Kodak EasyShare DX6490

Front (8.0)
The front of the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 features a 10x optical, 3x digital zoom, for a 30x total zoom capability. The lens is located in the bottom left corner of the camera’s face, directly beneath the electronic viewfinder. On either side of the viewfinder, and recessed behind the protective glass for the viewfinder, the user will discover the self-timer/video light. On the right side of the Kodak EasyShare DX6490’s front is the grip, built out from the body of the camera in much the same way as the lens. Constructed from a slightly different type of plastic, the grip feels comfortable and safe, even when holding the camera in only the right hand. Above the grip and slightly recessed is the jog dial for the Kodak EasyShare DX6490. Between the lens housing and the grip, the center of the camera is deeply recessed, giving larger hands space to wrap around and increasing general ease of use without compromising sound or visual qualities. At the top of this recessed section, and far away from fingers, the microphones for the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 are represented as two small pinpoints in the surface of the matte black plastic.

Back (8.5)
The back portion of the camera is dominated by a 2.2-inch LCD screen. Above the LCD screen is the 1.1-cm viewfinder, with the silver EVF/LCD toggle button located directly to the left. To the right and recessed into the viewfinder itself, the user will find the EVF eye sensors. Directly to the right of the Kodak EasyShare DX6490's LCD screen are the status buttons, the share buttons, the Mode dial, and the delete button. The Mode dial allows for changes to be made between specific shooting situations, and it allows for manipulation of automatic and manual control. Located in the center of the Mode dial is a joystick, replacing the usual four-way controller. The joystick allows for movement in the cardinal directions, and when depressed, it acts as an OK button for the Kodak EasyShare DX6490. When a specific mode is engaged, or when the camera is switched on, the setting chosen will be lit with an LED light, thus allowing the user a quick and easily noticeable reference point. Next to the delete button and under the Mode dial are the menu and review buttons, both clearly labeled with full word descriptions, in silver text. In the top right corner is the zoom adjustment which allows for alterations between wide angle/telephoto settings.

Left Side (8.0)
The left side of the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 is equipped with a neck strap post and two neatly masked port covers. These port covers are some of the most solidly designed that I have seen. They are connected firmly, and I did not worry about whether they would tear, rip, or otherwise come undone from the body of the camera. These flaps are made of a malleable rubber. The port cover located directly next to the neck strap post contains the external flash connector. Beneath this port cover, and spanning the width of the left side, the user will discover the USB port, the DC in port (5V), and the A/V out (for TV viewing).

Right Side (8.0)
The right side of the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 features a neck strap post as well and an optional SD/MMC card slot, hidden beneath another cover, which easily flips open.

Top (8.0)
The top of the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 is split, like most of the camera, into two distinct function zones. The right side features a shutter button located at the front of the grip extension. Behind the shutter button is the in-camera speaker, which is to the right of the flash button, the close-up/landscape button, and the self-timer/burst buttons. In front of the self timer/burst button is the flash open button. It should be noted that to close the flash, the user must manually depress the flash back into the top of the camera body itself. The button will only open this feature, not close it. Next to the burst/self-timer button and the flash open button, and raised from the camera body, is the flip-up flash for the Kodak EasyShare DX6490.