Rating: 
Summary: Good Value, But May Need Some Work
Review: This was my first digital camera and I really didn't know what to expect. Kodak really simplified matters by including two "START HERE!" leaflets (one for the camera and one for the dock). The leaflets include 7 steps for the camera and 5 for the dock. If you follow these, you will be ready to take pictures in less than one hour-assuming do you have not complications.The one complication I had was (ironically) the Easyshare Software. While the software specifications state that it will work on a 64-Mb ram computer, it recommends 128 Mb. I have the 64-Mb, and my computer had trouble. Basically, the Easyshare software is programmed to include itself among your computer's startup programs, which means it will automatically startup when you turn on your computer. Since this program is relatively huge, and it was competing with other softwares that automatically started up, my computer began to crash. Unfortunately, the Easyshare software does not give you the option to NOT have it startup automatically. It's a long story how I got the computer to run. The short version: since I have Windows 98, I used "msconfig.exe" to stop Easyshare from automatically starting up. Now, if I want to upload pictures, I have to first double-click on the Easyshare icon, then I press the transfer button. I recommend closing out other softwares before running Easyshare, unless you have 128 Mb or more RAM. Otherwise, your computer may crash. As for the camera, it is very easy to use. I was able to take pictures and do other stuff without reading the user's guide. For certain things, I will have to use the guide, which is relatively short given the features the camera has. The pictures I have taken look great. To transfer photos from the camera directly to the computer, all you have to do is connect the cable provided into your camera and into a USB port on your computer. Easyshare, which should be running before you connect the cable, will automatically detect the camera and begin the transfer. If you prefer the Dock, all you have to do to transfer photos is place the camera on the dock and press the transfer button. Assuming the Easyshare software is running, the pictures will quickly upload. The Dock also serves the purposes of recharging the batteries that come with the Dock. (Actually, the rechargeable batteries that come with the Dock are placed in the camera.) An AC adapter powers the Dock. Also, it's nice to know that if your rechargeable batteries run out, you can use certain "AA" batteries designed for cameras. An improvement I would make for the dock is a cover. When the camera is not docked, dust can easily build up on the port that connects to the camera. Actually, the dock is the weakest link in this setup. It is not clear when it is charging. Mine is good about telling me when it is done, but nothing else. Also, the camera itself does not appear to say how it's doing on power. I shopped around and found the price here at Amazon for the bundle (camera and dock) to be a steal. Overall, it's a good value and, for the most part, easy to use.
Rating: 
Summary: Disappointed
Review: Yes this is an inexpensive camera and probably good for beginners...if picture quality, battery life and overall feel are not important. Not impressed at all. If this wasn't a gift from my kids, I would have returned it for something that feels like a camera.
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