Labs

Kodak's EasyShare Z740 looks like a traditional SLR camera, and it is the only camera in this group to have a 10x zoom lens. This is the equivalent of a 38-380mm lens on a 35mm film camera. Its 5-megapixel sensor records photos at resolutions of up to 2,576x1,932 pixels.

Shots can be framed with the rear preview screen, but it feels more natural to use the LCD viewfinder. Neither has a particularly high resolution, though, so reviewing your photos is easier on a PC. The Z740 provides plenty of shooting controls including aperture priority, shutter priority and full manual modes. The interface is easy to navigate and never leaves you confused.

Kodak hasn't included any image-stabilisation technology, so at the furthest reach of the 10x zoom you need to use a tripod to eliminate camera shake. Although similarly specified, the Z740 struggles to capture as much fine detail as the other cameras in this round-up. Photos tend to be a bit soft, while leaves, grass and textured surfaces acquire a painted look.

The 10x zoom lens is impressive, but it's not very useful without an image stabiliser. Sadly, its image quality is also behind that of the competition.