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Kodak DC3400 Kodak updates the popular DC280 with a new sensor, lower power consumption, and a new color scheme... Select a topic Reference: Datasheet DC3400 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on DC3400 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: 10/5/2000

Design
The Kodak DC3400 sports a lightweight, compact design, weighing in at 12 ounces (343 g) without batteries, about 15.5 ounces (443 g) with the batteries included, much like the preceding DC280. It has a compact, ergonomic design much like a traditional camera, and caters to right-handed camera users, as do most cameras we've tested. While it doesn't quite pass the "shirt-pocket" test, all-in-all it's an easy-to-master design, and small enough to encourage packing it along on most trips.

The body, at 5.2 x 2.0 x 3.0 inches (133 x 51 x 76 mm), consists of metallized plastic and has a nice "grip" area on the right-hand side. The power switch is easily activated with your thumb while holding the camera in your right hand. The shutter button is readily accessible without stretching your finger, which makes for easy, one-hand capturing of images. The camera mode dial on the rear of the camera is easily rotated with the thumb of your right hand, again facilitating one-handed shooting. The picture card compartment is also easy to access on the left-hand side of the camera, and it's equally easy to load or eject the 10 megabyte picture card, even when the camera is mounted on a tripod.

The picture above shows the front of the camera. From right to left, key features are the onboard flash, viewfinder, light sensor (flash and autofocus), lens, and indicator light for the self-timer. The lens extends when the camera is turned on, and retracts when turned off. A plastic lens cap grips the camera case when the lens is retracted, but lightly enough to not strain the mechanism when the lens extends.

This picture shows the back side of the camera, with a control layout that will be immediately recognizable to anyone familiar with Kodak's previous DC280 and DC210 models. Most camera functions are controlled via the LCD menu system, activated by the "Menu" button at upper left. Major operating modes are selected with the rotating function dial at lower right, while menu options are selected with the buttons to the right of the LCD screen. The central button (which Kodak calls the "Do-It" button) also serves to turn on the LCD screen for use as a viewfinder when in Capture mode.

The top of the camera features a data readout LCD that displays information about the camera's current status, including the image size/quality settings, flash mode, macro and self-timer status, a number of shots remaining on the memory card at the current quality setting. Three buttons next to the readout let you enable the self timer, select normal, infinity, or macro focusing, and change the flash modes. The shutter button and toggle control for the zoom lens are on the right side of the top panel.

The left side of the camera holds the connectors for external power, video output, and computer input/output, protected beneath flexible rubber flaps. The memory card is also accessed from this side, hidden behind a rigid plastic door. The right side of the camera holds only an attachment lug for the wrist strap.

Batteries load easily in the battery compartment in the bottom of the camera, and the AC adapter, video out, and serial ports are neatly tucked into the left-hand side of the camera (behind rubber protector flaps).