will enable users to operate the camera with far more accuracy and ease.

**Menu ***(7.5)
*The menu system on the Z700 is designed to be self-explanatory, even for the first-time user who ignores instruction books. The user interface is designed to be as simple as an automatic teller machine.

The menu button on the back of the camera brings up the top-level menu, which includes options for shooting modes, color temperature, optical and digital zoom, adding images to the favorites, and a few other general camera settings controls (date and time, etc.). The menu also functions as the user interface for printing when the camera is docked to the EasyShare printer. Options are displayed on the LCD screen and selections are rendered using the navigational pad.  

Each setting on the mode dial — full auto, video, action, scene, favorites, sport, landscape, closeup and PAS, or manual mode — has its own sub-menu. Though all share the setup menu item, to simplify the display, items that don’t apply to certain modes don’t appear in them.

The Scene mode indicates exactly how interested Kodak is in making this camera accessible to the casual user. Scene is actually a set of 13 preset modes, engaged through the menu. As the user scrolls through the options, an abridged description of the mode's function is displayed across the menu, which may help the user choose among them.

Control Options

**Auto Mode ***(7.5)
*Auto mode is the heart and soul of this camera — it’s what you select when you want the camera to do the work. In this mode, the camera determines all elements of the exposure: the aperture, shutter speed, ISO, and color balance. Autofocus defaults to multizone and single AF — which means it focuses (and locks) when you press the shutter button halfway. The user gets to choose the file size and the color mode. (Choices for color mode are limited to Color, Black and White, and Sepia. Sepia is like black and white, but with an old-fashioned reddish-brown tint.)

Auto mode will deliver the best snapshots this camera can produce in most situations. Many, many users of this camera will not need to go further.

**Movie Mode ***(3.5)*

The Z700’s maximum quality for movies is a resolution of 640 x 480 at 13 frames per second. A lower resolution 320 x 240 gets up to 20 fps. Video clips will generally look pretty choppy when recorded at a rate of less then 30 fps, and video shot at 320 x 240 resolution begins to enter into "why bother?" territory.

**Drive / Burst Mode ***(6.0)*

The Z700 can take six pictures in two seconds, which is fast for this kind of camera. It has two "burst modes" for taking sequences of photos.

The "First Burst" mode is the one that makes the most intuitive sense. In "First Burst," the user presses the shutter release, and the camera takes pictures as fast as it can, until the user stops pressing, or until it has taken six pictures, whichever comes first.

The second mode, called "Last Burst" sounds a little odd, but it could be useful in the right circumstance. In "Last Burst," the camera takes two pictures a second for up to 15 seconds, but it only saves the last five shots in the sequence. So, as it takes picture number six, it throws away picture number one. If the user shoots 30, the camera throws away the first 25. Kodak expects people to use this when they’re shooting something that will happen quickly, but that starts a little unpredictably. The problem is, you have to stop shooting as soon as you get an image you want to keep, or risk losing the shot in a couple of seconds, when the camera has taken five more shots.

The burst modes can be set with the same button on the top of the camera that activates the self-timer.

**Playback Mode ***(7.5)*

Kodak got the playback mode right on their new Z-line. This camera is meant for people who take pictures in social situations and want to share the pictures, so Kodak has made it easy for them.

Playback is only a button or two away; hitting the review button brings up the most recent shot in any mode, and then playback options are available via the camera’s control buttons. The zoom buttons can magnify the image, and the control dial navigates through the frames and activates a multi-image view, so the user can review a large number of images more quickly.

The user can set up slide shows on either the LCD, or on a television via the A/V jack. A menu allows the user to adjust the length of time each image is shown.

**Custom Image Presets ***(6.0)*

In addition to the typical Action, Closeup, and Landscape modes, Kodak adds 11 more settings: Children, Flower, Fireworks, Snow, Backlight, Night Portrait, Night Landscape, Manner/Museum, Document, and Self-portrait. The camera also provides an extremely brief description of the mode, or a tip for using it. (I was baffled by "manner/museum." As it turns out, that’s the mode to use when you want to have good manners in a museum — it turns off the flash and the sound effects, so you won’t bother other visitors.)

There are only minor differences between similar settings, such as "Beach" and "Snow." "Action" and "Children" are just about identical; "Closeup" and "Flower" don’t have differences that the typical Z700 user would notice. "Fireworks" and "Night Landscape" actually are significantly different, though. The Fireworks mode will shut off the light meter completely, and makes a two-second exposure at the widest aperture, while Night Landscape actually takes a light reading.

While some of the settings do not seem distinct enough to merit a separate mode, Kodak has included enough settings to cover all necessary ground and satiate the automatic shooter.

Control Options

**Manual Control Options **

The PAS setting is the Z700’s take on manual control. PAS stands for Program, Aperture, and Shutter, which for years have been the three flavors of automatic exposure setting, and that’s what they are on the Z700. None is truly manual, though all of them will offer the user a bit more information and control than the camera’s other settings - but the user will not be able to set it to, say, f/5.6 at 1/60th of a second.

On the P setting, the user has access to the ISO setting and the exposure compensation setting. On A, the user can set the aperture, the ISO and the compensation and the camera will adapt the other exposure controls to the selected options. On S, the shutter speed, the ISO and the compensation are fair game, while the rest again falls to the camera. The choices for ISO are 80, 100, 200 and 400. Compensation allows for two stops of bias, in half-stops. It’s not really manual control, though. Essentially, it allows the user to direct the camera to boost the exposure beyond what the camera’s metering system says it should be.**
**

Focus*

Auto (7.5)*

Autofocusing the lens is not the hardest problem that engineers of digital cameras face. The electronic end of things puts more limitations on sharpness than the lenses do, which means that there is more room for error in focus on digital cameras than on 35mm film cameras, or professional-level cameras. So it’s not surprising that the Z700 zips its lens to focus quickly and without much confusion.

The viewfinder shows the focus status in a simple way that I found very intuitive. The camera apparently has three focus sensors side by side, centered in the view. While the camera is searching for focus, two red brackets light up on the far edges of the sensors. Once the lens is sharply focused at one of the sensors, green brackets light up on either side of that spot. If the green brackets show up on Uncle Joe’s eye, you’re golden. If they show up on his ear, try again — unless he has a really cool ear.

In Closeup and Flower modes, the camera’s minimum focus distance drops to about 2 inches for wide angle shots and under 10 inches for telephoto.
**
***Manual (0.0)*

If you want this camera, you don’t want to be in charge of focus. Three modes — Landscape, Night Landscape, and Fireworks — apparently peg the focus at infinity, but other than those options, the camera is in control.*****


**Metering ***(7.0)*

The Z700 has three meter settings: multi-pattern, center-weighted, and center-spot. Multi-pattern measures light across the field of view, and settles on an exposure. Center-weighted and center-spot concentrate progressively more on the middle of the frame. These are standard metering patterns, and the Z700’s automatic modes use them appropriately. They are also available in the PAS settings.

**Exposure ***(6.0)*

My test images suggest that the Z700’s exposure system handles exposure well for snapshots: it avoids overexposure (letting the image get too bright). The options available to override the camera’s exposure measurements are limited, but allow users to compensate within a +/- 2 EV range, moving in 1/2-stop steps. This is a bit short of most cameras which provide the same compensation range, but offer a few additional stops along the way (moving in 1/3-stops).

**White Balance ***(3.5)*

White balance settings on the EasyShare Z700 are quite limited - providing just Automatic, Daylight, Tungsten and Fluorescent options. With just four color presets on an automatic camera, users may find themselves struggling for accurate color reproduction, particularly when multiple light sources are at work. For comparison's sake, many automatically-oriented cameras these days pack in at least 6-10 preset color alternatives.

**ISO ***(7.0)*

ISO indicates how sensitive to light the sensor is. Users will gain illumination in a shot when using a higher ISO setting, but the higher rating will lower the quality of the image (by increasing the visible noise). Using the (highest) ISO 400 setting on the EasyShare Z700 will give the final prints a gritty, slightly distorted overtone. Subjects that should look like solid colors look as though they are composites - formed of fragmented colors and lines, some lighter and some darker than the real color. In digital imaging, that problem is called "noise" and will become visible when using the ISO 200 and 400 settings on the EasyShare Z700.

In the Z700’s PAS setting, the user can choose from ISO 80, 100, 200 or 400. When the camera chooses the setting (using the automatic mode), it selects between a restricted 80-160 sensitivity range. Although the ISO 400 setting will be much noisier than 100, users will have to shoot outside or rely on the flash. Given the modest output of the camera’s flash, the pictures had better be closeups.

**Shutter Speed ***(6.0)*

The EasyShare Z700's shutter can be set to between 2 seconds and 1/1600 of a second in duration. This range is suitable for the uses the camera is likely to have. Two of the camera’s scene settings, Fireworks and Night Landscape, would likely benefit from longer exposure times.

**Aperture ***(6.0)*

The f/4.8 maximum aperture setting on the EasyShare Z700 will limit the camera’s performance in dim light. On the other hand, it is more forgiving of focusing errors than a brighter lens would be, and it is smaller. It’s probably sharper than a brighter lens, too. The f/2.8 - 5.76 (wide) and f/4.8 - 8.76 (telephoto) aperture range on the Z700 should be more than adequate for most of the camera's likely applications.

Image Parameters

**Picture Effects Mode ***(6.0)*

The Z700 offers color, black and white, and sepia tone options. The three settings are pretty limited, but do cover the basics. Kodak’s more expensive Z740 offers three alternatives for color images, varying the color saturation, which could be a useful feature for the more engaged user.

Connectivity / Extras

Connectivity
Software (6.5)

The Z700 comes with Kodak’s EasyShare software in Windows and Macintosh version 4.0.2. EasyShare aims to be all things photographic and simplified to its users: with it, you can organize your photos; edit them a little (crop them, remove red-eye, adjust color and contrast); e-mail, with an option to compress images enough to e-mail to friends with slow connections; print photos with the EasyShare printer; create web-based photo albums to share with friends; and order prints from Kodak. Not at all incidentally, it’s easy for your friends to order prints of pictures in your online albums as well. The software is easy to use. Like the camera, it integrates very basic information into the interface — the FAQ includes a definition of "upload."

Jacks, ports, plugs (6.0)

The Z700 has an ImageLink port built into the bottom of the camera, as well as the USB / A/V port on the right side. The ImageLink port is universal to all ImageLink-compliant manufacturers. The printer also functions as a pass-through for a USB connection between the camera and a computer: seat the camera in the ImageLink port, connect the printer to a computer with a standard USB cable, and the computer will communicate with both the camera and the printer.

I have a significant gripe with the USB / A/V port: it’s not nearly as well-documented as the rest of the camera. In the manual, the port is labeled "USB/AV Out," indicating that it has two functions. Unfortunately, the manual doesn’t explain the dual role explicitly. In the section that explains how to use the port to show images on a television (the AV Out function), it doesn’t mention that it’s also a USB port. The same goes for the section about using it as a USB port — there’s no mention that it’s also an A/V port.

This seems likely to confuse the snapshooter who buys this camera. The camera manual refers to "Transferring pictures with the USB cable," but only the A/V cable, not the USB cable, is included in the package we received to review. It’s easy to imagine a casual user reading the manual, plugging the A/V cable into the camera, and trying to find someplace on their computer to plug in the three RCA plugs on the other end.

Kodak says that the camera will also be sold without the printer, and that bundle will include a USB cable. Taking that into account, the manual makes a bit more sense, but it’s still confusing and may pose a problem for users.

Direct Print Options (8.5)

The Kodak Z700 allows for one-touch printing via its "Share" button. When it is connected to the Printer Dock, a press of the button produces a 4 x 6-inch print in about two minutes. It’s a somewhat entertaining two minutes, as the paper slides in and out of the printer as each of the colors — yellow, magenta, and cyan, plus a sealer coat — are laid down in progression. I had a bit of trouble with the perforated ends of the paper breaking off prematurely, but after I taped them back together, they worked fine. All in all, for ease of use in the printing department, you still can’t beat Kodak.

**Memory (6.0)
**The camera’s 16MB internal memory is not enough for the typical user, though it is always a welcome inclusion. Prospective buyers should factor in a 64 or 128 MB card to the overall price. The camera will accept up to a 512 MB card, which would hold hundreds of pictures. Again, intent users seeking an upgrade can look to the Z740, offering twice the storage with 32 MB internal.

**Other Features ***(7.0)*
*110-volt power supply *- While not included in this bundle, users have the option to purchase this later; Kodak sells rechargeable batteries as well as chargers for the camera. The 110-volt power supply might be useful for powering the camera while running slide shows through the A/V port. A USB cable is available as well.

*One-year Manufacturer’s Warranty *– Kodak includes a limited one-year warranty, which covers any defects or manufacturing flaws. This offer is only extended to the original purchaser of the camera and will be honored by Kodak, who will replace or repair the defective product at no cost to the user.

Self-Timer - The camera has a self-timer, which can be set to either 2 or 10 seconds.

Overall Impressions

**Value ***(7.0)*

For about $350, the Z700 bundle includes what a casual user needs to both take and print snapshots. Add a $40 SD/MMC storage card and a USB equipped computer, and it becomes a practical option for organizing images as well. With an Internet connection — and broadband is pretty much mandatory for this part — the Z700 and the included software will pretty much walk you through the process of sharing images and printing them online.

$350 is a very good price for this range of capabilities. If you were ambitious and went about creating a comparable package, combining various manufacturer’s equipment, you could probably piece together a more capable system — a higher-resolution camera and a printer that makes larger photos, but it would likely creep towards the $500 range.

Comparisons
[*

Canon PowerShot A520*](../specs/Canon/PowerShot%20A520.htm) — Available online for less than $270, the A520 offers several advantages over the Z700: the LCD is larger, at 1.8 inches instead of 1.6; with far more resolution - 115,000 pixels, instead of 72,000 on the Z700. The PowerShot A520 contains a macro setting that will focus to 5 cm, far closer than the Z700’s 10 cm. The A520 is also formed into a significantly smaller casing, at 3.6 x 2.5 x 1.5 inches. On the other hand, the EasyShare Z700 offers a faster burst mode, recording images at 3 frames per second, while the Canon manages only 1.9 fps. Also, in terms of lens flexibility, the EasyShare has a strong advantage, offering 5x optical zoom, rather than the A520's 4x optical range.

[*

Fujifilm FinePix S5100 *](../content/Fujifilm-FinePix-S5100-Digital-Camera-Review-.htm)– At $379 (USD), the 4 MP S5100 is very comparable to the Z700. It has a much longer zoom — 10x as opposed to the Z700’s 5x — but since neither camera has image stabilization, the 10x might not be very useful for most snapshooters. The Fuji’s advantages over the Z700 include a pop-up flash, rather than the Z700’s fixed flash; more white balance options; and a slow-speed flash sync option. The Z700’s advantages over the Fuji include the Z700’s fill-flash setting, its size (at 13.7 ounces, the Fuji is almost twice the weight of the 7.7-ounce Kodak); and the Z700’s excellent integrated package for printing and Internet-based services which offers far more simplicity throughout the process.

[*

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC70*](../content/Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-LC70-Digital-Camera-Review.htm) - At $300, the Panasonic LC70 is a very attractive alternative. Its lens is only a 3x zoom, but the glass lives up to the Leica brand reputation it carries. The camera’s performances in our resolution tests were excellent — far better than the Z700’s lackluster results and if zoom range is not a major draw, seems to be a far stronger lens.

Who It’s For
*Point-and-Shooters —*Easy to use and moderately capable, this camera hits the bull's eye dead-center for the snapshot crowd.

*Budget Consumers —*Packaged with the printer, the Z700 can be had for under $340, which is a good price for the combo. A definite option for the budget-consumer.

*Gadget Freaks —*The Z700 lacks styling, quirky or unusual features, or really anything clever. It is simple and easy-to-use, but in an over-explained way that is ideal for a specific crowd, but does not go beyond. It doesn’t have the elegant simplicity of, say, an iPod.

*Manual Control Freaks —*The Z700 just doesn’t offer enough manual control for the true freak, and the control that is available is pretty well buried in the menus.

*Pro/Serious hobbyists —*The image quality isn’t good enough for most of these folks, and the manual controls are far too limited. For the artsy devotees of blurry images — the Holga and Diana crowd — all the explanations in the menus will feel like a waste of space.

Conclusion

Conclusion

It’s easy to take snapshots with the Z700, and with the printer dock, it’s easy to print 4 x 6-inch prints of them, and easy to get the prints onto a computer or uploaded to Kodak’s online services. Kodak has been remarkably thorough in creating a system that really is self-explanatory. At moments when you’d need to read the manual with lesser devices, the Z700 provides a helpful hint right on the camera’s LCD screen. The camera’s poor resolution and limited manual controls are irrelevant to folks who will use it to make small prints and 50-kilobyte JPEGs for e-mailing. What’s for sale here is an easy-to-use integrated system — an environment, really — for taking pictures with as little bother as possible and gaining instant results and prints. Little effort and little work are needed to run the gamut on the Z700. This will be an ideal and affordable alternative for the right type of user.

Specs

**Specs Table **
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Meet the tester

Patrick Singleton

Patrick Singleton

Editor

Patrick Singleton is a valued contributor to the Reviewed.com family of sites.

See all of Patrick Singleton's reviews

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