amazon Kodak EasyShare M550 reviews
The Kodak EasyShare M550 is a point-and-shoot camera in the Kodak family of M models. Unlike other M models, the M550 looks masculine and has a 5x optical zoom.
The right side of the machine is a USB connector with a shield. However, this cover is slightly difficult to manipulate.
The EasyShare M550 has a metal frame that looks very sturdy. The rounded edges are soft rounded. Thanks to the brown paint, the M550 is very masculine, suitable for men.
The complete set includes: chargers, lithium batteries, cables, manuals and straps.
The 5x optical zoom can be viewed as a strength with other point-and-shoot cameras (usually with 3x optical zoom) with body lenses. EasyShare M550 still stands out with the ability to share photos directly to Kodak’s unique social networks.
The face on the machine looks very elegant. The buttons are designed in black and easy to press.
The machine uses built-in Li-ion batteries and SD cards are popular today.
The 2.7″ LCD screen of the machine is bright, with 270,000 colors, the right side of the screen is easy to operate, and the Share button allows you to share live pictures with the very stylish design below.
The USB cable connects to the EasyShare M550 computer with a standard size USB connector, and the other end is compatible with all Kodak models.
where can you get a Kodak EasyShare M550 online
Kodak Easyshare M550 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Dark Grey): Buy it now
Kodak 8610537 – EasyShare M550 Digital Camera, 12MP, 5X Optical Zoom, Silver: Buy it now
Kodak Easyshare M550 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Tan): Buy it now
Kodak Easyshare M550 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Blue): Buy it now
Kodak Easyshare M550 12 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 2.7-Inch LCD (Purple): Buy it now
Overview and Key Features
The Kodak EasyShare M550 is positioned as a compact, entry-level point-and-shoot camera. Here are the primary specifications and features of the M550:
- Sensor: 12.2 MP CCD sensor
- Lens: 5x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 35-175mm
- LCD Screen: 2.7-inch LCD with 230,000 dots
- ISO Range: 64-3200
- Image Stabilization: Digital image stabilization
- Video Recording: VGA (640×480) at 30fps
- Battery: Li-ion rechargeable battery
- Connectivity: USB 2.0, SD/SDHC card slot
- Dimensions: 3.9 x 2.4 x 1.2 inches (99 x 60 x 30 mm)
- Weight: Approximately 4.3 oz (122 g)
The M550 aims to provide a straightforward photography experience with its easy-to-navigate interface, compact size, and basic features suitable for everyday shooting.
Design and Build Quality
Ergonomics and Handling
The Kodak EasyShare M550 is designed with portability in mind. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it easy to carry around, fitting comfortably in a pocket or small bag. The camera’s design is typical of entry-level point-and-shoot cameras, featuring a minimalist layout with a small but functional grip.
The control layout is intuitive, with a well-placed shutter button, zoom controls, and a mode dial on the back. The camera’s design emphasizes ease of use, which is ideal for beginners or those who prefer a simple, straightforward shooting experience.
Build Quality
The build quality of the M550 is satisfactory for its price range. The camera is constructed from plastic, which contributes to its lightweight nature. While it may not have the robustness of higher-end models, it is durable enough for everyday use. The camera’s design includes a protective lens cover that automatically opens when the camera is powered on, safeguarding the lens from scratches and dust.
LCD Screen
The M550 features a 2.7-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230,000 dots. The screen is sufficient for composing and reviewing images, though its resolution is modest compared to more recent models. The display is clear and bright, providing decent visibility in various lighting conditions. However, in direct sunlight, the screen may be challenging to view, which is a common issue with many compact cameras.
Image Quality and Performance
Sensor and Processor
The Kodak EasyShare M550 is equipped with a 12.2 MP CCD sensor. The sensor provides adequate resolution for most everyday photography needs, including web sharing and standard prints. While the CCD sensor is not as advanced as newer CMOS sensors, it performs reasonably well in delivering sharp and detailed images.
The M550’s image processor handles the sensor data effectively, offering decent performance for an entry-level camera. However, it is important to manage expectations, as the processor does not provide the same level of processing speed or noise control as more advanced systems.
Lens and Zoom
The M550 features a 5x optical zoom lens with a focal length equivalent to 35-175mm. The zoom range is versatile, allowing users to capture a variety of subjects from wide-angle shots to moderate telephoto images. The lens offers decent sharpness and clarity throughout its zoom range, though it may exhibit some softness at the telephoto end.
The lens includes digital image stabilization to help reduce the effects of camera shake. While this digital stabilization is not as effective as optical stabilization systems, it provides some assistance in achieving clearer images.
ISO Performance
The M550 offers an ISO range of 64-3200. At lower ISO settings, the camera produces relatively clean images with minimal noise. As the ISO value increases, noise becomes more noticeable, especially at the highest settings. The camera’s performance at higher ISO values is acceptable for casual use but may not meet the standards of more advanced photographers who require superior low-light performance.
Image Stabilization
The M550 features digital image stabilization, which helps to reduce the effects of camera shake. While digital stabilization can improve image clarity to some extent, it is less effective than optical stabilization systems found in higher-end cameras. Users should be mindful of camera shake, especially at longer zoom settings, to ensure the best possible image quality.
Video Recording
The M550 supports VGA video recording at 30 frames per second (fps). While VGA resolution is lower than HD standards, it is sufficient for casual video recording and sharing. The video quality is acceptable for an entry-level camera, but users looking for higher-resolution video will need to consider more advanced models.
Usability and Features
User Interface
The Kodak EasyShare M550 is designed with a user-friendly interface that caters to beginners and casual photographers. The menu system is straightforward, and the camera’s controls are easy to navigate. The mode dial provides access to various shooting modes, including auto, scene, and video modes.
The camera also includes a range of automatic and scene modes to simplify the shooting process. These modes adjust settings based on the selected scene, allowing users to achieve good results without needing to manually adjust settings.
Shooting Modes
The M550 offers several shooting modes, including:
- Auto Mode: Automatically adjusts settings for a wide range of shooting conditions.
- Scene Modes: Includes options such as portrait, landscape, macro, and night mode, among others. Each scene mode optimizes settings for specific shooting scenarios.
- Video Mode: Allows users to capture VGA-resolution video.
These modes make it easy for users to capture various types of photos without needing extensive knowledge of camera settings.
Customization and Control
The M550 provides basic customization options, allowing users to adjust settings such as image quality, white balance, and color effects. While the camera does not offer extensive customization compared to higher-end models, it provides enough control for users to achieve satisfactory results.
Connectivity
The M550 includes USB 2.0 connectivity for transferring images to a computer. The camera also features an SD/SDHC card slot for storing photos and videos. While the M550 does not have built-in wireless capabilities, it supports easy data transfer via USB and card removal.
Battery Life
The M550 is powered by a Li-ion rechargeable battery. Battery life is generally adequate for casual use, providing enough power for several hundred shots on a single charge. The camera’s energy-efficient design ensures that users can capture photos throughout the day without frequent recharging.
Comparisons with Similar Models
Canon PowerShot A3100 IS
The Canon PowerShot A3100 IS is a direct competitor to the Kodak EasyShare M550. It offers a similar resolution (12.1 MP) and a slightly higher ISO range (100-1600). The A3100 IS includes optical image stabilization, which provides better performance compared to the M550’s digital stabilization. The A3100 IS also features a slightly larger LCD screen (2.7 inches) with a higher resolution, enhancing the user experience.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20
The Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH20 is another competitor in the entry-level compact camera market. It features a 14.1 MP sensor and a 8x optical zoom lens. The FH20’s higher resolution and longer zoom range provide added flexibility for users. Additionally, the FH20 includes optical image stabilization, which offers improved performance over the M550’s digital stabilization.
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310
The Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W310 is a compact camera with a 12.1 MP sensor and a 4x optical zoom lens. It offers similar resolution to the M550 but has a slightly shorter zoom range. The DSC-W310 includes optical image stabilization and a 2.7-inch LCD screen with better resolution, providing enhanced image clarity and stabilization.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Strengths
- Compact and Lightweight: The M550’s small size and light weight make it highly portable, ideal for casual photography and travel.
- User-Friendly Interface: The straightforward controls and menu system cater to beginners and those seeking a simple photography experience.
- Versatile Zoom Range: The 5x optical zoom lens provides flexibility for capturing a variety of subjects.
- Good Battery Life: The rechargeable battery offers sufficient power for extended use.
Weaknesses
- Modest LCD Resolution: The 2.7-inch LCD screen has a resolution that may be considered low compared to more recent models.
- Digital Image Stabilization: The digital stabilization system is less effective than optical stabilization, potentially leading to image blur.
- Limited Video Quality: VGA video recording is lower in resolution compared to HD standards, limiting video quality.
- Basic Connectivity: The lack of wireless capabilities may be a drawback for users seeking more advanced connectivity options.