I am an amateur/casual photographer, and this will be the 4th Kodak Digital camera that I've owned. I recently reviewed my last purchase, a Kodak C340, on Epinions. I loved that camera, but it met an unfortunate death on my vacation to Puerto Plata (where it drowned... don't ask). I replaced the C340 with Kodak's DX7440. Let me outline the reasons why I love the DX7440 even more than the C340...
IN THE BOX
DX7440 4 MP Digital Camera
Easy Share Software
USB cable
AV cable
Owner's Manual
Dock Insert
Battery and Charger
PRICE
Kodak can't be beat for their prices. They enjoy a large marketshare, and keep their prices low to ensure that buyers will consider their products. I bought my DX7440 for $200.00, which is a very fair price when you look at its features and quality. The DX7440 was released in 2004, and the price has dropped since it's arrival on the scene to allow for cameras with higher resolutions. Original market price on the DX7440 was approximately $350.00.
RESOLUTION
The DX7440 is a 4 MP camera. My C340 was 5 MP. Why would I go to a lower resolution camera? The DX7440 has more features that I value (more on that later), and for the kind of pictures and prints that I create, 4 MP is more resolution than I'll ever need. For the casual photographer, 4 MP will get you decent 20x30" prints, but I never go anywhere close to that when printing. The largest I print is 8x10" (and even that is rare, with my biggest prints usually being 5x7'). 5 MP ensures fabulous larger prints (poster size), and I really don't need that. The DX7440's 4 MP resolution is fine for me, and most other people taking family/children/vacation/everyday photos. The DX7440 also has variable resolution, and you may select smaller sizes through the menu (super when e-mailing pictures).
ZOOM!
4X Optical zoom is crisp, clear, and handy to have on this DX7440. Combined with the 4X digital zoom, you can get up close to subjects farther away. My C340 had 3X/5X optical/digital zoom, but the clarity in having a higher degree of optical zoom is clearly noticable as picture quality decreases rapidly with higher digital zooms. The DX7440 has on on-screen warning to let you know when the picture quality is too low to print a decent 4x6" print - a handy feature to have.
FEATURES
There are so many features to mention, that I will focus on those which are likely to be used most often by most users. For camera specifications and complete feature list, please visit the Kodak website at www.kodak.com, and search the 'DX7440'.
AUTO AND SCN MODES - Fabulous for the point and shoot photographer. The Auto mode helps line up you subject(s), takes care of focus and lighting, you really only have to wait for the green light, and click away. The SCN (SCENE) mode has 16 types of photo situations from which to choose. They are displayed on-screen, you simply scroll through them using the joystick on the back of the camera. From snowy or beach scenes to fireworks and self-potraits, the choices are all there. Let the camera do the work and figure out the shutter speed, aperture, flash, etc! Again, just point and click, and admire the clean results.
CUSTOM MODES - there are 5 manual modes from which to choose. You may control one of aperture, shutter speed, both, or custom set your own preferred settings to be saved for future use. Considering that you are getting the DX7440 for the price of a point and shoot, you are getting many manual features and options that are available on much more expensive digital SLRs as well as the ability to add lenses (more on that below).
VIDEO - smooth running with clear sound, you may choose one of two quality modes. Zoom feature can be used before filming, but not changed during. The video I have taken is good quality, comparable to the other cameras I have used. Length of video is limited only by the size of your memory card.
LARGE 2.2" TFT LCD SCREEN - THE BEST FEATURE OF ALL! The extra large LCD screen on this camera really sold me. So easy to see, details are easy to check before going to preview on a computer, great for those who have trouble seeing typical tiny little LCDs that most digitals come with. Just wonderful, and hard to find on cameras at this price point.
PICTURE QUALITY AND RESULTS
Clear. Crisp. Precise. My pictures on this camera have turned out great. The flash has been reliable in both low light and night situations, better than any other Kodak camera I've owned (including the newer C340). I both print at home and through retail photography stores and kiosks. The print quality is high in both situations. I can see NO difference in the resolution of prints made from this 4 MP DX7440 and my 5 MP C340 (up to 8x10" print size).
EASE OF USE
As with other Kodaks, this one is simple to use. I use a Canon at work, and it is much more complicated. The DX7440's greatest strength is likely in it's ease of use. SUPER USER FRIENDLY! Menus are clear and easy to access and understand. Taking shots are simple as the camera does the work for you - it even frames the subject and lets you know if things aren't lined up. The Kodak Easy Share software is included in the box, and users who dump their photos onto a computer will find the software as clear and easy to use as the camera itself.
BATTERY LIFE
I like that this camera comes with it's own rechargable battery and charger. The downside is that it only comes with one battery, but it is easy to find extra batteries to always have an extra charged one on hand. You cannot use AA's of any sort, so this may disappoint you if you've invested in expensive rechargables for past cameras. I have extra KLIC-5001 batteries (non-OEM), and will be reviewing these on Epinions for you as well...
The battery is said to last for approximately 185 shots. I find this to be roughly accurate. It's difficult to put a number of pictures on battery life, it really depends how much you use the LCD to review pictures and sort through menus. The included battery takes 3 hours or less to charge, and I have been happy with it so far.
ACCESSORIES
Another bonus found usually only on expensive digital SLR cameras - interchangable lenses! You may purchase extra lenses for the DX7440, wide angle, or telephoto. You may also add filters. I haven't done this yet, but am intrigued and look forward to 'playing' with my pictures once I have these accessories. Accessories are easy to find in photo stores or online (especially good deals to be found on EBay).
BOTTOM LINE
I love this camera. It has all the features I need, and high quality results. The DX7440 feels good in my hand, not lightweight or cheap. It is well designed, buttons and joystick are well positioned for easy use. The LCD is HUGE and crisp, and easily seen in low light or outdoors in brightness. Kodak did a great job on this little camera, and you get a lot for your money. The DX7440 will get you many years of happy picture-taking. Highly recommended by me, an everyday 'Joe' photographer.