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| Kodak DC5000 (Cameras) |
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Hardware Reviews January 2001 • Vol.9 Issue 1 Page(s) 46 in print issue |
Kodak DC5000 (Cameras) | ||
 Eastman Kodak describes its DC5000 digital camera as "rugged" and "durable," and it certainly is. Designed specifically for users who snap a lot of shots in less-than-friendly environments, this 2-megapixel camera has oversized buttons so you can easily take shots while wearing gloves, rubber grips for extra traction, and tough metal trimming to help the camera stand up to any pounding it may take. As a bonus, the camera features good images and the same easy-to-use menu we expect from a Kodak camera. Images we shot at Best, Better, and Good quality settings at resolutions of 1,760 x 1,168 pixels or 896 x 592 pixels exhibited good crispness and definition, but the colors weren't quite as strong as other Kodak models we've seen. However, the camera's macro setting for shooting objects from 10 to 20 inches produced focused and bright shots. Overall, the images are definitely suitable for smaller prints but rate below the top tier of images we've seen from other cameras. What distinguishes the DC5000 from other models is its design, which is big, bulky, and hefty (weighing a pound without batteries). Normally, we would consider those characteristics negatives, but in this case, they are definite positives. The camera is geared to those who take shots where dirt, water, sand, smoke, grit, and grime are prevalent. That makes the DC5000 a perfect fit for insurance agents, fire inspectors, construction foremen, and people who need a camera that stands up to such outdoor activities as hiking, rafting, and mountain-climbing. To those ends, Kodak constructed the DC5000 with special seals to make it "weatherproof, " not "waterproof." That means you can shoot in light rain or mist but not underwater on your next deep-sea diving adventure. You also should appreciate the oversized power button, mode dial, and zoom lever that let you wear gloves and still comfortably use the camera. In addition, the compartments that hold the four AA alkaline batteries (NiMH [nickel-metal hydride] batteries are optional) and 8MB CompactFlash Storage card are designed to be extra secure. Beyond its design, the camera has an autofocus lens (30mm to 60mm) with 2X optical and 3X digital zoom and accepts optional 37mm attachments. In addition, the camera has auto and manual exposure, a four-mode automatic flash, and automatic white balance with daylight, tungsten, and fluorescent settings. There also are multipattern and center-weighted metering settings, USB-transfer options, and special effects modes for sepia, borders, and black-and-white shots. On the downside, the camera is noisy, omits a burst mode and other advanced options, and ships without an A/C adapter and battery charger. In addition, the camera's top is somewhat crowded with the status display area and shutter, as well as the flash, self-timer, and focus buttons. The camera also uses four separate buttons to navigate the menu instead of the one four-way navigational button other Kodak models have. Overall, we can't think of a better-suited camera for taking shots in soggy, dusty, and sandy locations. Its rough-and-ready design can take a beating, and its menu and oversized buttons make it simple to use. Plus, the camera produces very good images, especially those taken outdoors. by Blaine Flamig
$590 Eastman Kodak (800) 235-6325 (716) 724-4000 http://www.kodak.com
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