Kodak Easyshare M575 14 MP Digital Camera with 5x Wide Angle Optical Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Midnight Black)

I was looking for a new camera to replace an older Fuji model that I was using a rubberband on to hold the battery door closed. I choose the Kodak M575 for a couple of reasons first it had all the features in fact most of them I haven't even tried yet but they're there when I want them and the price I paid was excellent, under a $100 dollars. Since getting the camera I have been doing some experimenting and there is a learning curve with any new device but for the most part this Kodak is simple to use and produces good results. Even the video is passable given that was not why I bought the camera I was pleasently surprised by the quality. The camera was discounted because it was the black model so unless you can't live without a purple camera save yourself a few bucks the picture quality is the same.

This Kodak M575 is my 6th camera, and I just have to say: I love it! It's my 3rd Kodak and by far, my absolute favorite. Every 2 years or so I upgrade my camera like some people upgrade their cell phones. My fiance and I bought this camera in Midnight Black for his parents for Christmas and after showing them the ropes, I realized that I absoulutly loved the way it worked, the way it took pictures and how it feels in your hands. So as a Christmas gift to myself, I bought the blue one. The SmartFocus is amazing and after using it, you will wonder how you ever got by manually selecting the screens. This ensures that you will never miss a shot by fumbling around selecting macro or landscape modes. The video recording is smooth, crisp and wonderful. If you're looking for a new point-and-shoot give this one a try! Kodak gets it right with this camera. It's easy enough for my soon-to-be inlaws to use, but has enough features for an experienced photographer as my self to be happy.

I was not expecting this camera to do so well for what I paid. The next step up will cost you double. If it were possible, I would give this camera 4.5 stars. The price is a steal for its capabilites, and I recommend snatching it up if you can find one for $100.00. Granted, it's no Canon, but if you're strapped for cash, need a reliable backup camera, or are just plain cheap, you'll be pleasantly surprised. The 3" LCD combined with the 5X zoom makes a world of difference for cropping and proper framing-- its best features by far. For a point and shoot, this camera has professional Macro and Micro settings, and auto-adjusts to the light quickly. The attention getter is the 14 megapixels, which turned out to be a little overrated. (It works slightly better than 12 MP, but not by much.) Another minor complaint is the previews look "fuzzy". Blurrier than the actual result. You can't quite tell if the picture will be sharp, or out of focus. More often than not the flash is not needed because it works so well, even in total darkness. I highly recommend this for outdoor special events (Vacation, Wedding, etc.) This will work any time of the day, and really only needs the flash after sunset. Pros: -Micro USB Charger w/detachable wall plug. (Less wires, and the plug is universal). -Face recognizer is very intelligent! (Took it to an art museum. It got every face within the painting) -Fantastic HD resolution. -Great for outdoors and low light. Cons: -Overzealous flash. (Has a "Paparazzi" flash that will annoy your friends, and is anything but subtle. Do not use this if you're sneaking a picture with the flash on.) -Takes 4-6 seconds to focus between pictures. Much slower than average. -You have to buy the name brand adapter if you lose it. Generics won't fit. Overall a great camera that's more than your money's worth.

I am not sure what the reviewers where talking about when they posted such negative feedback. I have only had my camera for a couple of days, so i will update my post in a couple weeks to let you know how my camera is working. However, i take a lot of pics of my kids and have had no problem with the quality of my pictures that I have taken. They are clear and very nice, not grainy. I also love the looks of this camera. I had owned a kodak before this camera and loved it that is why i bought the newer version, they make them very "dummy" proof! ;-) I hate trying to figure out what all the buttons are for and what they mean, kodak is very simple to figure out! I LOVE IT!