Kodak Compact Digital Cameras

Kodak compact digital cameras are called EasyShare, signifying that they are compatible with 'docks' which Kodak manufacture and which make it easy for the camera user to upload images to a computer for editing, sharing or printing. There have been many models available and it can get confusing when you look at the model numbers as many of them have now been discontinued. To keep it simple for you, I've summarised the Kodak compact digital cameras which are currently available (as of September 2011) as follows:

• The C series are entry-level point-and-shoot digital cameras.
• The Z series offers high-zoom and high-performance.
• The V series are compact cameras which emphasise small, stylish design and advanced features. They are geared towards style but also include a number of innovations such as dual lens technology.
• The M series has been created to be somewhere between point-and-shoot cameras and thin, stylish cameras, available in a wide choice of colors.

If you come across a Kodak Easyshare camera with a model number that doesn't begin with one of the letters mentioned above, then it is almost certainly a discontinued model. I'm not saying don't buy it, I'm just saying you might be better off buying one that is more up-to-date as Kodak are evolving their camera technology all the time.

Is a Compact Digital Camera Right for Me?

Compact digital cameras (or point-and-shoot cameras) are very small and totally portable, designed to fit in your pocket or handbag easily so you can take it with you everywhere you go. Casio compact digital cameras were among the smallest and thinnest when they started the ball rolling around 2002 but today many other manufacturers are producing lightweight, slim and elegant point-and-shoot cameras.

Most compacts have a lens which retracts into the body of the camera which means that even with the smallest of them, the focal length can be relatively long allowing your to zoom in on your subject.

If your camera is in your pocket or handbag, keys and other loose objects are a danger to the optics! To counter this, the lens usually has a built-in lens cap which automatically closes when the camera is shut down to protect the optics.

Compact cameras come with a wrist strap. If you keep the strap wound around your wrist when shooting, it helps to protect against accidentally dropping it. Some of the thicker compacts allow you to attach a neck strap for extra security.

Compacts don't have the advanced features of an SLR camera such as the ability to change lenses for example and picture quality is not as high as it would be with an SLR but ease-of-use and compactness make them an attractive buy. Compact cameras are great for holiday, parties, weddings, in fact just about every situation you find yourself and the beauty of them is you need never miss a shot as they are so lightweight you can always keep your camera with you.

This year (2011) some manufacturers have started producing compact digital cameras which can take 3D still photos which can be played back on a 3D television, an exciting development for the future.