Can Kodak Save Face?
Kodak's abysmal C-Series of cameras angered consumers and recently got the axe. We examine where they went wrong and wonder if the upcoming debut of the M-Series can fix their problems.
From DCHQ - Jun 26, 2007
Michael Brady
Editor
DCHQ
When Kodak announced its intention to eliminate its "low-end" digital cameras back in May, it didn't come as a shock. While they didn't exactly specify what they meant by "low-end," it seemed clear that they were probably talking about the C-series of EasyShare cameras, which have been a complete disaster for the company. Cameras like the C743, C653, and C533 touted high-megapixel specifications and low, low prices, but left many owners dismayed and angry when they ended up with terrible image quality and unreliable designs.
The Kodak EasyShare C743 was plagued with power problems, draining batteries quickly and refusing to power on. One of our more enlightening reviews came from Carl, who had owned both a C643 and later a C743. " I first purchased a C643 and I had the power issue, it worked awesome except every now and then it wouldn't turn on, [I'd] let it sit for a bit and play with it and suddenly it would come on and work perfectly," he said. "I returned it and bought the c743 and it does the same exact thing!" This was enough to get Carl, and hundreds of other owners who submitted their disappointed reviews to Digital Camera HQ, to swear off EasyShare cameras forever.
Kodak's decision to dump cheapo cameras like the C series is a good one, not only because they were dragging down their reputation, but because there really doesn't seem to be much of a need for ultra-cheap cameras. People are beginning to learn, as with the C-series or disaster, that extremely cheap cameras aren't great deals, they're shoddy products. Making these products with sub-standard materials and lowering the price might sell a lot of cameras at first, but chances are you're alienating large groups of shoppers who will go on to tell all their friends what a horrible experience they had with your product.
Canon has managed to achieve great success, not by offering extremely inexpensive clunkers, but by offering excellent mid-priced cameras. Their point-and-shoot cameras can be had for between $200 and $300 (Kodak's point-and-shoots are in the sub $200 range). It's a little extra money, but the difference in quality is stunning. All you have to do is look at the reviews for the and you'll see the level of satisfaction and reliability that an extra $100 can bring.
Maybe Kodak has smartened up. They recently announced six new digital cameras, a brand new M-series that is shaping up to be a more robust, higher-quality group of cameras than their current or past product lines. This could be an opportunity for Kodak to turn things around, to stop being known as the company that produces barely-useable cheapo lemons and return to the glory days of the brand, when the name Kodak made you think of easy-to-use, straightforward cameras that were perfect for families and casual photographers. We're going to be keeping an eye on the M-Series, so stay tuned for the latest news when it becomes available.
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