The first quarter of 2005 saw Kodak expanding its 'big zoom' range with three new 'Z series' EasyShare cameras, including two 10x optical, 5MP models; the Z7590 (a minor update of the DX7590 adding compatibility with the latest printer dock) and the slightly lower cost, lower-spec model reviewed here, the Z740. The Z740 aims to offer an easy-to-use, very compact and relatively affordable entry-point to the increasingly popular 'super zoom' end of the market, while still offering a fairly comprehensive set of manual overrides. The Z740 is available (in most areas) as a standalone camera or as part of a value-added 'Digital Photo Solution', bundled with an EasyShare Printer Dock Series 3 (6x4-inch thermal dye direct-printer and camera charger) and NiMH rechargeable battery for the camera.
- Kodak Retinar Aspheric All-Glass 10x optical zoom lens
- 5.0 million effective pixels
- Exclusive Kodak Color Science Image Processing Chip
- 1.8" high-resolution indoor/outdoor display
- Electronic viewfinder
- Manual and semi-automatic controls
- High-speed, low-light auto focus
- 16 scene modes
- One-touch simple sharing
Side by Side
Here for comparison is the Z740 alongside three of its competitors - (from left): Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5, Canon PowerShot S2 IS, Sony Cyber-shot H1, Kodak EasyShare Z740 (the smallest, but also the only one without image stabilization).
Kodak EasyShare Z740 vs Z7590 (main differences)
Kodak currently has three 10x zoom cameras in its EasyShare lineup: the Z740 reviewed here, and the higher-spec (and identical save for their dock connector) DX7590 and Z7590. Listed below are some of the main differences between the Z740 and the Z7590 (which, as mentioned, is identical in spec to the DX7590). Probably the most significant differences here are the names on the lens, the lower-spec viewfinder and LCD screen, and the Z740's slightly less comprehensive set of controls (AE compensation, focus etc). Of course, the Z740 is smaller and lighter, which may swing it for some buyers. To add to the confusion pricing on both cameras varies widely, with the Z740 available for under $280 (camera only) and just short of $390 in the special Printer Dock 3 bundle, while shopping around for the Z7590 will yield prices as low as $320. There's no doubt the best deals on the Z740 are those including the bundled printer dock, which sells on its own for around $140.
 EasyShare Z740 |
 EasyShare Z7590 |
|
|---|---|---|
| Lens | • 10x (38-380mm equiv) • Kodak Retinar |
• 10x (38-380mm equiv)
• Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon |
| LCD Screen Size | • 1.8-inch • 134,000 pixels |
• 2.2-inch • 153,000 pixels |
| Electronic Viewfinder | • 0.2-inch • 201,000 pixels |
• 0.26-inch • 311,000 pixels |
| Shutter speed range (auto mode) |
8 sec - 1/1700 sec | 16 sec - 1/1700 sec |
| Camera Size (mm) | 97.8 x 77.5 x 72.6 | 99.6 × 81.2 × 79.9 |
| Weight (exc batt/card) | 286 g (10.1oz) | 350 g (12.3 oz) |
| External flash | No | Yes (PC Sync socket) |
| Exposure Compensation | -2 EV to +2 EV in 1/2 EV steps | +3 EV to -3 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV steps |
| Digital Zoom | 5.0x | 3.0x |
| Burst Mode | 2 fps, up to 5 images | 2 fps up tp 4 images |
| Custom mode | No | Yes |
| Image quality settings | None | Fine, Standard |
| Focus System | • External AF sensor & TTL-AF • Multi-zone • Center-zone (available is PASM modes. |
• External AF sensor and TTL-AF • Multi-zone • Center-weighted • Selectable: left, center, right |
| Add-on lens compatibility | Yes, via lens adaptor | Yes - 55mm thread |
| Power | CRV3; 2-AA lithium; 2-AA Ni-MH; Kodak EasyShare Ni-MH rechargeable battery pack (KAA2HR) | KODAK EASYSHARE Li-Ion (1700 mAh) Rechargeable Battery (supplied) |
| Other features | ISO 800 (1.8MP only) | • Exposure Bracketing |
| Street Price (camera only) | • US: $349 |
• US: $399 • UK: £250 |
Kodak EasyShare Z740 key specifications
| Street price | • US: $349 ($449 with Printer Dock 3) • UK: £220 (£280 with Printer Dock 3) |
|---|---|
| Body Material | Plastic |
| Sensor | • 1/2.5" CCD • 5.4 million pixels total • 5.0 million effective pixels |
| Image sizes | • 2576 x1932 |
| Movie clips | • 640x 480 (13 fps) • 320 x 240 (20 fps) • Continuous up to 80 mins depending on the size of the memory card |
| Lens | • 38-380mm equiv.(10x zoom) |
| Focus | • TTL-AF: auto, multi zone and center spot |
| Shooting mode | • Auto |
| Sensitivity | • Auto ISO 80- 160 • ISO 80 • ISO 100 • ISO 200 • ISO 400 • ISO 800 (only available in 1.8MP picture quality) |
| White Balance | • Auto • Daylight • Tungsten • Fluorescent • Open Shade |
| Metering | • Multi-pattern • Center-weighted • Center-spot (PASM modes only) |
| Image parameters | • Color: High, natural, low (saturation) |
| Continuous | • First: 2 fps up to 5 images • Last: 2 fps last 5 frames saved |
| Flash | • Built-in pop-up • Modes: Auto, Red-eye reduction, On/Off • Range: (wide) 4.9 m, (tele) 3.7 m • +/- 2.0 EV in 0.5 EV steps |
| Storage | • SD/MMC card • 32MB internal memory |
| Viewfinder | • EVF • 201,000 pixels |
| LCD monitor | • 1.8" TFT LCD • 134,000 pixels |
| Connectivity | • USB • NTSC/PAL • DC in • AV out |
| Power | • CRV3 (supplied), Kodak NiMH battery KAA2HR or 2x AA NiMH • If bought as part of the Digital Photo Solution Printer Dock Bundle an NiMH rechargeable is supplied. |
| In the box* | • Kodak EasyShare Z740 camera |
| Other features | • PictBridge |
| Weight (inc batt) | 286 g (10.1 oz) |
| Dimensions | 98 x 78 x 73 mm (3.9 x 3.1 x 2.9 in) |
* Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area. In some areas the Z740 is only available as part of the Digital Photo Solution (camera and printer dock) bundle.
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