Kodak EasyShare DX4900 4MP Digital Camera

The Kodak DX4900 builds on the success of the EasyShare range, bringing 4.0 megapixels and a whisper-quiet 2x optical zoom lens to this easy-to-use and extremely affordable package.

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

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.