Testing / Performance

The degree of error on each color is more noticeable in the following graph. The original colors of the GretagMacbeth chart show up as squares, and the Kodak EasyShare C433’s colors are represented by circles. Ideally, the shapes would be atop of each other, but the colors are tethered by a line that represents the degree of error.

The Kodak EasyShare C433’s colors are far from where they should be. The true white in the center of the graph is off (stemming from poor color balance), and all other colors seem shifted from that. There is no one portion of the spectrum that is really messed up; several areas like reds, greens, deep blues, and oranges are far from ideal. Many of the colors are oversaturated, with a mean saturation of 120.1 percent. The C433 ends up with a 10.1 mean color error and a 6.89 overall color score. While this is better than the Kodak EasyShare C663’s color scores (14.5 color error and 4.58 overall), this still isn’t anything to brag about. Photographers who plan on shooting an important event and need perfectly accurate colors will not want to rely on this digital camera. Photographers who don’t mind bright red lips and skin looking tanner than is realistic won’t be bothered by the Kodak C433.

**Still Life Scene
**We photograph this busy and horribly composed still life scene with every digital camera that comes through this office. Below is the picture taken by the Kodak EasyShare C433.

Click on the image above to view the full resolution file.

Resolution*(1.54)*

No doubt about it: The Kodak EasyShare C433 is a budget digital camera. It is one of a small handful of cameras this year with less than 5 megapixels. Indeed, the C433 advertises a 4-megapixel, 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor. To see how effectively the camera can capture detail, we photographed an industry standard resolution chart that shows lines and patterns of various thicknesses and shapes. The photograph of the chart taken by the Kodak EasyShare C433 is shown below.

Click on the res chart to view the full size image

While photographing the chart, we tested out several focal lengths and apertures to ensure we got the absolute sharpest shot possible with the camera. The sharpest image came from a shot taken at f/4.6 and 18mm. This was determined by Imatest software, which also output results in terms of line widths per picture height (lw/ph). This measurement allows us to compare results from camera to camera regardless of the sensor size; it tells us how many lines of equal thickness the camera could theoretically discern without blurring together. The Kodak EasyShare C433 resolved 1004 lw/ph horizontally with 3.32 percent undersharpening. Vertically, the camera read 1107 lw/ph with 1.86 percent under-sharpening. This equates to a poor 1.54 overall score. The bad news is that 1.54 is horrible, even when compared to other 4-megapixel models (The Kodak EasyShare-one 4 MP had a 3.22 overall score). The good news is that the C433 didn’t exert any in-camera sharpening, so some of this problem can be fixed in editing software.

Noise – Auto ISO*(5.16)*

When the C433 was set to automatically choose its own ISO setting in our bright studio lighting, it took a picture that produced the amount of noise found around ISO 160. This isn’t the lowest setting possible on the camera, but the amount of noise at that setting really isn’t much anyway. Thus, the Kodak C433 got by with a 5.16 overall auto ISO noise score – much better than the Kodak C663’s 2.63 result.

Noise – Manual ISO*(7.36)*

The budget C443 doesn’t have the extensive manual ISO range that most digital cameras now have. It has manual ISO settings from 80 to 400, shown below on the horizontal axis of the chart. The vertical axis shows the amount of noise measured at each stop when shooting in bright light.

Although these manual ISO settings are the same as the C663, the amount of noise produced at each setting is much reduced in the Kodak C443. The settings from 80-200 produced very little noise, and the top 400 setting had a bit more but was still decent. For being a budget model that retails for under a hundred dollars, these are very good results.

Low Light*(1.5)*

All of the other testing was done in optimal lighting, but since photo opportunities don’t always happen in perfect lighting we photographed the color chart at diminishing light levels. The first test was done at 60 lux, which is about the amount of light in a softly lit room after dark. The second test was shot at 30 lux – approximately equivalent to the light from a single 40-watt bulb. The 15 and 5 lux tests are done more to test the limitations, if any, of the image sensor.

Photographing in low light with the Kodak EasyShare C433 was a challenge (that’s saying it nicely). The camera had trouble focusing in low light, and its metering system wasn’t all that consistent. Both metering and color balance were totally off; the exposure dwindled in the darkness and the colors grew warmer as the light dimmed.

As the light dimmed, the camera used longer shutter speeds. And the longer the shutter remained open, the more noise crept into the picture. Even with the ISO fixed at the lowest manual setting of 80, noise increased considerably. Below is a chart showing the exposure time on the horizontal axis and the noise level on the vertical axis.

At 60 lux, the Kodak C433 used a half-second exposure. At 5 lux, the camera used a 4-second exposure and produced quite a bit more noise than in previous tests. Despite this camera’s decent noise control with ISO settings, it didn’t seem to do the same with longer exposures. This digital camera isn’t made for low light photography. Its 1.5 overall score is quite awful, and its pictures back up that score. Images are fuzzy, discolored, and noisy.

Physical Tour

Front*(6.0)*

The Kodak AF 3x optical aspheric zoom lens extends out from a polished silver ring when the camera is turned on. When turned off, the zoom lens will retract into the camera body and be covered by an automatic built-in barrier. The lens sits on the right side of the camera’s front. Above the lens and slightly off-center is a horizontal flash unit that could potentially be covered slightly by fingers of the left hand if the photographer is shooting with two hands. To the left of the flash and continuing along the top of the camera body is the self-timer/video light. Between this feature and the lens of the camera are three small perforations which cover the in-camera monaural microphone that can be used during video capture. A slight thickening of the camera occurs to the left of these features along the entire vertical length of the front face. On the far left side and positioned centrally is a darker silver raised right-hand grip that provides a confident handling addition when shooting one-handed. The rest of the front face is composed of the standard light-silver colored plastic. A vertical Kodak emblem sits to the right of the grip while a Kodak Color Science emblem sits directly above near the top edge of the camera’s front face.

Back*(5.75)*

The 1.8-inch LCD screen is positioned on the left half of the Kodak EasyShare C433’s back face. The LCD is framed and raised slightly from the camera body. Located to the right of the LCD are four controls with full text labels. These controls are, from top to bottom: delete, menu, review and share. Each of these controls is well sized and placed for sufficient adjustments to be made without hassle. The menu and review buttons are separated by the four-way control that sits to the right of these buttons. The four-way control isn’t labeled but is intuitive in design and large enough to allow for switches in cardinal directions to be accomplished without hassle. In the center of the four-way control is an OK button which sets changes to control image parameters when moving through in-camera menu structures. Above and below the four-way control are raised dots to enable a little bit of extra grip when shooting with one hand. At the top of the camera body, above both the four-way control and textured grip, are the zoom controls for wide-angle and telephoto adjustments. These controls are split into two separate buttons, and this is probably the one control that could use some help since the buttons blend into the camera body and were overlooked a few times when trying to shoot quickly. If they were tinted a slightly darker gray like the delete, menu, review and share buttons, the zoom control would be a perfectly functional interface to shoot.

Left Side*(3.0)*

The left side of the Kodak EasyShare C433 has one feature located in the lower back corner for a USB cable to connect to either computer or printer. There is no cover for this port and it is easy to find so that novices shouldn’t feel overwhelmed when transferring pictures. There are no other features on the left side of the camera body.

Right Side* (5.5)*

The optional wrist-strap eyelet is located on the edge between the right side and top of the camera body and is inset into the body of the camera slightly to avoid snagging this attachment on clothing or protective cases.

**Top ***(6.0)*

The top of the Kodak EasyShare C433 continues the theme of simplicity and understated design. A large, perhaps oversized, mode dial allows for movement between Off, Favorites, Auto, Landscape, Close-up, Scene and Movie mode. When the camera turns off automatically, the user will have to return the mode dial all the way to the off position before the C344 will turn back on. This is a bit absurd when moving all the way back and forth from video mode since the dial doesn’t turn 360 degrees continuously. In the center of the mode dial is the polished silver shutter button. The shutter button isn’t labeled, but it is positioned in an intuitive location. To the left of the mode dial and shutter button is the flash button that rotates between flash settings by repeated pushing.

Bottom*(5.5)*

A port cover is located on the right side when viewing the bottom of the Kodak EasyShare C433. This cover slides to the right, away from the lens of the camera and reveals the area for the two AA batteries needed for power as well as a slot for SD/MMC memory cards. The port cover hinge seemed a bit loose, and stronger construction would be appreciated since it is an essential function. To the right of this port cover is the dock port for an optional connection to Kodak printers when engaging in direct printing. A plastic tripod mount is located directly beneath the lens of the C433 and it should be used with care since the plastic mount can easily be damaged and rendered useless if stripped or nicked. A metal mount would eliminate this concern almost entirely and would be a great improvement over what is currently offered with the C433.

Components

**Viewfinder ***(0.0)*

With limited space on the back of this point-and-shoot camera, Kodak has chosen to remove the viewfinder. This is probably a good move since the optical viewfinder would inevitably been inaccurate. The unfortunate downside to not having a viewfinder is that the photographer will have to rely on the less-than-impressive LCD screen that performed miserably in lower light situations.

LCD Screen*(4.0)*

The LCD screen, as mentioned in the viewfinder section, is a rather underwhelming component when compared to the rest of the industry. The screen on the C433 does display live images, although with a bit of a stuttering delay. While functional, it was hard to rely on this feature in anything but strong, even lighting. In direct light, the screen easily washes out and angled viewing results in significantly diminished clarity.  

The LCD on the EasyShare C433 measures 1.8 inches and has resolution so low that Kodak doesn’t want to even publish the numbers. While it is understandable that Kodak had to make some sacrifices to keep costs down, pervasive problems with essential features make a camera like the C433, even at its price, a difficult purchase to make. It might be wiser for consumers to hold off and save up for awhile longer, until they are comfortable investing in a slightly more expensive camera that has a significantly better viewing display. 

**Flash ***(6.5)*

The flash on the Kodak EasyShare C433 is actually a surprisingly well placed, horizontally-oriented flash that produces even illumination. A flash setting control is located on the top of the camera to the left of the mode dial. The external placement enables users to save time and skip the menu structure; it’s easy to find and uncomplicated to engage and adjust, which make it a great feature for even beginning photographers. Flash settings when shooting with the Kodak EasyShare C433 include auto flash, flash fill, red-eye and off. Flash distance in wide angle will be 2 to 11.5 feet and 2 to 6.6 feet in telephoto. Both ranges are attained when shooting with an ISO setting of 200.

Zoom Lens*(6.0)*

The 3x optical zoom lens on the Kodak EasyShare C433 is equipped with a two-step aperture of f/2.7 to f/4.9 and a built-in lens cover that eliminates the potential for misplacing the lens cap. The zoom, which moves through a 36-108mm 35mm equivalent focal range, does so rather slowly. A graphic display appears vertically in the upper left corner of the LCD to display the zoom length and when the camera transitions from optical to digital zoom. The camera also includes a 5x continuous digital zoom, although it should be avoided whenever possible, since it will compromise image quality.

Design / Layout

**Model Design / Appearance ***(6.5)*

This camera isn’t going to win any design awards and it certainly falls short of Kodak’s more stylish – and expensive - offerings that were revealed earlier this year. The Kodak EasyShare C433 is a functional no-frills point-and-shoot camera and this is immediately reflected in the physical design. The camera body is a thick, blocky and unfettered piece of molded plastic. Large, minimal, and simple controls are well labeled and are hard to overlook during shooting. The lack of planes, surfaces and other accoutrements found on models by other manufacturers make this camera a novice user’s best friend. If outcome is more important than looks and you’re purchasing on a budget, the Kodak C433 is definitely a good option for you. If style and personal image is more important than image quality, may we suggest a Minox DC1011, a modest little camera encrusted with both gold and diamonds.

**Size / Portability ***(6.0)*

This camera fits in a jacket pocket without too much imposition but don’t expect to cram this into a pants pocket: It is impossible, trust me. The boxy design and thick body will make it impossible to forget this camera when carrying it in hand. The camera measures 3.6 inches in width, 2.7 inches in height, and 1.4 inches in depth. For longer trips and carrying lengths, the wrist-strap eyelet or an optional carrying case for stowing would be advisable with this camera. A surprising specification is the actual weight of the camera. Although rather large, the camera itself weighs a rather lightweight 4.6 ounces without two AA batteries or a memory card which add a marginal amount of additional heft.

Handling Ability*(7.5)*

The thickness of the camera body and its overall size make it friendly for users with larger hands or conditions like arthritis which could make grasping smaller and slicker point-and-shoot cameras nearly impossible. A vertical grip on the front of the camera helped when shooting with one hand and eight raised dots on the back of the camera provide a nominal amount of additional grip for the thumb of the right hand.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size ***(7.25)* 
**The controls on the Kodak EasyShare C344 are better - in terms of size, labeling and simplicity of interface - than many point-and-shoot cameras on the market. This is always a design area where Kodak excels and the C344 is no exception, with the camera's stripped down simplicity offering a great introduction for novice users. The only problem with the controls came in their actual employment when the four-way control tended to be sticky and cumbersome, and the clacking of the mode dial and motion seemed more appropriate for a children’s toy than a digital camera. Because of the sticky four-way control, quick movement through the menu structure was largely impossible without concentration on the part of the photographer. This aside, the utter minimum of controls, their large size, accurate placement and proper labeling make the external interface of the C433 a great option for tentative or novice photographers as well as those with physical impediments or larger hands.

Menu*(7.0)*

The menu system found with the Kodak EasyShare C433 is quite user friendly. The menus feature a light blue background with a dark blue header while selected sub-menu parameters are displayed with a golden bar. Accessing any of the following menu structures can be accomplished by pressing the well-labeled Menu button on the back of the camera body. The menu system is navigated by pressing the up and down arrows on the four-way control. The only overall problem with the menus isn’t actually the menus, but it’s the cheap four-way control that slowed down navigation speed with its clunky interface and clacking on/off.

It would have been nice for Kodak to outfit this lower-priced model with a live view when making adjustments to manual settings in shooting mode. As it is, users will need to guess as to which white balance, exposure compensation level, ISO speed and long time exposure setting should be used when photographing. If an incorrect setting is selected, it will necessitate the user re-entering and re-adjusting each parameter in a process that while simple, isn’t all that quick.

The setup menu can be accessed by the user whether they are in shooting, scene, movie, or review modes with each mode bringing up the same menu structure. Each mode lists the setup menu as the last selectable option and with a bit of time, photographers may find that it is easier to merely press the up arrow when the initial menu is opened. This skips the unnecessary navigation of one menu just to enter the setup menu. 

When users enter the playback menu, they will find that the last captured image will be displayed with the menu structure overlaid on top. It is possible to move between this display and multi-up by selecting the multi-up sub-menu option located within the playback menu. 

**Ease of Use ***(8.0)*The Kodak EasyShare C433 is definitely a camera that excels in the ease of use category. This is primarily due to Kodak’s decision to strip external controls down to the necessary basics. In addition to the reduction to essential basics, the external controls are generally large in size and labeled with either full text or simple icons. The construction of the menu structures in both shooting and playback modes are full text and easy to understand and can be navigated through the use of the large and well-positioned four-way controller. The menus could be improved with the addition of live views with the manual settings. That way, users could immediately understand what was occurring when adjustments were made to parameters like exposure compensation. In this incarnation, the C433 will only display the light blue on dark blue opaque menu background when adjusting exposure, white balance and ISO. Other than this setback, it’s hard to find another camera that is able to produce comparable results at this price. 

Modes

 **Auto Mode *(7.0)*The auto mode actually achieves the most manual control over the camera functions. That said, the Kodak EasyShare C433 can be left in a fully automatic setup without any changes being made to its defaults. Manual control options that are available in auto mode allow for manipulation of the full ISO range, exposure compensation, adjustment of preset white balance modes and selection of shutter speeds in the 0.5 to 4.0 second range. Other alterable settings include image size, color effects, auto focus zones and self-timer/burst mode. Focus and other image adjustments take awhile with this camera whether shooting with full auto, manually adjusted auto or scene modes. Users should expect in many situations a delay of several seconds until the camera has made the selected changes to the settings. This became tedious with longer shooting sessions especially when it is necessary to press the shutter halfway to get the LCD back into live view. Patience with this camera is key.  Movie Mode *(0.5)*The movie mode can be quickly entered without opening a menu through the mode dial located on the top of the Kodak EasyShare C433. The movie mode is able to capture video at resolutions of either 640 x 480 or 320 x 240 pixels with lengths of continuous, 5 seconds, 15 seconds or 30 seconds. Video capture at the higher resolution comes with an underwhelming frame rate of 13 fps that resulted in a stuttering playback comparable to the worst web cams available on the market today.  At the lower resolution of 320 x 240, the frame rate improves to 20 fps but is still far short of the standard 30 fps found with U.S. video systems.   Captured with video footage is a monaural audio recording that can unfortunately only be heard when the camera is connected to a computer or alternate playback system due to the lack of an in-camera speaker. The microphone is located centrally on the front face of the camera above the lens ring, and its placement enables it to record handling noise.  Video footage without audio can be viewed in playback mode, although editing of footage will have to be done once the footage has been exported from the camera. The crop feature located in playback cannot be applied to video footage. ****Drive / Burst Mode *(0.0)*The Kodak EasyShare C433 falls short of the mark with its lack of a burst mode. Users will find in the shooting menu the opportunity to select between single shot capture, self-timer with a delay of 10 seconds, two shot self timer with a delay of 10 seconds and a delay shutter time of 2 seconds. While these self-timer modes are helpful in certain situations, it would have been better for Kodak to provide at least one burst mode that could help combat the lumbering shutter to shot speed found when shooting without flash.  With a reported time of 2.5 seconds, we can assure you that Kodak was being generous in this specification and results with flash and auto focus adjustment times included, it hovered easily above 5 seconds. Fast shooting and quick cat-like reaction times are not where the C433 excels and if interested in capturing action events like Kung Fu fighting or the aftermath of a pie eating contest, a different point-and-shoot with a better burst mode would be required. ****Playback Mode *(4.0)*The playback on the Kodak EasyShare C433 is entered by pressing the review button on the back of the camera regardless of the current mode being used by the photographer. Review of still and video images can be accomplished with this mode, although,  it should be noted that sound cannot be played back with videos in the camera: there is no built-in speaker. The review mode for the C433 provides the same simple menu structure and control options found throughout the entire camera design. While some image alteration is possible in this mode, most users will have to rely on a software application to make appropriate adjustments to image size, color and other post-production parameters.  A helpful control that is included in review mode is the crop tool, which allows users to select an image and then adjust a selector box to crop the appropriate content from the original image.  Adjusting the overall box size is accomplished with the zoom control, while the area the box covers can be altered by pressing the arrows of the four-way ring control.  Once everything is set, the user merely presses the OK button and the image is saved to memory.   Individual images can be viewed with digital playback zoom up to 8x with adjustments to viewing area being adjusted with the four-way control. This feature and the crop feature should not be confused with one another and have entirely separate functionality.  Other options available in this mode include album set, copy, protect, multi-up or single image display and slide show.  Due to the low resolution and small size of the LCD, it would be smart to export all images to personal computer before selecting images to delete and for printing. Quality and focus are nearly impossible to judge on the small LCD and the lack of screen resolution further added to the aggravation  ****Custom Image Presets ***(6.5)*Turning the mode dial on the top of the Kodak EasyShare C433 to the scene position will allow for access to the custom image presets. These appear as a horizontal list of icons along the bottom of the LCD screen. As photographers move through the list, each selected custom image preset will be displayed in the center of the screen with an expanded textual description of when it could be appropriately used. Pressing the left and right arrows of the four-way control scans the list of scene mode options. The preset shooting modes included with this camera aren’t the wealth found with HP or Casio cameras, but they are basic aBacklight and Night portrait.   

Control Options

**

Manual Control Options**Manual control isn’t an area that the Kodak EasyShare C433 excels in, but then again, it doesn’t necessarily want to or need to.  This camera is a budget model, and it also follows Kodak’s mantra of point-and-shoot simplicity. It is not intended to appeal to the manual control audience. The only controls users can set manually on the C433 are ISO, exposure compensation, partial shutter speed through long time exposure mode and preset white balance.   **Focus
***Auto Focus (6.0)*The Kodak EasyShare C433’s auto focus system is a TTL system with a normal focal range of 2 feet to infinity, a macro range of 4 inches to 2.3 feet (wide) and 7.9 inches to 2.3 feet (telephoto), as well as a landscape range of 32.8 feet to infinity. The camera also has the option of switching between a multi-zone or center zone focusing pattern.   When setting the auto focus, a bracket in the middle of the screen will switch from a light blue to green with a green dot appearing in the upper right corner of the LCD when the camera has achieved focus. The auto focus is controlled by pressing the shutter button halfway and then waiting several seconds for the focus to set, depending on the complexity of the image. The multi-zone focus merely expanded the center-zone brackets horizontally with options for center wide focus, side focus, center and side focus, and left and right (simultaneous) auto focus. The images captured with this mode were far better than those found with the center-zone.   If proper focus is not attained, the camera will display a red dot rather than a green one in the upper right corner of the LCD.  The center zone focal setting is anything but stellar and produced more out-of-focus images than the multi-zone setting. There was a constant need to make adjustments to the position or angle of shooting when relying on this mode. *Manual Focus (0.0)*Manual focus is not an option when shooting with the Kodak EasyShare C433.  At this price the consumer shouldn’t be expecting manual control in this realm; at this price, no camera comes with true manual focus. 

Metering ***(5.0)*Metering is not manually controllable and users will need to work with the center-weighted TTL-AE to produce accurately balanced compositions. This can definitely be a problem when shooting backlit subjects and luckily an inclusion of a backlight preset can be found within the scene modes. Unfortunately, this isn’t going to be any help when shooting in more complicated lighting with multiple lighting sources or strong lighting from an angled source.  It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the metering options for this camera are limited considering the price and the intended audience. ****Exposure (6.0)*Most cameras, regardless of intended audience, include at least some manual control over exposure when capturing still images and the Kodak EasyShare C433 is no exception.  Available in auto, landscape and close-up modes, the exposure control is accessed by entering the shooting menu where this sub-menu is listed on the first screen of options.  The exposure compensation unfortunately doesn’t have a live view, and users will need to estimate the exposure setting while looking at a light blue opaque screen that could be frustrating for novice photographers.  The exposure compensation scale also lacks the nuance of the standard 1/3-step increments and will unfortunately only provide setting jumps of 1/2 EV from +/-2 EV.  While lacking nuance and live view, this manual control was functional and did perform properly when needed.
**White Balance **(5.5)*When shooting with the Kodak EasyShare C433, the photographer will find that it is possible to make adjustments to the white balance settings through the in-camera menu.  White balance settings of Auto, Daylight, Tungsten and Fluorescent are provided in a white balance sub-menu on the first screen displayed.  While a functional introduction to white balance preset shooting modes, these settings will hardly provide users with enough options to shoot in anything but the most simple of lighting conditions.  It’s rare to encounter a scene lit with a single type of illumination (other than daylight) when out photographing. The inclusion of a fully manual white balance setting would have really been helpful when shooting with this camera since mixed lighting sources produced sub-par results when relying on these preset parameters. White balance cannot be set in the scene modes. ****ISO *(6.0)*The Kodak EasyShare C433 does provide control over ISO when shooting in Auto, Landscape and Close Up modes. ISO settings will enable users to select between auto, 80, 100, 200, 400 and 800 options. ISO 800 should be avoided due to the significantly reduced 1.1 MP resolution. The ISO settings are easy to move through, although, the control used to access them is sticky and awkward. And even though the screen is almost too small to be functional, it would have been nice to have a live view for these features since live views can provide beginning users with an immediate and tangible method for gauging their control adjustments. ****Shutter Speed (0.5)*Considering the overtly beginner-friendly interface and camera design, it should come as no surprise that shutter speed is an area that cannot be manually controlled by the user.  There is partial control over shutter speed through the long time exposure sub-menu listed when shooting in the auto, landscape and close-up modes.  The long time shutter settings will allow for marginal control over longer shutter speeds, although it isn’t too nuanced considering the only options are none, 0.5 seconds, 0.7 seconds, 1.0 seconds, 1.5 seconds, 2.0 seconds, 3.0 seconds, and 4.0 seconds.  It would be nice to have the range extend a little further on the faster end so that shooting in harsh strong lighting could be compensated for. * **Aperture ***(0.0)*The aperture is not manually operable on the Kodak EasyShare C433.  The automatic aperture range on this boxy point-and-shoot is f/2.7 at the wide angle and f/4.9 at telephoto. This two-step aperture setup is limiting, but it is expected at such a price point.   

Image Parameters

Picture Quality / Size Options ***(5.5)*The picture size and quality options are pretty limited with photographers only being able to choose between five options. The picture size options are 4 MP best (2304 x 1728), 3.5 MP (3:2) best (2304 x 1536), 3.1 MP better (2048 x 1536), 2.1 MP good (1656 x 1242), and 1.1 MP email (1200 x 900).  When shooting in ISO 800, the user will be limited to only capturing images at a resolution of 1.1 MP. ** **Picture Effects Mode ***(6.0)*Users of the Kodak EasyShare C433 can elect to shoot in black and white or sepia mode. These settings are located in the shooting menu so users must make sure that they initiate the appropriate setting prior to capture since post-capture work will have to be done on a computer.  There are no color effect options available in playback mode.  A larger range of picture effects options are available to the photographer once images are loaded into personal computer through the Kodak EasyShare Software program.  Control over brightness, contrast, hue, saturation and other image effect parameters can be easily and carefully adjusted using the software. 

Connectivity / Extras

 **Connectivity
***Software (7.0)*The software included with the Kodak EasyShare C433 is the standard Kodak EasyShare Software that will enable users to engage a broad palette of digital effects and post-production editing without the stress and strain of learning an editing software program like Photoshop. The software is included on CD-ROM, but the latest version can be downloaded from Kodak’s web site for free. While installing took ten plus minutes, the actual procedure was a simple one that led the user through each step with ease.   Once installed and opened, the user is presented with a main screen where they can view My Collection, Print at Home, Email, Creative Projects and the EasyShare Center sub-windows. While these features line the top of the screen, other folder display options are listed on the left side which allow the user to move between entire collection, last acquired, date taken, my smart albums and my albums. Additionally, there are four more linking options located in the lower left-land corner for access to my gallery home, fun with my favorites, my friends’ albums and my saved projects. 

 Shown as a list of icons between the My Collections and other settings located horizontally at the top of the screen and the image display, are a series of editing options that enable the user to manipulate selected images both in-display and through pop-up windows. These icons will enable the user to select among import pictures, create a new album, edit selected pictures, get info for selected pictures, rotate selected image, play a slide show of selected images, burn a CD/DVD and express upload picture to create custom gift.   The image edit feature provides the most control over image settings when viewing with this software and will enable users to make adjustments to rotate, crop, remove red eye, adjust brightness, contrast, hue, saturation, exposure levels overall and apply black and white, sepia, oval vignette and rectangle vignettes to images. Controls like brightness, contrast, hue, saturation and exposure levels display the image split in half with one half representing the before image and one representing the after image. The one strong drawback to using the software is when users register their email address and information at Kodak’s EasyShare Gallery website. This has some perks, but it also means that if entered, the user can expect to receive several emails a week from Kodak regarding their "Creative Projects" opportunities and your account options for online printing etcetera. 

 All in all, this software will enable the user to do everything from basic emailing and printing to making proper post-production editing decisions without confusion and without compromise.  Having this software included with this budget point-and-shoot camera makes this model more appealing.  Logical flow and editing platforms make the software of Kodak a pleasure to work with, and importing

and printing images with this software is an equally simple and hassle-free process. *Jacks, ports, plugs (4.0)*The ports for the Kodak EasyShare C433 are limited to the left side and bottom of the camera body and are easy to access and engage regardless of experience level.  On the left side of the camera body in the lower back corner is an uncovered port that allows for connection of the included USB cable to either printer or computer.  On the bottom of the camera body is a dock connection directly beside the tripod mount.  On the left side of the camera bottom is a port cover that slides to the right.  This cover, when open, reveals both the slots for the AA batteries as well as the optional SD/MMC expansion slot for memory cards. *Direct Print Options (8.5)*

Direct printing is an area Kodak targets in terms of simplicity and the C433 is no exception.  When printing with this camera, users can choose between Kodak EasyShare printers, ImageLink compatible print systems as well as PictBridge enabled devices. By merely pressing the share button on the back of the camera, the user can easily move images from not only camera to printer but also to computer in a method that is just now being imitated by other camera manufacturers. *Battery (5.5)***The battery power for the Kodak EasyShare C433 is with two AA batteries. While two alkaline AAs are supplied, it will be obviously necessary to purchase additional batteries.  Without a rechargeable battery, users will find that it gets more and more expensive to own this camera as time goes by since continuously purchasing more batteries isn’t cheap.  Still, finding AA batteries in a pinch is easier than locating a special rechargeable battery. With this situation , it would be advisable to invest in rechargeable batteries and a battery charger since the camera ate up batteries during shooting and testing. 

 *Memory (4.0)*The Kodak EasyShare C433 comes with an included 16 MB of internal memory and, while a great backup storage device if memory cards are forgotten or filled, 16 MB of memory is hardly enough to contain even the briefest excursion or social event. It would be wise for the user of the C433 to invest in an SD/MMC memory card that can be inserted into a port located beneath a cover on the bottom of the camera body.  

Overall Impressions

 **Value *(7.0)*When comparing the Kodak EasyShare C433 to other camera models out on the market for a similar price, the C433 holds its own in most categories and occasionally glimmers through as a better option. The 4-megapixel CCD, 1.8-inch LCD, still and video capture options, preset shooting modes, and 16 MB of internal memory are certainly enough to satisfy the budget consumer looking for a no-frills automatic digital camera. The C433 isn’t heavy on style or design aesthetics, but its external and internal simplicity logic is excellent and the included software will enable even novice users and technophobes to begin considering post-capture editing strategies. The AA batteries needed for powering could require a bit of money but purchasing a set of rechargeable batteries and a charger will quickly make this setback a non-problem. Currently selling online through Kodak for $99.95, the camera can be found selling on other reputable web sites for around $85. Comparisons***Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ3* – This digital camera is definitely higher in price than the Kodak C433, but it shows consumers what they will get if they're willing to spend closer to $200 MSRP, in terms of image quality and control. This digital camera has double the optical zoom of the C433, with a total of 6x, and comes with Panasonic’s own Mega O.I.S. stabilization system that they’ve been heavily marketing. This camera has 5-megapixels on a larger 1/2.5-inch CCD. The auto focus on this camera will allow users to select between five different metering methods as well as normal, macro and wide focusing areas. The manual ISO range runs from ISO 80 to ISO 400 with a High Sensitivity preset shooting mode that can run from ISO 800 to ISO 1600. Exposure compensation is identical in both range and incremental steps to the C433, while the shutter speeds far exceed the scale found on the Kodak. With a night mode that goes all the way to a slow shutter speed of 60 seconds and a top speed that maxes out at 1/2000, the LZ3 will be able to perform in a wider variety of action and lighting environments than the C433. The Pansonic LZ3 also offers a burst mode in two quality levels. The video capture mode on the DMC-LZ3 offers video capture at 640 x 480 resolution at 30 fps when shooting with SD/MMC memory card. The downside of the DMC-LZ3's video capture mode is its utter lack of audio capture. Panasonic’s software is anything but stellar, but the LZ3 is still a tempting option with more resolution, 6x optical zoom, and a 2-inch LCD screen, at an online price under $200.

 *Canon PowerShot A430 –* Rejecting the blocky square physique of the C433 for a lower more horizontal profile, the A430 by Canon has a 4.0 MP CCD, a 1.8-inch LCD screen with 77,000 pixels, an inaccurate optical viewfinder, and a messier external interface that has a cluttered and cramped design. This camera has a similar ISO range although it begins at ISO 64, instead of ISO 80 as with the C433. The camera’s shutter speed range does fall short when compared to the C433 with a range of just 1 second to 1/2000th of a second that will falter in darker shooting situations. That said, the A430 offers a more extensive metering mode that will enable users to select between center-weighted, spot or evaluative modes for a more selective and nuanced meter reading.  Additionally, the +/-2 EV exposure compensation scale trumps the C433 by using 1/3-stop increments for more, instead of the 1/2-EV increments on both the Kodak C433 and C533. Continuing to trump the C433 in terms of manual control, the A430 has not only more preset white balance modes but also includes a fully customizable mode.  A wider selection of photo effects and the extensive Canon My Colors mode exceed the shooting and post-capture in-camera digital manipulation and really make this camera a better option than the C433. In addition to all of this, the camera also has a 0.4-inch super macro mode for close-up shooting.  Priced slightly higher than the C433 at around $114 USD online, this marginal price increase may well be worth it for the budget consumer able to shake a few dollars from between the couch cushions.* **Kodak EasyShare C533*– This model is the step up model from Kodak and can currently be found on Kodak’s website for a retail price of $149.95.  This camera has a 5-megapixel CCD, an identical 3x optical zoom lens and a video capture mode that has a slower frame rate than then less expensive C433.  Manual controls on this model include the same exposure compensation range and step increments, ISO range of up to ISO 400 at full resolution, the same scene modes, shutter speed range and auto focus modes.  Also included is an identically sized 1.8-inch LCD, although this more expensive model does include the inevitably inaccurate, but occasionally useful optical viewfinder (useful when running low on AA batteries and wishing to save battery life, for instance, otherwise it’s a rather pointless feature).  Like the C433, this camera is PictBridge and ImageLink compatible for easy direct printing.  Although some features are different, their "improvements" to shooting are minimal; the C433 will likely be a better option for the budget consumer market.* **Fujifilm FinePix A400 – This point and shoot camera by Fujifilm can be found online for around $95.95 currently and has a similar boxy frame when compared to the EasyShare C433 and a comparably sized 1/2.5-inch 4.1-megapixel CCD. This model has a 3x optical zoom and 12 MB of internal memory, and records to xD card. The A400 has an ISO range up to ISO 400 in full resolution, but it will not offer the reduced resolution ISO 800 setting found on the C433.  Consumers will find that this camera has similar exposure settings (although at 1/3-EV increments) and a slightly fuller white balance preset list.  This camera falters when video capture is compared with the less-than-stunning results of the C433 far out-shining the maximum resolution of 320 x 240 at 10 fps rate of the A400.  Adding insult to injury, this video capture mode will not even record audio at all.  The A400 has an identically sized 1.8-inch LCD with a terrible resolution of 77,000 pixels and is included in addition to an off-center and inaccurate optical viewfinder.  Adding to these problems is the necessity of entering the menu structure for control adjustments, a terrible zoom control design and an unnecessarily cluttered external surface. This camera seems a pale comparison to the offerings of the C433. ***Who It’s For***Point-and-Shooters –* The Kodak EasyShare C433 is definitely intended for the point-and-shoot market with its simple controls, straightforward menus, large control interface and uncomplicated printing system.
Budget Consumers – *The budget consumer will also find the EasyShare C433 to be a tempting purchase due to the $99.95 price tag online through Kodak and even less from other sellers.   *Gadget Freaks *– The gadget freak isn’t going to look twice at the Kodak EasyShare C433 due to its stripped down simple point and shoot nature as well as the lack of innovative technology or design creativity.  * *Manual Control Freaks* – The manual control freak will be uninterested in the C433.  With only exposure compensation and ISO being truly manual and shutter speed is only for longer shutter times and white balance relys on preset modes, the C433 is not an option for this market.* **Pros / Serious Hobbyists* – The pro and serious hobbyist will have no reason to examine the Kodak EasyShare C433 with its budget design and point-and-shoot interface meant for basic shooting. 

Conclusion

 
   **Conclusion**For consumers looking to enter the digital camera market without spending several hundred dollars and being overwhelmed by controls, dials, buttons and features, the Kodak EasyShare C433 provides a compelling argument for the budget-conscious photographer.  Employing a 1/2.5-inch, 4-megapixel CCD, 3x optical zoom lens, 1.8-inch LCD, preset still shooting modes and manual influence over longer shutter speed, exposure compensation, white balance presets and ISO, this camera does the job with competence.  The design isn’t stunning and it isn’t a glamorous camera. The C433 is unfettered in appearance and Kodak has wisely stripped the external controls down to the essential minimum.  Menu structures continue this reduced interface with a simple design emphasized over a plethora of options.  It would be nice to have live views of manual controls like exposure compensation, shutter speed, white balance and ISO and this seems to be one of the major areas where Kodak just simply missed the bus.   Problems weren’t non-existent with this camera: The aforementioned lack of live view being one point of contention, while the terribly slow focal times, shutter to shot times, noisy internal mechanical workings, requirement to refresh the LCD manually by pressing the shutter after capture (unless you are content to wait five seconds for the LCD to do this on its own) are all setbacks for this budget model.  Auto focus was an area where Kodak could definitely improve this camera with the center-zone setting rarely producing an in-focus subject and taking up to four or five seconds to notify the photographer of this inability. Delays in focus should be expected when shooting with this camera and patience was often required to produce accurate focus. Additionally, the simple interface design is hampered by the poor construction of controls with features like the four-way controller sounding as though it was three clicks away from either breaking apart or sticking permanently in one position.  While it’s true that you get what you pay for, it doesn’t seem like too much additional cost would be added to this camera if more care was taken in construction and selection of physical parts.   Overall, the 4-megapixel Kodak EasyShare C433 is a very basic camera with easy to use features and basic functionality. For point-and-shooters on a tight budget, its well worth the $99. 

Specs / Ratings

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