The DX6440 offers a pleasant mix of high-end and consumer-focused features.

Kodak carries on the DX series recognition for cameras which are functional and compact. This time round, the manufacturer has jumped onto the 4-megapixel bandwagon as well as added a 4x Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens--enunciating that ease of use does not mean a compromise on features.

Like the forerunning DX series, Kodak has kept the familiar, comfortable compact design. However, with the newer DX6 series, the manufacturer has opted to redesign the control layouts. Still keeping with the sleek grey-and-silver metallic finish, the plain dials that used to reside on the top of the units have since been replaced by a combination of thumb-operated selection wheel and navigational joystick such as the one found on the LS633. Again, as is the case with the LS633, these controls are situated on the left, which may not be comfortable for the majority of right-hand users and definitely does not aid in single-hand operation.

Apart from staying compact, the DX6440 is surprisingly very lightweight. This plastic unit hits the scales at just 260g with battery installed. For all that, the camera feels solid and its build quality is anything but cheesy.

In keeping with trends, this Kodak also features a hybrid display that allows users to view images in both bright outdoor conditions as well as indoor or lower-light environments. Unlike the Sony U60 (which also features a hybrid screen), the implementation on the DX6440 works much better. To put things in perspective, the viewing angle matches the quality of the OLED display found on the LS633 on the horizontal axis. The monitor's only shortcoming becomes obvious when the angle of view from below is very acute (about 40-45 degrees).

The DX6440 is built around a 4-megapixel CCD sensor that's able to capture up to a resolution of 2,304 x 1,728. This should be good for poster-sized prints--though most consumers will not need it. However, the extra details will allow for better digital darkroom processing you may want to do on your PC.

All the basic functions you expect from a basic point-and-shoot model are here. This includes exposure metering and compensation, focus settings, light sensitivity (up to an ISO 400 setting), as well as built-in speakers and microphone for full video capture and playback. There's even the rather rare--for Kodak's budget consumer range--PAS setting (Program, Aperture priority, and Shutter priority modes) to cater to the more sophisticated users. For the more technology shy, the company has also included six scene modes (automatic, sport, portrait, night, landscape, and closeup).

In terms of storage, the DX6440 does not ship with any external MMC/SD card. However, the digicam comes with 16MB of internal memory. As the unit can capture images up to 2,304 x 1,728 resolution, the onboard storage is hugely insufficient. We were able to take only 17 shots at the highest quality. Other notable mentions include a diopter, video capture at 320 x 240 pixels with audio, as well as a "Capture always ready" function which allows you to take a picture even when you're reviewing previous images.

In our tests, we found the DX6440's performance to be good, although given the specs, we were really expecting livelier performances. The unit powered up in just over 4 seconds (not particularly fast but nothing too shabby). Its shot-to-shot interval clocked in at about 3 to 4 seconds with the flash on, and about 2 to 3 seconds with the flash disabled. Unusual, though, was the interval after the first shot, as there was a 12-second wait before the subsequent shots kept to the above timings. The burst shooting mode was quite impressive, allowing us to take six consecutive shots in 2 seconds for a still capture frame rate of 3fps.

The zoom mechanism proved smooth, accurate and offered precise and quiet control. The autofocusing (AF) system was quite zippy (even in low light), often taking about a second for situations with adequate lighting. We were pleasantly surprised by the DX6440's low-light performance. Even in night scenes, the AF system took just slightly more than 1 second.

Besides the good low-light focusing performance, this camera astonished us by producing usable night shots without a tripod and with relative sharpness. Having tested plenty of digital cameras before, this is probably the first we've experienced where camera shake is not pronounced on low shutter speed settings.

In terms of image quality, the DX6440 delivered pleasing photos. With ISO speeds below 200, we found the pictures to be sharp and clean in a full variety of shots--whether this was macro, full telescope, or in the widest angle. The colours captured were always natural looking and the metering generally gave well-exposed shots. The camera's automatic white balance also proved capable as it was able to handle most lighting conditions--even under tungsten lighting.

All said, the Kodak EasyShare DX6440 is a capable camera that's both compact and lightweight. At AU$899, this 4-megapixel is pretty good value as well, besting the 4-megapixel 3x zoom Canon IXUS 400 by a solid margin. If you don't mind losing a little bit of flair, this Kodak should come under serious consideration for its good price/performance ratio.

Kodak EasyShare DX6440
Company: Kodak Australia
Price: AU$899
Distributor: Selected resellers
Phone: 03 9353 2222

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