Kodak's LS420 is a small and convenient camera that only misses the mark by not having an optical zoom facility.
With the LS420, Kodak has overhauled its digital cameras so they're not only easy to operate but also very handy to carry around. Unlike the bulky DX series of EasyShare cameras, this latest 2.1-megapixel offering sports a completely new and compact design (like the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P series) wrapped in a chic metallic casing. The only thing we found lacking in the Kodak camera was an optical zoom lens which would have made the package more complete.
Pocket Sized
With a footprint no larger than 109 x 45.5 x 38.5mm, the LS420 shares a form factor similar to the Nokia 33xx series of mobile phones, save for a slightly thicker girth. Fully loaded with battery and memory card, the Kodak camera weighs just 154g. Kodak has included a spectacle-size case that holds the camera when it's not in use.
Because of its long and compact body, the LS420 lacks a firm grip and cannot be operated with one hand since the buttons are mostly on the left side of the camera. It is also not very comfortable to handle for long periods because the shutter release button is located too close to the edge. Fortunately, this comes bundled with a lanyard which can be attached directly to the camera or semi-hard carry case, allowing users to conveniently carry the camera or case round the neck.
Good EasyShare System But...
Like the earlier EasyShare digital cameras, the LS420 comes with a camera dock that can be used to charge the camera battery as well as connect to the PC via USB for file transfer, all at the touch of a button on the cradle. While this is a convenient feature, this means the camera cannot be recharged or connected directly to the PC without the cradle. It also requires that you bring along the cradle with the camera during trips unless you've decided to invest in high- capacity SD/MMC cards and additional battery packs. (The 8MB onboard memory can store at most 12 pictures at the highest quality setting.)
The software installation and setup are smooth sailing, thanks to the clearly documented quick start guide and camera drivers. First-time digital camera users will also find the Kodak Picture software very useful as it is intuitive and can easily be used for many image processing applications, such as image editing, email and printing.
Just Point And Shoot
As an entry-level point-and-shoot solution, the LS420 does not come with many manual controls. You won't find white balance modes, ISO settings or even a macro mode. The only controls onboard are a built-in flash unit and a brightness button for the 1.6-inch LCD display, which make the camera extremely easy to operate.
The LS420 also captures nice pictures with good color tones despite the lack of manual controls. However, images tend not to be too sharp although they generally provide enough details for good 4R-sized prints. Where performance is concerned, the Kodak camera takes about 5 seconds to power up and clocks a fast 2-second shot-to-shot interval. In our tests, the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery was able to provide up to 150 shots on a single charge.
Kodak LS420
Company: Kodak
Price: $AU799
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: 03 9353 2222
