Kodak DC3200

The Kodak DC3200 is a compact and lightweight one-megapixel digital camera that captures 1152 x 864-pixel sized images in JPEG format with three quality levels. This is an inexpensive, non-zoom camera that sells for less than $250. Up to 22 images can be stored in the 2MB of onboard memory or you can use CompactFlash cards.

The Kodak DC3200 is packaged strictly for Windows users, it comes with a serial port cable and software for the PC. Macintosh users can acquire camera images only by using a CompactFlash card and a card reader. (See the optional Kodak USB Picture Card Reader below).

The DC3200 has a 1.6" color LCD display to frame or review your pictures and navigate the camera's simple menu system. The user controls are all located on the back and clearly labeled. The SELECT button also turns the LCD on and off.

When used as a viewfinder the LCD shows about 95% of the final captured image.

There is no data LCD so you have to turn on the color LCD to see the battery status, image quality, flash mode and picture number.

On the left is the DC IN jack for the optional AC power supply. Located on the right side is a serial port for downloading images to the host computer, sorry no USB. And a video output jack for connection to a TV set. The video signal is NTSC for U.S. models and NTSC/PAL for Canadian models. Kodak does not include the video cable.

The DC3200 has a 5.4mm (39mm in 35mm format) fixed-focus lens with a maximum aperture of F3.6. The focus range is from 2 feet to infinity, it does not have a macro mode.

There is a 2x digital zoom option that is useable only when in the GOOD (576x432) mode.

Images can be stored in the camera's 2MB of internal memory or you can use any size (optional) CompactFlash Type I memory card.

The DC3200 is powered by four AA type batteries, alkaline, NiMH, NiCd or lithium type may be used. There are four Kodak alkaline batteries supplied.

Here's an animated view of the DC3200's record mode menu screens. Excuse the poor quality but they had to be shot directly off of the LCD, they are not output through the video out port.

The DC3200 Digital Camera package includes:

• Kodak DC3200 Camera
• 4 KODAK AA Alkaline batteries
• Wrist strap
• Serial cable for PC
• Kodak Software CD for Windows 95/98/98SE/2000
• Quick start setup guide, user's guide, and registration card

Kodak USB Picture Card Reader

It also speeds up downloading for PC/Windows users and comes with the Kodak Pictures Now software to automate the entire process.

Steve's Conclusion

The DC3200 is bigger than pocket size but can be hand-carried for extended lengths of time as it is very lightweight. It's ready to take the first picture within four to five seconds of pressing the power button. The image quality is not overly impressive, outdoor pictures are generally OK but flash pictures are often over-exposed. The one-megapixel image size limits you to prints no larger than 5x7" although I wouldn't recommend larger than 4x6" -- it's best suited for onscreen display, email or web page useage. All things considered, it does offers better resolution than the current crop of sub-megapixel digicams without LCD displays that sell for about the same price.