The Bottom Line
- Impressive 10x optical zoom
- Nice 5.0 megapixels produce fabulous enlargement prints
- Comfortable camera to hold and use
- Shoots up to 80 minutes of video with sound
- Pricier than starter models
- Features could overwhelm a rookie photographer
Description
- 10x optical zoom (38-380mm equivalent)
- sixteen scene settings
- aperture priority or shutter priority
- five color modes
- shutter speed: (automatic) 1/8 to 1/1700 seconds or (manual) 8 to 1/1000 seconds
Guide Review - Kodak EasyShare Z740 Digital Camera Review
Kodak has done a great job impressing with the Kodak EasyShare Z740, which is everything an advanced point-and-shoot digital camera should be. Just having five megapixels puts a nice smile on my face, but it also comes with a 10x optical zoom and that gets me absolutely giddy.
One thing that's great about this camera is its ability to cater to someone who wants to do very little thinking and the more advanced user who prefers a little manual control.
Kodak has given us 16 scene modes, including portrait, children, beach, night, snow and even museum (when you want to be a little discreet). Along with all scene modes you also get 5 color modes, aperture or shutter priority and nice size 1.8 inch LCD screen.
Shooting video is also easy (and of high quality) with the Z740. Depending on what size memory card you use, the Z740 is able to capture 80 minutes of video with audio.
Kodak claims using the best setting of five megapixels will give you prints up to 20"x30". I’d be a bit cautious of that and aim a little smaller. That shouldn’t prevent you from buying the Z740 though, as most home printers only print up to 8x10, which this camera can easily handle. Hit the photo lab for larger prints when you get that special picture.
This camera is easy to use, and it feels comfortable in my hands. It has enough features to keep most recreational and advanced amateur photogs happy.
