Kodak DC290 Zoom Digital Camera

Pros: extensible in camera OS, great image quality when there is enough light
Cons: battery life, sluggish, poor in low light/indoor, too dependent on flash, no ac adapter

I got this camera shortly after it came out. It has a serious issue with battery life, and its CCD is horrible in low light situations. It needs a flash for almost everything. It also takes pictures very slowly, this is no point and shot, more like a point and wait.

Some pluses are its great image quality, and highly extensible camera operating system. i have written scripts for the camera to allow me to take pics with exposure bracketing and multiple F stops to create High Dynamic Range images.

The camera transfers files somewhat fast via USB, but it takes a while for the computer to acess the camera. Windows XP sees it and loads it, you do not need to install any Kodak software (plug n play). The images are created with full camera metadata. The only downside is that they dont give you an AC adapter, so you have to basically use your batteries to fery over all your images. I do not believe this takes very much life, but it is still a pain.

When you store your camera, remove the batteries. I have stored it and came back to it just being emptied.

Pros: Solid, good performer, feels "expensive" and easy to hold
Cons: Heavier and not a good value relative to today's (2004) models

I bought this camera in 2000 and paid $694. I'm sure Kodak doesn't manufacture it anymore.

It has been a solid performer and I've taken thousands of pictures with it. During the first year, I had a problem with it and send it in for free warranty service. It has a good feel in your hands and it contoured nicely to fit your grip. The materials it is made of make it feel professional. The batteries have a reasonable life and getting the batteries and flash memory in/out is a snap.

The camera can record sound, but I've never used that feature.

I just developed a problematic blue cast throughout all the pictures. I can't explain why, but have contacted Kodak's web site for help and advice.

I like the camera a lot. I used it in Greece for three weeks and shot over 300 photos. I had only one problem. I had to change batteries frequently and at some point the battery cover came off and was lost. I think the plastic pins may not be strong enough to withstand continual use.

Great camera that's easy to use. High res pictures are studio quality with rich, vivid color. Can quickly change settings with user friendly menus. Rapid sequence shots by holding "shutter" button down. Holding button half way down activates auto-focus and avoids delay for perfect shots. Durable - have dropped twice, still works great! Tough on batteries with high use of LCD.

I have taken over 1400 photos and have had a overall good exper. with the camera but have had issues with the battery life and speed between pressing the shutter button and the actual taking of the picture. Camera is a little heavy and large for travel but I did take it on a 5 day backpacking trip with extra battery's and compact flash storage cards. I will be purchasing another Kodak product now that my 7 month old puppy ate the DC290.