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One-Button Simple
by Tatyana Sinioukov
With the new 2.2 megapixel digital camera from Kodak, you can take the familiar company slogan “Just press the button, we’ll do the rest” literally. The DX3500 ($299.95) uses a dock system called EasyShare that allows users to automatically transfer digital images from the camera to a computer for storing, editing, sharing and printing, by pressing one button. The dock, which is sold separately for $79.95, also doubles as a battery recharger for the camera.
The DX3500 has 8 MB of internal memory (expandable via a Compact Flash memory card), USB connectivity, and such auto features as flash, exposure, focus and white balance. It also has a 1.8-inch LCD screen, self-timer, 3x digital zoom and macro mode. With two storage options available, I really liked the fact that you can copy images between the camera’s internal memory and the memory card, in bulk or one by one.
The DX3500 is extremely easy to use because its menu is self-explanatory and the button layout makes perfect sense. I didn’t have to resort to the manual to figure out the camera’s setup at all. The camera also wins a few points for ergonomics: it’s very light and fits in one hand when you carry it. The built-in lens cover that slides away automatically when you turn on the camera protects the lens from dust and scratching.
The camera also offers an elaborate set of powerdown features: the QuickView on the LCD screen goes to sleep after not being used for five seconds, and the camera goes to sleep after one minute of inactivity; then the camera goes to “deep sleep” after eight minutes with most of its circuits off, and finally turns itself off completely after three hours.
The DX3500 performed reliably and was quick to take the images. However, it was a bit slow in playback. I sometimes had a hard time getting sharp close-ups using the camera’s fixed-focus lens, when the objects weren’t yet close enough to use a macro feature. I also thought its flash was not powerful enough to photograph objects more than a couple of feet away. But, overall, the DX3500 did a good job delivering crisp, color-accurate images. You can choose between “best” image quality, 1,800 x 600 resolution, and “good” with 900 x 600 resolution.
Although the camera dock is optional, I would recommend getting it because it simplifies image transfer considerably. Plus, it fully charges the camera in about two hours. The dock uses a USB connection to connect to a Mac or a PC and provides power through a 7-volt power adapter. It’s also compatible with another new camera from Kodak, the DX3600 ($399.95), which shares many features with the DX3500.
To transfer images, you place the camera in the dock, press the button, and all images are automatically sent to the computer. You can then edit, e-mail and print them using bundled picture-managing software. I found that transferring images to both PC and Mac and using both compact Flash and internal memory was equally successful. Kodak Picture Transfer software is launched automatically, so it cannot be simpler to use. I also thought that Kodak Picture software was one of the better image-management packages out there—it goes beyond basic in editing capabilities and was very user-friendly.
All in all, as a point-and-shoot camera, the DX3500 offers uncomplicated setup, easy image transfer and quick battery recharge.
It comes with two AA lithium batteries, video-out cable, USB cable, wrist strap and software. The optional camera dock includes a rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack and AC adapter.
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