Kodak EasyShare M381

Discontinued

Reviewed

May 2010

Pros

User-friendly
Decent image quality
5X optical zoom
3-inch display screen

Cons

Few manual controls
Slow shutter speed
No viewfinder

Where to Buy

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The Kodak EasyShare M381 is a 12.2-megapixel digital camera with a 5x optical zoom lens, and reviews say it is a reasonably good deal for novices. Like most sub-$200 point-and-shoots, the Kodak EasyShare M381 is easy to use and delivers decent images in good light, reviewers say. It has some advantages over cheaper Kodak models like the Kodak EasyShare C180, such as a 3-inch LCD display screen and a rechargeable battery (Lithium-ion). However, while the resolution has been kicked up to 12.2 megapixels, the EasyShare M381 uses a 1/2.3 sensor (the average size for a 10-megapixel camera) and reviews say the shutter speed is slow. This is not really a camera that will grow with you as you advance from novice status because there are few manual controls that more advanced photographers seek.

PC World has the best review of the Kodak EasyShare M381, and editors test the battery life. ConsumerReports.org also rates the EasyShare M381. We also found helpful coverage from About.com, and a couple of owner reviews at Newegg.com.

Where To Buy

Kodak Easyshare M381 Digital Camera (Black)

(30 reviews)
Buy new: $169.95 9 Used & new from $32.99

In Stock.

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Our Sources

1. PC World Details/Subscribe

Reviewer Roman Loyola says the Kodak EasyShare M381 is a decent point-and-shoot if you don't mind a paucity of manual controls and settings. Lab tests revealed 191 minutes of battery life.

Review: Kodak EasyShare M381, Roman Loyola, Nov. 10, 2009

2. About.com

This review by About.com's guide to digital cameras is based on hands-on use, but there is a lack of comparisons with similar products. Reviewer Kyle Schurman says the Kodak EasyShare M381 is a bit sluggish, but overall is "a very nice entry-level camera." (Note: ConsumerSearch is owned by About.com, but the two don't share an editorial affiliation.)

Review: Kodak EasyShare M381 Review, Kyle Schurman

3. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

The Kodak EasyShare M381 is included in ConsumerReports.org's digital camera report. Testing is thorough, though written analysis is brief.

Review: Digital Cameras, Editors of ConsumerReports.org

4. NewEgg.com

Just two owner reviews of the Kodak EasyShare M381 are posted. One user disputes that the camera's resolution is not as high as claimed; the other says the camera is "just awful."

Review: Kodak EasyShare M381 Blue-Gray 12.4 MP 3.0" 230K LCD 5X Optical Zoom Digital Camera, Contributors to Newegg.com

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