Auto Mode (6.0)
When the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 is placed into Auto Mode, the user allows the camera to control all settings, making the shutter button the one step between the user and capturing an image. Image quality in this mode will never be quite as good as the quality caused by an intelligent decision made by the user, but if manual controls are overwhelming, this may be an essential and often used setting.

Movie Mode (5.0)
Movie mode is possible on the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 by turning the mode dial to the film camera symbol. The DX6490 is capable of capturing continuous video and audio, with playback potentiality. The movie resolution is 320 x 240 pixels at 20 frames per second. Depending on the memory card used, it is possible with the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 to capture as much as 80 minutes of video and audio; the maximum amount is entirely dependent on the size of the SD/MMC memory card used.

Drive / Burst Mode (7.0)
In addition to single shooting mode, the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has a burst settings feature located on the top of the camera body next to the flash compartment. The control doubles as the self-timer button as well. By depressing the button once, the user will have engaged the self-timer feature, and pressing it once again allows for the burst setting to be established. Once in this feature the user must then press the shutter partially to adjust autofocus, and then depress completely to shoot up to 6 pictures at a rate of 3 frames per second. To leave burst mode, merely press the button one final time, and the insignia will disappear from the information bar at the top of the LCD screen.

A self-timer is available for both still and video images. To use the self-timer, press the self-timer button located on the top of the camera, to the right of the flash, once. The symbol will appear on the LCD screen when established. Compose the shot and press the shutter button completely. There will be a ten second delay prior to the image being shot, making it a perfect option for both steady shots and self-portraits. Press the button twice to exit the self-timer mode.

Playback Mode (7.0)
The Kodak EasyShare DX6490 gives you the option of viewing images in a thumbnail view if you press the review button located beneath the mode dial on the back of the digital camera. Once pressed, previously shot photos will be revealed in the slide show format. To enter the thumbnail view, which allows up to nine images per screen, merely press the joystick downwards once. To select a specific image for closer examination, use the joystick to highlight the desired photo, and depress the joystick. That specific image will then be featured. To return to thumbnail mode, merely press downwards on the joystick again. When viewing more than nine images in thumbnail view, scan the photos using the joystick, until the bottom right corner image on the LCD screen is highlighted. Once this is executed, pressing the joystick one more time to the right will allow for the consecutive screen to be viewed. To go backwards, merely go to the upper left-hand corner, and press left on the joystick to return to prior screens.

To view your images in a slide show form, merely depress the review button once. Previously captured images will be displayed for review. To scan between images move the joystick left and right accordingly.

It is not possible to permanently crop or zoom images or movies within the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 camera itself, although it is possible when in slide show view to magnify an image 2x or 4x, and to move within the magnified image by using the joystick's cardinal directions. To magnify an image, press the OK button once; to magnify 4x press again, and to return to original format press one more time. To exit review mode, hit the review button, and you will be returned to regular camera operations.

Custom Image Presets (5.5)
The mode dial located on the back of the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has multiple mode options for optimum shooting capability. Starting from the Off setting, the user can then turn the dial counter-clockwise to the Video Mode. The Video mode allows for the capture of both moving image and audio. By moving the dial clockwise from the off position, the next choice for the user will be the Automatic setting, denoted by a Green camera. Below this mode is the PASM mode, or the Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, and Manual mode controls. This option will allow the user the most control options and settings adjustments of any of the modes on the Kodak EasyShare DX6490. Next is the sports setting, symbolized by a figure running; this mode is primarily used when the subject is in motion. Portrait mode is for full frame shots of portrait shots of people; best results will be garnered when the subject is at least six feet from the lens of the camera. And finally, night mode is used for low or no light situations, such as night lighting. Due to a longer shutter speed necessary for capturing accurate lighting, this setting is best used when in tandem with a tripod, allowing for a steady and accurate shot.

Once the symbols for these modes are learned, the modes are easy to access and enable, mainly because the setting chosen by the user on the mode dial is lit from behind by an LED light. This feature makes the entire night or low light shooting experience more feasible. Also, the LED is bright enough so that it is still visible even during daytime hours, making fast adjustments easier. The only major setback regarding the placement of the mode dial and the offered settings is the interference from the electronic viewfinder. When the two are used in tandem, the mode dial is unfortunately extremely compromised. The viewfinder is positioned so that my face rested upon the dial itself, making constant adjustment problematic.