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Software
I also rather like the Kodak Easyshare software that comes as standard with the camera. You can download your pictures via a USB cable (supplied with the camera) or via a docking station (not supplied). Once downloaded onto your PC, the software very simply allows you to store ... Read review
Advantages: Cheap, easy to use Disadvantages: Basic, unwieldy
...I also rather like the Kodak Easyshare software that comes as standard with the camera. You can download your pictures via a USB cable (supplied with the camera) or via a docking station (not supplied). Once downloaded onto your PC, the software very simply allows you to store photographs, share them (albeit via an online facility) and make cosmetic changes to the reports. I've always hated playing around with photos, but even I can't get this wrong. ... ...pre-formatted frames on the picture that you just then move around to customise the photo. You can rotate, zoom in and zoom out and there is a good selection of "silly" features too. You can turn the picture black and white or sepia or convert to a cartoon/picture. There's also a "fisheye" feature that creates a bubble in the middle as though your eye was pressed up against the lens. I'm not entirely sure why you would want this, ... more
I'm not a photographer or a model. I hate being on either side of the camera and my knowledge of all things photographic is very limited. What I do know is that from time to time, I need to take photos of things - like when I sell things online, for example. I would therefore describe myself as an occasional photographer. As such, initially I decided to buy a cheap, basic digital camera.
Introduction
The EasyShare 7300 is both cheap and basic. The camera currrently retails at around £80 on the high street but can be picked up cheaper than this online. At just under 150g it is extremely light, although its portability is slightly hampered by its size. Compared to other digital cameras on the market, the 7300 is fairly large, although not unwieldy. It feels fairly cheap - the plastic construct has a rather hollow, flimsy feel to it although having dropped it once or twice, it is actually quite durable. It's not the most sophisticated looking beast and to be fair, you can tell it isn't that expensive so if image is everything, the 7300 is likely to offer nothing.
Ease of Use
The beauty of the 7300 is its simplicity and ease of use. The package is clearly aimed at beginners and everything is set up to make it as simple as possible to use. Tucked inside the box you'll find a "Getting Started" leaflet that provides simple pictorial and text-based instructions on how to use the camera, including setting up the software and transferring pictures to your PC or laptop. End to end, the process literally takes about ten minutes to set up and is so simple, I would defy anyone to run into trouble. A more detailed user guide is provided, but even this is presented in very self-explanatory terminology, helped by the fact that the camera only has a basic set of functions anyway.
Taking Pictures
When taking pictures, there are only two settings, easily configured via a scrollable wheel on the top and these are literally day time (plenty of light) and not day time (plenty of light). I think even I could grasp that concept! The camera has a built-in flash so it takes into account the need to provide a bit of extra light and to be honest it's not something that I ever really consider. The size of the camera and the light weight mean that, for whatever reason, I seem to find it easier to take pictures with this than other, more expensive cameras. I don't seem to have trouble with shaking hands or blurred pictures and I genuinely can/do just point, click and go. You can use either the standard viewfinder or the camera screen to view your potential piccie, but beware of the camera screen as using this drains your battery power far more quickly.
As the camera is fairly basic, it means that once you've taken a picture, you don't need a science and technology degree to work out how to view, save or delete pictures. There's a "review" button, four arrow buttons, a "delete" button and an "OK" button. I told you it was pretty simple! Even better, the buttons aren't ridiculously small either, so people with big fingers won't struggle to navigate their way round the device. The camera comes with built in memory - not huge, and will store around 15 pictures but then if you are only taking a handful before transferring to your PC then this is fine. Additional memory cards can increase this capacity significantly of course. The camera can also take video stream but the memory for this is very limited - something like 43 seconds worth of footage. Clearly, if this is a key requirement, then the 7300 probably isn't something you would choose. It's a feature I never use, and is of little consequence to me.
Picture Quality
Picture quality has always been a pleasant surprise for me. The 3.2 megapixel resolution is surprisingly good and every photo that I've taken (where I haven't been drunk / in a night club / on the floor) has come out perfectly. The resolution is such that they print out perfectly well on most photographic papers (the ones I've tried anyway) and whilst the picture quality wouldn't make it onto the Michelin calendar, they are more than adequate enough for my needs. There's a 3 x zoom but if I'm honest, again, I seldom use this feature. When I have, this is probably the only time that the picture quality worsens. David Bailey beware.
Software
I also rather like the Kodak Easyshare software that comes as standard with the camera. You can download your pictures via a USB cable (supplied with the camera) or via a docking station (not supplied). Once downloaded onto your PC, the software very simply allows you to store photographs, share them (albeit via an online facility) and make cosmetic changes to the reports. I've always hated playing around with photos, but even I can't get this wrong. Cropping the photos is really simple because the software places pre-formatted frames on the picture that you just then move around to customise the photo. You can rotate, zoom in and zoom out and there is a good selection of "silly" features too. You can turn the picture black and white or sepia or convert to a cartoon/picture. There's also a "fisheye" feature that creates a bubble in the middle as though your eye was pressed up against the lens. I'm not entirely sure why you would want this, but it's all good fun. When transferring photos to the PC, it automatically places them in a dated folder, but you can of course set up your own filing system. It's all dead easy.
Power
The camera is battery powered by two AA sized batteries. The batteries actually last rather well, particularly if you're careful about switching on/off as and when necessary. There are various power conservation options to help too. You can also buy rechargeable batteries, but again for short, limited sessions, I think the standard batteries are pretty much OK. Accessories-wise, you don't get that much with the camera but for the price you can't grumble. There's no carry case, but there is a strap to carry it with. Instruction booklet, getting started leaflet and two batteries also come free. That's about it!
Summary
If you're a beginner or an occasional photographer, I genuinely think that this camera would give you everything that you need and the price is competitive too. I would, for example, recommend the camera for kids - simple, lightweight and not too expensive in the event of accidents etc. If you take a lot of photos, spend all day taking photos or want premium quality photographs then I suspect that you would go for a higher specification - but you don't need me to tell you that. I have since purchased a more expensive camera, purely because I wanted to start playing around a bit more and also because I wanted a really good camera for my holidays. Nonetheless, I still merit the 7300 and wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Advantages: a big step up in technology Disadvantages: no zoom lense
...the day.
The Kodak CX7300 came in a smart box which has the orange colour usual with Kodak products. The camera looked very small when I opened the box I wondered if it would do the job. At 150g it is much lighter than my previous Nikon. I wondered if my brother new what he was doing. It slipped into my jacket pocket easily as off to the wedding I went. Compared to another camera I had, a flat one in the early 90's, it seemed fairly large the picture ... ...The Kodak felt nice with a plastic shiny body nothing like the big black Nikon I had used previously it also seemed a bit flimsy. Not having time to read all the instructions as the wedding had begun I started to use it.
Using it
The Kodak CX7300 is easy to use aimed at beginners. The getting started leaflet provided me with simple picture instructions. I put two small AA batteries in the camera and started clicking away. A more detailed user guide ...
jonkelly 05.06.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Kodak EASYSHARE CX7300
Advantages: simple, easy to use interface Disadvantages: none that i can think of
This is a simple camera to use that is great to look at, so where do I start.
First of all I got this camera along with the printer port but that’s a different review but if your going to get the camera I would recommend you get the port with it’s as they make a great pair.
The camera comes in a small box complete with computer software for sharing photos online and for touching up photos , a wrist strap for making carrying easier,2 batteries, ... ...The camera is that easy to use that you don’t really need to read the user guide the features are really clear
This camera is a 3.2 mega pixel camera Apart from the usual features of a camera, i.e. view finder, lens and push button, there is a dial on the top that has the following:-
A picture of a video camera, when selecting this the LCD comes on and on the screen is the words...VEDEO, use to capture motion this feature allows you to capture ...
tazhull 09.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Kodak EASYSHARE CX7300
Advantages: very easy to use Disadvantages: none i can think of
I wanted to buy a digital camera as, well everyone has one dont they?
Unfortunately i'm not great with a camera.
Its really a case of point and click and more often than not people are missing heads!!!
Anyway i saw this one and thought the price was good and i liked the look of it.
I tried it out taking a few photos. it has a viewfinder on the back so you can see exactly what you are taking.
The camera comes with all the software to install ... ...shots i installed the software, (very simple, put in the disc and follow the on screen instructions)
Next i contacted the camera via the usb as described and that was it! It automatically downloads your photos to you pc.
You can create albums to store your photos in and do various other things including the cartoon mode which allows you to change your photos into comical images, a bit hit with the kids !! You can also edit photos you have taken.
...
vickster74 13.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Kodak EASYSHARE CX7300
Advantages: Very easy to use for first time beginners Disadvantages: Zoom feature isn't very good
The kodak CX 7300 is a very good digital camera for first time users. It is easy t handle as it is only small. Great to carry around in a bag for those spontaneous pictures.
The Kodak CX 3700 comes with a Kodak software package which allows you to edit your photos. Create fon and cartoony pictures at the click of a button. You can print them using the software and can also e-mail them direct.
You also get to sign up for online prints and photo ... ...and order them to be printed and delivered to your door.
The batteries last very well in the camera.
However, the zoom isn't particularly good if you are wanting to take a close up picture but still keep all the detail as it becomes out of focus so doesn't print well.
All in all it is a very good camera to have if you are young and starting out with photography.
The average cost of the camera is £70 and can be bought in most high street stores ...
kerry2706 09.01.2005 (10.01.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Kodak EASYSHARE CX7300
Advantages: great for beginners Disadvantages: not very good zoom facility
...automatically transfers them to the kodak easyshare software which also comes in the box.
From the software you can order prints to be developed and posted to you, e-mail them to friends and family and even share them online with thousands of other people.
It is fairly small and compact and will fit in any handbag (females only, obviously) or even a coat pocket so it's always there when you need it.
The battery power lasts well and the sd cards ... ...comes on a cd rom which can be played on your pc.
I would definately recommend it for first time users or for people wanting a little camera to carry around just in case there's a photo opportunity.
The average price in most high street retailers is £70.
You can get up to 200 pictures on a 16mb memory card and has a built in memory which will hold up to 15. ...
kerry2706 09.01.2005 (10.01.2005)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Kodak EASYSHARE CX7300
Product Information for "Kodak EASYSHARE CX7300" »
Connections
Connector Type
1 x USB
1 x docking station
Expansion Slot(s)
1 x SD Memory Card
Manufacturer's product description
The Kodak EasyShare CX7300 digital camera is always ready to shoot, and with 3.2 MP you can make high-quality prints up to 11"x14". Kodak Color Science inside means consistently great pictures. Auto white balance provides accurate color in all types of lighting conditions. 3X continuous digital zoom lets you get in closer without losing image quality.
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