kodak EZ200 Digital Camera

WHAT'S HOT: The dual-purpose Kodak EZ200 resembles a standard compact digital still camera, and is as easy to use as ABC, whether you're using it as a streaming video Webcam or uploading still images.

But more impressive than its versatility is the quality of its images. Thanks to its 640-by-480-pixel CCD sensor, the EZ200 generally produces color images superior to those produced by the CMOS-based Webcams we reviewed, and comparable to the other CCD units. In both still-image and video tests, the EZ200 produced attractive on-screen images with rich color saturation and crisp details. In videoconferencing tests, the quality of the streaming video was very good: Images displayed rich color and reasonably sharp details, although some jerkiness was evident when using a low-bandwidth connection.

Priced at only $50, the EZ200 is one of the least-expensive dual-purpose units on the market. Kodak also deserves kudos for including a printed version of the EZ200's extensive (65-page) user's guide.

WHAT'S NOT: There's no flash for still camera use, no carrying case, and no support for removable memory. Although the EZ200 can also be used to capture silent video clips, the resolution is limited to 160 by 120 at 25 frames per second.

WHAT ELSE: With a boxy shape and short lens, the EZ200 easily fits into a coat or shirt pocket. A simple LCD displays the camera's settings and battery status. When used as a camera, its capture options include two different resolutions, a burst mode (up to five sequential pictures at 320 by 240 resolution), as many as six 10-second video clips, and a self-timer. The unit's 4MB of internal memory stores up to 64 images at 640 by 480 resolution, or 128 images at 320 by 240 resolution. Still-image quality will suffice for viewing on your monitor or posting on the Web; however, the resolution is barely adequate if you plan to print out 4-by-6-inch prints.

The EZ200 comes with a sturdy, removable base that allows you to easily tilt and swivel the camera in many directions. The manual focus lens has a range of 2.5 feet to infinity. An extra-long (9 foot, 10 inch) USB cable allows you to place the camera farther from the PC than the competing models do, giving you more choices as to where you place it.

The software bundle includes two separate applications from ArcSoft for photo editing and video editing: PhotoImpression 2000 and VideoImpression 1.6, respectively--both of which are easy programs for novices to learn and use. Although no videoconferencing software is included with the installation CD-ROM, the documentation includes a helpful section on getting started with Microsoft NetMeeting (which is included in Windows 98 and higher versions).

UPSHOT: The price is right for anyone with a PC who is ready to get started with digital photography and video e-mails.

SUMMARY

Kodak EZ200 CCD sensor; 320 by 240 maximum video resolution at up to 30 fps, 640 by 480 maximum resolution for still images; optical viewfinder, USB connection, 4MB built-in memory, and four AAA alkaline batteries; ArcSoft PhotoImpression 2000 and VideoImpression 1.6 software. One-year hardware warranty, toll-free support for 11 hours on weekdays. $50 800/235-6325 www.kodak.com