Review of the Kodak EasyShare Z710

The latest affordable Superzoom from Kodak’s growing stable, the Z710 offers creative features designed to appeal to both beginner and enthusiast snappers. A 7MP sensor and 10x optical zoom lens provide plenty of resolution and scope, while a full complement of PASM modes are on hand. Scene modes and a newbie-friendly user interface help those not so savvy behind the lens. A 2in LCD is clear and bright, if smaller than those of rival cameras. The mini-SLR styling is in keeping with the rest of the Z series and provides a stable grasp thanks to a rubber handgrip. Controls are well laid out, with the rear-mounted mode dial proving particularly useful. A four-second start-up process is a poor performance, but things improve slightly when it comes to reaction and shot-to-shot times. The Z710 is exceptionally easy to use, though. As long as light levels hold up the Z710 can produce colourful images with clean details. Things get decidedly noisy at ISO 200 and above though, and this paired with a lack of image stabilisation detracts from the Z710’s images. www.kodak.co.uk