Inexpensive and full of features
Written: Feb 10 '05
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Pros: ease of use, software is simple, easy to zoom and use on-camera menu
Cons: a little bulky
The Bottom Line: Unless you're looking for bells, whistles, and style, you have no reasons I can find to NOT buy this camera!
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| prattguy's Full Review: Kodak EasyShare DX3700 Digital Camera |
If you haven't discovered the world of digital cameras, I recommend you do so. If you haven't yet bought a computer, I recommend you commit yourself to a nuthouse. In this day and age, with technology becoming what it is, cameras such as this can be not only a fun little toy to play with but a moneysaver and attention-getter all in one.
Like I said, if you don't know much about digital cameras, I don't know where you've been. If you want all the bells and whistles possible, this isn't the one for you either. However, if you're just getting into the world of digital photography--or if you just want a nice digital camera--the 3700 is what you're looking for.
Now I will admit I have only purchased one digital camera--and this is it. I don't have the experience or vocabulary to throw at you about all the high-end camera features, but I will tell you this DX3700 does what I want. I've had it now over 3 years, and see no reason for an upgrade or replacement. And this is coming from a guy that as soon as a better model comes out for something I bought, I regret not waiting for the newer one.
I use this no different than I would a film camera; I see a photo op and I take it. No need to wait for perfect lighting or high-speed action, just general photographs. This one does all I need and more. In fact, it's actually fun to play with all the features that I don't even need. If I want to take a picture to e-mail to a friend, I set it on low quality so that it is mailed quick. If I think I may want to enlarge a pic, I set it to "enlargements" so that there will be no jagged edge definements.
The LCD screen does go off after a set amount of time (battery save feature), which can get annoying if you're waiting for a moment to snap a picture. It will come back up about 2 seconds after touching the rocker panel, but that's a small inconvenience as there is also a viewbox.
You can sort through pics and discard any you need, so no worries about filling up the camera. Should you need more room like I did for a cruise, I just bought a 128 MB card for $31--that's right, 31 dollars--which will hold plenty of pictures. And when you think about the cost of purchasing film or a disposable camera AND the cost of developing, this camera may pay for itself a lot sooner than you thought.
The on-camera menu is VERY self-explanatory. In fact, I can't honestly remember looking through the manual for ANYthing to use this camera. I did look at their website to find the right card, but you will have no problems getting this camera going. From zoomin in to uploading pictures, it's very user-friendly.
The one drawback is that you need a computer to download the pictures to, so if you don't have one a) get with the program, and b) don't buy this camera. There is a lot of information about the easy dock accessory for one-touch downloading, but the included software is so simple there's no need to purchase the dock. Just don't be like me and forget to turn the camera off after downloading pictures--it'll run the battery out before you knew what happened. Battery life itself is great; in fact had I not left it on one night, it may have made it into its second year with my moderate use.
All in all, I highly recommend this camera for those novice digital photographers. It is a little more bulky than some of the newer styles, but quality and the Kodak name will more than make up for it.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 142 This Camera is a Good Choice if You Want Something... Flexible Enough for Enthusiasts
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Epinions.com ID: prattguy
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Location: TX
Reviews written: 254
Trusted by: 28 members
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