Hiding behind that cover at the top is a standard PC sync connector to attach
external flash units to the camera.
The DC290 is loaded with input/output ports including an IrDA (infrared),
a high-speed USB and a serial port for downloading or uploading data into
the camera memory. There's an A/V port for the video out signal (NTSC/PAL
selectable) and the mono audio channel. Plus an input jack for the optional
AC power supply.
An interesting note is that even though the DC290 is loaded with I/O ports it
only comes with a USB cable. To quote the piece of paper found inside the box,
"If you do not have USB capability and want to use either a serial cable or IrDA
connection, you can obtain a FREE KODAK DC290 Serial Cable/IrDA
Connection kit from Eastman Kodak Company." It also went on to say, "P.S.
Please note, picture transfer from a two-megapixel camera via serial cable
connection is not likely to be a satisfying experience."
To get your FREE connection kit you need to register your camera and check
the box on the registration form for the serial/IrDA connection kit.
Here's the DC290 with its external flash connector hooked up to a Vivitar 285
high-power flash with a tilting head for bounce flash and a zooming
flash lens for extra long range coverage.
Power is supplied by four AA batteries, alkaline and rechargable NiMH are
supplied with the camera.
Included in the box is this NiMH charger and four Kodak brand 1450mAh NiMH
rechargable batteries and a big, 20MB CompactFlash card.
Image data is stored on CompactFlash cards via a Type I slot. This means that
you can't use the IBM Microdrive.
On the back is the speaker/microphone for taking voice memos by pressing the
Record button. On the side is a volume control for the speaker. The Display
button toggles the LCD on and off and also turns the overlayed onscreen data
on and off. The menu button activates the graphical menu system and the
three (unmarked) buttons below the LCD have various uses depending on the
menu being displayed.
The mode dial switches the camera between the Capture (record), Review (play),
Connect (to PC) and Information modes. In the center is a 4-way jog switch to
navigate the menu selections.
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