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Value (8.00)
Kodak’s claims of lower cost per print certainly make this an attractive buy. (See the recent article (http://www.printerinfo.com/content/Independent-Tests-Reveal-True-Costs-of-Kodak%E2%80%99s-5000-Series-AIO-Printers.htm) about independent confirmation of these claims.) At $199, it contains all the functions of standard all-in-one photo printers in this price class, with relatively fast document print times and equivalent speed photo printing. However, print, scan, and copy quality did not stack up to the competition. For the money, better quality all-in-one photo printers can be found than the Kodak EasyShare 5300.
Comparisons
Although the Kodak EasyShare 5300 contains most of the same features as the competition, such as the Canon Pixma MP600 and the HP Photosmart C5180, construction and output quality did not compare favorably.
The MP600 sits more securely on the table and protects its internal workings, paper trays, and media slots much better than the Kodak ES5300 or the HP5180. The HP C5180 has a very similar design to the 5300, except for the control panel, which is arrayed along the front panel of the printer. The organization of the Kodak printer’s control panel is much better designed and intuitive than the HP printer.
Overall, print quality of the EasyShare 5300 did not stack up to the competition. Black text was crisp, but not as dense as the HP C5180. Colors on graphics prints were muddy and nowhere near the original colors. Color photos were also muddy and with a greenish cast; the 5300 exhibited greater color error than other printers tested.
Ease of Use (7.50)
We found the Kodak EasyShare 5300 an easy all-in-one printer to use. The control panel is simple and intuitive, and buttons respond well. Loading inks and paper doesn’t tax the brain or brawn. The software, although not the best of programs, is still not difficult to navigate and operate.
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