Kodak EasyShare V1253 (Black)
Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Co. Part number: 1570373
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Product series
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- Fast shooting and pleasing images in an easy-to-use design make the Kodak EasyShare V1253 an attractive--though not best-in-class--option.
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CNET editors' review
Kodak EasyShare V1253 (Black)
price range: $189.95
- Reviewed by: Theano Nikitas
- Edited by: Lori Grunin
- Reviewed on: 01/02/2008
- Released on: 08/27/2007
The good: The Kodak EasyShare V1253 has generally speedy performance; an attractive, compact package; a wide-screen 3.1 inch LCD; 720p movie capture; and it's easy to use.
The bad: Barrel distortion and vignetting at wide angle; only USB charging included; uses small, easily lost USB adapter.
The bottom line: Fast shooting and pleasing images in an easy-to-use design make the Kodak EasyShare V1253 an attractive--though not best-in-class--option.
There's no shortage of 12-megapixel cameras on the market today. One of the slimmer and simpler competitors, the Kodak EasyShare V1253, not only maxes out the megapixels but stretches its LCD to a wide-screen 3.1 inches, as well. The V1253 keeps up with the times by offering 720p HD movie capture, but, at its core, the camera is a basic snapshot camera with few surprises.
Available in matte black or white, at 4.0 inches by 2.2 inches by 0.9 inch, the 6.2-ounce V1253 is small enough to fit into all but the skinniest jeans' pockets. Given its size and large LCD, Kodak does a good job of arranging external controls to be both functional and fit with the camera's basic but attractive design.
Along the top edge of the camera to the left of the shutter/zoom control lies the Favorites button for tagging an image into the Favorites category, as well as Video, Scene mode, Power, and Flash buttons. Despite the fact that these buttons are all low profile, I had no problems locating them by touch. The active buttons light up in blue, which also helps to keep track of them. Even the HD logo lights up when the camera is set to HD (wide-screen) format.
Four buttons align vertically with the right edge of the large LCD, providing direct access to the camera's no-brainer Share function, as well as Delete, Menu, and Review. You use a tiny joystick to navigate menus and images in Playback, and to cycle through several display variations (including a live histogram), access exposure compensation, and toggle macro/infinity focus modes.
Of all the controls, the joystick probably seems the likeliest to pose a problem for snapshooters with large hands. Otherwise the camera should be a good physical fit for everyone. Just be careful when gripping the camera during movie or audio playback--the tiny thumb-rest sits directly below the speaker and you'll cover it with your thumb.
The camera is generally easy to use, and thanks to its onboard help system, even newcomers to digital photography will be able to understand how to operate it. Its three-tabbed menu system can get a little confusing, though; in addition to Setup, there are two Capture menus labeled Capture and Capture +, so you may have to scroll through both to find the functions you want.
Because the V1253 is strictly point-and-shoot, you won't find manual exposure controls other than exposure compensation. But it does have a whopping 23 scene modes that cover all the basics including portrait, night portrait, landscape, night landscape, flower, fireworks, snow, beach, text, and even two panorama-assist modes (one from left to right; the other from right to left). There's also a custom settings mode that allows you to save and quickly access your favorite settings.
HD is definitely one of the most buzz-laden digital-camera features, although it sometimes comes with limitations. The V1253's 16:9 HD view looks great on its wide-screen LCD, but remember that images at this aspect ratio are cropped from full resolution: 9 or 2.1 megapixels. To take advantage of the camera's full 12 megapixels, you'll need to shoot at 4:3. Movies are captured as MPEG 4 (QuickTime) files with a maximum capture of 720p at 30 frames per second. Although the camera's movie mode is good, don't expect to win any awards with your footage. Other than the fact that you can't edit your movies in-camera, there's a nice set of video options in playback including the ability to move through the footage by frame, add a bookmark or even print a frame.
When budgeting, you should probably take into account about another $10 for an AC adapter; otherwise you'll have to charge the V1253 via your computer's USB port, which requires a tiny, easy-to-lose bundled USB adapter that makes USB connections possible. You'll also want to seriously consider $100 for the EasyShare HDTV Dock. Without it, there's no HDMI output for optimal HD viewing on your high-def television. In fact, all the camera supplies is a cheap composite cable, which also requires that USB dongle. Also plan on visiting Kodak's Web site to download the full manual (PDF); the camera comes only with a printed QuickStart Guide.
Overall, the V1253 is a pretty peppy performer, with decent automatic face detection, little shutter lag (other than a slight increase in AF time under low light), good shot-to-shot time even with the flash, and about 2.5 frames per second continuous shooting. On the other hand, the camera can capture only three frames in burst mode, which almost defeats the purpose of having a good capture rate. It wakes and shoots in a hair less than 2 seconds. Under optimal conditions it takes only 0.4 second to focus and shoot, and that rises to only 0.8 second in lower-contrast conditions, quite good for its class. From shot to shot, it runs only 1.2 seconds, increasing to 1.6 seconds with flash--also quite good.
Its 3x optical zoom, with a 35mm-equivalent focal range of 37mm-111mm, is a little slow both in its five-step physical zooming speed and narrow f/3.4-to-f/5.3 maximum aperture. The lens delivers fairly good edge-to-edge sharpness, but beware of vignetting and barrel distortion at wide angle.
There's no optical image stabilization; instead, Kodak opts to deliver faster shutter speeds by raising the ISO sensitivity, at the expense of image noise. Your best bet is to keep the ISO sensitivity at 400 or below, although you can still make small prints at ISO 800. Image noise, blurring and artifacts are especially noticeable when raised above ISO 800 (the V1253 starts at ISO 64 and maxes out at ISO 3,200).
The camera stops just short of oversharpening images although you can dial back the sharpness in the shooting menu. And it has a tendency to blow out highlights. But colors are well-saturated and should please most snapshooters.
If you've got your heart set on a 12-megapixel camera--and unless you're printing larger than 8x10 or cropping in very tightly, you might want to scale your sights back to a lower-resolution model with optical image stabilization, such as the comparably priced Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T20--the Fujifilm FinePix F50fd still looks like the best of the group with a broader feature set, faster performance, and better photo quality than the Kodak EasyShare V1253. Still, if the real attraction for you is the V1253's large LCD and easy-to-use design, you should find the V1253 a satisfying option.
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
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Time to first shot | |
Typical shot-to-shot time | |
Shutter lag (dim light) | |
Shutter lag (typical) |
(Longer bars indicate better performance)
User reviews
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PERFECTION!!!
by Piz7777 on December 11, 2007
Pros: Everything
Cons: Have to download free firmware update, takes a couple minutes
Summary: This Cam has more then exceeded my expectations! The Pic's are beautiful, the HD Video is the best I've ever seen on a Cam, and along with the ...
Summary: This Cam has more then exceeded my expectations! The Pic's are beautiful, the HD Video is the best I've ever seen on a Cam, and along with the HD Dock (bought for only $64 bucks at Circuit City!) this Cam is a dream come true! Just make sure you download the free firmware update on Kodaks site to the cam, it speeds up the processing speed of the cam and solves all issues anyone would have with this. Every bad review I have come across complained about slow processing speed; with the free firmware update, once downloaded to the cam off of Kodaks site(FREE), all issue's are solved. The 3.1 inch screen is a dream to look at, I cannot say enough about this cam. I would go as far as saying the Kodak 1253 "is" superior to even my Canon PowerShot SX100 IS, which I love!! Easilly the greatest Cam I have ever bought, or have come across thus far!! 10 STARS!!!
10 out of 10 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Innovative Dud
by TurboMann on October 7, 2007
Pros: High Pixel, 720p Movie Capability
Cons: Difficult to Upload Images, Skimpy Hardware Inc.
Summary: I really wanted to like this camera - it has some outstanding features. It didn't deliver - I've had to return the 1st one the day I bought ...
Summary: I really wanted to like this camera - it has some outstanding features. It didn't deliver - I've had to return the 1st one the day I bought it, and I'm waiting on the 2nd one. Kodak really cheaped out on the included hardware - No AC Adapter is lousy, and the USB connector is fluky. I'll update this when I get the next one.
Updated
The 2nd worked fine - both my Apple and XP Laptop saw it right away. With the problem solved I was able to review some pics, and 1 moveie I shot. The pics looked fine at the 9MP setting, I haven't gone to 12MP yet. The movie was choppy and I'm not sure if it's the camera or the memory. I installed 4gig SDHC. When you get memory get the fastest possible, I will when I buy another. Overall I'm happier with the camera. If the movies get better then I'd score this a solid 9, way up from my initial rating of 4.6 out of 9 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Best choice i made, Awesome Camera!
by questforeden on December 20, 2007
Pros: Large LCD Display, 12 Megapixals, 1 gig SD stores 900 pictures at 12 megapixels, drag and drop video or pictures or automatically download to a specific folder when you connect camera, great zoom!
Cons: Standard power cord is USB (connect to PC). Wish it also included a normal power cord.
Summary: I have owned several other digital cameras and this one has exceeded my expectations. First, it has a large LCD that takes up the entire backside of the camera. The ...
Summary: I have owned several other digital cameras and this one has exceeded my expectations. First, it has a large LCD that takes up the entire backside of the camera. The LCD is about 3 1/2 inches wide. Its easy to use and a 1 gig SD holds about 900 pictures at 12 megapixels (48inch x 36inch poster size photo). If you use just 6 megapixels you can hold about 3,000 photos. It has a good zoom. My favorite part is that it is smaller then my cellphone. I keep it in my pocket, ready for instant use. It has seperate buttons for picture taking, video taking, connect/transfer and viewing pictures. When transfering photos you can drag and drop using the camera similiar to a folder or you can set it to automatically download to specific folders when connected to PC. The picture quality is great, the flash is the best i have used on a digital camera, both with closeups and long distance shots.
As for the person having trouble with the USB cable. I also had the same problem. It turns out you have to push the USB cable into the connection device very hard until you hear a snap, locking it in place. Then connect to camera. It doesnt say that in the directions. So i tried all the help instructions before i realized it took alot of pressure to connect the USB to the small adapter piece. But, it works perfect after i figured that out.
I would recommend this camera to everyone. Its affordable, one of the few small cameras to ofter more than 6 megapixels for photos (this one offers 12 megapixels). Also can adjust iso film setting and everything. I am very happy!3 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great camera in a great form factor
by stevehas on January 19, 2008
Pros: huge lcd, beautiful, fast pic tures
Cons: hard to hold for big hands
Summary: I already have a great prosumer level camera, and wanted a nice small camera to slip in my pocket when I didn't want to lug around my big camera....
Summary: I already have a great prosumer level camera, and wanted a nice small camera to slip in my pocket when I didn't want to lug around my big camera.
The V1253, like many of Kodaks cameras is a beautiful little gem. The ease with which I can just pick up this camera and snap off fast, beautiful pictures still amazes me. There is no equal to Kodak's color management. The quality of the video is great. I also like that I can use the new SDHC format memory. Kodak's pioneering lead in digital photography clearly shows in this point and shoot pocket wonder.
The small size does make it difficult for me to hold steady at times though.Updated
I love this camera.
I am a graphic arts professional, and have been shooting since the age of 8 as a hobby.
I have owned many, many cameras of all types and levels.
I wanted a small pocket shooter that I could carry when my big camera was too much of a pain.
This certainly fits the bill. This past weekend I had the opportunity to shoot pictures while camping along some friends with thier Sonys, or HPs.
Monday we all e-mailed pics to one anotehr.
Needless to say that my pictures were by far the best.
Detail,
color accuracy
ease of use
size
screen size
The HD video is just sweet icing on the cake!
You will not be dispapointed.Updated
Update after almost 2 months of ownership
I am a graphic arts professional. I have been shooting since I was eight. I have owned many, many cameras of different makes, and levels.
I was looking for a nice pocket shooter that I could slip in my pocket when a big camera was too much. This camera more than fits the bill.
This past weekend while camping in the snow, I was able to shoot along side my friend's Sonys, Canons, and HPs.
In all sorts of conditions, bright sunny, snowy days, camp fires at night, inside cabins.
On Monday we all swapped pics. The consensus was the V1253 had by far and away the best overall picture quality.
The size of this camera
the screen size
the features
the ease of use
picture quality
AND
HD video!
This camea is a great value, and a great camera.1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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After firmware upgrade...now a 10
by jjwooding on December 12, 2007
Pros: Huge screen. High def videos. Hi Res photos. Lots of features.
Cons: Only 3x zoom
Summary: I bought this camera for my wife to carry in her purse. We looked at many different subcompact models and when she picked this one up she said it was ...
Summary: I bought this camera for my wife to carry in her purse. We looked at many different subcompact models and when she picked this one up she said it was the one. Very intuitive and user friendly. Practically no need for the manual. Initially there was a long wait for the LCD screen to be returned to the photographer after taking a picture, but the latest 1.01 firmware update solved that problem. Now there is practically no time delay at all. Thank you Kodak! Photos are beautiful. Colors are rich. 30fps 16:9 hi-def videos are superb. Only wish the lens was more than 3x zoom. Otherwise this is most innovative camera on the market today. She loves the ease of getting around in the menus, scene selection, preview mode, etc. We would rate this camera higher, but CNET only allows up to a "10" rating!!!
1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Disappointed!
by jtheerman on October 3, 2007
Pros: Good res for the price plus video
Cons: Problems with qaulity control
Summary: This is overall a pretty good camera so far. However, right out of the box, the USB power and transfer cable doesn't work. The USB cable is actually a ...
Summary: This is overall a pretty good camera so far. However, right out of the box, the USB power and transfer cable doesn't work. The USB cable is actually a two peice unit. There is the cable itself and a small converter that fits a special intake ont he bottom of the camera. I plugged everything in, tried every USB port on my computer and, wala . . . nothing. No transfer no charging. The big problem is that camera doesn't come with it's own plug in charger, so if this happens your out of pocket money for a charger you really shouldn't need. Attempts to resolve the problem through the Kodak website are usless. I actually went through a long trouble shooting process to be given an 800 number to call. Then I attempted to send an e-mail and it's unclear if that went anywhere either. Regardless, good camera overall but I am concerned aobut quality controla nd would warn others that perhaps the lure of 12 MP for $300.00 is too good and perhaps for better overall experince hold off on Kodak and get into a different more reliable brand.
3 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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NOT HD VIDEO!
by onetec on June 29, 2008
Pros: CCD, Digital pictures, small, 12 megapixel
Cons: NOT HD VIDEO AS ADVERTISED!
Summary: HD Video in the 720P format is a resolution of 1280 x 720 NOT 720 x 576 like this camera produces. This is CLEARLY deceptive advertising. The resolution of this ...
Summary: HD Video in the 720P format is a resolution of 1280 x 720 NOT 720 x 576 like this camera produces. This is CLEARLY deceptive advertising. The resolution of this camera would be more accurately described as ED or Enhanced Definition, NOT HD! Saying video resolution 720P in the specs instead of saying 720 x 576, as would be accurate, is VERY deceptive.
1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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It's ok... sometimes
by heathermarie82 on December 25, 2008
Pros: Good picture quality, user friendly
Cons: Reformats memory card for no reason, lens getting stuck
Summary: I have had this camera since it first came out and for the most part it has been reliable. It does pop up with the "reformat your memory card" message ...
Summary: I have had this camera since it first came out and for the most part it has been reliable. It does pop up with the "reformat your memory card" message fairly often for no good reason. The lens also get stuck or wont come out all the way sometimes. I would go for another camera.
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It sucks badly
by luz1016 on December 5, 2008
Pros: the only thing I like is the printer That I purchased in addition to this lousy camera
Cons: It freezes, after I take a picture It says processing for an extended amount of time
Summary: Initially, when I bought this camera I was happy with it. I was so happy with it that I bought 2 more and gave it to family members. after using ...
Summary: Initially, when I bought this camera I was happy with it. I was so happy with it that I bought 2 more and gave it to family members. after using it I noticed that it froze alot and It would say processing and would not allow me to take any more pics until I turned it off and restart it. It was so unreliable. The lens will get stuck at time. I returned the camera to kodak twice and and it was returned to me in working conditions. soon after the problem would return again. My nieces are having the same problem.
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Great camera....When it's working!
by leevan64 on November 4, 2008
Pros: Easy to use. Great photos.
Cons: Completely unreliable.
Summary: Problems from day 1 with the telescoping lens, sticking either open or closed. Returned the original for a new one within a month. Same problem with the new one, about ...
Summary: Problems from day 1 with the telescoping lens, sticking either open or closed. Returned the original for a new one within a month. Same problem with the new one, about 2 months later. Did a rapid exchange through Best Buy, and received the 3rd one. Used it once, and had the same problem. 3 different cameras. Same problem. I currently have 2 service tickets open, a refund request submitted to Kodak, and NO camera! I would suggest looking at something other than this model. I certainly am.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Eastman Kodak Co.
- Part number: 1570373
- Description: Whether you seize the moment with incredibly sharp 12 megapixel photos, or in motion with crisp videos, you can do it all with the KODAK EASYSHARE V1253 Zoom Digital Camera. Enjoying beautiful pictures with amazing quality is as simple as using the KODAK EASYSHARE V1253 Zoom Digital Camera.
General
- Product Type Digital camera - Compact
- Color Black
- Weight 5.5 oz
- Width 4 in
- Depth 0.9 in
- Height 2.2 in
- Available Body Colors Black, white
Main Features
- Resolution 12 megapixels
- Sensor resolution 12 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CCD
- Effective Sensor Resolution 12,100,000 pixels
- Total Pixels 12,400,000 pixels
- Optical Sensor Size 1/1.72 in
- Light Sensitivity ISO 200, ISO 800, ISO auto (64-400), ISO 400, ISO 3200, ISO 1600, ISO 100, ISO 64
- Digital Zoom 5 x
- Shooting Modes Frame movie mode
- Shooting Programs Panning, Back light, Candle, Landscape, Flower, Text, Anti shake, Night portrait, Self-portrait, Sports mode, Snow, Close-up, Fireworks, High sensitivity, Panorama assist, Sunset, Beach, Portrait mode, Museum, Children, Night landscape
- Special effects Black & White, Sepia
- Max Shutter Speed 1/1200 sec
- Min Shutter Speed 8 sec
- Exposure Metering Multi-segment, Center-weighted, Spot
- Exposure Modes Automatic, Program
- Exposure Compensation ?2 EV range, in 1/3 EV steps
- White Balance Automatic, Presets
- White Balance Presets Shade, Tungsten light, Fluorescent, Daylight
- Digital video format QuickTime (MPEG-4)
- Still Image Format JPEG
- Continuous Shooting Speed 1.7 frames per second
- Color support Color
- Face Detection Yes
- TV Tuner None
- Video Capture QuickTime (MPEG-4) - 320 x 240, QuickTime (MPEG-4) - 640 x 480, QuickTime (MPEG-4) - 720 x 576
Memory / Storage
- Flash Memory 32 MB Flash - Integrated
- Integrated Memory 32 MB
- Floppy Drive None
- Digital Storage Media None
- Image Storage JPEG 1280 x 960, JPEG 4000 x 2664, JPEG 4000 x 2256, JPEG 1920 x 1080, JPEG 1800 x 1200, JPEG 4000 x 3000, JPEG 2048 x 1536, JPEG 2832 x 2128
- Flash memory 32 MB - Integrated
- Supported Flash Memory MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card
Lens System
- Type Zoom lens - F/3.4-5.3
- Lens Manufacturer Schneider-Kreuznach
Additional Features
- Self Timer Yes
- Self Timer Delay 10 sec, 2 sec
- Additional Features Cropping an image, Saturation control, Display brightness control, Sharpness control, ImageLink support, Face detection, Camera orientation detection, Auto power save, PictBridge support, Histogram display, Digital image stabilization
Camera Flash
- Effective Flash Range 2 ft - 15 ft
- Type Built-in flash
- Flash Modes Flash OFF mode, Fill-in mode, Auto mode, Red-eye reduction
- Red Eye Reduction Yes
- Effective flash range 2 ft - 15 ft
- Features AF illuminator
Viewfinder
- Viewfinder Type None
Display
- Type LCD display - TFT active matrix - 3.1 in - Color
- Mounting Built-in
Digital Player (Recorder)
- Type None
Connections
- Connector Type 1 x Docking station, 1 x Composite video/audio output, 1 x USB
- Expansion Slot(s) 1 x SD Memory Card
Lens Systems
- Auto Focus TTL contrast detection
- Type Zoom lens
- Focal Length Equivalent to 35mm Camera 37 - 111 mm
- Focus adjustment Automatic
- Auto Focus Points (Zones) 5
- Min Focus Range 23.6 in
- Macro Focus Range 5-70cm
- Lens Aperture F/3.4-5.3
- Optical Zoom 3 x
- Zoom Adjustment Motorized drive
- Features Built-in lens shield
Miscellaneous
- Cables Included 1 x USB cable
- Included Accessories Carrying strap, Docking station insert
Power
- Power Device Power adapter
System Requirements for PC Connection