Looking like a cross between a Nintendo Game Boy and a cute silver bubble, based on first impressions, the Kodak DX3600 digital camera is quite inviting. The intimidation factor that one might face with other digital cameras is not present; it is replaced by the feeling that one is playing with a new toy.
Following in the same mould of the DX3500, the feel of the DX3600 is very relaxed. If you looked at the front of the DX3600 you would not guess it was a digital camera. The layout of the camera is very similar to that of a conventional camera, with the viewfinder and zoom in positions that film veterans would find familiar, and a rotating options selector in the same place where the film winder would be located on a conventional camera. The most noticeable deviation is the 1.8-inch viewfinder and the directional pad located on the back panel.
With this almost toy-like digital camera, technical overhead is pushed to the background and user comfort to the fore. The intricate found in other cameras has been replaced by one with 4 easy options: camera, video, picture viewer and menu. Choosing whether to shoot, film or view becomes a simple matter. With the multidirectional keypad and the view screen streamline the selections that need to be made are done with a pop-up menu program. After a few trial runs the user will be able to negotiate the options with relative ease.
Image quality can be adjusted between two options of best (1800x1200 pixels) and good (900x600 pixels) when taking pictures and (320x240) or (160x120) respectively on video. The optical accoutrements include a 50cm to 3.2m telephoto zoom lens (improving on the DX3500's 2x digital zoom).
The 24-bit colour images on the small 312x230 pixel LED screen are quite clear when viewing pictures and video, seen at a medium range 20 frames per second (fps). The only complaint we have is the interference of the light sensor; the constant automatic adjustments of lightness and darkness make filming hard on the eyes at times. Playback of video on the camera is good, with the small onboard microphone noticeably recording even the smallest of sounds, and the mono speaker playing them back with at a good degree of quality.
Measuring at 12 by 5 by 7.5 cm and, the DX3600 is the camera can't be described as slim but weighing in at a reasonable 230g, it is easy to carry and use with little effort.
When not in use the camera rests in a specially built synchronisation USB cradle. As well as allowing simple download of images and video at the press of a button the cradle acts as a recharging station. If you don't want to carry the cradle and power adapter everywhere them the camera's USB output can be connected to a PC or laptop independently. Its worthy to note that the cradle is automatically detected as a hardware device, making it an easy process of loading the driver off the specialised bundled software.
The 8M of internal memory supplied with the DX3600 is allows a maximum of 90 seconds of video or 50 pictures on the DX3600's most economical picture settings. That's a pretty modest amount and at an acceptable resolution 8M of memory translates to around 20 to 30 snapshots. That's around the same as a conventional film camera. The DX3600's CompactFlash interface gives you the choice to expand the camera's memory up to 192M but you will pay a premium to do so. Remember that digital photography manufacturers sell film-based products as well -- they're not ready to undermine that part of the industry just yet.
The DX3600 ships with basic image editing and manipulation programs. The bundle includes specialised programs such as image viewers and digital photo album creators that let you create personalised motifs and themes. The software provides fun and easy introduction to the uses of digital media, but if you are past the introductory stage you will find them of little real practical use.
Attaching a recommend a retail price of AU$999 to the DX3600, Kodak is confident it can extract a handsome premium for ease-of-use and it's a luxury that digital photography novices may not be able to resist. But a thousand dollars is a big bite out of the wallet for an 8M camera. If you are familiar with the photographic concepts of resolution, or believe you could adapt to them quickly, choose something a little more rugged and save yourself some dollars.
Kodak DX3600
Company: Kodak
Price: AU$999
Distributor: Kodak Australia
Phone: 1800 147 701.
Editor's Rating:
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