Overall Manual Control
When shooting in manual mode, the user of the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 can choose to personally modify the following settings to compensate for the specifics of their shooting parameters: Aperture, Shutter Speed, Exposure Compensation, Macro and Digital Zoom levels, ISO, White Balance, Presets for Focus, and Scene. These settings are all controllable once the user switches the Mode into PASM mode.

Focus
Auto (7.0)
The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 offers two two automatic focusing options: Mulitzone (the default option with 3 focusing areas) and Center zone, which puts the center of the frame into accurate focus. With only auto focus options available on this camera, it became slightly aggravating at times to switch between focus zone settings while trying to partially depress the shutter. The reaction time wasn’t horrible, and it is possible to shoot in burst, which will allow the user the option of a faster shutter and reaction time overall.

Manual (0.0)
The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 does not have a manual focus option. To control focus, the user must first establish the desired shot and then partially depress the shutter button, until the camera acknowledges the parameters as being established. Once this is done, press the shutter button completely and the image will be captured. It is possible within the menu to select the zone focus specifics for the Kodak EasyShare DX6490. The user may choose between multi-zone and center-spot focus.

Metering (7.0)
When set in PASM mode, the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has the capability to select a specific Exposure Matrix for varied metering options. Once the Exposure Metering selection is highlighted within the onscreen menu, the user can choose between Multi-Pattern, Center-Weight, and Center Spot, each setting relying on a different portion of the focal field for Exposure readings. With Multi-Pattern as the chosen setting, the user allows the camera to consider lighting conditions from the overall image, perfect for general use photographs. The center weight feature emphasizes the center of the viewfinder, perfect for subjects located in the middle of the viewfinder, and when subjects are backlit. And center-spot is the third and final option, and should be used when an even smaller portion of the subject centered in the viewfinder should be evaluated for light meter readings. This is best used when very specific portions of the image need exact meter readings.

Exposure (7.0)
This camera has the standard -2 and +2 EV, with 1/3 capabilities, to access the Exposure chart settings, the Mode Dial must be turned to the PASM Mode, and then the jog dial turned until the P is selected at the bottom of the LCD screen. Once selected it is possible to turn the jog dial until the proper setting is selected.

White Balance (4.0)
Within the onscreen menu, the user has a choice among four settings; Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, and Fluorescent. Without any manual setting options available, the user is forced to choose between these presets that, although fine for general shooting situations, make it impossible to manually set the camera’s White Balance for the user's specific shooting situations and parameters.

ISO (8.0)
The ISO settings are both automatic and manual for the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 and can be accessed via the onscreen menu. The user must first press the menu button located on the back of the camera body. Once within the menu, the joystick in the center of the mode dial may be used to scan through the list of main menu options. When the ISO option is highlighted, merely depress the joystick, and the ISO settings menu will appear (remember, the joystick doubles as the OK button on the Kodak EasyShare DX6490). If the automatic ISO option is chosen, the user merely presses the joystick again, and the automatic choice is summarily engaged. This setting allows for settings varying from 80-160 ISO. However, by using the manual setting, the user scans further down the list of options, and is given the opportunity to choose between 80/100/200/400/800 ISO settings. Once the correct setting has been chosen, the user depresses the joystick and the setting is maintained until the chooser reassigns a setting option. The ISO settings will remain, even if the camera is turned off and on again.

Shutter Speed (7.0)
The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has multiple shutter speeds, which are controllable through the mode dial located next to the LCD screen on the back of the camera. The PASM mode gives the user the most control over the shutter settings, allowing for manual control over specific speeds. Otherwise, the user is allowed to choose between modes/genre settings, with standard titles like sport (for moving objects), portrait (for full frame shots of people, with best results when subject is six feet or further away, with head and shoulders filling the frame), night (for night or low light situations; slower shutter speeds may necessitate a tripod), and finally video mode for capturing video with sound. The shutter speeds span from 16 seconds to 1/1700 of a second.

Aperture (6.5)
To switch between modes within the PASM setting on the mode dial, the user must first use the joystick to highlight the function located at the bottom left corner of the LCD screen (it will be P for program mode, A  for aperture mode, S for shutter priority mode, and M for manual mode, logically.) Once within the Aperture setting, and using the jog dial, the user can choose the appropriate aperture opening for the image. For wide angle shots the F-stops are f/2.8-f/8.0, and the telephoto settings are f/3.7-f/8.0. Modes Page 7 of 12 Image Parameters Kodak EasyShare DX6490 Digital Camera Review Navigation