Product Review: Kodak EasyShare DX6490 4MP Ultra-Zoom Digital Camera

Sporting more megapixels than was common in 2003, when this fancy little unit was released, Kodak's EasyShare dx6490 is a 4MP ultra-zoom boasting a delightful 10x optical zoom and original price of $500. With the recent flux of consumers who are purchasing "old" cameras to save a pretty penny while getting all the megapixels and features they need, this camera is certainly a contender once again in the used ultra-zoom market.

If you're in the market for a high-end used camera with a very respectable 4MP and massive 10x optical zoom, this camera just might be the right choice for you. Read on to find out if the dx6490 might be just what you're looking for.

Design

This camera looks like modern units, which is a plus for digital units that were made in the early 2000's. It is rectangular in shape, with a large retractable lens and a popup flash above the lens. It has a forward curved grip, ala Canon-style, and clips on either side for a neck strap.

The back of the unit is a digital viewfinder, which sits above a 2.2" LCD, a display size all but unheard of in 2003. Near the power button on the right side is a gallery and macro buttons, and below them sits a menu dial and the common trash/menu buttons.

Photo Quality

Photos are very nice upon first inspection, with sharp edges and very deep, saturated colors. Another surprising plus with this camera is low noise, even in nightshots and low-light indoor shots. They look very smooth, very elegant, nothing like many expect from older cameras. There is no noticeable vignetting, and very minimal barrel distortion at the very edge of the corners.

One issue that users have reported is the lack of detail in repeat patters: for example, the detail is low in brick, leaves, grass, fabric, etc.

Video Quality

With a maximum video resolution of 320x240, don't expect to use the video mode for anything more than short snippits of random, unexpected moments. Think of the video as YouTube standard resolution quality.

Conclusion

This Kodak EasyShare camera is an excellent choice in its category for its latest prices on online auction and retail websites. It has low noise levels, a stylish body, and is still new enough to be repairable at shops if something happens to it. If you're looking for a camera with excellent video in addition to photos, however, then I recommend looking elsewhere.