New for ‘prosumer’ market: Kodak EasyShare DX6490

The "prosumer" (profes-sional consumer) digital camera segment has grown feverishly this past year with new models offering higher megapixel capabilities and SLR (Single Lens Reflex) controls made popular by professional manual cameras.

Kodak’s EasyShare DX6490 is a crossroad camera that fits perfectly in the "prosumer" segment in terms of features and pricing. It is easy enough to be used as a point-and-shoot camera and incorporates seamlessly with Kodak’s EasyShare system of docks and built-in printers.

The DX6490 also offers a wealth of professional SLR shutter and lens type controls that can open up a world of possibilities for serious hobbyists and photographers.

With a chunky yet compact profile, an ample 4.2-megapixel (2406 x 1758 pixels) capability as well as an efficient 10X optical zoom plus 3.0X Digital zoom (for a total of 30X total zoom), this camera is not too different from the 5- to 7-megapixel professional cameras in the market.

At an estimated retail price of P39,000, it costs nearly half the price of the cheapest professional digital cameras currently in the market. Ideal print size outputs for photos taken by the DX6490 are 8x10 and even larger.

Impressive Feature Set

Boasting of an advanced 10X (38-380 mm) optical Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon zoom lens, the DX6490 can easily zoom in and out of range while maintaining impeccable photo quality. The camera’s shutter speed (16-1/17000) also puts it in a league above most consumer digital cameras whose shoot-lag remains a big disadvantage over the mechanical efficiency of SLR cameras.

The camera’s autofocus system is very efficient even in low light conditions. Overall, this camera manages to deliver clear and quality digital photos under a number of conditions.

Its rotund yet handy size is also a strong point. Although lightweight, the camera’s body is conventional and easy to operate.

Aside from the unit’s built-in flash, an external flash can be added for more demanding lighting conditions. Camera controls are intuitive and for those used to Kodak’s operating system, very familiar to use.

Complete Control

The DX6490 offers a full range of exposure control, from the point-and-shoot style of Auto mode to full manual exposure control. The Power/Mode dial on the rear panel not only powers the camera on, but also offers options for Movie (for video with sound), Off, Auto, PASM, Sports, Portrait, and Night settings.

While Auto mode is best for general photography, the remaining preset modes help in challenging shooting situations such as night shoots or the action photos of sports events.

The DX6490 also offers a Movie recording mode for capturing moving images with sound at 320 x 240 pixels, at approximately 24 frames per second.

Recording stops and starts with a full, brief press of the Shutter button, but if you hold the button down for more than a second or two, the camera will automatically stop recording when you let it back up again. As you record, the duration of the movie appears in a running counter on the LCD display.

As with most digital cameras, the only gripe is its measly battery life that requires serious photographers or hobbyists to purchase one or two extra batteries.

Nevertheless, Kodak’s EasyShare DX6490 should be a delightful stocking stuffer for experienced and novice digital shutterbugs this Christmas season.