Kodak EasyShare DX4900 4MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom
Kodak EasyShare DX4900 4MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom
Manufacturer: Kodak
Product Type: Photography
Editorial Review:
Product Description
Get incredible image quality with the first print-optimized 4.0 MP point-and-shoot digital camera. With the DX4900's 4.0 MP, 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.
Amazon.com Review
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:
Cons:
Resolution and Optics
The 4-megapixel sensor on the 4900 creates images with filmlike detail, providing ample resolution for sharp, detailed prints--even at sizes up to 11 by 14 inches. Though most people will never actually make a poster-sized print with any of their photos, this level of detail has a more practical use--the ability to crop away unwanted portions of the picture on your computer and still produce a crisp print.
A 2x optical zoom lens (35-70mm equivalent) isn't as powerful as the 3x zoom lenses found on many digital cameras, but it's still useful in composing exactly the photo you want. An additional 3x digital zoom (6x total) further magnifies your image. Digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly, but the sensor has so much resolution that you can use the digital zoom and still have very good results.
To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.5-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.
More Features
Kodak bills its EasyShare cameras (including the 4900) as being some of the easiest-to-use digital cameras ever, and it's true that you can simply turn the camera on, point, and shoot. However, the DX4900 also includes a surprising number of advanced features for adventurous photographers who choose to delve into the multiple menus displayed on the camera's LCD screen, including exposure compensation, sharpening, ISO and white-balance adjustment, and spot metering.
Power
The DX4900 uses two AA batteries--disposables are included. The benefit to using standard AA batteries instead of a custom proprietary battery is that AA batteries are widely available, so missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue. The downside is that a digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display. Instead of alkalines, you'll want to use a pair of high-capacity rechargeable batteries.
There are two ways to resolve the battery issue. One is to get a charger and four rechargeable batteries. In this way, you can always have two batteries in the camera and two fresh ones waiting in the charger. The second is to get the optional EasyShare dock. In addition to simplifying image transfers to the press of a button, the dock also includes a rechargeable battery pack that goes inside the camera. While the DX4900 is sitting in the dock, its batteries are being recharged automatically.
Movie Mode
Unlike many digital cameras now on the market, the DX4900 does not include a movie mode.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on standard Type I CompactFlash (CF) cards. Consider the included 16 MB card a "starter," since its 12-picture capacity means you'll need to return to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for more pictures. A 128 MB card is a great size for this camera, storing around 100 images.
To transfer pictures to your computer, you have several options. You can connect the camera directly to the computer with the included USB cable, or you can use the optional EasyShare dock (mentioned above). Drop the camera into the dock, press the button on the dock, and the computer will automatically launch software to start moving pictures from the camera into the computer. A third option is to use a CompactFlash card reader, which lets you use the removable memory cards more or less like floppy disks.
Printer Compatibility
Most inkjet printers manufactured in the past several years will produce excellent prints if you use the right settings and paper. Set your printer to its highest-quality mode and use glossy inkjet photo paper for results that look very similar to those from a photo lab. Of course, you can also use an online photo service (like Amazon Photo Services by Ofoto.com) to create pictures using traditional photo processes on genuine Kodak paper.
Size
At 4.6 by 2.6 by 1.7 inches and 8 ounces, the DX4900 is a pretty typical for a point-and-shoot. It's small enough to fit in a purse or coat pocket, but people whose hands get cramped trying to use an ultracompact shouldn't have problems with this model. The body is made of plastic and feels durable.
Contents
The package includes the camera, 16 MB memory card, USB and video cables, wrist strap, disposable batteries, instruction manual, dock insert (for use with the optional EasyShare dock) and software CD.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: the EasyShare dock (or rechargeable batteries and a card reader), a carrying case, and a higher-capacity memory card. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.
Average customer rating: 
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Kodak EasyShare DX4900 4MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom
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ASIN: B000063BGY |
Amazon.com Review
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:
Cons:
Amazon.com Product Description
Kodak's goal in creating the DX4900 was an ambitious one: to provide the highest-resolution, easiest-to-use digital camera at the lowest possible price. The results are impressive--a simple 4-megapixel point-and-shoot with optical zoom for the same price as many 2-megapixel cameras.
Resolution and Optics
The 4-megapixel sensor on the 4900 creates images with filmlike detail, providing ample resolution for sharp, detailed prints--even at sizes up to 11 by 14 inches. Though most people will never actually make a poster-sized print with any of their photos, this level of detail has a more practical use--the ability to crop away unwanted portions of the picture on your computer and still produce a crisp print.
A 2x optical zoom lens (35-70mm equivalent) isn't as powerful as the 3x zoom lenses found on many digital cameras, but it's still useful in composing exactly the photo you want. An additional 3x digital zoom (6x total) further magnifies your image. Digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly, but the sensor has so much resolution that you can use the digital zoom and still have very good results.
To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.5-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.
More Features
Kodak bills its EasyShare cameras (including the 4900) as being some of the easiest-to-use digital cameras ever, and it's true that you can simply turn the camera on, point, and shoot. However, the DX4900 also includes a surprising number of advanced features for adventurous photographers who choose to delve into the multiple menus displayed on the camera's LCD screen, including exposure compensation, sharpening, ISO and white-balance adjustment, and spot metering.
Power
The DX4900 uses two AA batteries--disposables are included. The benefit to using standard AA batteries instead of a custom proprietary battery is that AA batteries are widely available, so missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue. The downside is that a digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display. Instead of alkalines, you'll want to use a pair of high-capacity rechargeable batteries.
There are two ways to resolve the battery issue. One is to get a charger and four rechargeable batteries. In this way, you can always have two batteries in the camera and two fresh ones waiting in the charger. The second is to get the optional EasyShare dock. In addition to simplifying image transfers to the press of a button, the dock also includes a rechargeable battery pack that goes inside the camera. While the DX4900 is sitting in the dock, its batteries are being recharged automatically.
Movie Mode
Unlike many digital cameras now on the market, the DX4900 does not include a movie mode.
Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on standard Type I CompactFlash (CF) cards. Consider the included 16 MB card a "starter," since its 12-picture capacity means you'll need to return to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for more pictures. A 128 MB card is a great size for this camera, storing around 100 images.
To transfer pictures to your computer, you have several options. You can connect the camera directly to the computer with the included USB cable, or you can use the optional EasyShare dock (mentioned above). Drop the camera into the dock, press the button on the dock, and the computer will automatically launch software to start moving pictures from the camera into the computer. A third option is to use a CompactFlash card reader, which lets you use the removable memory cards more or less like floppy disks.
Printer Compatibility
Most inkjet printers manufactured in the past several years will produce excellent prints if you use the right settings and paper. Set your printer to its highest-quality mode and use glossy inkjet photo paper for results that look very similar to those from a photo lab. Of course, you can also use an online photo service (like Amazon Photo Services by Ofoto.com) to create pictures using traditional photo processes on genuine Kodak paper.
Size
At 4.6 by 2.6 by 1.7 inches and 8 ounces, the DX4900 is a pretty typical for a point-and-shoot. It's small enough to fit in a purse or coat pocket, but people whose hands get cramped trying to use an ultracompact shouldn't have problems with this model. The body is made of plastic and feels durable.
Contents
The package includes the camera, 16 MB memory card, USB and video cables, wrist strap, disposable batteries, instruction manual, dock insert (for use with the optional EasyShare dock) and software CD.
Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: the EasyShare dock (or rechargeable batteries and a card reader), a carrying case, and a higher-capacity memory card. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.
Product Description
Get incredible image quality with the first print-optimized 4.0 MP point-and-shoot digital camera. With the DX4900's 4.0 MP, 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.Customer Reviews:
long time - heavy use - great camera.......2007-01-18
long time user here.......2006-10-26
Horrid........2005-10-19
Do Not Buy This Camera.......2005-07-18
Do Not Buy This Camera.......2005-06-27
Average customer rating:
|
Kodak EasyShare DX4900 4MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom and Travel Kit Value Pack
Manufacturer: Kodak ProductGroup: Photography Binding: Electronics All
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ASIN: B00006JN2R Release Date: 2002-10-10 |
Amazon.com Review
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, which includes the handy Kodak travel kit for DX EasyShare series cameras.The travel kit contains carrying case, battery pack, and charger. The padded carrying case has been custom designed to protect your camera and provide you with ample storage for accessories. The battery pack features two AA NiMH rechargeable batteries. The convenient battery charger can charge these batteries in three hours or less. It also comes complete with U.K., European, and Australian plugs.
The DX4900 is essentially an update to the successful 3-megapixel DX3900, with a new 4-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. Picture taking is as simple as loading the CompactFlash 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 performs 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 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.
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. --Nick Baxter
Pros:
Cons:
Customer Reviews:
<
<
< Could have been Better >>>.......2007-01-10
Simple to Use Even A Child Could Figure Out How.......2003-12-26
Good Solid Camera.......2003-12-12
Nice Camera,affordable price...charger problems.........2003-04-05
Use Your Money Wisely on Accessories.......2003-04-01
I can understand why people enjoy the docking station, with its simple one-button transfer of images to the PC. However, I think the docking station is a pricey addition when your money could be better spent on a rapid battery charger, a backup battery and additional memory.
This is how I handle the transfer of images from camera to PC: I leave a USB cable permanently plugged into a 4-port USB hub (~$ online) attached to the PC. When I am ready to download my pictures, I plug the USB cable into my camera and turn on the power. The images are automatically downloaded to the PC using the Kodak Transfer Software. Why spend an extra $ for the docking station when it is this simple without it?
Battery/Power: I have had absolutely wonderful results with my Ni-MH battery and the Kodak Rapid Charger. My battery lasts a lot longer than I ever expected and only takes four hours to recharge.
Durability: I have used the DX4900 in freezing, wet and snowy weather conditions. I have also used it at high altitudes up to 10,000 feet and have had no performance issues. I'm pretty rough on the camera too, having dropped it a couple of times, but still it works great!
My biggest complaint about this camera is that it takes so long to take high quality pictures in rapid succession. This is a known problem with the buffer overrun that has to be cleared after every couple of shots. The wait between shots can be annoying and I'm not sure if this occurs with other cameras in this class. You can temporarily override the slowness by setting the camera's image quality to "1.0MP Burst", which will allow you to shoot 12 immediate shots in a row while holding down the photo button. Unfortunately, this will sacrifice image quality.
I get some really great results using this camera and would like to see more reviews on the accessory lenses to know if they can add more to the camera's capabilities.
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