The wide-angle wars continue with the introduction of the Kodak Easyshare V705. It was only a few months ago that the V512 duked it out with Panasonic's FX01 for the title of "world's smallest wide-angle camera," but now Kodak is pushing it even further with the V705. This camera is cast in the same sleek style that the V512 and V610, and also has the same dual-lens configuration. The first lens provides 5x optical zoom, the second, a wide-angle 23mm scope, can be used to take wider panoramas and more-inclusive group shots. We at DCHQ love this series of cameras; they're very attractive, and the V705 is a nice intermediate camera, not nearly as expensive as the Bluetooth-enabled V610, and without the extra bells and whistles that might dissuade less-adventurous consumers. 

 

 

 

 

 This is one slick camera. It seems like less than a second from a push of the "on" button to the first picture. The shutter lag is neglible even with flash. The power supply plug is reasonably sized, not the minis of the past that would easly bend. There is plenty of sophistication in the camera but it doesn't get in the way of taking good pictures and fast pictures. The flash is easily disabled allowing shots out the, eg, plane window at the turbulence I endured recently. One feature I am concerned about is the cover for the SD card being so small it might be a problem for some hands. Its going to be hard to justify taking the D2X on anythinhg less than serious shoots in the future. Thanks Kodak!!