Lisa Cekan

Kodak DX4900 Zoom

Kodak's $399 DX4900 is the least-expensive 4-megapixel camera we've seen so far. And despite being a high-resolution model, the DX4900 Zoom is geared toward casual users who want a camera that's easy to use. Like other Kodak cameras, it comes with a docking station that connects to a computer via USB; and once you set up the driver, you just place the camera in the docking station and click a button to upload photos to a PC. The driver and image editor are simple and intuitive, and the whole system takes a lot of the guesswork out of uploading and printing photos. This is quite helpful for beginning digital photographers, and it's convenient for anyone who wants to e-mail or post a photo to a Web site quickly. The rechargeable AA batteries lasted 315 shots before running out--an above average figure. Moreover, the batteries recharge easily and quickly when they do run out--just stick the camera on the dock. The indicator light on the dock will glow red as it recharges the batteries and green when it is done.
Though the DX4900 Zoom is easy to use, it isn't a pleasure to use. The 2X optical zoom reacts slowly, hesitating for a moment before engaging, and the picture on the LCD moves jerkily across the screen as you move the camera to settle on a subject. To turn the camera on, you flip a lever on the side of the camera; this slides open the lens cover and turns on the power. The lever's placement is somewhat awkward--and if the camera goes into sleep mode, it shuts off completely without closing the lens cover. Consequently, you must flip the camera to off and then back to on to use it.
In general, the DX4900 Zoom takes realistic snapshots. The high pixel count helped it produce good details in our still life, and the shots of our mannequin also looked sharp. Colors were somewhat dark, however, and flesh colors looked washed out in our shot taken with the flash and muted on a no-flash shot. You can set the shutter speed, but you can't manually set the aperture. The camera includes some basic controls, such as white balance and image compression levels, which are well-labeled in the menu. The camera includes buttons for more-frequently-used settings such as flash, macro mode, and self-timer.
This inexpensive 4-megapixel camera produces sharp, detailed photos; but its awkward, slow-to-react controls make it unpleasant to use.

Buying Information

Kodak DX4900 Zoom 4 megapixels, 2448 by 1632 maximum resolution, 35-70mm focal range (35mm equivalent), f2.8-f5.6 aperture range, shutter speeds from 16 seconds to 1/2000 second, optical and LCD viewfinders, USB and video connections, 16MB CompactFlash media, two rechargeable lithium AA batteries, 10.4 ounces with batteries, Kodak picture software software. One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 11 hours on weekdays. $ 399 4 megapixels, 2448 by 1632 maximum resolution, 35-70mm focal range (35mm equivalent), f2.8-f5.6 aperture range, shutter speeds from 16 seconds to 1/2000 second, optical and LCD viewfinders, USB and video connections, 16MB CompactFlash media, two rechargeable lithium AA batteries, 10.4 ounces with batteries, Kodak picture software software. One-year parts and labor warranty, toll-free support for 11 hours on weekdays. http://www.kodak.com 800/235-6325