Kodak DC3800<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 10/1/2000 |
Video Out
US and Japanese versions of the DC3800 come with an NTSC video cable for playing back images on a television set. (Given the language option under the Setup menu, we assume that European models are set up for PAL timing.) Once connected to a TV, images will appear on screen as they do when you scroll through the Playback mode. If a VCR is connected, images can be recorded to videotape.Power
Power is supplied to the DC3800 by two AA alkaline or Ni-MH rechargeable batteries. The battery compartment is accessible from the camera's back panel, so there should be no trouble changing batteries while it's mounted on a tripod. We highly recommend keeping a spare set of freshly charged batteries handy, especially when using the power-hungry LCD monitor. An AC adapter and battery charger are available as accessories. The AC adapter is especially useful for such tasks as reviewing images in Playback mode or on a television/VCR.When we saw that the DC3800 only used two AA batteries to power it, we immediately wondered about probable battery life: With a lower battery voltage available, the camera would need to draw more current to provide a given level of power. Boy, were we right! The DC3800 draws very high currents from its batteries, especially when the LCD is enabled. The power level when the LCD is running in capture mode would drain even high-capacity NiMH cells in as little as 30-40 minutes. With the LCD off though, the power level is much more reasonable: You should get a good 4 hours of operation out of a set of high-capacity NiMH rechargeables. Don't even think about using alkaline cells in this camera.
|
|
|
| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
|
| Capture Mode, no LCD |
|
| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD |
|
| Half-pressed w/o LCD |
|
| Memory Write (transient) |
|
| Flash Recharge (transient) |
|
| Image Playback |
|
We always recommend buying two or more sets of good-quality, high-capacity NiMH batteries (Kodak's own 1600 mAh cells are some of the best we've used), and a good-quality charger. This advice is even more important with the DC3800, as it's power drain is particularly high. Don't go out for a day's shooting without at least one extra set of batteries in your pocket or camera case, and preferably two extra sets or more. (You'll want to label your batteries somehow also, so you can keep track of which pairs belong together in a set, and which you've already used on a given outing.)
Included Software
The DC3800 comes supplied with a CD for loading its USB Picture Card Reader software and ArcSoft PhotoImpression 2000 image-enhancement software. All software is compatible with Windows 95, 98, and 2000, as well as Mac OS 8.6 or higher. The card reader software simply sets up your computer to work with the card reader and download images. PhotoImpression 2000 is a basic image editing program that allows you to edit, enhance, retouch, or add special effects to digital images. Also included in the package is a variety of fun templates for creating greeting cards, calendars, borders, etc.
Follow Imaging Resource: