Kodak DC3800 is a winner (Kodak DC3800)

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Product:	Kodak DC3800
Date:	24/07/01 (296 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Build Quality, Reliability, Picture Quality

Disadvantages: None

One of the latest models in the Kodak digital camera series is the DC3800. Weighing in at 165g without batteries and with dimensions of 95 x 33 x 61mm, it is so small that it can fit into the palm of your hand. It has a 2.1-megapixel resolution, 24-bit colour CCD array and supports two image resolution settings; 1792 x 1184 (Best/better) and 896 x 600 (Good). It showed from the pictures that I took that it was capable of producing good quality, clear images, which can be transferred to prints of up to 8x10 inches in size.

The camera comes bundled with a video cable for connection to a television. It also has an integrated two-speed digital zoom and a USB Compact Flash Card Reader for transferring pictures to a PC.

Other features include auto flash, red-eye reduction, autofocus and close-up mode. However, the camera's strength lies in the fact that it is simple to use with a point and shoot design. Every function is carried out through a mode dial button on the camera and the onscreen menu allows you to adjust image quality and settings.

The 1.5-inch LCD optical viewfinder can be used to preview, edit and delete unwanted pictures stored on the 8MB Compact Flash memory card, but this does significantly drain the batteries. The camera relies on only two AA alkaline batteries and Kodak recommends that you limit continuous LCD preview or review to less than 10 minutes per session. This can cause problems if you need to use the camera for longer periods of time and you would have to purchase a 3-volt digital camera AC adapter separately from Kodak to help conserve battery life. Not ideal for when you're out and about.

Kodak supplies ArcSoft Photo Impressions 2000 software for image editing, alongside the essential drivers. Uploading photographs to a system using the USB Compact Flash Card Reader is self-explanatory, or you can use a Picture Card Adapter to access pictures through the PC Card slot in a notebook. It is also worth
noting that the camera can only be used with Windows 95B (OS R/2 with USB supplement), Windows 98/98SE, or Windows 2000. Unfortunately Windows 95B with OS R/2 is no longer available from Microsoft, so Windows 95 users would have to upgrade their operating system to Windows 98 if they want to access pictures via their USB port with this camera.

Verdict
It may sound like a cliché, but the DC3800 literally gives you good quality digital images in the palm of your hand. Affordable, compact and portable, it is simple and straightforward to use. Its only significant flaw is that its power supply is limited without the help of an AC adapter.

If you are looking for a Digital Camera for around £290, then I would recommed that you give this one some serious consideration. I am very pleased with the one I have and it has not let me down yet.

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