Chris Campbell asked:




Is it really possible, to get more than you pay for? We all like to believe that, as we’re walking out the store with our brand new purchase still shrink wrapped neatly tucked under our arm. But, how long until the shrink wrap is cracked, and buyers remorse starts to settle in. In the case of the Kodak EasyShare M753 Digital Camera, it may not take too long. But, whose fault is that? The consumers, or Kodaks?

I’ve bought EasyShare cameras in the past, and they all seem to experience the same problem with the mode selection wheel. It never seems to stay put. Every time you slip the M753 into a case (not included by the way) you have to make sure you didn’t accidentally turn it own. Otherwise, that’s a sure fire way to churn thru batteries. Even using the camera, you’ll find it annoying to have to check the mode wheel, to make sure it hasn’t slipped. There nothing worse than thinking your taking a still picture, when the EasyShare is actually in movie mode.

Kodak made a strange decision with the EasyShare M753 when it comes to the battery. It comes with a rechargeable battery, which some people will like, but others will hate. The only way to charge it out of the box, is to plug the M753 into your computers USB port. For those with no computer, this could be an awkward proposition. You can get a separate wall battery charger, but that of course is extra. Even if you do have a computer, this may not be the best camera for an extended trip. Unless you plan on dragging your desktop computer (aka: camera battery charger) with you. The exclusion of a battery meter doesn’t really help much either.

While camera manufacturers seem thrilled to throw lots of megapixels into a camera, they really cheap out with internal memory. The M753 only has enough for a few pictures. Be sure to budget for an additional memory card, as a 7MP camera can fill up a small memory card pretty quick.

While I know, that less than $100 is not much for a camera these days, Kodak could have made the case a little stronger. An extra few millimeters of plastic can’t cost that much can it? Or failing that, how about bundling the M753 with a protective carrying case. One that won’t mess with the power switch would be nice.

In terms of image quality, don’t set your expectations too high here. For less than $100, you don’t really get much here. If your planning on only shooting outside on nice sunny days with plenty of natural light, you should be ok. Of course if you already have a phone camera, you’ll probably get just as good pictures using that instead of an EasyShare M753.