Kodak launches 10x optical zoom compact semi-prosumer model and we've been trying it out

Kodak made a number of new camera and accessory announcements only the other week (click here) but left its best to last: the EasyShare DX6490. This is Kodak's new consumer EasyShare flagship model and it's going to sell for under £400, has a 10x optical zoom, a four megapixel image sensor and a huge 2.2 inch view screen. We have had the opportunity examine a pre-production model. You can click here for a gallery of dpnow.com hands-on photos of the DX6490.

The camera shown to us was pre-production and while we were able to use it freely, Kodak has asked us not to reproduce images taken.

Compact and yet large
The first impression you get with the DX6490 is just how small it is. Although it has the appearance of a heftier prosumer model, like a Fujifilm S7000 or Minolta Dimage A1, the DX6490 is both compact and light. But turn the DX6490 around and you will find a huge, in relative terms at least, 2.2 inch 153,000 pixel LCD view screen. It's the same size as the revolutionary OLED screen found in the Kodak EasyShare LS633, but Kodak opted for a more conventional TFT LCD screen for the DX6490. However, it's one of the better examples of this kind of screen, usable in both bright light and low light.



A substantial right-handed grip is a feature of the design. The pop-up flash unit is housed above the main top-plate area, giving the camera a mini-SLR appearance. The space provided by the pop-up flash housing is also used by the electronic viewfinder and this has a respectable 180,000 pixels. The EVF view is above average, with a generously large view and no serious problems with real-time display lag or freezing. You can toogle between EVF or view screen mode and when using the former, sensors next to the eyepiece detect when you are looking through the finder and power it off when you aren't to preserve battery power.

10x optical zoom
Schneider Kreuznach Variogon is stamped on the surround of the 10x zoom that the DX6490 wields. We have a hunch that this lens is actually based on the 6.3mm-63.2mm (38-380mm equivalent) f/2.8-f/3.7 optic used in the Olympus C-750UZ – these specifications, at least, are identical and the lens itself bears a close physical resemblance to the Olympus unit. Minimum aperture size is f/8. The lens is not electronically stabilised for telephoto shooting, though at this price point, this isn't surprising.



Kodak points out that the wide zoom range can be covered in high-speed zoom mode in about 2 seconds. A slower zoom speed allows for fine-tuning your composition. A 3x digital zoom is also provided, increasing the maximum zoom range to 30x. The lens retracts into the camera case when powered down and protrudes about an inch when powered up, but all zoom and focus actions take place internally once the lens is extended.

An orientation sensor is built in so if you take pictures in portrait mode, there is no need to have to rotate them later.

Digital Science
Kodak introduces a new Kodak Colour Science image processor chip with the DX6490. This not only deals with image processing and colour, but works in conjunction with the autofocus system which is designed to work well in low light and processes the digital zoom requirements. The AF system in our hands worked well and has an optional intelligent multi-zone focus mode.

Besides full programmed auto exposure mode, full manual modes are accessible and there is a range of different auto program scene modes and effects modes. The ISO range is a generous 100-800 and the shutter speed range is 16 seconds through to 1/1700th. Up to six shots can be taken at a rate of 3 frames per second in burst mode.

QuickTime video movie recording mode is supported and scene lengths are only limited by the amount of flash memory storage you have available. Recording resolution is quarter VGA (320x240) and at a rate of 20fps.

Docking options
Both the optional £59.99 EasyShare camera dock 6000, which simplifies image transfer and charging of the Lithium Ion battery and the £199.99 EasyShare printer dock 6000, which adds 6x4 inch dye-sub printing functionality to the specification of the ordinary camera dock, are compatible with the DX6490.

The competition
Kodak is certainly following the current trend of providing a high-powered lens in an affordable package. The DX6490 will be compared directly with Fujifilm's new S5000, the new Minolta Dimage Z1, the HP Photosmart 945 and the Olympus C-750UZ. All have 8-10x optical zooms, electronic viewfinders and a price tag in the region of £400. The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 will appeal to those looking for a large view screen and compact overall dimensions. It’s also very light at just 337g, without batteries.

Click on next page for our gallery of DX6490 views.
www.kodak.co.uk



Official press release here and fact sheet here.