The DX7630 is probably one of
the most capable EasyShare cameras to date. It offers the user
a complete range of modes, covering the gamut from simple to
use scene modes and an auto mode, to very versatile shutter and
aperture priority modes, a program mode and an excellent manual
mode.
The DX7630 is also equipped with a meter that can accurately gauge an exposure
over a huge range, a rarity on a compact camera.
Yet, while in most respects
the DX7630 is an accomplished performer that will doubtlessly
attract more advanced users as readily as beginners, as with
many of the current Kodak cameras, the DX7630 offers few options
when it comes to how it stores images.
Although the camera offers 6 image sizes, it only provides 2 JPEG image
compressions, Fine and Standard.
The Fine image quality compresses
images at a ratio that seems to hover in the 7 or 8:1 range;
while Standard is an even more compressed format.
Missing however, is a Super
fine compression level that would allow images
to be stored at a compression level half of the Fine mode,
a compression that should have a compression ratio in the
vicinity of 4:1, and which would complement the serious
capabilities of the camera.
Still, although the compression used is occasionally more than we would
prefer, the DX7630 is usually able to deliver excellent results.
Just like many other compact digital
cameras from Kodak, the DX7630 captures bright and accurate colours
with its default colour settings, particularly when photos are
captured under bright sunlight. Moreover, if needed, the camera
also offers a setting with a slightly increased saturation called High
Colour which yields images that have even snappier colours,
ideal when both weather and light are dismal and colours too
muted.
While the DX7630 has few weaknesses
in terms of image quality, it does have a few little quirks
which only become noticeable in use.
One of these shows up when using the self-timer. The self timer is ideal
to avoid camera shake when capturing long exposures, one of the hallmarks
of this Kodak camera. Regrettably, the self timer setting is only valid
for one exposure at a time, and has to be re-selected every time it is
needed.
Similarly, the combined Mode
dial and On/Off function turns out to be a bit impractical,
and the camera would have benefited from a separate On/Off
switch which would have made it easier to turn it on quickly
to capture quick shots.
But, the other side of the coin is that the DX7630 also some excellent
design touches. One of these is the Jog Dial — the small wheel
control on the upper right of the camera's back — which makes it
extremely easy to control exposure and flash compensation, ISO setting;
and in the modes that allow it, apertures and shutter speeds.
Another is the large
2.2 inch LCD monitor, which not only makes it easier to frame
shots, but which also makes the Jog dial particularly effective
since the information presented on the screen is so legible.
Doubtlessly, with this camera Kodak is taking aim at users that want a
high resolution camera with some advanced capabilities. With a 6 megapixel
CCD, an excellent long exposure mode, low noise images and a competitive
price, the DX7630 should make it to many people's short list.
Image Quality
