If you're in the market for a low-priced, consumer-level digital camera, you already know you aren't going to find top-of-the-line features. At best, your goal probably will be to find an average digital camera with a below-average price, and Kodak's Easyshare C533 comes pretty close to fitting the bill.
You'll find 5 megapixels of resolution with the C533, which is less than most newer digital cameras but is enough for making high-quality prints up to 8x10 inches (when shot under optimum lighting conditions). For the most part, image quality is good with the C533, especially compared to other digital cameras in this price range. You'll also have some noise in images and some focus problems on occasion -- especially with photos shot in low-light conditions -- but the unit works well for an entry-level digital camera.
The C533 includes a 3X optical zoom lens, which works well and is an average zoom lens for today's digital cameras. The C533 also performs surprisingly well when shooting close-ups.
Response times for the C533 are about what you'd expect for a budget-priced camera. Our tests showed you can shoot your first photo about 5 seconds after pressing the power button, which is disappointing. However, you won't notice shutter lag with the C533, and shot-to-shot delays range from 1-3 seconds, both of which are good response times for a model in this price range.
The LCD is a bit smaller than most newer models, measuring 1.8 inches, but it's bright and sharp, especially for a sub-$150 digital camera. You might have some problems seeing the LCD in bright sunlight, but because the C533 includes an optical viewfinder, you have a second option for framing photos.
The C533 is a little bigger than ultra-thin models, measuring about 1.4 inches in thickness, but it still should fit in a large pocket.
You won't find significant manual-control features with the C533, but this model is aimed at beginning photographers wanting point-and-shoot simplicity. The C533 lives up to the "Easyshare" part of its name, allowing users to easily store, share, and organize photos. Because this model can run from two AA batteries and includes 16MB of internal memory, a truly budget-conscious beginning photographer could operate the camera with minimal added expense.
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