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This is an update from my earlier post. I had bought the kodak C653 digital camera back in 2007. One of the main reasons to go for that was the monsoon sale discount going on at that time at Girihas(located near Brigade towers on Brigade road towards Shoolay circle). So I decided to check that. There I checked quite a few models namely C643, C743 and a few Cannon ones featuring 8 mega pixel. The ad I saw on Times of India showed C743 as a 7.1 mega pixel with 4 free accessories. I kinda made up my mind that I will go for that. Once at the shop I found that in feature comparison with C653 it pales. C653 has:-

6.1 MP for prints up to 20 × 30 in. (50 × 76 cm)
3X optical zoom lens
2.4 in. (6.1 cm) indoor/outdoor color display
Digital IS using anti-blur mode
KODAK PERFECT TOUCH Technology
20 programmed scene and 3 color modes
Panorama stitch mode
It also has a few picture taking mode:

Auto
Anti-blur
Close-up
Scene
Video
Accessories provided with the camera:

Kodak charger plus rechargeble battery
Memory card 1GB SD
Kodak camera cover
One feature I was looking for little more enhanced was the optical zoom which C653 provides a 3x zoom. Guys please dont get confused between digital zoom and optical. But please keep in mind that it is the optical zoom which matters. You can read more about Optical vs. Digital Zoom here.

Keeping in mind the features I was getting along with the good price at Rs 7,777, I thought it was a good buy and went for it. Other times I would have to pay around 10,000 for it. Since I am still a amature photographer i think it will give a good service to me and do not think I need a high optical zoom lens. This is my first switch from mechanical to digital camera. Previously I used to use a Kodak KB 10 gifted by my maternal uncle. Those days (1993) it used to cost around Rs 1000 but now you can find one at Rs 499.

I have taken a few pictures with C653 and the picture quality seems is quite good. For amature photographers who have a limited budget to spend and looking for a good buy with comfortable number of features – this can be a ideal one. You can read more about C653 here.

Update: Now 6.1 MP cameras may no longer be available in the market as you will get 8 MP within Rs 6000 – 7000.