Kodak EasyShare ZD710

The ZD710 calculates the exposure setting with a metering system that includes multi-pattern, center-weighted and spot modes, and offers 2.0EV of exposure compensation in 1/3EV increments. ISO sensitivity can be set to Auto, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,600, all at full resolution. A movie mode captures VGA (640x480) or QVGA (320x240) clips at 30 fps, both with audio. Movies are encoded in QuickTime Motion-JPEG format.

Surprisingly, the camera uses USB 2.0 Full Speed interface, which is a lot slower than the existing norm — USB 2.0 High Speed. Theoretically, the name full speed is just a cover up for the erstwhile USB 1.1, which is now practically extinct. While, USB 2.0 High Speed is capable of a transfer rate of 480 Mbit/s (60 MB/s), USB 2.0 Full Speed is about 40 times slower, same as USB 1.1. This makes transferring pictures from the camera to the computer a time-consuming exercise.

The ZD710 makes use of AA batteries (NiMH or lithium), a CRV3 disposable lithium, or an optional KODAK KAA2HR NiMH rechargeable battery pack. It ships with a disposable lithium battery but no charger is included in the bundle, which sucks! Battery life is barely passable; it delivers only about 50-60 snaps depending on your flash usage.

This device comes with an official price tag of Rs 15,999, but you can procure it from other places for Rs 14,999. I feel this is a bit steep for a camera that has so many niggling flaws. Considering its plus points, however, I'm compelled to give it a 3-star rating at best.