Built like a tank (Kodak DC5000)

Member Name: brice5

Product:	Kodak DC5000
Date:	24/11/00 (112 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 'weather proof', rugged, great picture quality

Disadvantages: battery life, no case, too bulky

This may be the first and last 'weatherproof' piece of electronics I ever buy. To say this camera is rugged is an understatement. Not only is it physically large, nearly the size of a traditional SLR, buy it is quite weighty too. My normal camera is a Canon IXUS - the one the same size as a packet of cigarettes - so the DC5000 is a bit of a shock!
Having bought it in mind of being able to lend it to people for website development work, the ruggedness was essential. The picture quality is surprisingly good and I can get 30 or so pictures onto the 8mb card supplied at low res - but still high enough for websites. The top res shots are fantastic as is the flash.
The main problem I've suffered - and this may be comon for all digital cameras is the appauling battery life. The camera doesn't come with a power adapter, it's an option. the cost of batteries nearly rivals what you would pay for camera film - something most people don't take into account when purchasing a digital model. Documentation and drivers are excellent. I use a USB connection and find it simple and reasonably fast. My other main criticism would be for £500 I kind of expected a case of some sort, but again this is an optional extra. For some this will be a good thing as I would imagine the device would be used as a second camera.

Summary: