Kodak's V550 and V530 5-megapixel cameras
By Ryan Block 
posted May 17th 2005 11:15AM
posted May 17th 2005 11:15AM
We're not sure what they're thinking announcing product during E3 (that isn't video game related, anyway), but Kodak had the gravitas to hit us with two new versions of ther Easyshare cameras, the V550 and V530. Both are 5-megapixel shooters, come with a photo dock, but they differentiate themselves with their screens, which are 2.5-inch and 2.0-inch, respectively. They have a $50 price differential as well, the V530 being $350 while it's big brother is an even four bills. No word on size yet, but they're looking smaller and smaller. The V550 is shown above; V530 pic after the jump.
Looks like Kodak's finally doing something right and making their P&S digitals actually look nice. The only thing I'd have qualms with would be it's optical viewfinder. Why even bother putting one in? I'm assuming there's no parallax correction so what you see in the viewfinder will be nothing like the image that hits the sensor.
"Looks like Kodak's finally doing something right and making their P&S digitals actually look nice."
Yeah, I was thinking the same thing - finally, a Kodak camera I wouldn't be absolutely embarrassed to be seen with. Like it or not, these little point and shoot cameras are also fashion accessories, given that they all take pictures about equally (some are better than others, but all are fairly mediocre).
"The only thing I'd have qualms with would be it's optical viewfinder. Why even bother putting one in?"
You need an optical viewfinder for low light situations, which the LCD will render completely black (the LCD has no way of showing you what a long exposure is going to look like). I don't understand cameras that omit the viewfinder these days and I would not buy any camera that didn't include one. A cheap LCD screen is not good enough to frame your pictures with - you can't usually see them in bright direct sunlight, and you can't get any info at all from them in dark conditions.
New cameras have bright LCDs that work in sunlight, and many of them can boost exposure on the LCD screen to reveal enough for framing.
Removing the viewfinder happens in ultra-compacts, which compromise some features to reduce the size. One of these is the viewfinder.
The short of it: people who buy ultra-compacts have no use for a viewfinder. You obviously do, so don't buy an ultra-compact.
Some additional information...
The KODAK EASYSHARE V550 and V530 zoom digital cameras break new ground in blending video and still photography. For the first time, videos can be automatically turned into stop-action still pictures perfect for printing and sharing. Record longer, TV-quality videos with sound -- up to 80 continuous minutes -- while using less memory storage.* Avoid on-screen shaking with built-in image stabilization technology, and zoom in on video subjects in real time using the professional-caliber SCHNEIDER-KREUZNACH lens. Then watch the videos with friends on the cameras' big, bright, crisp LCD screens, viewable from nearly any angle.
What is the problem with Kodak camera appearances?
I have CX 7530, and I'm very satisfied with its performance and appearance. Besides, do you need a fashion accessory or a actual camera that is easy to use and have a size that is comfortable to hold?
I don't really care if I look "cool" holding the camera. I am not a "ipod" person.
Dmitry, you're on Engadget. Most of us are electronic aesthetes.
eston
ooh, that's why is so much hate toward "Hello Kitty" theme ;-)
Seriously, for me content and ergonomics are much more important then a "cool factor" I guess I'm well above that age, when you try to impress people with your look, car, expensive brand shoes and in this case a shiny gadget.
did they mention it takes xD? well, not sure about these models but the asian ones (LS755) looks pretty much the same as these, and those uses xD instead of SD. which sucks big time.
It takes SD cards, and it is not the same camera as the LS755.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=7106&pq-locale=en_US
Re: "Posted May 17, 2005, 2:24 PM ET by Dmitry"
I think you were thinking that great looking cameras must be performing badly in content and ergonomics. My experience is, sometimes, these two qualities can co-exist. Kodak v550 is a classical example.
My roommate just got this camera and it is spectacular. The plethora of features and absolute ease of use are astounding. Really, I've been looking for a new slim camera and this is definitely it. My only complaint would be the proprietary USB connector and required dock (I imagine an accessory cable is available but is not included). Other than that this thing is perfect. Very impressed!
stuff this hardware rubbish, transferring pictures should be as easy as the the proximity of the computer and a click of a button.
i.e. wirelessly aware devices talk to each other and then ask the user if what they want to do is acceptable. or if i leave my cam next to the computer for 10 mins it just transferrs them without asking me!
i was thinking of buying this digital camera (V550). it looks like a good camera. anythoughts on this? do u think i should get it or no? please comment i need a camera!
I was thinking of buying this digital camera (V550). It looked like a good camera. Any thoughts on this? Do you think I should get it or no? Please comment I need a camera soon!
I have taken over 1000 shots on a vacation trip with the Kodak V550 and am VERY pleased. The 80 minutes of video is also good enough to compete with my Sony Cam. No more cam for me.