I've had my Kodak for about 2 years now. This is the first digital camera I have owned, purchased, or used. I purchased my camera for about $150 from WalMart after doing a considerable amount of research about it on the web.
Before purchasing, I already knew that it was a 6.1 megapixel camera with video recording capabilities. I did not purchase the picture printer that I also discovered on the web. Though, I later regretted that fact because my printer doesn't print pictures very well. It wasn't a big deal, however, because Walgreen's does a beautiful and inexpensive printing job.
Anyway, without the memory card, the camera only holds 40 pictures. I purchased a 256 MB memory card for $12 (also at WalMart) and it holds well over 150 pictures, though I can't tell you exactly how many. The card is easily inserted in the side of the camera. There is a little compartment door on the right that you slide toward you and it pops right open. You insert the card there (only holds one) and the USB cable that can be used to download directly to the computer also is connected in that compartment.
As for batteries, they are inserted in the right side at the bottom of the camera, also in an easy to open compartment door that slides out and pops open. It takes 2 batteries that last me a very long time. I use Duracell Rechargeable batteries and can take around 100 pictures on a full charge.
When actually using this camera, there is an easy to turn knob on the top of the camera that has the following: favorites (I still can't figure out how to put pictures in my favorites but I never read manuals), off, auto focus (general picture taking), landscape (for distant scenery), close up (for objects closer than 28 inches), fireworks (used for pictures of fireworks), and video (used to capture video and sound). The good news is that you don't have to remember what each setting is and is for. When you switch to that setting, the camera displays it's use for a few seconds. All settings are easy to use. When you do turn the knob and turn on the camera, the front part that actually takes the pictures opens and comes out of the front of the camera. To take pictures, you push the button slightly to allow it to focus (takes less that a second) and then push the button the rest of the way to take the picture. You will hear the camera stop focusing though it does not make a real loud sound, and you can see on the screen what it is focused on. The video camera requires that you push the button (same one that you use to take pictures) to start recording, and push it again to stop. If you wish to change the flash setting, there is a button on top that allows you to do that along with a button that turns on the timer for delayed picture taking. For the zoom, there are buttons on the back of the camera that have a W and T on them. The W allows you to zoom out and the T allows you to zoom in.
The display is 2.4 inches and in color. I can normally see it fine inside and out, even in the sunlight. To review the pictures or video just taken, there is a review button on the bottom of the camera that says review. You push that button and it has any further instructions in the display. If you wish to delete it, there is a delete button also. You push the button and it will ask, picture, all, or exit? You simply tell it what you wish to delete and then exit. You can scroll through your pictures with the arrow circle that is by the buttons just mentioned. Also in the button selection that I have been describing, are the menu (that controls general functions, time settings, etc), and a button that allows you to change the way the display is viewed, or turn it off (which saves battery power).
The camera also has a regular view finder included if you wish to look through it the old fashioned way, and a place to connect a tripod on the bottom.
When you take a picture, it captures it instantly. However, because it gives you about 5 seconds to see the picture and decide if you want to keep or delete, you can't take pictures back to back.
When you record a video, they come out with a very nice sound. The actual video itself is ok, but it's not video recorder quality, in my opinion. I always take very short video clips, usually of my dogs doing something funny or of my son kicking the ball, and it doesn't seem to hurt my memory too badly.
As a beginner with digital cameras, I find this camera to be extremely easy to understand and use. I find it so easy, that I suggested it to my mother when she asked my opinion. She purchased it and understands how to use it as well, and she is not an electronic savvy person at all.
The package came with a strap (small, grey, hand size), the camera (silver/grey), the booklets with warranty and use information, the USB cord (black)to connect to the computer, and software that can be installed and used to edit pictures and to put them on the web.
The software was easy to use. I really like it. However, I formatted my PC and can not find the cd (just one and didn't take up much memory). Therefore, I am unable to provide specific information on it as I have not used it in about a year and can not remember much about it. I do remember that it allowed for cropping, color editing, red eye editing (which I was amazed I could do), and much, much more. It also let you change the picture to cartoon, black and white, sepia, and other things I thought were really fun and neat.
Basically, I love my camera. I have no intention of replacing it (unless I decide to buy a waterproof camera). It has worked wonderfully for me, takes beautiful, clear pictures, and is extremely easy to use. I know it must be a wonderful quality because I took it to a water park and, even though I had double bagged it, the bags leaked and it got a bit wet. I thought that it was going to be ruined for sure, but I was able to take a few pictures there and it still works just fine, and it's been over a year!
