Kodak V530

Reviewed May 2006

Image Quality

Equipped with a quality 3X zoom lens from Schneider-Kreuznach, a five megapixel resolution, but only a 2-inch LCD monitor, the Kodak EasyShare V530 is an economical alternative to the more expensive V550 which sports a 2.5-inch monitor. Nevertheless, the V530 contains many elements also found on the V550, including the lens.

This is a lens that is evenly sharp throughout its focal range, and which is effectively free of chromatic aberration and optical distortion, be it barrel distortion at the wide end, or pincushion at the telephoto end.

Moreover, the V530 appears to use the same CCD and internal image processing as the V550 and, like its sibling, the V530’s images are nearly noise-free from 80 to 200 ISO. Above 200 ISO, at 400 ISO, noise is visible, but if the image was captured with daylight, is limited, making the setting quite useable. The 800 ISO setting, however, which is only accessible when the image size is set to 1.8 MP (1552 x 1164 pixels), is noisy, making it only marginally useful, especially since the image size is relatively small.

As do most cameras, the V530 offers an Auto ISO setting to which the camera returns every time it is powered up. While this could have been a drawback, unlike some other cameras, the Auto ISO setting of the V530 limits its adjustment of sensitivity to a range that runs from 80 to 160 ISO, avoiding the noisiest levels. Furthermore, when used with flash, the Auto ISO setting is best used as it generally yields brighter images.

But, just as it offers some of the advantages of the V550, the V530 also has some of the same drawbacks we had observed on the V550.

The Custom mode, for instance, the only mode that allows retaining any user settings, is only accessible as a Scene mode. However, since the camera automatically starts up in the Auto shooting mode, the Auto/Scene button has to be pressed again to recall the Custom mode, and in turn any set of preferences, be it for sensitivity, flash, or any number of other settings; an impractical arrangement.

For another, just like the V550 the V530 has no user control over the level of compression applied to images. While in general the compression, although strong, tends to produce acceptable results, it is strong enough to cause some loss of sharpness, and cause finer details to blend into each other.

Indeed, the compression level applied by the camera to the images can vary wildly. With complex subjects that give the compression algorithms little to work on, the compression can be in the range of 10:1 or 12:1.

But with subjects that lend themselves to greater compression, for instance subjects that contain wide expanses of sky, or that have large areas of uniform colour, a compression ratio of more than 30:1 is not uncommon.

Finally, although not directly connected to the image quality, the V530's controls, specific to this model, also impact the use of the camera. The left-mounted 4-direction control is not raised enough above the back of the camera, making it difficult to manipulate with any precision. The other external buttons are too close together, something which often leads to errors when changing settings. And the monitor, albeit high-resolution, can become nearly impossible to see outdoors, highlighting the absence of a simple optical viewfinder.

Still, the exposures captured by the V530 are usually good, and in particular, very well-metered. Exposures rarely need any compensation, as shadows and highlights are well-handled and photos show detail in both zones under most circumstances.

Similarly, colours are bright, vivid, even at the default colour and white balance settings, and rich-looking; an indication of an effective Auto white balance.

The V530 is compact, light, and simple to use. It is designed to be easily carried around and be available at a moment's notice. Its controls and features avoid complexity, making it an ideal entry-level camera for those who prefer point and shoot type cameras. And, when its photos are printed, especially at standard sizes such as 4x6 and 5x7, the V530's images stand out as well-saturated and bright.