Digital cameras that offer "point-and-shoot" simplicity seem to be everywhere these days, but Kodak's EasyShare line of cameras, including the C360, take ease of use a step further by simplifying every aspect of digital photography. If you purchase the docking station ($49.95), you can easily download photos from the C360 with a fully automated process. Kodak also offers a combination printing/docking station ($179.95), allowing you to print photos without connecting to a computer.

The C360 offers 17 different scene modes, allowing you to match the lighting conditions to the exposure mode for the best possible photo. You can set this digital camera to shoot automatically with the self timer (2 or 10 seconds). The C360 has limited manual-control features, such as exposure, white balance, and color mode.

Unlike many budget-price, easy-to-use digital cameras, the C360 offers 5.0 megapixels of resolution, which is enough to make film-quality prints up to 20x30 inches (under ideal lighting conditions). The C360's 3X zoom lens is average for budget-price digital cameras, and the lens' sharpness and photo quality is average, too. This model's built-in flash isn't powerful enough to light a full room, but it'll work well enough for shooting small groups of people in low-light conditions. The C360 also offers a red-eye reduction feature, which works well for a digital camera in this price range.

The C360's 2-inch LCD is brighter than most other digital cameras' LCDs in any type of exterior lighting, but the display could be a little sharper.

For a budget-priced digital camera, the C360's response times range from average to very good. You can shoot your first photo about 4 seconds after pressing the power button. In continuous-shot mode, you can capture about five photos in 2.5 seconds with the preview on. But the C360's shutter lag--or lack of shutter lag--is its most impressive feature. Shutter lag measures less than one-half second, even when you don't use the auto-focus feature. You won't notice this digital camera's shutter lag most of the time.

The C360's body is about 1.4 inches in thickness, meaning it doesn't quite fit into the ultra-thin category of digital cameras. Its design is blocky, too, and it might not appeal to everyone. But part of the C360's design is a handgrip that makes it more comfortable to hold.

Finally, the C360 can run from just two AA batteries, and it does a very good job of conserving battery power.


Pro: Shutter lag is almost not noticeable, good battery life, extremely easy to use
Con: Photo sharpness could be better, LCD sharpness could be better, handy docking station adds to overall cost

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Eastman Kodak
343 State St.
Rochester, NY 14650
800-23-KODAK
http://www.kodak.com/

Warranty
1 year