The Camera Dock — sold separately as an accessory — is designed
to make connecting a DX camera to a computer a simple process.
Kodak's
Camera Dock system is composed of a docking station which works with all
DX cameras, a rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack and an AC adapter.
The NiMH battery pack can be recharged while the camera is in the cradle.
In addition, the Camera Dock makes downloading photos automatic through
its own USB connection.
To
connect the camera, all the user has to do is slide open a small door
underneath the camera and then seat the camera into the camera dock to
make the connection. The Camera Dock itself is made up of 2 parts: the
base and the camera dock insert.
The insert is a simple, clip-on, dark grey plastic form which is shaped
to fit the base of the camera being docked. Each DX camera comes with
its own adapter, specifically designed for use with the Camera Dock.
Once
the Camera Dock's software is installed on the computer, all that is required
to download the images is to press the button at the front.
The
DX3900 itself is primarily designed for easy point and shoot operation
and has limited external controls. However, it does offer a few more advanced
functions through its menu.
The top of the camera supports the shutter release; a simple 3-position
mode dial:
Capture
Play
Setup
and
3 small buttons that provide controls for flash modes (Auto, Red-eye
Reduction, forced on, forced off); macro and landscape focus;
and the self timer (10 sec).
A number of the camera's basic settings are indicated on an LCD status
screen.
Some
indications are precise: such as the resolution, the flash mode, macro
or landscape, self-timer, battery state and the number of shots remaining.
Others simply indicate a changed setting from the camera defaults: ISO,
exposure compensation, white balance, and LT when a long time exposure
is selected.
The other controls
are on the right side of the 1.5 inch LCD screen. The largest is the dual
function controller, which serves as the zoom control and the navigation
control for the menus. Below is the Select button, and then the Menu button.
The Menu button
calls up the menu appropriate to the mode selected with the mode dial.
The Select button is used to access the sub-menu of specific options,
and then confirm a choice.
