Kodak presents the EasyShare V530 as part of the stylish V-series, along with the EasyShare V550. Both models feature identical technical specifications -- the V530 is slightly smaller, with a 2-inch LCD compared to the V550's 2.5-inch display -- but the V530 is available in 4 fashionable colours.
Design
Our review unit was "Absolute Pink" and we excitedly anticipated a vibrant, vivacious shade of magenta. Upon arrival however, we were presented with a much softer, almost pastel metallic pink. So maybe the colour is more subdued than we expected, but it is still a very attractive camera, and a lot more eye-catching than the usual plain offerings. The V530 is also available in Red Shimmer, Midnight Black and Silver Essence.
Encased in brushed metal and accented with a shiny silver band around the body, this Kodak snapshot stands out as much for its looks as for its size. Measuring a tiny 92mm by 50mm by 22mm, the V530 isn't the slimmest compact on the market, but it is incredibly small and fits easily in the palm of your hand. Lightweight at 130 grams, it's easy to carry around on the go as you would your iPod or mobile phone.
Controls are well laid-out across the top and back of the V530. Along the top you'll find the power and flash buttons next to the shutter release, and buttons for movie and still modes to the left as well as one for instant access to your favourites. The favourites option is a feature of Kodak's EasyShare system, designed to make sorting those special shots from the more ordinary ones an easier task. On the back is the navigational pad and "menu" button to the left of the LCD as well as a dedicated "delete" button which we found very usefeul -- especially if you don't have a memory card -- because the 16MB internal memory fills up extremely fast! LED indicators for the favourites, still, and movie modes sit above the navigational pad. To the right are buttons to "review" and "share" pictures using the EasyShare system.
Features
The V530 takes advantage of its available real estate with the 2-inch LCD covering a generous amount of the camera back. The high resolution screen (230,000 pixels) is viewable from almost any angle (170 degrees) and can be used to preview a shot -- as can the optical viewfinder -- before instantly sharing the selected image.
As with the V550, you can shoot up to 80 continuous minutes of video with audio. Built-in image stabilisation assists somewhat in preventing shaky or blurred images but you can't move around too much and still expect clear results. It's commonplace these days for digital cameras to offer a selection of scene modes which aid in producing the best possible conditions for your shots. The V530 is no exception, offering 20 different modes for almost every imaginable situation. You can also crop and rotate direct from the camera and shoot in black and white or sepia if you prefer.
We tested the V530 along with the Kodak EasyShare Picture Viewer which allows you to store and view your photographs by simply inserting your SD/MMC card into it. It was nifty to use at home but annoying to have something extra to carry around that was about the same size as the camera, if slimmer. The 2.5-inch screen made a nice improvement from the V530's 2-inch display but not enough for us to deem it a necessity. At AU$199 we wouldn't recommend it unless you're using a camera with a particularly small LCD.
Performance
The 5 megapixel resolution and pro-level 3X optical zoom lens produced pleasing images in a range of conditions (making good use of those scene modes!) and the auto-settings performed well enough that we didn't feel the need to fiddle the manual controls too much.
We were mildly disappointed by the burst mode, which froze a few times amidst a frenzy of frantic whale-watchers trying to capture the sky-hopping mammals. We'd also like to have seen the battery last longer, though understandably a large LCD on a little body eats up a lot of power.
While not outstanding, the EasyShare V530 is a decent snapshot with a multitude of options and controls that will suffice for those after a decent compact for everyday use.
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camera accessories
17/05/2008, 09:23 PM
rating
3/10
Kodak Easy Share is good but its features are bad. I have unfortunately this alien for last 3 months. When i try to shoot any snap all mood is low from its poor performance. Slow and no functions are understandable for me. I say bad bad bad.
Pros: Super glory button only.
Cons: Slow features.
Battery timing is too low.
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keebs
07/05/2008, 04:02 PM
rating
4/10
I've had this camera for two years now and I've really grown to dislike it. It takes awful pictures and it is difficult to change the settings to make them look good. I just got a Canon PowerShot SD1000 and it amazes me after having this piece of crap for two years.
Pros: small and easily pocketable. cool looking.
Cons: screen will break eventually. bad picture quality.
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Aly
17/02/2008, 11:06 AM
rating
2/10
This camera LCD screen sux, it gets fingerprints on it way too easily! It brakes and is not worth the price! Buy a new type! And why cant you have a rating of 1? Its rigged!
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piglet148
07/10/2007, 04:24 PM
rating
2/10
(should be 1 not 2)I had it for a year and then the power failed! To was going to be too expensive to get it fixed! Bought another battery charger costing $100 and that didn't work. So for a $350 camera it is not worth it! Brakes way too easy! But when it was working very handy but screen got dirty easy
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Alan
05/01/2007, 06:34 PM
rating
8/10
I researched quite a while before finally purchasing this camera, which was on special. It turned out to be a great purchase. I took it skiing with me and it bundled all my photos and video from the week into a 1 Gb SD Card. But I took it boating with me on a later date, and I dropped it into some very salty water. Hmm... not good. So don't try doing this.
Pros: Small size. Easy to use. Great selection of shooting modes. Its VIDEO! Superb video quality for such a little camera. Rechargeable, just connect it to the mains! The best thing was simply connecting it up to your TV and replaying the videos and photos. The TV becomes the main screen for the camera. Cool!
Cons: Using the zoom in when taking videos creates a terrible noise. So don't zoom in video mode. Annoying kodak software. Just use what comes with XP. Non waterproof.. d'oh!!
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marierkatier
19/08/2006, 10:13 PM
rating
4/10
Kodak customer serv is terrible.
Owned camera 1 week, 1 day full use and it simply stopped working. Store I purchased at directed me to Kodak. Kodak sent me to Precision repair shop, where I guess they could not fix it. Kodak sends me a refurbisehed Black camera. I had purchased a brand new RED camera paid alot more to get the red camera. I don't feel it is an even deal. I only used the camera ONE time. Call Kodak, after speaking to 7 different customer service people and a mean supervisor, I have a black camera that will probably brake soon. I have just found reviews that are negative. I guess the camera does not last long. I have always purchased Kodak cameras. Kodak lost a customer and many of my friends. Beware very bad customer service at KODAK. As far as I am concern 1 use/ 1week owning it KODAK ROBBED me!
Pros: Compact, great pictures, great red color
Cons: Camera life, Lack of Kodak Support
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04/08/2006, 04:45 PM
rating
9/10
Outstanding value
Pros: Good still and video performance from a small package.
Cons: Battery life is short due to large LCD. Ordered two spare batteries and problem is fixed.
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23/04/2006, 10:39 PM
the best
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steven koenig
22/04/2006, 11:24 AM
The best Camera for the price
I fine it to be the best camera i have had so far ease
to use and programable i love a custom setup..... V530 for me ....
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17/12/2005, 05:47 PM
Fantastic camera
Great pics and easy to use menu!
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