Open and Shut Case

The EasyShare-one comes in a sleek, compact silver case that is a bit heavier than other cameras in its class, but packs in an incredible amount of features. The most notable, of course, is the Wi-Fi connectivity. This picture shows the Wi-Fi card popped up in "deploy" position. When not in use, it tucks down into the camera for safe storage. We would have preferred the card were completely integrated, but since it was originally designed as an optional accessory, we understand why it works this way.

The camera powers on as soon as you open the LCD, and is ready for picture-taking in about 8 or 9 seconds. If the LCD is already open, you can also power it on and off with a button on the top. The LCD has to be open since there is no viewfinder in this camera. We missed having a viewfinder in some bright outdoor light situations, but overall the large, bright LCD is excellent for picture previews. The lens pops out when powering on, assuming the switch on the side is set to shooting mode. It stays shut in viewing mode.

Doing the Twist

You can literally shoot from any angle using the twisting and rotating LCD. Overhead shots are easy, as are self-portraits. The screen display also automatically rights itself depending on which direction you have it twisted. So you won't be looking at upside-down previews. This picture also shows the power, flash mode and shutter release buttons on top of the camera, and the white rubber door on the left side that hides the USB and DC power ports.

Smooth Interface

Compared to most digital cameras, the EasyShare-one has relatively few buttons. That's because the big LCD makes it possible to provide attractive and well-thought-out menus that are easy to navigate with the five-way button and touchscreen. There's a stylus tucked into the camera on the right side, but you won't need it for most operations.

The camera has two basic modes, shooting and viewing, controlled by a switch on the top right side. When in shooting mode, the Menu button lets you change Scene types for proper exposure, modify setup parameters, and switch to video capture mode. There's also a dedicated wide-tele zoom rocker at top right, and an Info button on the bottom right side that toggles display of image information like resolution, flash mode, scene selection, and remaining memory. Oddly, there is no battery life display in shooting mode.

When in viewing mode, the lens retracts, and you are presented with the album display, from which you do things like organize, email, upload, and transfer your images. Most of these functions are accessed from the Share button. You can also create instant slideshows of all the pictures in an album, for playback in-camera or on a TV using the included A/V output cable. A handy delete button at the bottom makes it easy to get rid of unwanted photos.

Making a Good Case

The EasyShare-one kit includes a form-fitting tan leather slip-case that is perfect for slipping the camera into your pocket or purse. Our only complaint is that when you pull the camera out of the tight case, you inevitably pull open the battery slider door as well. You can't put the camera into the case the other way, because the wrist strap is at the same end as the battery. To fix this problem Kodak should have either put a lock on the battery door, or put the wrist strap notch on the other end of the camera. But we still appreciate the free protective case, especially since it lets you keep the LCD facing out, for quicker startup.

Sitting on the Dock

The EasyShare-one comes with an adapter that allows it to dock in the EasyShare Printer Dock Plus Series 3. When docked, it charges the battery as well as transfers photos for printing. You can also connect to the printer wirelessly, but that requires an extra $99 Wi-Fi card, and in-printer photo manipulation like red-eye fixes can't be used with wireless printing. The Series 3 produces waterproof 4x6 prints.