Kodak DX3700 EasyShare 3MP Digital Camera

GOOD WORKING CAMERA

For maximum print quality at a minimum price, look no further than the DX3700. With most manufacturers, camera resolution and features go hand-in-hand: basic point-and-shoot models typically come with low-resolution image sensors, while high-resolution cameras are packed with bells and whistles that add to the product's price and complexity. The DX3700 is different. It's a basic point-and-shoot with few advanced features, but its sensor is a high-resolution 3.1-megapixel model for sharp prints at 8 by 10 inches and beyond. If you're looking for an affordable camera that captures sharp, detailed digital snapshots, the DX3700 is a great choice.

Because the DX3700 is designed for ease of use, it offers photographers few manual controls. The flash can be set to on, off, auto, or red-eye reduction, and the focus can be set to macro (for extreme close-ups) or standard. Otherwise, the camera automatically adjusts all settings. There's also a digital zoom, which makes objects appear closer, but be aware that the camera does this by cropping away the outer edges of a photo and enlarging what's left, reducing the image quality of the zoomed photo. It's a handy feature, and the photos still look clear, but your zoomed photos won't have the same detail as those taken with a 3-megapixel camera with optical zoom.

As with all EasyShare cameras, an optional dock makes it even easier to transfer pictures and keep your camera's batteries charged.

A word about memory cards: to keep costs low, the camera uses internal memory for image storage. If you're taking pictures at the camera's highest quality setting, you'll be able to take around eight photos before filling the memory, necessitating a trip to your computer to transfer the images, erase the memory, and start shooting again. If you're looking for more capacity, the camera uses either MMC (MultiMediaCard) or SD (Secure Digital) cards for additional storage. The two cards look the same and, in a digital camera, function identically (the SD cards offer some additional copyright management features when used with MP3 music players). Among memory cards, there are currently several competing formats, including CompactFlash, SmartMedia, and Memory Stick. Though MMC/SD is a relatively unusual format for digital cameras, it is popular in MP3 players, camcorders (for "digital still" mode), and some models of Palm handhelds. Large-capacity cards are readily available--a 128 MB card, for example, holds over 100 photos.

The DX3700 comes with disposable batteries, video cable (for viewing photos on a TV), USB cable (for transferring images to your computer), wrist strap, lens cap, software, manual, and a custom insert for use with the optional docking station. Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but to make the most of your camera, we recommend getting a carrying case, a higher-capacity MMC or SD memory card, and either a set of rechargeable batteries or the EasyShare dock. Compatible accessories are listed higher up on this page.

For crystal-clear prints and simple operation at an affordable price, the DX3700 is an excellent choice.