In August 2005 Kodak announced a new class of 'advanced digital cameras' with the introduction of the P series, which it hopes will provide an alternative to entry-level DSLRs. The first two models are the EasyShare P850 (reviewed December 2005), and the camera on review here, the EasyShare P880. The 8 megapixel P880 offers a fairly unique mix of features, due in no small part to the wideangle 24-140mm equivalent 5.8x zoom. Throw in raw capture, full photographic control and a 2.5-inch screen and you have what - on paper - looks like a very compelling mix of features, though with a price tag of just under $600 it needs to impress if it's going to provide a real alternative to a digital SLR. Let's find out if the P880 lives up to its promise, starting with a quick run-down of the key selling points:

  • Fast f/2.8 24–140 mm wide-angle lens
  • 8.0 MP sensor
  • Advanced video features
  • Hot shoe flash connector and PC flash sync
  • Program, aperture priority, shutter priority, manual, custom modes
  • Proprietary RAW file format
  • Histogram technology with highlight and shadow clipping

Kodak EasyShare P880 key specifications

Street price • US: $541
• UK: £370
Body Material Plastic
Sensor • 1/1.8" CCD
• 8.3 million pixels total
• 8.0 million effective pixels
Image sizes

• 3264 x 2448
• 3264 x 2176 (3:2 ratio optimized for 6x4-inch prints)
• 2560 x 1920
• 2048 x 1536
• 1024 x 768
Movie clips

• 640 x 480 (30 fps)
• 320 x 240 (30 fps)

Lens

• 24 - 140mm equiv. (5.8x zoom)
• F2.8 - F4.0
Focus

• TTL-AF: 25-selectable zones, multi -pattern and center spot
• Normal: 0.05 m - infinity (W) 0.25 m - infinity (T)
• Macro: 25 -50 cm (W & T)
• Manual focus

Shooting mode

• Auto
• Program
• Aperture Priority
• Shutter Priority
• Manual
• Custom
• Flower
• Super close-up
• Landscape (standard and night landscape)
• Portrait (standard, night portrait, anti-shake night portrait)
• Sports
• Sunset
• Back light
• Candlelight
• Text/document
• Manner/museum
• Snow
• Beach

Shutter Speeds 1/2 - 1/4000 sec
Apertures f/2.8–f/8.0 (wide), f/4.1–f/8.0 (tele)
Sensitivity • Auto ISO 50 - 400 (in PASM and C mode)
• ISO 800 - 1600 (only available in 0.8MP picture quality)
White Balance

• Auto
• Daylight
• Tungsten
• Fluorescent
• Open Shade
• Cloudy
• Sunset
• Click WB
• WB1
• WB2
• WB3
Metering • Multi-pattern
• Center-weighted
• Center-spot
• Selectable
Image parameters

• Color: High, natural, low
• B&W
• Sepia
• Sharpness: High, normal, low
• Contrast: High, normal, low
Continuous • First: 2 fps
• Last: 2 fps
Flash • Built-in pop-up
• Modes: auto, slow sync fill flash, fill, off, red-eye reduction with flash
• Range @ ISO 140: (wide) 4.0 m, (tele) 3.1 m
• +/- 1.0 EV in 0.3 EV steps
• Guide number: 9 @ ISO 100
• Hot shoe
Storage • SD/MMC card
• 32MB internal memory
Viewfinder • EVF
• 237,000 pixels
LCD monitor • 2.5 " TFT LCD
• 115,000 pixels
Connectivity • USB 2.0
• NTSC/PAL
• DC in
• AV out
Power • Kodak Li-ion rechargeable battery KLIC-5001
• Adapter optional
In the box*

• Kodak EasyShare P880 camera
• KODAK EASYSHARE P880 Zoom Digital Camera
• High-capacity KODAK Li-Ion Rechargeable Digital Camera Battery and Charger
• USB and audio/video cables
• KODAK Lens Hood
• Lens cap with strap
• Neck strap
• KODAK EASYSHARE Software
• Getting Started Kit
• Custom camera insert for optional KODAK EASYSHARE Printer Docks and Camera Docks
Other features

• PictBridge
• Playback & record histogram
• In-camera raw developer
• In-camera red-eye removal (playback mode)
• Time lapse (intervalometer)
• 2 or 10-second self-timer

Weight (inc batt) 513 g (18.1 oz)
Dimensions 116 x 97 x 91 mm (4.5 x 3.8 x 3.6 in)

* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area