If "impressing your neighbors and friends" is near the top of your list when compiling the must-have capabilities for your next digital camera, your list will not be complete without first considering Kodak's EasyShare One. This digital camera may have more unique features than any other model aimed at beginners on the market. Best of all, many of its unique features are actually useful.

First, let's discuss the EasyShare One's basic features. This digital camera offers 4.0 megapixels of resolution, which allows for high-quality prints up to 8x10 inches. It has a 3X optical zoom lens and produces outstanding photos in outdoor lighting. Its indoor and low-light photo quality isn't quite as good as we'd like to see, but it is at least equal to or better than other sub-$200 cameras. Response times are good for a camera in this price range, but the startup time, which totals about 10 seconds, could be improved.

Overall, the EasyShare One's basic functions are above average when compared with other digital cameras in this price range. When you consider this model's unique functions, however, you can see why this model really sets itself apart from other digital cameras.

Let's start with the EasyShare One's 3.0-inch LCD: It is extremely sharp and bright in all lighting conditions -- which is important, because it serves as the viewfinder. The LCD also serves as a touch screen for accessing menu items, too, and the digital camera includes a slot for a stylus. The LCD panel can swivel away from the digital camera body, giving you the chance to take odd-angle shots.

The EasyShare One includes wireless networking (802.11b/WiFi) capabilities. Once you configure this digital camera to work with your wireless network, you can share photos with ease at any time. Thanks to the 256MB of internal memory, some users will never need to purchase a memory card for this digital camera, which makes the EasyShare One a great value. You can consider purchasing a docking station ($50), but with this model's wireless networking capabilities, you may not need one. This digital camera even comes with two rechargeable batteries.

With all of these features in one camera, it's amazing to see Kodak offering this model for less than $200. Kodak has sliced two-thirds off the price of the EasyShare One from when it first introduced this line, which makes this model a rare combination of being innovative and a bargain. (Note: the Kodak EasyShare One also comes in a 6-megapixel model, named EasyShare One 6 MP.)


Pros: One of the best values among digital cameras, large and bright LCD, wireless networking capabilities, above average performance at this price point, 256MB of internal memory
Cons: Startup time is poor, must use LCD as viewfinder

Warranty
1 year