The Review
We haven't had a chance to fully test this product yet, but we've assembled this helpful overview of relevant information on it.
Take a camera with you anywhere in Kodak's pocket-sized M763 digital camera. It's a point and shoot with 7.2 megapixels.
Kodak’s EasyShare M763 point and shoot digital camera small enough to fit in most pockets or purses. It features a 7.2 megapixel resolution for “high-quality” prints up to 20 x 30. It has a 3x optical zoom and a digital zoom of 5x and an aspect ratio of 16:9. The M763 has an ISO range of 100 to 1600. You can also record video at a resolution of 640 x 480 at a 15 fps rate. The camera does take sound and has on-camera editing features. It has a 2.7 inch LCD screen to view your images. The camera is SD/SDHC compatible. It does come with a Li-Ion rechargeable battery.
Features List:
- Point and shoot
- 7.2 megapixel resolution
- 3x optical zoom, digital zoom 5x
- Aspect ratio 16:9
- ISO 100 – 1600
- Record videos with sound
- 2.7 inch LCD screen
- SD/SDHC compatible
- Li-Ion rechargeable battery
Digital Trends’ digital camera buying tips:
How many megapixels do I need?
In 2000, the answer to this question was “more is always better.” In 2010, the answer is more likely “if you have to ask, you have enough.” Even the cheapest cameras these days typically pack eight or more megapixels onto a sensor, which produces superb 4 x 6 prints, all the way up to 8 x 10, and sometimes more. The physical size and quality of the image sensor along with the corresponding optics play a much bigger role in image quality than megapixels alone, so don’t be fooled into thinking more megapixels will produce better photographs. Unless you’re planning to blow up shots to poster or billboard size, any modern camera has enough resolution.
When you’re researching different cameras, manufacturers will state the maximum file (or picture) size you can take. In the case of a 6 megapixel (MP) camera, it’s 2816 horizontal pixels x 2112 vertical pixels, with 7MP it’s 3072 x 2304 and so on. Simply multiply the numbers and you get the effective resolution of the imaging device. We suggest you avoid anything less than 6 or 7MP at this point unless you’re looking for an inexpensive camera for the kids.
Pros have access to 21-megapixel imagers in very expensive D-SLRs. You don’t have to go this route or spend that much money for great everyday photos. However, 6MP should be your minimum and if you plan on making very large prints, such as 13x19s, or you feel you’re going to experiment cropping photos with imaging software, consider 8- or more megapixels. There are no hard and fast rules since so much depends on your final end use
What about shooting video?
Within the past few years, video has gone from a novel sideshow that yielded almost unusably bad results, to a legitimate secondary purpose for many point-and-shoot cameras. Although you probablt won’t want to replace your dedicated camcorder with a camera that also shoots video, many will do the job just fine for short, impromptu clips.
First off, pay attention to the resolution a camera can capture – VGA (640 x 480) is now common on point-and-shoot cams, while 720p is getting more frequent and 1080p sometimes crops up on DSLRs. Video in the AVCHD format – the same type real digital camcorders shoot – is preferable to other formats. Pay attention to the encoding bitrate, measured in megabits per second (mbps). The higher the rate, the more detailed the videos will look, although they will take up more space on your storage card as well.
Key differences between SLR and Point-n-shoot
Price: According to industry analysts, the vast majority of cameras sold go for less than $200. Making the leap to a DSLR will definitely set you back, but many shoppers obviously believe that the investment is well worth it.
Speed: Speed is the one of the most critical factors. If you’ve ever used a compact digicam, you know that these devices take time to focus and save images to memory cards. During these delays, you can easily miss a smiling face or a running child. To put things in perspective: Point-and-shoot digital cameras generally capture 1 frame per second, while most DSLRs take 3 frames per second or more, making them better suited for fast action shots or sporting events. The difference between snagging the perfect picture and missing it entirely is one of the biggest factors weighing heavily in DSLR cameras’ favor.
Image quality: Compact cameras use much smaller imaging devices. By cramming so many megapixels on a small chip, digital noise is a constant problem. In our reviews, we always recommend keeping the ISO (sensitivity) of a digicam at 400 or less. DSLRs have much larger APS-C sized imagers, meaning you’ll encounter less noise in low light situations and better picture quality overall. Using one, you can shoot in more dimly lit conditions without a flash with little image degradation. In addition, if huge prints are in your future-or extensive cropping-DSLRs should be in your sights.
What are some basics I should look for?
Your new digital camera should have these key features:
- At least a 6MP imaging device for a D-SLR
- At least a 7MP imager for a point-and-shoot
- Optical zoom of 3x, not just a digital zoom
- The highest quality optics
- A large LCD screen; the more pixels, the better the quality
- The widest range for aperture (f/stops), shutter speed and ISO
- An AF Illuminator or AF Assist mode for best flash shots in dim light
- A variety of Scene Modes for more convenient shooting in a variety of situations
- Make sure you do your own ergonomic hands-on test
