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If you fancy technology becomes increasingly complex, cameras are probably no exception. You want something that is incredibly easy to use and offers tons of zoom. You want to rely on inspiration and creativity to good pictures - no technical know-how. Unfortunately this is not so "easy" as it sounds.
Kodak EasyShare Max, also known as Z990 ($ 200 - $ 330), is an update of last year's Z981, and stands out with some new features. Schneider Optics has a new lens assembly, which extends the zoom ratio of up to 30x. The sensor was also replaced with a back illuminated CMOS, a technology that provides low light and faster improvement.
We love the idea of a single shot with a 30x zoom lens, but the EasyShare Max just does not fulfill his promise. Sloppy design means photography is difficult and frustrating. Slow processing means that the operating speed slows to a crawl, interruption of photo shoots and leaves users confused. The menu system is complicated and inefficient, exacerbate the problems already slow processor. To make matters worse, every time the camera's automatic features make a bad effort, and people think orange and no custom white balance setting color accuracy is terrible in the interior.
The combination of technology and ease of use, Kodak is trying to straddle both sides of the fence, but instead slipped and landed rather painfully on the business end of the pickets. Consumers are sure to be disappointed, especially with Kodak directly at the threshold of a winning strategy. The casual market is telling a simple camera with lots of zoom, but Kodak would be better off focusing on quality, stripping the advanced features, and none of the price. Instead, Kodak market their products as the easiest to use, and then delivered a camera that is lower than the competition in quality and usability. This is not simplistic, it is simply inferior.
Kodak should take a look at the audience, and begin to connect to design dedicated to that demographic. As it is currently, Kodak EasyShare, Max is in an uncomfortable limbo land not suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
We love the idea of a single shot with a 30x zoom lens, but the EasyShare Max just does not fulfill his promise. Sloppy design means photography is difficult and frustrating. Slow processing means that the operating speed slows to a crawl, interruption of photo shoots and leaves users confused. The menu system is complicated and inefficient, exacerbate the problems already slow processor. To make matters worse, every time the camera's automatic features make a bad effort, and people think orange and no custom white balance setting color accuracy is terrible in the interior.
The combination of technology and ease of use, Kodak is trying to straddle both sides of the fence, but instead slipped and landed rather painfully on the business end of the pickets. Consumers are sure to be disappointed, especially with Kodak directly at the threshold of a winning strategy. The casual market is telling a simple camera with lots of zoom, but Kodak would be better off focusing on quality, stripping the advanced features, and none of the price. Instead, Kodak market their products as the easiest to use, and then delivered a camera that is lower than the competition in quality and usability. This is not simplistic, it is simply inferior.
Kodak should take a look at the audience, and begin to connect to design dedicated to that demographic. As it is currently, Kodak EasyShare, Max is in an uncomfortable limbo land not suitable for beginners and experienced shooters alike.
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