If in many ways the new Kodak
Z740 has similar characteristics to the DX7590, it also has both internal and external differences,
which can be described as additions, subtractions, and some
cost-cutting measures intended to arrive at a lower price
point.
Internally, the Z740 has an improved autofocus system, and
a more succinct choice of image quality. Externally, the Z740
sees the replacement of the grip mounted Jog Dial of the DX7590
by the attribution of more functions to the joystick, as well
as the replacement of the Schneider-Kreuznach lens by a Kodak
Retinar zoom.
Still, as noted, the basic characteristics of this new model
are comparable to the DX7590: a 5-megapixel resolution,
a powerful 10X zoom, a complete set of program modes and a
fully Manual mode that provides the user good flexibility.
With this new lens, wide angle
shots exhibit a bit of barrel distortion, causing vertical
image elements to bow slightly towards the outside of the
frame. In view of the fact that the wide end of the zoom is
equivalent to a 38mm — not a very wide angle
— this could have been better corrected. While at the
telephoto end, photos do not exhibit any any pincushion distortion,
and straight lines are captured perfectly even when aligned
to edge of the frame.
However, with images that contain strong contrasts, a chromatic
aberration can sometimes be detected as a thin purple line
that appears at the boundary of bright/dark zones.
Aperture: f4, shutter speed: 1/740 sec, 80 ISO, 38 mm eq.
The white rectangle frames the area captured by the next
photo.
The most notable feature of this
lens is its power, as the 10X focal length makes it possible
to take photos of distant subjects (see the photo above
and below). Still, the caveat that applies to all long
zooms that do not have the advantage of a built-in stabilization
system remains valid: at its maximum power, the lens will
emphasize the slightest camera movements which in turn can
cause blurred images. Therefore, to obtain the best results,
either a high shutter speed must be available, or the camera
should be stabilized.
With this camera, the autofocus
shows clear improvement over the previous model. The Z740
focuses faster and more reliably, which makes the camera quicker
to use. As well, the Z740 benefits from the addition of a
powerful green light which assists the auto focus system when
the ambient light is too soft, making it possible to capture
well-focused shots under low light.
The functioning of the flash is also revised, and it now
pops up automatically whenever the camera is turned on.
While this might be a positive
feature for the forgetful user, it can also be a bit of an
annoyance when the flash is not wanted — in the same
vein as the absence of a directly accessible playback mode.
Similarly, the insistence of the camera to suggest the use
of the flash when the lens is at the maximum telephoto is
probably a bit too helpful and optimistic, particularly since
its range is limited and it is therefore hardly likely to
be of assistance when photographing a distant subject.
Yet another change with this new model is in the area of
the image quality. While the previous model offered a choice
of 2 compression levels, this one restricts them, which is
in our opinion regrettable.
The Z740's image sizes are linked
to a compression setting, and for instance, the highest resolution
(5MP) has no user-selectable compression level. Moreover,
the 5 MP resolution has a compression ratio that is commonly
greater than 10:1, a ratio that is generally associated with
the middle image quality for most other manufacturers.
Indeed, when 5MP photos are inspected at 100% on a monitor,
this relatively strong compression seems to soften image sharpness
somewhat.
Similarly, the Z740 seems to be
a bit susceptible to shadow noise even at 80 ISO, and this susceptibility
becomes more obvious at higher ISO settings. Colour rendition
on the other hand is excellent, and the photos of the Z740 stand
out for their vibrancy and natural appearance.
Aperture: f2.8; shutter speed: 1/280 sec, 80 ISO.
Interestingly, neither noise
nor the strong compression noticeably impact the image quality
when the photos are printed out to a 4x6 inch size (10 x 15
cm) using a dye sublimation printer such as the one included
in the kit tested here, the EasyShare Printer Dock Series
3. Indeed, when printed the Z740's photos leave little
to be desired and the camera is obviously well mated with
the printer, and the imperfections that can sometimes be detected
when images are seen at full-scale on a monitor are completely
invisible in prints.
Overall, the Z740
with its powerful zoom, its 5-megapixel resolution, and its
complete selection of modes is an ideal mid-level camera,
a good choice for the user stepping up from an entry-level
model to a more capable one.
Moreover, purchased as a kit with the printer/dock, it offers
good value and the advantage of being instantly useable to
capture and print images.
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Image Quality
