There
is more than a family resemblance between Kodak's DX4900 and DX3900.
In fact, aside from discreet variations in body colour and trim, the cameras
are identical in size and function.
Like other manufacturers, Kodak has taken advantage of the fact that a
4-megapixel CCD has the same footprint as a 3.2 megapixel CCD to produce
a new camera, without having to build one from scratch.
As
with other Kodak DX cameras, the DX 4900 is an "EasyShare"
model that can be connected effortlessly to a computer using the separately
sold Camera Dock system.
The Camera Dock has its own power and remains connected to the computer
through its USB connection. To access the photos, all that is required
is to place the camera on the dock. In addition, the Camera Dock includes,
as part of the package, a rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack for use with
the DX4900. It can be charged when the camera is docked.
The
camera itself has a special connector underneath, which is normally covered
by a sliding door. To connect the camera, all the user has to do is slide
open the cover and seat the camera into the camera dock to make the connection.
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
top of the camera supports the shutter release; and a simple 3-position
Mode Dial:
Capture
Play
Setup
Nearby,
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 basic settings are indicated on the LCD Status Screen
on top of the camera. 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
used.
The other controls are on the right side of the 1.5 inch LCD screen.
The largest control is the dual function controller, which serves
as the zoom control and the navigation control for the menus.
Below is the Select button, and below that 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 the
choice.
The design of the DX4900 is quite streamlined, the camera reacts faster
and the controls are easier to manipulate than earlier Kodak compact cameras.
