Digital Cameras Cheap - Kodak EasyShare DX4900 4MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom

The DX4900 is essentially an update to the successful 3-megapixel DX3900, but with a new 4.0 megapixel CCD capable of producing good poster-size prints. Indeed, the camera was named best point-and-shoot digital camera in its price range at the 2002 Photo Marketing Association Awards, based on color accuracy and image and print quality. This is important because the EasyShare range of digital cameras, while not among the prettiest available, perform extremely well against the competition and at the same time offer extraordinary ease of use.

The DX4900 is, in fact, as easy to use as a compact film camera. Taking pictures is simply a question of loading the flash card and the battery and setting the date and time. From there, the camera operates in auto mode and takes pictures with excellent color balance in most situations.

Should the need arise, the camera can be set to override the ISO settings from 100 to 400, shutter speeds from 0.7 to 16 seconds, sharpness, metering, resolution from 1 to 4 megapixels, color settings, white balance, and exposure compensation from -2 to +2 in 0.5 EV steps. Despite the ability to set these, we feel that this camera does such a good job of capturing images in the auto mode that you will rarely have to alter these settings.

Another new feature on the DX4900 is the "advanced digital zoom," which claims improved performance, reducing pixilation. Limited testing showed that the combination of real-time interpolation combined with modest image sharpening does improve the appearance of pictures taken using the digital zoom.

What is missing from the package is, of course, the EasyShare docking station. Kodak has done this to make its cameras even more competitive, but at the expense of usability. Remember that the camera is supplied with a nonrechargeable lithium-ion battery that will prove costly to replace. You can use a couple of AA batteries, but the best bet is to invest in the docking station, which is supplied with a NiMH rechargeable battery and an AC power adaptor.

The software supplied with the DX4900 includes USB connection software, album creation software, image transfer software, and Kodak picture software. The transfer software runs in the background and starts up whenever the camera is detected and then guides you through transferring your images. Once an image is transferred, you are passed over to the picture software, which allows you to view your images and apply simple image enhancements, e-mail them, and organize images in an album.

The camera is supplied with wrist strap, Kodak picture software, USB and video cables, a lithium-ion battery, and a 16 MB CompactFlash card. --Nick Baxter

Pros:

• Affordable, easy-to-use point-and-shoot 4-megapixel camera
• Auto mode very satisfactory, but you can override with good range of manual controls
• Named best point-and-shoot digital camera in its price range at the 2002 Photo Marketing Association Awards--and we agree

Cons:

• Doesn't include EasyShare docking station, which we recommend

Resolution and Optics
The 4-megapixel sensor on the 4900 creates images with filmlike detail, providing ample resolution for sharp, detailed prints--even at sizes up to 11 by 14 inches. Though most people will never actually make a poster-sized print with any of their photos, this level of detail has a more practical use--the ability to crop away unwanted portions of the picture on your computer and still produce a crisp print.

A 2x optical zoom lens (35-70mm equivalent) isn't as powerful as the 3x zoom lenses found on many digital cameras, but it's still useful in composing exactly the photo you want. An additional 3x digital zoom (6x total) further magnifies your image. Digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly, but the sensor has so much resolution that you can use the digital zoom and still have very good results.

To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.5-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.

More Features
Kodak bills its EasyShare cameras (including the 4900) as being some of the easiest-to-use digital cameras ever, and it's true that you can simply turn the camera on, point, and shoot. However, the DX4900 also includes a surprising number of advanced features for adventurous photographers who choose to delve into the multiple menus displayed on the camera's LCD screen, including exposure compensation, sharpening, ISO and white-balance adjustment, and spot metering.

Power
The DX4900 uses two AA batteries--disposables are included. The benefit to using standard AA batteries instead of a custom proprietary battery is that AA batteries are widely available, so missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue. The downside is that a digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display. Instead of alkalines, you'll want to use a pair of high-capacity rechargeable batteries.

There are two ways to resolve the battery issue. One is to get a charger and four rechargeable batteries. In this way, you can always have two batteries in the camera and two fresh ones waiting in the charger. The second is to get the optional EasyShare dock. In addition to simplifying image transfers to the press of a button, the dock also includes a rechargeable battery pack that goes inside the camera. While the DX4900 is sitting in the dock, its batteries are being recharged automatically.

Movie Mode
Unlike many digital cameras now on the market, the DX4900 does not include a movie mode.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on standard Type I CompactFlash (CF) cards. Consider the included 16 MB card a "starter," since its 12-picture capacity means you'll need to return to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for more pictures. A 128 MB card is a great size for this camera, storing around 100 images.

To transfer pictures to your computer, you have several options. You can connect the camera directly to the computer with the included USB cable, or you can use the optional EasyShare dock (mentioned above). Drop the camera into the dock, press the button on the dock, and the computer will automatically launch software to start moving pictures from the camera into the computer. A third option is to use a CompactFlash card reader, which lets you use the removable memory cards more or less like floppy disks.

Printer Compatibility
Most inkjet printers manufactured in the past several years will produce excellent prints if you use the right settings and paper. Set your printer to its highest-quality mode and use glossy inkjet photo paper for results that look very similar to those from a photo lab. Of course, you can also use an online photo service (like Amazon Photo Services by Ofoto.com) to create pictures using traditional photo processes on genuine Kodak paper.

Size
At 4.6 by 2.6 by 1.7 inches and 8 ounces, the DX4900 is a pretty typical for a point-and-shoot. It's small enough to fit in a purse or coat pocket, but people whose hands get cramped trying to use an ultracompact shouldn't have problems with this model. The body is made of plastic and feels durable.

Contents
The package includes the camera, 16 MB memory card, USB and video cables, wrist strap, disposable batteries, instruction manual, dock insert (for use with the optional EasyShare dock) and software CD.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: the EasyShare dock (or rechargeable batteries and a card reader), a carrying case, and a higher-capacity memory card. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.