While it's very simple, the Kodak EasyShare C530 does offer a few extras that cameras at this price didn't offer in the past.

The five megapixel Kodak EasyShare C530 features a fixed focus, fixed focal-length lens. You can't get simpler than that, and they've eliminated any moving parts that can be damaged, making this inexpensive model less likely to break. Its five megapixel sensor means you can expect to print sharp 8x10 images with ease, and that's also enough resolution to allow the digital 5x zoom to deliver good 4x6 images across the zoom range.

You can shoot in color, black and white, or sepia, and even take movies with the EasyShare C530. And its 5 ounces aren't going to weigh you down.

The C530's 1.5" LCD display allows you to review your images and share them with friends, and an optical viewfinder is available for quick framing in bright sunlight.

The Kodak C530 offers SD/MMC card storage, plus USB data and NTSC/PAL video connectivity, and it uses AA batteries. We recommend rechargeable NiMH batteries, but it'll take anything.

You can use it with the included dock to easily connect to a computer; and if you buy it with a Series 3 dock, you can charge the battery included with the dock right in the camera, and even print your pictures straight from the camera without a computer.

With a pricetag of $139.95, the EasyShare C530 is a great first camera for kids or those who just want to point and shoot.