Kodak C1013 Review

The Kodak EasyShare C1013 is based around a ten megapixel 1/2.3" CCD imager and a Kodak-branded 3x zoom lens with a 34 - 102mm equivalent focal range - a somewhat tight wide angle to a moderate telephoto. As you might expect of an entry-level camera, the Kodak C1013 has just a 2.4-inch LCD display with 115,000 dot resolution, and there's no optical viewfinder. They're an increasingly rare option these days, but cameras with optical viewfinders add a good degree of versatility, letting you get the shot when you can't make out the LCD in bright sunlight, or save battery life by disabling the LCD when accurate framing isn't vital. It's a shame that the C1013 lacks the option, but certainly understandable given that cost is likely a dominant factor in the design. Images are stored on Secure Digital / SDHC cards, or in 16MB of internal memory.

The Kodak C1013 offers a generous eighteen scene modes to help beginners achieve the results they're looking for without the need to understand subtleties like shutter speeds, apertures and the like. The C1013 also includes face detection, which is used to take account of your subject's faces when calculating exposure variables. Exposures are determined using multi-pattern TTL metering with center-weighted and spot metering also possible, and 2.0EV of exposure compensation is offered in 1/2EV increments. Five white balance settings are available including an auto mode and four fixed presets, and ISO sensitivity is controlled automatically from 64 to 160, or manually from 80 to 1000 equivalents. The EasyShare C1013 also offers a movie mode, capturing 15 frames-per-second VGA (640x480) or 29 fps QVGA (320x240) clips, in QuickTime MotionJPEG format with audio.

The C1013 can be used with the company's optional Kodak Camera / Printer dock, and also offers a USB 2.0 connection (type unspecified), through which images and movies can be transferred to your computer. Power for the C1013 comes from two AA batteries, with the company listing Oxy-Alkaline, Alkaline or Lithium disposables as compatible, as well as NiMH rechargeables - surely the better option for most uses. Kodak includes alkaline disposables in the product bundle, so be sure to factor in the cost of some rechargeables and a charger when making your purchase, unless you already have these on hand.

The Kodak EasyShare C1013 is priced around US$130, and is available in silver body color only.