Picture perfect - Holiday Gifts Galore - Brief Article

USA Today (Society for the Advancement of Education), Nov, 2001

* Cameras are getting downright scary. The new digital ones have eliminated film, and, with the rapid advancements in the field, one gets the feeling that the next to go is the picture-taker. After all, they already do so much, shooting pictures by themselves can't be too far away!

Exhibit A is the Kodak EasyShare System from Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N.Y., consisting of the DX3500 Digital Camera and the Camera Dock. The former comes with a mind-boggling catalogue of features that can only be touched upon in a brief review. Nevertheless, the highlights include eight megabytes of memory that store as many as 48 pictures; the Compact-flash expansion slot that provides extended picture storage; 2.2 megapixel resolution to assure ultrarealistic prints; an automatic flash, exposure, and color balance; a built-in lens cover; a self-timer and date stamp; a three-times digital zoom; and an LCD display that permits instant preview and review, so you can see what you shot and decide whether or not you want to keep the picture. The latter is the key to digital cameras since it gives you the opportunity of reshooting a photo on the spot instead of cursing that you blew it when you develop the film, leaving you with no recourse.

Once you've loaded the appropriate software, just plug the dock into your computer with the enclosed USB cable and you are ready to make magic. Place the camera in the dock, press the button on the base, and stand back. The dock will automatically send your pictures to the computer, and you're then free to print, e-mail, and/or share them over the Internet with friends and relatives you have granted access to. If that's not enough, the dock is a safe and convenient place to store your camera when it's not in use. While plugged in, the dock automatically recharges the camera's battery pack, since it has nothing better to do in its idle moments!

When we were introduced to the system, it seemed too good to be true, so we put it through a field test, taking it on location for a travel story. The pictures turned out to be everything we had been promised. To check out the results and see for yourself, turn to "The Joys of Jumby Bay" on pages 44-51 of this issue.

The Kodak DX3500 can be found wherever fine cameras are sold for a suggested $299.95. The Camera Dock is sold separately for $79.95.

This symbol * indicates USA Today has tested a product for operating in full compliance with the manufacturer's specifications and to determine its performance as applicable to our readers' needs. Disadvantages, if any, also are reported. Although we cannot guarantee a product, we offer the starred designation as a guide to readers.