Kodak Easyshare DX7630 Zoom

This camera is overall a nice package, it feels better than most compacts I have handled, as it has a little more weight, and size. It is kind of between a compact and "pro-sumer" in design. The controls are sufficient for most people and situations, although they are a bit tough to get to and get used to. As with most compacts, to change things, you have to go through menus, so probably not a good solution for one finding themselves shooting fast moving objects, with lots of changes. The modes are numerous, I think something around 14, and all perform very well, for a number of situations. The DX7630, uses three metering modes, Matrix, center-spot, and spot modes, with matrix being the only option in preprogramed setting and in P mode. The meter is very accurate within reason, andhas never let me down. As with all compacts, low light performace is not a strong point. It hunts alot in lowlight, and often cannot focus at all. However, in decent light, the lens produces sharp useable images throughout it's range with a minimal of barrel distortion and pin-coushining. Purple fringing can be a bit of a problem in high contrast scenes, but it is within acceptable range, and not as bad as some examples I have seen. Colors are reproduced with Kodak's signature deep saturation, and sometimes can be a bit much, but is usually not a problem, unless shooting a subject containing a lot of red. I tried to use the teleconverters available for this camera, but have found they are difficult to gain any success with, and are better left alone. The 3x zoom won't get you across the soccer field, but is plenty sufficient for alot of situations. The only thing lacking with the zoom range on this camera, would be a wider end. It begins at around 39mm (35 equiv.), I would like to have seen it begin more around 28. I would recomend this product to anyone who wants a light pacjkage with many features, and would like print sizes up to 11X14. It will satisfy the needs of most, in almost any situation.

Color saturation, sharp lens, weight and size

Focal length on the low end, accessories are inferior