The Kodak DC215 Digital Camera
Shots can be framed using either the "real view" optical viewfinder, or the more accurate LCD preview display: As in most digital cameras, relying on the optical viewfinder saves considerable battery power. The fixed-focus zoom lens covers a somewhat wider field of view than those of most digicams, with an equivalent focal length range of 29-58 mm. When not in use, the lens retracts into the body, and a snap-on lens cover protects it from scratches and dust. (The lens cover is thoughtful attached to the camera body by a short tether, preventing its loss: Other digicam makers take note!) As noted, the lens is a fixed-focus design, which means the camera is a bit quicker to snap a shot, as it doesn't need to wait for an autofocus mechanism to complete its work. The camera likewise has no trouble when shooting flash pictures in near-dark conditions, where autofocus designs may not focus properly. The downside of the fixed-focus design is some softness in subjects shot at infinity, and a restricted macro focusing range. Images are stored on the included 4 MB CompactFlash memory card. Under control of the menu system, the Kodak DC215 can capture images in either of two resolutions (1152 x 864 or 640 x 480 pixels), and with any of three "quality" settings. (The three quality settings correspond to varying amounts of data compression applied to the images: "Good" quality images take less space in memory than do ones shot in "Better" or "Best" modes, but they are less sharp and show more artifacts from the compression process.) A Video Out cable allows you to connect to a television set for image playback, and the camera supports both NTSC and PAL video standards. Several CDs come with the camera, including both Mac and Windows versions of Adobe PhotoDeluxe and PageMill, as well as ArcSoft's handy PhotoPrinter program for efficiently printing multiple images on full sheets of paper. Computer interface is easy via the included serial cable: Kodak's desktop Mounter software makes the camera appear as just another disk drive on your desktop, on Windows systems. While rather slow (as are all serial-interfaced cameras), the "mounter" interface is very intuitive and convenient. On Mac, the standalone transfer application is very easy to use as well. |
As
the follow-on to their very successful DC210 digital camera, the Kodak DC215
is designed first and foremost to be easy to use for the non-technologist
point & shoot camera user. The most common control settings (flash mode,
macro setting, and self-timer) are made directly through external buttons.
Other functions are selected via a very graphic and user-friendly menu
system on the camera's back-panel LCD screen. The menu system is navigated
intuitively by using up and down, right and left arrow buttons adjacent to
the LCD, and the aptly named "Do-It" button to confirm
selections.A slider switch selects major camera operating modes (capture,
review, connect (to the computer), and preferences setup). A toggle control
for the zoom lens and the shutter button complete the user interface.