Color (7.64)
To test the color reproduction of the Kodak EasyShare DX7590, we used a GretagMacbeth color chart and Imatest Imaging Software. The chart below depicts the DX7590’s color accuracy, with the outer squares representing the colors produced by the camera, the inner squares standing for the color-corrected version produced by Imatest, and the small vertical rectangle in the middle representing the ideal color tone.

Below is a graphical representation of the 24 color tones produced by the Kodak EasyShare DX7590. The circles represent the camera’s reproduced tones, while the corresponding squares are the ideal colors on the GretagMacbeth chart. The greater the distance between the circle and the square, the less accurate the camera is.

The EasyShare DX7590’s mean saturation score of 114% percent shows us that the camera slightly accentuates the color vibrancy to create more lively images. While this diminishes the camera’s color accuracy a bit, most digital cameras also follow this trend, particularly in the warmer red and pink tones (#15, #9, #7). The 114% saturation score indicates a naturalistic portrayal of color with minimal embellishment. The camera does have some difficulty with cooler colors, like some of the blue and green tones (#13, #8, #18, #6); however, only #13 (Blue) and #18 (Cyan) seem to present problems. Overall, the EasyShare DX7590 received a 7.64 color score and can be counted on to generate consistent, realistic tones with relative accuracy.

Still Life Scene
Below is a shot of our standard still life scene taken with the Kodak EasyShare DX7590.

Click on the above image above to view a full resolution version (CAUTION: the linked file is very large!)

Resolution / Sharpness (3.75)
The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 is equipped with a 1/2.5-inch CCD that has a 4:3 aspect ratio. The CCD has a total of 5.36 advertised megapixels, but uses 4.98 effective megapixels as the largest image size available. Most digital camera manufacturers will use the largest image size available as the camera’s marketed “megapixel count,” so we use a slightly altered definition; we report the actual number of pixels used to compose the image. When we conduct our resolution tests to determine the camera’s “true resolution,” we contrast the result with the advertised megapixel count. When this is done, cameras that record 70-80% of the total advertised pixels are considered “good” performers, while 80-90% is viewed as “very good” and anything exceeding 90% is “excellent” and quite rare.

When we tested the resolution of the Kodak EasyShare DX7590, it recorded an actual resolution of 3.75 megapixels per image. This is 75% of the advertised pixel count and a very respectable score. The strong resolution capabilities of the DX7590 propel the camera into an elite group within the $500-and-under prince bracket and enable the camera to handle large prints.

Noise Auto ISO (3.83)
The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 received an automatic ISO noise score of 3.83. This reflects an inexcusable degree of noise from a camera for the mid-range user. Unless shooting under abundant light, images taken with the DX7590 in automatic ISO mode will appear distorted and fraught with noise. Because this camera is designed to appeal to both seasoned photographers as well as advancing beginners, the loss of an automatic ISO setting eliminates a large portion of the camera’s potential user base. While the camera does provide four manual ISO settings, and many DX7590 users may opt for the advanced manual control anyway, existing point-and-shoot users are now excluded. This impacts the most likely users of the camera. Though the DX7590’s flexibility, control, and performance appears strong in comparison to automatic point-and-shoot cameras, when contrasted with imagers designed for manual control, the DX7590 barely squeaks into the competition.

Noise Manual ISO (6.33)
For cameras that have manual ISO settings, we test noise levels at each ISO rating. We compile the noise results into a regression analysis to determine an overall manual noise score. The graph below shows the camera’s ISO settings on the horizontal axis and the amount of noise produced on the vertical axis.

The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 received a 6.33 noise score when shooting under manual ISO settings. This is not as horrible a score as the camera received on the automatic noise tests; however, for the higher-end user, this is barely adequate. Competing models produced by Fujifilm, Sony, and Panasonic seem to handle noise far more effectively and, even with a reduced pixel count, can produce images that appear clearer and more defined. Digital noise appears similar to grain when shooting with film, although it reflects a harsher feel without the warmth and realism attainable with film. Rarely can digital noise pass as anything other than distortion when taking snapshots, portraits, and landscapes. Therefore, beware when shooting with cameras that boast high resolution capabilities without appropriate noise reduction mechanisms. The images may be a disappointment.

Speed Timing
Start-up to First shot (6.61)
The Kodak EasyShare DX7590 takes 3.39 seconds to wake up and take its first shot. While it thinks about shooting, it displays an image and makes some music. This is not too quick by current camera standards and will prohibit the impulsive drive to capture the “fleeting moment,” as it will likely have passed.

Shot to Shot Time (7.12)
When in normal shooting mode, the camera takes nearly three seconds in between shots. However, once the burst mode is selected via a button on the top of the camera, the Kodak DX7590 only takes 0.54 seconds between each shot. It can shoot three or four pictures at this speed until it has to take a breather and record to the memory card.

Shutter to Shot Time (8.26)
From the time the user presses the shutter release button to the time the shutter opens, 0.37 seconds will pass. This is good for a compact camera. Many EasyShare cameras have a much longer lag time from the shutter release to the actual shot.