FANCY TO SAY CHEESE (Kodak DC 215)

Member Name: pontecaille

Product:	Kodak DC 215
Date:	24/04/02 (106 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: GREAT LOOKING, LIGHT, EASY TO USE, BECOMES CHEAP

Disadvantages: 4 MB MEMORY CARD, PLASTIC BATTERY TRAY AND OTHER BREAKABLE PIECES

I never thought of writing something on this camera but I should have done it a long time ago. It really deserves we stop a moment to consider its beneficial support and part in the world of technology…maybe not with my words mind you. I am not very good at using technical terms when it comes to cameras so I kept this review simple and hopefully useful and informative.

How did we end up buying the DC215?
Well it was actually part of the computer package we ordered over 2 years ago. Lucky us? Yes quite a bit for the camera but the PC is another story. In fact we were not supposed to get this very unique camera but an Agfa that has also the function of a webcam. To us it looks far too cheap when you compare it to the PC specifications.
As my partner and I were aware of the money invested in the computer we openly shared our views with the sales assistant and requested a better quality camera and a separate webcam. The deal finally came to our advantage and we had what we wanted without giving an extra penny.
However I wasn’t sure how good was the DC215 he kindly put in the package. I may have read few opinions on it and I was very much happy to see it is a beginner's digital camera, although it would be great for experienced users but to be the one to use it is slightly different.
On the way back home I was getting excited about the DC. I couldn’t wait to try it and it seems so easy too. I am absolutely fascinated by the automation that digital cameras have brought to the industry and the DC is a great way of getting involved in this new technology.

Once the instructions booklet read (something I don’t really like to do but when it comes to electronics stuff it is a must) I took few shots and what a snap! It produces great-quality pictures. I downloaded straight onto the machine and e-mailed to my parents in France who were very happy with them too.
As you may know all my family lives in France and sen
ding photos by post (without adding the price of the development and the films) is a luxury nowadays. Having a digital camera couldn’t make things easier for us and it is cheaper too to run. A magic creation.

How simple is it?
A memory card which will contain all the photos taken is in the slot so no need for you to put a film in. put the camera on, make necessary adjustments (play with the zoom, set the quality of the picture, put the red-eye function on or not, ……) and simply press the button. You can have a look at your beautiful take on the LCD screen and if not satisfied simply delete it and start again.

Look of the camera:
2 colour options, a silver and a gold one. We have the silver version and it is quite sleek. The camera is almost completely rectangular, so it doesn't feel ergonomically correct for your hands but still looks great.
It is quite light but would weigh like a feather if it wasn’t for the 4 AA batteries.
It is just smart and handy. We couldn’t ask for more. Humm yes maybe for one thing: the battery tray is in plastic so are the components allowing it to lock properly. It is then very easy to damage them if you are not careful. We just accidentally broke the lock and wait on a quote to get it fixed.

The LCD screen is of good quality and you can review all the photos you have. There is also a counter so that you know exactly how many shots you took. It comes with a PC and a Mac serial cable so that you can download the photos onto the computer. There is also a video cable allowing to see them on the television.
The software provided is very easy to install and to use (about 60 mb). It allows you to touch photos. You can alter the brightness, size, quality…and do all sort of other things that I am still learning to do with the help of my partner.

Some of the Features I like the most

- 2x Zoom lens
- A flash with red-eye reduction
- 1.
8 inch LCD display screen
- 1152x864 pixel resolution at the highest setting.
- Automatic Timer
- Can be hooked up to the TV to capture screen shots

Features I dislike

- It comes with a serial cable, whereas most of the other cameras in this price range have USB connections, which transfer pictures quicker.
- It only comes with a 4 mb memory card so at the highest quality settings this card holds about 12 pictures. Memory cards are quite expensive but at the end you can store many photos even on a 16mb, great for any occasions really.
- It eats batteries within few hours so well worth it to invest in rechargeable ones.

I am afraid it will be all I can say about it with my beginner experience. Overall it is a great camera and nowadays doesn’t cost much in its field and still seems to be a favourite on many recommendations sites.

Summary: