Kodak DX3600 Zoom

Using the Play menu (see below) you can select the Magnify option to enlarge the image 2x and then scroll around it using the 4-way selector.

You can also display the Picture Info by selecting this option from the menu.

The Play mode menu options:

Magnify - Enlarge image 2x for critical examination

Delete - Erase selected image or all images

Image Storage - Internal or CF card

Print Order - Set DPOF printing information

Protect - Protect or unprotect image(s) from deletion

Slide Show - Begin automated playback of all images

Copy - Copy pictures to/from CF card and internal memory

Picture Info - Display extended picture data on LCD

Playing back movies is a snap, just pick one and press the SELECT button.

Once the movie is playing the SELECT button starts and stops it and the Up and Down on the 4-way switch adjusts the volume of the internal speaker - which can be quite loud if needed.

You can go into the MENU while in Movie playback mode and enable the display of the Video Info as shown here.

Steve's Conclusion

This is basically a point-n-shoot camera with a 2x zoom lens, the only advanced exposure mode it has is QuickTime MOVie mode. Unlike many of the more costly 3mpixel cameras, the DX3600 records video at 20fps with audio. You can preset the recording time at 5, 10 or 15 seconds but it can also record movies limited only by the capacity of the optional CF Type I card. The lens is not exceptionally fast, it has a maximum aperture of F3.3 and it's only a 2x optical zoom but it does take excellent pictures. There is only a brief delay in which the camera sets the autofocus, exposure value and white balance and then it captures the shot.

Indoor flash pictures look good, they're not over or under-exposed and people pictures have a nice saturated look to them that I'm sure will please the majority of the users. In fact all the pictures had good saturation and white balance. Outdoor pictures show excellent sky detail even when the foreground takes up more of the frame. It seems as if Kodak is emulating their Kodacolor film with this camera and they've done quite well.

Battery life is good if the color LCD is used sparingly. The camera is powered by just two AA type batteries, Kodak includes one-use lithium and I recommend the highest capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries that you can find (1500mAH or better.) If you purchase the Easy Share docking cradle it comes with a NiMH battery pack and the cradle can charge it or any rechargeable NiMH batteries you may use. The use of alkaline batteries is NOT recommended by Kodak (or me!)

This is a great camera if you're just starting out in digital. It has very good image quality and the 1800 x 1200 pixel size images will yield photo-quality prints on today's photo inkjet printers right up to 8 x 10 inch size. The "Good" quality 900 x 600 pixel images are excellent for 4 x 6 inch prints or for web page or email use. Everything you need is in the box including software to view, edit and manage your digital images. Unlike other "entry level" digicams, the DX3600 Zoom has a Video Out feature so you can also enjoy your pictures on the television screen too. There is no learning curve with this camera, just put the batteries in it, turn it on and start enjoying digital photography today!