Evaluation:  
Conclusion: Great shots... until flash stopped working
Review: I got the Kodak C875 as a gift just under two years ago, and at first I loved it. Previously I'd always had Nikon or Canon cameras. The camera is very easy-to-use right out of the box, and the one-touch transfer button on the charging dock (sold separately) is a nice feature for someone who doesn't have a lot of time to sit around uploading photos. It took some trial and error to get the best possible shots and learn how to work around the camera's small limitations, just as with any product.
Once I got familiar with the camera, I got some really great photos. As a "snapshot" camera it's great, particularly in outdoor sunshine. People were always complimenting the action shots I got of kids. But I was able to set up some nice shots using the manual settings as well. I have one killer nighttime closeup photo of a spider on a dewy web that I flatter myself to think looks quite professional.
In spite of all this I have to give this product only two stars and recommend against purchasing it, because the flash stopped working a month ago, and I am dismayed to learn that this is quite a common occurrence and that Kodak's customer service is completely unhelpful about fixing it. I can only assume it's another instance of planned obsolescence to keep people buying a new camera every few years. Sorry Kodak, but I'm going back to Canon and Nikon.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: salesman for kodak hanging around in circuit city talked me into it
Review: lasted less than a year and the lcd went crazy on me. if you cant see where it is aimed it is useless. takes way too long between pictures also.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Everything I could possibly want in a camera
Review: As a preface, before I came to own the Kodak C875, my primary camera of choice were two things: (1) A $5 digital camera I purchased off of eBay and (2)my cell phone. Needless to say, both were terrible for taking pictures, not simply because of picture quality, but because of lack of good flash, and not enough MP (I like high resolution pictures).
So I eventually decided I needed a dedicated camera. Admittedly, I eventually decided upon the Kodak C875 due to good reviews, brand name, price, and significantly because it was 8MP (at a time when 10-12MP was extremely high end). However, I am happy to say that, after two years of ownership, I have never been disappointed by this camera.
To begin, one of the best things I like about this camera is simply how simple it is to use. Most of the features of the cameras can be used simply by turning the mode know on the top, flash is handled by a button to the left of that while another button is for the timer. All of this makes it easy to take photos. If you want to take a quick photo, you turn it to 'On' and the smart settings will help you take the best possible photograph. On the other hand, 'SCN' (Scene) will help you determine the best type of photograph in a certain setting (Night, sports game, close up, etc) or, if you know how, you can simply take over by using manual.
Some of the most impressive things about the cameras are the LCD screen, the ability to take panoramic pictures, and the ability to edit pictures within the cameras. The LCD is great because it makes taking pictures just a whole lot easier (especially since it's so large); personally, I never really liked the viewfinder on cameras much, so this was a big plus for me. Secondly, the ability to take panoramic photographs is highly impressive, and just an overall great thing to have on a camera that is supposed to be point and shoot. Lastly, while I never used it myself, I do appreciate the ability to do things such as sort pictures (date, album, slideshow, etc), and the ability to enhance or crop pictures right within the camera.
However, I've been going on too long about the technical aspects. The big question is what is the quality of the pictures? 'Excellent' is the word I would use. The quality is very clear and is well able to capture all the details within the photograph. Colors are vibrant and accurate; flash is bright enough to illuminate most dark areas I try to photograph. Overall, the photographs are just really high quality.
Ultimately, for those who may be looking for a point and shoot camera, it really is difficult to go wrong with the Kodak C875. It is simple to use, filled with features, it uses standard SD cards (meaning cheap memory!), and it takes high quality photographs. Really, what more could a person ask for?
Evaluation:
Conclusion: C875 Not Recommended
Review: We have had this camera for a year. I have taken more than 1000 personal and business pictures with it. In short, the Kodak Easyshare C875 is very disappointing. My suggestion, based on my experience - Spend your money elsewhere on a non-Kokak product!
The C875 is disappointing for at least four reasons. First, the auto-focus seldom works properly. This is true regardless of subject, lighting or camera settings. I've tried them all. Nothing works. I now take at least five pictures of a subject in the hope that at least one picture will be properly focused. (Camera on a tripod, good light, still subject. Four out of five are out-of-focus.) Second, the system eats batteries. Take a dozen pictures, store the camera for a week or two and the batteries will be dead or almost dead. Third, neither the auto mode nor the many "special" modes handle lighting properly. Again, I have learned to take multiple pictures of a subject in the hope that at least one will be properly exposed or will be close enough that photo software can correct the remaining exposure problems. Forth, speed is slow, slow, slow. Forget using the camera for anything that moves or is in anything less than brightest sunlight. The shutter delay is both long and unpredictable. Also, the camera takes three to six seconds to recover after each shot. Again, based on this experience, look at something other than the C875.
My Background: First SLR - 1974. Owned five other SLR's through the 90's. Have three digital cameras including this C875.
Evaluation:
Conclusion: Bad Flash
Review: After a little over a year of use (warrenty expired) the flash no longer works. Kodak customer service indicates repair will be approximately $150. This camera seems to be little more than a very nice "disposable" product.
|
