Not bad for the price
Written: Nov 27 '07
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Pros: great picture quality very dependable
Cons: slow, very slow processor, not great software, docking station issues
The Bottom Line: It's a great little camera for dependability, although not highend
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| porcupine1's Full Review: Kodak EasyShare DX4530 Digital Camera |
I bought this camera about 4 years ago while on vacation in Plymouth Mass. Having an older SLR at the time and being on vacation it was time for an upgrade. I knew next to nothing about digital cameras at the time. That's to say I'm not a whiz at this point either, But we all learn as we grow.
The DX4530 is nearly the simplest form of Point & Shoot. The picture clarity is, still to this day, second to none.
The features and controls are of easy access and do a great job. I found more recently the LCD screen started to discolour slightly.
Shockingly, the video portion also does a great job but is also a very simple, crude video. Don't depend on the video as a regular video, Don't compare the video to that of a video camera. It's only there as a small extra feature.
There are three things for the DX4530 that really turned me off.
1) I suppose we can call it fps Frames per second or shots per second. I clocked this camera at approximatly one shot per (almost 3 seconds). This is due to its slow processor. Don't get me wrong, this was the norm for most cameras of this vintage, 3 years ago.
2) During the time I used and depended on this camera after thousands of shots, I found the Easyshare software, while working, with few glitches, a pain. It just plain lacked certain areas of performance. I did manage to receive the typical upgrades during the subsequent years, but even then it was limited. It was limited to be Kodak only. Only recently did the Easyshare software become more user friendly. IMO, with today's requirements all software programs need to have a hand shake with other programs. Compatibilty between programs. Kodak is doing that now slowly, but has a ways to go.
3) I found the 4000series docking station/ charger/ printer had a few issues. The charger portion died early in its life. That factory battery pack would not take a proper charge. Kodak was dead set against my using AA Alkaline, and would not say why. (trade secrete?). The original battery pack was expensive to buy so I opted to use two normal rechargeable batteries. Still, the charger would not work. I used one of those 4 pack wall chargers. Worked like a million bucks and still does.
The printer portion got hung up every once in a while and would not print. Kodak was able to help a little via their support program, but seldom fixed the problem. To send it to factory for repair would be shop rates and shipping costs. That kind of out weighs the value of the printer. I'll live with the problem. (NOTE: just the other day, knowing I'm buying my new camera, I decided to pull a little attitude and thought I could bend a little pick-up arm to promote the pick-up that brings the blank into place. I wish I did that 3 years ago. My printer has never worked so good.)
Yes, I am judging a package that I bought 3 years ago...AND... based on today's technologies, it's time to move on to a newer camera.
The question is, would I buy this camera again? based on existing technology during the day, yes, I have no regrets and would buy it again considering the value. I will keep this camera as a second or back up camera. Why am I writing this testimony now? For those maybe wanting to buy a used one, my input might help.
I am now buying a new Canon S5 IS and understand I can still use my Kodak docking station as a stand alone printer
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): $235.00
This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Fool-Proof for Absolute Beginners
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Epinions.com ID:
porcupine1
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Reviews written: 22
Trusted by: 1 member
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