Kodak M1033 Review

Note: Please excuse the quality of the screen shots as the M1033 only outputs video when used with an optional Kodak EasyShare Camera Dock. Therefore, we had to photograph them off of the LCD.

"Smart" record mode is designed for effortless shooting. This is an intelligent, fully automatic, exposure mode that analyzes the subject that is framed, then determines what is the best mode to use; like Macro shown above. It accomplishes this by using these three tasks: Intelligent scene detection, capture control and image processing.

When you half-press the shutter to achieve focus and exposure lock, the AF marks will shrink and turn green around the area of intended focus.

"Program" record mode is also automatic, but now you have access to more advanced controls over the exposure process. This includes ISO sensitivity, White balance, focus mode, color mode, etc. Here you can see icons for the exposure mode being used (P for Program), flash is set to forced Off, image size (10MP), number of images (288), memory being used (SD card), exposure compensation (0.0) and the ISO setting (Auto).

This the is graphical menu that is displayed when you press the Mode button on the top of the camera. You can choose form Smart, Program, SCeNe or Movie capture modes.

Scene mode lets you select from: portrait, sport, landscape, close up, night portrait, night landscape, snow, beach, text/document, fireworks, flower, museum/manner, self-portrait, high ISO, children, backlight, panning, candle light, sunset, panorama (right-left), panorama (left-right), and blur reduction technology. As you navigate the menu, a description of each mode and hints for using it are presented; like portrait shown above.

Program Capture menu options:

Exposure Compensation - ± 2 with 1/3 intervals
Picture Size - 10.0 MP, 8.9 MP(3:2 aspect ratio), 7.5MP (16:9), 5.0 MP, 3.1 MP, 2.2 MP (3:2), 2.1 MP(16:9), 1.2 MP
Focus Mode - Auto, Macro or Infinity
Long Time Exposure - Used for shooting in the dark without a flash. Up to 8 seconds
Color Mode - High, Natural, Low, Black & White, Sepia
AF Control (Still) - Continuous, Single

Program Capture+ menu options:

White Balance - Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Open Shade
Face Detect Capture - Allows camera to find and focus on up to 10 faces.
Exposure Metering - Multi-Pattern, Center-Weighted, Center-Spot (can only be toggled when Face Detect is Off)
AF Zone - Multi-Zone or Center-Zone (can only be toggled when Face Detect is Off)
ISO Speed - Auto, 64, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200
Sharpness - High, Normal, Low
Blur Warning - On, Off

Movie mode allows you to choose from several recording size choices. There's the standard 4:3 Aspect modes (640x480 HG, 640x480, or 320x240) as well as two HD (720p) 16:9 aspect modes (1280x720 HG, 1280x720), each with audio. The length of the movies is dependent on available space on your memory card, up to a max clip size of 2GB. Unlike most digicams, the optical zoom is operational while recording, but you can hear a slight motor whine from it on audio. There is also an optional image stabilizer, but it is only available in the 480p (4:3 aspect) modes.

Video Record menu options:

Video Size - 1280x720 HG, 1280x720, 640x480 HG, 640x480 or 320x240
Focus Mode - Auto, Macro or Infinity
AF Control (Video) - Continuous AF, Single AF
Image Stabilizer - On, Off (480p modes only)