'Allo! I'm not contributing to Ciao for the time being but if you are bored / desperate / weird enou...
'Allo! I'm not contributing to Ciao for the time being but if you are bored / desperate / weird enough to wish to continue to read my ramblings, you can find me on Dooyoo under the user name plipplop. See you around! :P
Member since:15.07.2000
Reviews:694
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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.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Great review and shows just how easy this camera really is to use.
Vijay_Jag 23.09.2005 00:05
Great Review! Every single thing included! I do require a digital camera and the kodaks will be considered when I purchase. But if I had this camera, you would be my alternative ultimate user-manual!
You will receive 1 high quality Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery ... more
(brand new merchandise in original packaging)This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured against overcharge and short-circuits.Important information:A battery with a greater power output than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device can have larger dimensions. Please observe the dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above under technical details).safety due to heat and overcharge protectionmore power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your deviceno memory effect - recharge your battery whenever you likeexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard battery charger can still be usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an original product of the camera manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or recommended by the camera manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and product names only serve the purpose of indicating compatibility, in doing so are not connected to the original products of the respective manufacturers and are the property of the respective holder of rights.
Postage & Packaging:£3.98 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
You will receive 1 high quality Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery ... more
(brand new merchandise in original packaging)This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured against overcharge and short-circuits.Important information:A battery with a greater power output than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device can have larger dimensions. Please observe the dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above under technical details).safety due to heat and overcharge protectionmore power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your deviceexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard battery charger can still be usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an original product of the digital camera manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or recommended by the digital camera manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and product names only serve the purpose of indicating compatibility, in doing so are not connected to the original products of the respective manufacturers and are the property of the respective holder of rights.
Postage & Packaging:£3.98 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
You will receive 1 high quality Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery ... more
(brand new merchandise in original packaging)This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured against overcharge and short-circuits.Important information:A battery with a greater power output than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device can have larger dimensions. Please observe the dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above under technical details).safety due to heat and overcharge protectionmore power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your deviceno memory effect - recharge your battery whenever you likeexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard battery charger can still be usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an original product of the camera manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or recommended by the camera manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and product names only serve the purpose of indicating compatibility, in doing so are not connected to the original products of the respective manufacturers and are the property of the respective holder of rights.
Postage & Packaging:£3.98 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
You will receive 1 high quality Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery ... more
(brand new merchandise in original packaging)This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured against overcharge and short-circuits.Important information:A battery with a greater power output than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device can have larger dimensions. Please observe the dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above under technical details).safety due to heat and overcharge protectionmore power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your deviceexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard battery charger can still be usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an original product of the digital camera manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or recommended by the digital camera manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and product names only serve the purpose of indicating compatibility, in doing so are not connected to the original products of the respective manufacturers and are the property of the respective holder of rights.
Postage & Packaging:£3.98 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Jul 13th, 2005
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