Consumer Watch: Snapshot On New Kodak Camera

If you are tired of taking big group shots that cut off the people on the ends, or landscape photos that don't get the whole mountain range in the shot, Kodak has a new wide-angle camera that might solve your problems.

In this Consumer Watch Report, testers at Consumer Reports check out the EasyShare V570, to give us the big picture on this innovative camera.

Electronics stores are filled with digital cameras offering plenty of features, like more megapixels, large LCD screens, or an extra-small size.

Consumer Reports just took a look at the new 5-megapixel Kodak EasyShare V570 - the first subcompact digital camera that can take super-wide photos.

"This camera actually has two lenses in it. It has a regular zoom lens like most subcompact digital cameras, but in addition it has a fixed wide-angle lens that allows you to take those wide-angle shots," said Consumer Reports’ Paul Reynolds.

One picture was taken with a regular digital camera. A photo taken from the same spot with the Kodak wide-angle camera captures a much wider view. When it comes to print quality, testers said the Kodak EasyShare did a very good job.

Another feature Consumer Reports likes, the new Kodak can automatically stitch together two or three images to form a panoramic photo.

"You lose a little resolution, but what that means is you'll be able to print that photo directly from the camera," said Reynolds.

But Consumer Reports says the wide-angle Kodak EasyShare has some drawbacks. Testers were not impressed with its flash capabilities. And the camera uses a rechargeable lithium-ion battery instead of double A's, which can be more convenient. Unlike many other digital cameras, you need a docking station to recharge the battery.

But the main drawback Consumer Reports said is the price. You will pay about $400 for the new Kodak EasyShare. However, if you love the wide angle and the convenience of built-in panoramic capability, it may be worth the extra dollars.

If you don't need an extra-wide-angle lens on your digital camera, Consumer Reports recommends a less-expensive alternative. The subcompact Canon Powershot S60 offers higher resolution and testers said it has a much better flash range. At $260 Consumer Reports said it is a relative bargain!

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