??s on Kodak - Z700 and KC340, other?

[Fantasmic303]

Hello!

I'm hoping someone (or several someones) can give me some advice as to which Kodak camera to choose. I had been using a CX6330 for about two years before it was dropped by the kid I babysit - it hasn't turned on since. I really liked it because it was small, easy to use, and I took great photos on several vacations. I'd still be using it for future vacations, if it still worked.

Now that I'm in the hunt for a new camera, I'd like one similar to the 6330, with possible slight upgrades. I'm currently considering the Easyshare Z700 and the KC340. I'd like your feedback on a couple of things:

1 - Size...I haven't had the chance to see the 700 in person, but I have had some experience with the 740. I find it a little bit big and cumbersome for my hands, and, since I'm usually holding it with something else (most likely switching between the digital camera and a camcorder), it wasn't totally comfortable. How does the 700 compare? I know it's not as small as the 340 (or so I think), but is it as "big" as the 740?

2 - Night/Low light photos...The only thing I didn't like about my 6330 was that it didn't take very good pictures when a flash was necessary. I'm not talking fireworks and parades - I know those have never quite worked for our family, since we don't know much about tripods and shutter speeds, etc., but just in general, low light settings come out either VERY dark or in tones that aren't "true" to the subject. For example, I might try to take a photo of friends in a restaurant, and all that would come out was their faces, light up by the flash - none of the background at all, and the faces were washed out. Are either of these cameras any better with night shots? Our traditional film cameras always took beautiful photos of the Castle and Main Street (my favorite subjects), so I'm disappointed that we haven't had the same luck with digital.

I appreciate any feedback you can share about the 700 or 340, or even other Kodak cameras that you have experience with. I know there are other options (both my sisters like their Nikons), but I would like to continue using the accessories I already have from my other Kodak (I love their "AA" rechargable batteries, for example...my sisters' batteries drain out amazingly quicker).

Thanks in advance!!

 

[RadioNate]

You'll probablly get flamed for asking about Kodak and there are some real haters here.

But I'll answer.
My mom has the C340. It is small and she likes it. I think it feels a little cheap but I'm used to a Canon S2IS so it is a very different camera.

I've been happy with her photos and I know she has too. She isn't trying to be an a photographer. She just wants some snapshots of the grandkids and the ability to easily print them at home. She also wanted something inexpensive. She doesn't take enough photos to justify nor does she want an expensive camera.

Like you observed the only real 'issue' I've had with my mom's camera is the poor low light quality.

I understand the draw of keeping your accessories. I nearly went to another Sony because of that.

I think Kodak used CF cards which can be used in a lot of other brands. I know I just use any old recharagable AA's in my Canon so I bet you could still use the batteries. If you have the dock and it supports PictBridge you may be able to use it with another camera too.

Check out the reviews before deciding on another Kodak because that's the stuff you have.