Testing / Performance

Using Imatest Imaging Software and an industry standard GretagMacbeth color chart we tested the color representation of the Kodak EasyShare LS743. Imatest allows us to measure color accuracy and saturation. The picture below is the corrected Kodak EasyShare LS743 image in which the outer squares represent the LS743’s colors, the inner squares are error corrected, and the vertical rectangle in the center represents the ideal color of the GretagMacbeth chart.

The graph below also displays the Kodak EasyShare LS743’s color reproduction capabilities. Each number represents a tonal gradation; the circles indicate the color produced by the camera, whereas the squares represent the ideal color. The greater the distance between the circle and the square, the greater the error of the camera.

According to the graph, the mean saturation produced by the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is 120%. Most digital cameras (especially point-and-shoots) will contain a certain degree of over-saturation to produce more vibrant images, but the Kodak EasyShare LS743 goes a little further than the rest. For example, the Canon PowerShot A80, a comparable 4.0 megapixel digital camera, produced a saturation score of 114.7% using Imatest Imaging Software. However, this is not a death sentence for the Kodak EasyShare LS743. It did very well in its overall color representation, collecting a score of 9.3 compared to the A80’s 7.78. So, if you prefer images that have more vibrant and bold colors, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 will suit you well.

Numbers 15 and 9 on the chart are consistently over-saturated to ensure good skin tones in images; this is seen with cameras across the board. The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is also over-saturated in some of the blues and purples as well as in color number 4. However, it produced very good color reproduction in the blue-greens, greens, and yellows (numbers 3,18, 6, 11, 16, and 7). Since no camera produces a perfect score, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 out-performs many of its peers and will not let you down.

Still Life Scene

The image below is our standard still life image which we photograph with every still camera:

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Click on the above image to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked image is VERY large!)](../viewer.php?picture=kodak-LS743-StillLifeFULL.jpg)

Resolution/Sharpness*(2.76)*

It is often the case that there is a discrepancy between the manufacturer-reported megapixels of any given camera and the "real pixel" count. Using Imatest Imaging Software we gather a score that highlights how the camera actually performs and compare it against the manufacturer’s boast. A score of 70-80% is a good performance, 80-90% is very good, and above 90% is excellent.

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 received a resolution score of 2.76 real pixels. The highest resolution settings for this digital camera are 2304 x 1728, which equates to the 3.9 megapixels recorded by the manufacturer. The Kodak EasyShare LS743 received a score of 69%. Although the "real" pixel score might seem low, it is actually fairly comparable to other digital cameras in the 4 megapixel category. For example, the Canon PowerShot A80 reported 70.4% of the manufacturer’s pixel count.

Noise - Auto ISO*(6.16)
*The Kodak EasyShare LS743 performed pretty well when noise levels were tested with Imatest Imaging Software. Noise in digital imaging is similar to grain in film cameras; it degrades the image quality and appears as little speckles on top of the picture. Since the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is aimed at a point-and-shoot audience, it is important that it produces good images with Automatic ISO since many of its users will opt for automatic control. The 80-800 ISO range that is offered in the LS743 is smoothly and aptly adjusted by the camera and can be counted on to deliver well exposed, low noise imagery without manual manipulation.

Noise - Manual ISO*(8.09)*

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 gives the user an impressive range of 80-800 ISO speeds. This is more than most digital cameras in its range which often do not exceed 400 or go below 100 in the case of more basic cameras. Using Imatest Imaging Software we test the digital camera at each ISO rating to determine a numeric value for noise and use a regression analysis to obtain an overall noise score. The graph below displays the noise for each ISO sensitivity setting, with the X-axis representing the ISO rating, and the Y-axis representing the amount of noise.

As expected, the graph shows a little bit of noise at the lower ISO settings and grows as the ISO increases. Fortunately the Kodak EasyShare LS743 has relatively low noise scores compared to other cameras in this category and will therefore have better responses and cleaner images in lower light situations. If you are not a fan of using a flash, yet still like to take pictures indoors, this camera will be a good match for you.

Speed Timing
Startup/First shot (6.41)

There is a noticeable lag time (3.59 seconds) between when the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is turned on and when it’s ready to take its first shot. This is annoying in situations where your camera is off and you see a scene that you want to capture right away.

Shot to shot (7.28)

There is also a 2.73 second lag between shots with this camera. This is common with digital cameras, but since it is a major concern for some users, manufacturers are trying to reduce the lag as much as possible. If this is a big concern for you I would consider some other cameras (e.g. Canon PowerShot S500) that respond more quickly.

Shutter to shot (7.9)

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 does pretty well in the time between pressing the shutter and when the shot is taken with a 0.55 second delay. Short of an SLR, most digital cameras aren’t instantaneous.

Physical Tour

 

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Front***(7.5)
*Starting with the front of the Kodak EasyShare LS743, the user will find the 2.8x optical zoom, capable of 10x total zoom possibilities, located to the left side of the camera body. The light sensor and viewfinder lens are located above the lens in the left-hand corner. The self-timer/video light, the built-in microphone, and the flash unit for the Kodak EasyShare LS743 are situated to the right of the viewfinder. On the far left side of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 the user will find the neck strap post, for connecting a strap to the body of the camera.

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Back***(8.5)
*In the upper right-hand corner on the back of the Kodak EasyShare LS743, the user will find the four-way controller/OK button. Beneath the four-way controller is the wide angle/telephoto zoom lever, which acts as a ring to the four-way controller. Running in a vertical strip next to the centrally located LCD monitor are the camera modes, which are lit by a red LED when activated. These modes are, from top to bottom,  Auto, Portrait, Close Up, Video, and Favorites. The LCD screen itself is the predominant feature on the back portion of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 measuring 1.8 inches (134,000 pixels) in size. To the left side of the LCD screen, and also running vertically, are the delete, menu, review, and share buttons for the Kodak EasyShare LS743. In the upper left is the Ready Light and the viewfinder for the Kodak EasyShare LS743.

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Left Side***(8.0)
*A terminal cover primarily dominates the left side of the Kodak EasyShare LS743. Running from top to bottom are the USB port, the video out port (for TV connection), and the DC in (5V) optional AC adapter port.

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Right Side*(8.0) *

The right side of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 contains the in-camera slots for both the battery and the optional but suggested SD/MMC memory card.

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Top***(8.0)
*The top of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 has, moving from left to right, the blue LED lit On/Off button, the in-camera speakers, and the flash option button. Next to the flash, and located towards the back right corner on the top of the Kodak EasyShare LS743, the user will find the elongated oval shutter button. In front of the shutter button is the jog dial for moving between possible modes for the Kodak EasyShare LS743, with auto, portrait, close up, sport, video, and favorites.

Components

Viewfinder*(4.5) *

The viewfinder on the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is a real image optical viewfinder. Its small size and awkward placement in the upper left-hand corner on the back of the camera make it a slightly obsolete and unusable feature of this camera. The manufacturer rates this viewfinder as providing 80% coverage of the actual field of view.

LCD Screen*(6.0)
*The LCD screen is 1.8 inches in size with a 134,000 pixel resolution. It is located on the back of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 in the center of the body. With cameras such as these most people use the LCD screen by default instead of the viewfinder to compose images. With digital cameras becoming more widely used people are getting used to holding cameras out in front of them instead of against their noses.

Flash*(6.0) *

To access the flash options of the Kodak EasyShare LS743, the user merely needs to depress the flash button located on the top of the camera body, to the left of the shutter button. Each time the flash button is pressed, the flash option is changed between the following options: auto-flash, flash off, fill flash, and red-eye. The Kodak EasyShare LS743 offers a range of 2-10 feet (0.6-3.0m) when the lens is at a wide angle, and 2-6 feet (0.6-1.8m) at a telephoto length.

 

Zoom Lens*(6.0)*

The Lens for the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is a Schneider Kreuznach C-Variogon 2.8x optical zoom with 3.6x digital zoom capabilities. The f/3.0 - f/4.9 lens is equivalent to a 36-100mm 35mm camera setup. The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is capable of 10x total zoom, although the image quality will lessen when the digital zoom is engaged.

Optical zoom on the Kodak EasyShare LS743 allows for the user to get 2.8x closer to the subject being shot. To use the optical zoom in movie mode, the zoom must be first enabled, for it is impossible to change once movie mode has been enacted. The digital zoom allows for the camera to move between 2.8x and 10x, and the camera screen must be on for this feature to be used. To move from optical to digital and back, the user merely uses the wide angle / telephoto zoom lever located beneath the four-way controller. By moving the ring left, the user enables the wide angle option, and moving the ring right engages the telephoto. The optical range works on a continuous zoom option, while the digital range moves in increments towards and away from the 10x capability. The printed image quality for a picture shot on digital zoom settings may be compromised; the blue slider on the zoom indicator will turn red when the limit for an acceptable 4 x 6-in. print has been reached.

Design / Layout

Model Design/Appearance*(8.0)
*The Kodak EasyShare LS743’s sleek comfortable design is small and compact, and the body of the camera is reminiscent of a large cell phone. The Kodak EasyShare LS743 has an overall metallic gray appearance, with highlight areas of polished metallic plastic. The 1.8-inch LCD monitor consumes most of the back area of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 with the optical lens being relegated to the top upper left corner on the back of the model.

Size/Portability*(7.5) *

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is small, weighing only 5.8 oz without the battery, and its condensed form allows for it to be easily transported without extraneous effort. Measuring only 4.3 x 1.9 x 1.2 inches, with a volume of 9.8 in³, this camera will easily fit within a user’s pocket or in the palm of a hand, making it perfect for immediate use and point-and-shoot capabilities.

Handling Ability*(7.5) *

With a jog dial located in front of the shutter button, it is easily and quickly operable. The dial is a new design feature which allows for immediate mode changes to be recognized on the LCD screen. Having done away with the more traditional dial, users no longer need to familiarize themselves with confusing mode symbols. Instead, the setting information appears on the LCD monitor.

The major and immediate concern regarding handling comes from the position of the viewfinder. It is located exactly where I would place my middle finger so I immediately obstruct any viewing abilities as well as the built-in light sensor. Instead, I had to revert to using the much more conveniently placed central LCD monitor. Otherwise, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 did not have major handling complications during use.

Control Button/Dial Positioning/Size*(6.0)*

For the most part, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 had well placed and well considered button features. The user can now access the jog dial while holding the camera only with the right hand, and easily switch between modes with the index finger prior to depressing the shutter button. However, the major issue I had arose with the four-way controller/OK button. At times when using the camera, I was forced to slow my operations because my fingers would bump the button and accidentally trigger a function. The small size and multiple functions of this button made it so I was rarely immediately able to achieve the desired result. However, delicate handling and a user with smaller hands would make this a moot point.

 

Menus*(7.0)
*After pressing the Menu button on the Kodak EasyShare LS743, the user can navigate through the settings with the up and down arrows and press the OK button to activate them. The following options are available through the menu: self-timer, exposure compensation, burst mode, picture quality, video quality, white balance, ISO speed, color mode, metering, focus zone, long time exposure, image storage, set album, video length, and set-up menu. The user can hit the menu button a second time to return to shooting mode. The menu system on the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is simple and pleasant enough so as not to confuse or frustrate the user, a surprisingly important feature when looking for a digital camera that is right for you.

Ease of Use*(7.5)
*Kodak EasyShare LS743 is perfect for the point-and-shoot consumer who isn’t looking for a large amount of manual control over the images being captured. Its price is good for the budget consumer looking for a smaller and more appealing model of digital camera. The major concerns for ease of use emerged in the placement of the viewfinder and the undersized four-way control/OK button. I would definitely not recommend this camera to any user with dexterity issues or with large hands. The four-way control is used often enough that it becomes a hassle. I found myself constantly pressing OK by mistake, or choosing incorrect settings because of its small size. However, nimble and small-fingered users would find this unimportant. The new jog dial, which enables the user of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 to switch between modes, is a great advancement, allowing for quick decisions to be made without excessive hand adjustment.

Modes

Auto Mode*(8.0)*

The automatic mode on the Kodak EasyShare LS743 takes control over the digital camera’s exposure settings, focusing, and built-in flash. Aimed at the point-and-shooter who wants the digital camera to do all the work, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is great for general usage. Although most settings are still adjustable in auto mode, the default settings appropriate for most shooting situations are in place.

Movie Mode*(5.0) *

Movie mode features are available on the Kodak EasyShare LS743, though many of the features available for still shots are unavailable or must be preset prior to shooting, if movie mode is enabled. It is possible to capture up to 80 minutes of video, although this is entirely dependent on the user’s SD/MMC card. Kodak gives two size options: QVGA (320 x 240) and VGA (640 x 480) which capture at 20 fps and 13 fps, respectively.

Drive/Burst Mode*(7.5)
*In addition to single shooting mode the Kodak EasyShare LS743 offers a burst shooting mode. The burst mode is accessible by pressing the menu button, scrolling down using the down button on the four-way controller and then pressing OK. Once this has been selected, the user can activate/deactivate the burst mode setting by highlighting and pressing enter. The burst mode can capture up to 6 frames in a sequence at approximately 3 frames per second.

Playback Mode*(7.0)*

To view pictures in a thumbnail view on the Kodak EasyShare LS743, the user must enter the review mode by pressing the review button to the left of the LCD screen. To scroll between thumbnails, merely press the left/right buttons one at a time. To skip between rows, merely press the up and down buttons on the four-way control. To display a single view of a picture, select the picture and press OK.

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 also gives the user the option to view their images as a slideshow by pressing the review button, and the user will be able scroll left/right through the pictures by using the corresponding buttons on the four-way controller of the Kodak EasyShare LS743.

It is possible within the review portion of the Kodak EasyShare LS743 to crop/zoom on a specific element of a previously taken photograph/video. By pressing the OK button once the image will be magnified 2x; press again and get 4x; and to return to original size, press a third time. To see different portions of a picture within review mode, once magnified, press the options on the four-way controller. However, there is no way to take the image that is magnified and make it a new image. To do so, the Kodak EasyShare software programs for the user’s personal computer would have to be used in conjunction with the previously taken image.

Custom Image Presets*(7.5) *

The custom image presets for the Kodak EasyShare LS743 are accessed through the dial located on the top of the camera body, in front of the shutter button. When the dial is rotated, the different selections are lit by LED lights on the back of the camera, to the right of the LCD screen. Auto mode resides at the top of the choices and is symbolized by a camera icon. Below the auto selection is the portrait selection, best if used with a full frame shot of a person at least six feet from the lens of the camera. This feature is represented with a profile shot of a head. Beneath this is the close up setting, best used with subjects that are within 100 cm of the camera lens, and is represented by a tulip icon. Next is the scene mode, which when engaged the user can use the left/right portions of the keypad to choose between night, night portrait, sport, landscape, snow, beach, party, self portrait, and manner/museum. These presets selections are available for the user who wants to shoot in different environments, but doesn’t want to think about how to do it. Beneath this setting is the movie mode feature, which will engage both audio and moving image capture. And finally, the favorites setting will allow the user to choose specific images to have on a readily available basis when in review mode.

Control Options

Manual Control Options

The manual control options for the Kodak EasyShare LS743 can be adjusted in the menu. Although I would not call this camera advanced, it has a fair amount of manual controls for general point-and-shoot use.

 

Focus*

Auto (8.0)*

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 has two TTL (through the lens) AF settings available: multi-zone and center-zone. Multi-zone AF (the camera’s default) evaluates the scene according to 3 zones to guarantee an evenly focused image. This zone is pretty comprehensive and is suggested for general use. Center-zone AF evaluates 1 zone centered in the viewfinder for images requiring a specific area of focus.

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 also has auto focus framing marks that appear on the viewfinder to indicate how the camera has focused, including: center focus, center wide focus, side focus, center/side focus, and left/right focus. By pressing the shutter button halfway down, the user locks the focus into place and is free to take a picture. If the focusing marks appear in a way that is not desired, the user can take their finger off the shutter button and give the camera a chance to try again. Low light auto focus also exists on the Kodak EasyShare LS743 with multiple ranges selectable by the user.

Manual (0.0)

By partially depressing the shutter button located on the top of the Kodak EasyShare LS743, the user is allowed to tailor their focus options. The user is given a set of framing marks and zones, but the choice is still primarily one relegated to the camera itself. I do not think that these features will allow you to dictate any sort of focus potentiality manually. Supposedly if the incorrect choice is made by the camera the user corrects it by recomposing the scene and re-depressing the shutter button. A very specific set of parameters must exist for certain modes to be enacted, and so this feature could become a frustration for the user in his attempt to have any sort of control over the parameters of the system.****

****Metering*****(7.5)
The Kodak EasyShare LS743 offers metering options through the menu. The following metering options are available: multi-pattern, center-weight, and center-spot. By highlighting and pressing OK, the user has established this setting as the new metering selection, and the user will be returned to the main menu. Multi-pattern is the camera’s default setting, and it is used when the user seeks an exposure meter reading that will evaluate lighting throughout the entire image.. Center-weight metering achieves a meter reading based upon the exposure of the centrally located figure, which is perfect for backlit subjects. Center-spot is even more specific than center-weight, relying on a smaller portion of the center image to garner the appropriate exposure reading.*
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****Exposure*****(7.0)***
**The Kodak EasyShare LS743 allows the user to adjust the exposure to permit more or less light into the digital camera. When the camera is in regular shooting mode the exposure can be adjusted in 1/2 EV intervals from -2.0 to +2.0 using the four-way controls. This is a nice feature that most digital cameras include to give the user a little more control over their images in varying light conditions.

****White Balance*****(5.0)
The Kodak EasyShare LS743 has four settings for white balance: auto, daylight, tungsten, and fluorescent. To access these settings, the user must depress the menu button, and scroll through the menu using the up and down buttons on the four-way controller. Once the white balance is highlighted and the OK button is pressed, the user can scroll between these four options to find the right setting for the light. These options are pretty bare bones, but I’m not sure this camera needs more than that for its intended user. Ideally I would have liked to see a manual or preset option available for situations in which the automatic white balance options do not produce a desired result.***

****ISO*****(8.5)*

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 offers Auto, 80, 200, 400, and 800 ISO settings. This is a pretty impressive range for a point-and-shoot camera. Many cameras fail to go below 100 or above 400 ISO sensitivity. To access the ISO settings, the user must first press the menu button located to the left side of the LCD screen. Once inside the onscreen menu, the user engages the four-way controller to scroll up and down throughout the menu. Once the ISO speed option is highlighted, the user must press the OK button on the four-way controller. A new screen will appear, and once again the user can scroll up and down between the ISO options. When the proper ISO speed is chosen, and the OK button is pressed once again, the user will be returned back to the main menu.****

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****Shutter Speed*****(0.0) *

Shutter speeds on the Kodak EasyShare LS743 are controlled automatically ranging from 1/1400-1/2 second settings. This is limiting to the user who would like to explore with different lighting scenes and have more control over their images. However, Kodak does offer a unique way of adjusting for longer exposure settings. By entering the onscreen menu, the user can highlight long time exposure options using the four-way controller. Once highlighted, and once the OK button is pressed, the user is given the following choices: none, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0, and 16.0 seconds. Once the proper setting is selected, depress the OK button  again, and the main menu is returned to the LCD screen.****

****Aperture*****(0.0) *

The Aperture settings for the Kodak EasyShare LS743 are f/3.0 or f/5.1 for the wide angle lens, and f/4.9 or f/8.5 for the telephoto lens. Unfortunately, these are also controlled automatically. However, this limitation in the eyes of some is a desired feature for users who don’t know or care about manual settings.

Image Parameters

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****Picture Quality/Size Options*****(7.0)
The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is capable of recording in JPEG (EXIF v 2.2) for still images, and Quicktime Mov, NTSC/PAL output for video options. The JPEG images can be captured in the following sizes: good (1.1 MP, best used for email or computer display), better (2.1 MP, good for images up to 8 x 10-inch prints), best (3:2) (3.5 MP, good for printing up to 20 x 30-inch prints with some cropping), and best (4 MP, for printing images up to 20 x 30-inch prints without cropping).***

****Picture Effects Mode*****(6.0)
*The Kodak EasyShare LS743 allows the user to control color within the main menu. Once highlighted, the user can choose between color (default), black and white, and sepia. In addition to offering these image options on-camera, the Kodak EasyShare software also gives the user the option of converting an image to black and white or sepia tone. I would have liked to see a few more options in this section such as multiple color settings and minor adjustment capabilities for hue, saturation, contrast, or sharpness. These options are becoming more common among cameras in this range.

 

Connectivity / Extras

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****Connectivity**
***Software (8.0)*

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 comes with the impressive EasyShare software package that automatically adjusts the printer settings, sizes your pictures, reduces red-eye, adjusts brightness and contrast, and crop photos. Kodak’s software also makes it easy to upload photos or email them to friends. Compared to many digital cameras out there, the Kodak EasyShare system is incredibly user-friendly for the user who wants to do all their printing and editing from home.

Jacks, ports, plugs (7.0)

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is equipped with a USB port (for connecting to printers and computers), a Video out port (to view images on a TV), a DC in (5V) for optional AC adapter, a SD/MMC memory card slot, a battery slot, and a dock connector for direct printing options.

Direct Print Option (8.0)
*The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is direct print enabled for the Kodak EasyShare printer systems. There are a variety of relatively affordable printing options available such as the EasyShare printer dock for printing without the need for a computer.***

Memory (8.0)

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 uses a SD/MMC memory card, which is available with 16-256MB of memory. The LS 743 also comes equipped with 16MB internal memory already built into the camera, although if multiple shots or movies are being created, the inclusion of a memory card is highly recommended. However, the SD card is very small so if you have trouble keeping track of tiny objects I would go for a camera with a larger memory storage system such as a CompactFlash card.****

****Other features*****(9.0)*

The self-timer option is activated on the Kodak EasyShare LS743 by entering the menu screen on the LCD monitor, and scrolling down until the self-timer option is highlighted. Once highlighted, the user must press OK. Once within the Self-timer menu, the user can choose between a 10 second delay prior to capturing the image or no delay. After selecting, the user depresses the shutter to activate the timer and the image will be captured after the ten second delay.

The Kodak EasyShare Printer Dock Plus is one of many offered in the EasyShare line and is compatible with Kodak’s CX/DX 6000/7000 and LS 600/700 cameras. It boasts Kodak quality photos in 60 seconds, wireless capabilities from cell phones, PDAs, and cameras, enhancement capabilities, direct printing from SD/MMC memory cards, and compatibility with PictBridge enabled cameras.

Overall Impressions

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****Value*****(7.5)*

The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is a great value for the consumer who would like to pair easy use with good sleek looks and great portability. With a large enough capacity for video depending on the SD/MMC memory card used, it makes a case for a feasible hybrid digital camera. Its small size makes it perfect for the pocket, and besides a few slightly undersized buttons, the overall functionality of the camera is a vast improvement over the Kodak EasyShare CX7330. For roughly US $349, the cost buys you a small compact camera, which doesn’t have the extra weight of 4 AA batteries, and the slender styling to go with you anywhere.****

****Comparisons **
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****Canon PowerShot S410* - The PowerShot S410 by Canon (which runs for around $360) is equipped with a 1/1.8-inch CCD with 4.1 MP, and a 1.5-inch LCD screen. The zoom feature for this Canon model is a 3.6x digital zoom, and an optical zoom of 3x. The Canon PowerShot S410 weighs 6.53 oz, measures 3.43 x 2.24 x 1.09 in, with a total volume of 8.37 in³. This is significantly smaller than the Kodak EasyShare LS743 therefore a much better camera if you’re really looking for portability. The Canon PowerShot 410 is just as sleek as the Kodak EasyShare LS743, it's capable of video capture, and it has a removable memory card, which is included and packs 32MB of memory.****

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****Nikon Coolpix 5200* - The Nikon Coolpix 5200 camera has a CCD of 0.55 inches, with 5.1 total MP for CCD. Its LCD screen measures 1.5 inches, and has both internal memory (12MB) and an optional memory card slot (SD compatible). The digital zoom is 4x the optical zoom being 3x for a total maximum zoom of 12x. The Nikon Coolpix 5200 (running at approximately $442) weighs 5.5 oz., measures 3.5 in. x 2.0 in. x 1.4 in, with a volume of 9.8 in³ making it larger in size, but lighter than the Canon PowerShot S410 — both cameras are smaller than the Kodak EasyShare LS743.****

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****Olympus Ultra Zoom C-765* - The Olympus Ultra Zoom C-765 has a retail price of about $440, is equipped with a 0.4-inch CCD, and 4.0 MP rating. Its digital zoom is a 4x maximum, with an optical zoom of 10x for a total of 40x zoom potentiality. If you’re a zoom fanatic the C-765 is one that you should check out. The LCD screen is the largest of all the models at 1.8 inches, but it also sports the largest body weighing 10.9 oz, measuring 4.1 x 2.4 x 2.7 in, with a 26.6 in³ volume. It has an included removable memory of 16MB, using an xD-Picture Card memory system.****

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****Kodak EasyShare LS443* - The Kodak EasyShare LS443 has an MSRP of US $399.95, a weight of 9.2 oz, measurements of 4.3 x 2.4 x 1.5 in, with an overall volume of 15.5 in³. The LS443 is pretty comparable in size to the LS743, but is almost 3.5 oz lighter. The Kodak EasyShare LS443 comes with a 4.2 MP CCD and a 10x total zoom, with 3x optical zoom and 3.3x digital zoom. The LCD screen measures 1.8 inches, and is capable of capturing video or still images on the internal memory of 16MB, or the user may choose to upgrade to the SD/MMC cards which are removable and interchangeable.****

****Who It’s For
*****Point-and-Shooters* - For the average point-and-shooter, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is a basic camera with some manual control, but an overall easily accessible format.

Budget Consumers - With its small size, the Kodak EasyShare LS743 is a great camera for the budget consumer looking to spend a bit more for an easily transportable camera that looks good.

Gadget Freaks - Sleek and attractive, this camera has enough features to keep a gadget freak amused for a period of time, and the visual attraction to seduce your friends. However, the short battery life, and the need to recharge using an adapter makes it so that long term shooting and twiddling in the field are not practical.

Manual Control Freaks - This camera, like the Kodak EasyShare CX7330, is not recommended for the manual control enthusiast. Most attempts to dictate the quality of the shot will be met with frustration and irritation. Intended to simplify the user’s experience, most attempts to tailor the Kodak EasyShare LS743 to your specifications would be a fairly futile exercise.

Pros / Serious hobbyists - The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is not recommended for the pro / serious hobbyist. Best used in circumstances where point-and-shoot is king, this camera is more modeled on its convenience and compact size.

Conclusion

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Conclusion**
**The Kodak EasyShare LS743 is a good middle-of-the-road camera that will serve point-and-shooters well. With its light weight and clever design, 4 megapixel resolution, and 80 minute movie capability, it will fulfill many camera buyers’ needs and wants. However, this isn’t a camera for people who value manual control over ease of use and friendliness.

In terms of picture quality and performance the Kodak EasyShare LS743 did well. Its color representation (although a little saturated) was very accurate and produces well balanced and pleasing images. Similarly it produced a comparatively low amount of digital noise. Although the resolution wasn’t off-the-charts impressive it isn’t bad enough to cause any alarm.

The Kodak EasyShare lineup lives up to its name with an extensive array of printers and software accessible for the average user. Kodak is putting a lot of time and weight into pleasing the hands-on digital camera owners who want to shoot, edit, and print their images on the spot. If this appeals to you, the Kodak EasyShare LS743, combined with EasyShare accessories, will make for an impressive home imaging system.

Specs

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