Kodak’s new EasyShare V610, 6 mega-pixel digital camera is the second compact digital camera in the world to use the dual lens system, with the first being Kodak’s EasyShare V570.

In a time where most digital cameras now have multiple features available in a competitor’s camera, this dual lens ‘Retina Technology’ is keeping Kodak at the forefront for innovation.

The two lenses serve a great purpose, one which will challenge many rivals to either improve their ‘all-in-one’ lenses or to adopt the dual lens philosophy.

The advantage comes with the broad zoom range, utelising a 10x optical zoom, between 38mm – 380mm (35mm film equivalent), where a majority of digital compacts have a maximum around 140mm. Kodak has taken compact zooming to new lengths – all this in a camera just 0.9inch thick.

The first lens has a range of 38mm-to-114mm, with the second (telephoto lens) 130mm-to-380mm. It is interesting to note that there is a minimal gap between 114mm and 140mm, although 99% people will not even realise it. Another point is that when one lens has reached its maximum length, the user is required to press the zoom button a second time to continue the zoom. And finally, something which is a real plus, the lenses when zooming do not protrude out from the camera – reducing any chance of being knocked or scratched.

To compliment the fantastic zoom range, there is a bright and clear 2.8inch LCD which nearly takes up the entire back of the camera. The big screen makes navigating Kodak’s easy menu a breeze. With simple menu text and graphics, a first time user of the camera will have all the features on offer sorted in no time.

All of the cameras key functions can be found under one of a dozen buttons on the camera. The most important buttons, 3 function modes, on/off, flash and capture button are all located on the top of the camera. On the back there 5 buttons in order of pretty much most to least used options. The ‘Scene’ option is number one. One press of this button will give 21 scene options – which will cover nearly every situation you could ever find yourself in!

To delve deeper into the camera’s functions, there is a larger 4-direction button which can be used to navigate the V610’s settings. The directional button is also used to select ‘Scene’ modes too.

Kodak have also included in the V610 bluetooth wireless technology. Like many EasyShare cameras this model too can send images straight to a Kodak compatible printer, without the use of a computer. And for those looking to crop their images before printing, this can be done in the camera with very little effort. So your good images can now be printed better!

A particularly fascinating feature was the in-camera photo stitching for producing panoramas. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be amazed how well the software in the camera stitches 3 images together to form a panoramic photo. My first attempt was pretty rough, the second better and the third just left me completely amazed. I don’t know the mechanics behind it, but gee it does a good job and will give the photographer plenty of fun, inspiring creativity.

In daylight, the camera captures great images. Vivid in colour and good skin tone reproduction. On low ISO settings (film speed settings) the grain is near invisible, although at 200 it starts to show up and at 400 it is obvious. The 800 speed setting has an increase in grain again and would be only hand when in really dark situations with no other lighting option.

The flash, like many on digital cameras is good for around 4-5 meters – which covers most ‘Kodak’ moments. Like any small digital camera, the smaller the body the smaller the flash. So as a result this will generally affect the flash range. When testing the flash it did produce good results – so don’t get me wrong!

Overall, this camera has a number of great features which will please many, such as near instantaneous start up, no shutter lag, plenty of resolution, blue tooth technology, MPEG4 video capability, a tough and stylish metal casing, a large LCD screen, panorama picture stitch and of course great image capture.

Just one thing to consider if you’re going to buy this camera, get a second battery as you’ll get around 140 shots before you need a recharge.