Digital Camera Review

Digital Camera Review

Nov 19, 2004 - By Emily Raymond
The 5 megapixel Kodak EasyShare DX7590 aims to satisfy with its SLR-like styling and Schneider-Kreuznach 10x optical zoom lens. The DX7590 boasts the highest number of megapixels in the $499.95 price range. The camera body is boxier than most digital cameras, but still fits comfortably in two hands — it’s got a large right-hand grip and a wide bottom. The DX7590 contains an oversized 2.2-inch LCD screen, single and continuous shooting modes, as well as 32MB of internal memory. The camera offers 16 preset scene modes as well as numerous semi-automatic, automatic, and manual modes. With the feel of an SLR and ease of a point-and-shoot, this camera enables a novice user to feel like a true photographer. Announced in August 2004, the Kodak EasyShare DX7590 provides users with increased megapixels at an affordable price.
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Value (7.0)
Value is in the eye of the beholder. If its megapixels you want, look no farther. This is near the maximum amount of available resolution you can get at this price; 5 megapixels at $499.95. However, if you want fluid video capture in movie mode, look elsewhere. The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 only shoots 12 frames per second and doesn’t offer image stabilization. Some other models within this price range offer 30 frames per second. On top of the megapixels, the DX7590 does have a large 10x optical zoom lens that can adapt to most shooting situations — macro to telephoto.

 

 

Comparisons
Kodak EasyShare DX6490 — The predecessor of the DX7590, the Kodak EasyShare DX6490 has many of the same features and identical styling as the DX7590, but is still one step down the Kodak ladder. At $399.95, the camera looks like a digital SLR and has slightly smaller dimensions, at 3.2 x 3.1 x 3.9 inches and 11.9 ounces. This 4-megapixel camera has the same 38-380mm optical zoom lens, but half of the memory of the DX7590 with 16MB. The 2.2-inch LCD, electronic viewfinder, and same automatic and manual control options make this camera a contender given its price tag. The choice lies in the cheaper price of the DX6490 or the increased megapixels and memory of the EasyShare DX7590.

 

Canon PowerShot S1 IS - The 3.3-megapixel Canon S1 IS retails for a similar $499 and has excellent color reproduction capabilities. With its 38-380mm lens and electronic viewfinder, the Canon S1 IS offers many of the same features as the Kodak DX7590. It measures slightly smaller at 4.3 x 3 x 2.6 inches. Its 1.5-inch LCD monitor folds out of the camera body, much like a camcorder’s would. The movie mode shoots at a fluid 30 frames per second at 640 x 480 resolution. Plus, the camera has an essential image stabilization system, helping utilize the full range of its zoom capabilities without needing to rely as heavily on a tripod. Additionally, the function dial is on top of the camera instead of on the back, which could cramp users’ style, depending on what they’re comfortable with. The Canon S1 IS has manual focus, unlike the Kodak DX7590. However, the Kodak model has a flash accessory connector, whereas the Canon S1 IS does not.

 

 

Fuji FinePix S5100 - The Fuji FinePix S5100 was announced in July 2004 and has many characteristics similar to the Kodak DX7590. It retails for $499.99 and measures in at 4.4 x 3.1 x 3.2 inches and 11.9 ounces. It has a similar SLR shape and 10x optical zoom lens at 37-370mm. The biggest difference between the Kodak and the Fuji is the megapixel count. The Kodak has 5MP; the Fuji has 4 MP. The Fuji S5100 has a smaller 1.5-inch LCD screen, similar electronic viewfinder, but a faster 30 frame-per-second video recording rate. Plus, the Fuji S5100 can shoot in RAW format as well as JPEG image files.
Olympus Zoom C-765 - The Olympus Zoom C-765 is considerably smaller at 2.7 x 2.3 x 4.1 inches and 9.9 ounces. This camera comes with 4.2 megapixels and a 10x optical zoom 38-380mm lens. For $449, the Olympus point-and-shoot model has a smaller 1.8-inch LCD screen with 118,000 pixels. The Olympus C-765 captures 15 frames per second at 320 x 240 resolution when shooting in movie mode. Announced in February 2004, this model has a similar electronic viewfinder and built-in flash and can also shoot in TIFF and JPEG formats.

 

 

Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters - Beginners will appreciate the 16 scene modes and full automatic mode included on the function dial. Pictures and descriptions of each function educate the user and enable them to make the best choice about which setting to use. The camera also provides more substance than the average entry level point-and-shoot. With the SLR shape, advanced features and long zoom lens, the Kodak EasyShare DX7590 makes an entry level user look like a pro.

 

Budget Consumers - There is a cluster of cameras with similar features and a 10x optical zoom lens in the $500 range. However, the Kodak EasyShare DX7590 has the most megapixels of all of them.

 

Gadget Freaks - This camera could satisfy the gadget freak for a brief period. With some manual control features and functions, the Kodak DX7590 has the basic package to please the gadget-minded. With extras such as the flash connector, 32MB internal memory, Schneider-Kreuznach 10x optical zoom lens, and accessory flash capabilities, this Kodak model could surpass other EasyShare models in the ways of gadgetry.

 

Manual Control Freaks - There is a manual mode on this camera. It allows you to control the basics: shutter speed, ISO, flash setting, aperture, image size, etc. However, if you are hoping for manual focus or the manual white balance setting, you will be disappointed in this model.

 

Pros/Serious Hobbyists - The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 could serve as a backup camera for a pro or serious hobbyist but really would only fulfill the primary camera needs of the beginning photographer or point-and-shooter.

Connectivity / Extras Page 10 of 12 Conclusion
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