Kodak EasyShare DX4900 Digital Camera [4.0MP 2xOptical]

The DX4900 is essentially an update to the successful 3 megapixel DX3900 with a new 4.0 megapixel CCD capable of producing good quality prints up to 50x75cm poster size. Indeed the camera was named best point-and-shoot digital camera in its price range at the 2002 Photo Marketing Association Awards. This award was based on colour 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. To start taking pictures is simply a question of loading the flash card and the battery and setting the date and time. From there on, the camera will operate in "Auto" mode and take well exposed pictures with excellent colour 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, colour 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 makes such a good job of image capture 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 pixellation. Limited testing showed that the combination of realtime interpolation combined with modest image sharpening does improve the appearance of pictures taken using the digital zoom.

The camera itself has a mechanical combined power switch and lens cover, a mode dial to switch between capture, review and setup, a menu navigation joypad, and buttons to control flash settings, close up modes and the self timer. What was 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 non-rechargeable Li Ion battery that will prove costly to replace. You can use a couple of AA batteries, but again they will have to be either expensive Li Ion or rechargeable NiMH. 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 organise images in an album.

The camera is supplied with wriststrap, Kodak Picture software, CD ROM user manual, USB and video cables, lithium battery, insert for optional dock and a 16MB CompactFlash card.--Nick Baxter

Manufacturer's Description
Get incredible image quality with the first print-optimized 4.0MP point-and-shoot digital camera. With the EasyShare DX4900's 4.0MP, you'll get stunning prints from 4" x 6" to 20" x 30". And thanks to KODAK color science, you'll get superb color consistency and more versatility for better pictures no matter where or what you're shooting. The KODAK all-glass, high-quality aspheric lens with 6X zoom lets you zero in on your subjects with crisp detail. And with exclusive Advanced Digital Zoom technology, you'll get great 4" x 6" and 5" x 7" prints.The DX4900 has automatic and manual settings that cover everything from color, focus, sharpness, and burst mode to ISO, white balance, and shutter speed. Its six resolution settings mean you can pick the right size for your needs, from e-mailing to enlargements. With the KODAK EasyShare Camera Dock system, your pictures are transferred from your camera to your computer at the touch of a button. Now you're ready to e-mail your pictures to family and friends, create prints using KODAK Inkjet Papers, and share your memories. Plus, the dock conveniently recharges your camera's battery pack so you'll always be ready when the next moment to remember arises.

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• Electronics & Photo > Photography > Digital Cameras > 4 to 4.9 Megapixel