Kodak's DX3215 sets new standards for simplicity and picture quality in an entry-level digital camera. The 1.3-megapixel resolution captures plenty of detail for most needs, producing sharp prints at sizes up to 5 by 7 inches. A lower-resolution 640 x 480 (0.3 megapixel) mode is perfect for pictures you're sharing online, and lets you store four times as many images in the camera's memory.
The DX3215 is clearly designed for people who prefer a camera that's easy to use to one that's packed with manual controls--it's a true point-and-shoot. Turn it on, aim, and press the button, and the camera does the rest, selecting exposure and activating the flash when necessary. The photographer does have a few options, including a 2x optical zoom lens to aid in image composition, plus manual control of the flash (if desired).
Numerous battery options make it easy to keep the camera ready for action. For the longest life between changes, use a disposable CRV3 lithium battery (included). A more environmentally friendly solution is to use a pair of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) AA batteries, or the rechargeable battery pack that comes with the optional dock. If you're on vacation and you've run out of power, you can throw in any pair of ordinary AA batteries. Though this is a very handy option, it's also an expensive one, as alkalines have a relatively short lifespan in a digital camera.
Transferring images to your computer is also a snap with the included Kodak software and USB cable. Simply connect the cable between the camera and your Mac or PC, launch the software, and start moving your pictures.
For even simpler operation, pick up the optional docking station. Drop the camera into the dock, press the button, and images are transferred automatically. In addition, an included battery pack recharges automatically when the camera is in the dock.
Images are stored in the camera's 8 MB of internal RAM--enough memory for 20 high-resolution photos or 80 low-resolution snapshots. Memory capacity can be increased with the use of MMC MultiMedia memory cards, which is a smaller (and less common, though still readily available) format than either SmartMedia or CompactFlash.
To keep the price low, Kodak has omitted a few options often found on more expensive cameras. The lens is focus-free instead of autofocus, and the included memory is internal instead of removable. In addition, the 1.6-inch LCD viewscreen on the back of the camera is a touch smaller than the screens found on some competing models. For most people, these shortcomings are unlikely to have a major impact on image quality or overall enjoyment of the camera.
If you're currently using a basic point-and-shoot film camera, the DX3215 is a great way to get into digital photography. It's simple to operate, is a fraction of the price of more advanced models, and the pictures look great, both on your computer screen and at print sizes up to 5 by 7 inches.
Pros:
- Simple to use, with sharp prints at sizes up to 5 by 7 inches
- Versatile battery options
- Optional dock makes camera even easier to use
Cons:
- Focus-free lens instead of autofocus
- Internal memory less versatile than removable memory
- Optional removable memory is in a less-common format
1 Still clicking after 2 years
I have used the Kodak DX3215 for more than 2 years without having any problems. I have the docking device and keep the camera there to recharge batteries when I am home. Away from home I use the lithium batteries. I take many snapshots, and use the Kodak software to edit, store, and print them. I am not a professional photographer, but knowledgeable about point and shoot basics. I found this camera as easy to use as my Ricoh 135mm camera, but now prefer this one because I can edit and print the photos myself.
2 Nice quality Megapixel camera
I think this camera would rate higher if the price were more in line with the cheap 1.3 Megapixel competition. I bought this item for half the listed price, or my rating might be somewhat different. This camera takes excellent photos that will print at near-photo quality up to 5x7 inches. It's not a truly high-resolution camera, but for snapshots, photos for Web use, and even spot photos for press it will do the job nicely. The overall photo quality and color balance is excellent, although images are little grainy indoors by artificial light w/o flash. The impressive thing is that it actaully takes photos indoors by artificial light w/o flash. So far the auto focus has resulted in perfectly focused images every time, with fast exposures that help prevent blurriness from unsteady hands. The macro-focus also results in excellent, sharp images from less than a foot away. The interface is easy to grasp, and not too difficult to set up. I've been very impressed so far with the quality of the images.
Its major drawback, in my opinion, is the lack of features which far cheaper digital cameras include. I own a Concord Eye Q Duo 1300, which takes acceptable photos at the same resolution, but also has a self-timer and video clip capability ... at 1/3 the list price for the Kodak. For the price, I would expect the Kodak to include a few more more bells and whistles.
Like all digital cameras I've had to deal with, the Kodak eats batteries like candy. Be sure to buy lots of batteries, or have a couple of sets of rechargeable batteries to rotate through.
3 Don't bother with this one!
I've owned a Kodak DC280 for a few years and was always happy with it. When it was time to purchase a new digital camera for work, I thought this would be the perfect one. I'm a real estate appraiser, and I don't really need a high megapixel camera, just one that gives good, clear images, and can hold alot in the memory. When the DX3215 arrived the first thing I couldn't get used to was how light it was. It just felt kind of cheap. Well I didn't have any problems with it the first couple of days, but then a couple of things happened and have continued to consistently happen. You have to make sure that the picture you take actually gets saved to the memory card. The image shows up in the LCD screen, but then it doesn't get saved. The green status light just keeps blinking and the only way to reset the camera is to open the battery cover. I thought maybe it was just this camera and I'd return it, until my partner told me she has the same problem with hers. This is really a big problem in my line of work, because I'm driving all over, taking pictures of houses. I don't have time to just jump back in the car and reshoot photos. The other day the camera acted like it had saved the images, but when I returned to the office, I was missing two critical pictures. Then it will sometimes tell you that there is a problem with the memory card and it has to be formatted. This has never been the case, and all you have to do is turn off the camera and turn it back on. Good thing too when you've already taken 20 pictures.
Whatever you do, don't get this camera.
4 frustrating!!
Simply put this camera is the most annoying camera I have ever used. I expected so much more from Kodak. The buttons are too tiny to press, it is extremely slow and 95% of the time it does not do what you want to do. The preview feature rarely works even after you press the "select" button. Try deleting photos from the memory takes about five mintues because it will not respond and you have to turn it off, wait to reset and turn it back on again. The worst part is the camera will take one photo and then shut off. I have used several batteries and charged the PROPERLY, but the camera drains them all after one or two photos. I contacted Kodak Customer Service and they would not even help me. I was shocked. You would think a big company like Kodak would have great customer service. Well, you would be wrong. They basically told me that I don't know how to use the camera. Trust me, this is the most frustrating camera.
If you have a great deal of patience then maybe this would be good for you because it is extremely easy to use -- when it actually works -- and the price is reasonable. Just be prepared for a lot of headaches.
5 A simple digital camera, simply annoying
This camera was not what my wife and I expected when we bought it. After looking at several different "entry-level" digital cameras, we decided this one had the most bang for the buck, and it came with a free memory card and a rebate.
This camera is a sore disappointment from Kodak, and the overall performance was poor.
* Battery life is terrible, even with lithium photo batteries, and especially if you use the LCD screen instead of the viewfinder. Always have a few changes of batteries handy for this power hog. We ended up buying rechargable batteries and a charger because of it.
* The flash is terrible. Forget about taking any pictures in low light levels. This camera is suited to bright sunny days. We did get a few good shots from this camera at the beach.
* We had several problems with the camera recognizing the memory card. It would often display an error message saying that the (usually partially full) memory card was not formatted correctly and needed to be re-formatted. After trying unsuccesfully to reformat the card several times, we ejected and re-inserted the card and batteries and the camera a few time and the camera recognized the card (existing pictures intact). This happens a LOT and is very annoying!
* You have to hold down the power button for a long time to turn the camera on, and it takes forever for camera to boot up. The auto power off is pretty quick.
* No timer function.
* Transferring more than a few photos at once via the included USB cable, either with the included software or directly from the folder on the camera to the computer, caused the camera/transfer to lock-up. If it locks up mid-photo the picture file is lost and unrecoverable on either the camera or hard-drive. This occurs when using a memory card or the camera's internal memory. I have been told by other people that they don't have problems transferring with the optioning docking station, however.
* The Kodak picture transfer software is fairly basic and does not give you much control over how or where on hard-drive your pictures are transferred. It also automatically opens a poor quality image editor once it completes transferring photos. The menu bar "X" for closing the program is not availabe, and the program has closing splash screen that stays up for several seconds after telling the program to close. If I want the program closed then close it, don't show me a useless splash screen!
If you are considering buying this camera, don't! Save your money for a better quality camera that actually works.
6 Lousy
Don't buy this camea. I did and am sorry to have wasted the money.
7 kodak cheap and not so easy share
OK, The unit is ok for a beginner, but get used to being frustrated by the control button....it doesn't usually work the first time you press it. The zoom feature is pretty useless, not much zoom. The transfer software is a piece of crap, your screen resolution will triple and you won't have functional control of your start menu...once you exit the program the resolution returns...this is annoying. The picture quality is ok, but forget the flash, light a match instead...I am suprised that kodak got so cheap with this camera, i am keeping it for another year, then gonna look at a non-kodak product...it's a kids toy
8 This cannot be a serious camera
What an annoying camera this is. Granted, it's not expensive, but still, you would expect a better cam than this one. First of all, the operating buttons are irritatingly small. You need long nails or childrens hands to operate them. Then it's extremely slow. Don't expect to make a quick snapshots if the camera is turned off - it will take up to 20 seconds to switch on. You can't leave it on all the time - there's an auto swith off.... It uses massive amounts of energy, so you're forced to buy (and carry) lots of spare batteries. It has no timer function. On top of that, it quite often does not perform the tasks you want to, resulting in having to switch the thing off as a reset. And yes, having to wait that long time again for it to 'heat up'. The zoom is good enough for most situations, and the macro function works fine, although with soms distortion. The camera dock (optional) is a very good thing though, and the software worked without a glitch and is very, very easy to use - hence the two stars. So, if you have a choice, buy a better camera than this one.
9 Frustratingly slow and awkard controls
This cannot be a serious camera by Kodak, it just can't. First: the controls are so small, you need childrens fingers to operate them (expecially the power button). Then there's no timer. Then there's no lens protection. The thing is agonizingly slow - don't expect to take a snapshot in a snap, this thing has to 'heat up' for 20 seconds or so... The battery (rechargable) lasts only a photo or 50 at most. So take your charger with you if you go on a holiday, as two normal AA batteries (wich you can also use)lasts no more than maybe 20 pics... Half the time I had to take batteries out to 'reset' because some features wouldn't work. But hey, the software is quite ok. Place the thing in the dock (optional) and your pics are autoloaded into your PC. But that's about it. So, even as a beginning digital photographer, go for a better one.
10 Frustrating camera/software
After fighting with the camera and software for three hours, I gave up. I was displeased immensely with the software it came with, as it had a mind of its own. The camera itself looks nice and the photos look great on the LCD, but I guess what you see is NOT what you get. After trying to "transfer" the photos to my computer, if they even showed up, the pixels were jumbled up and the colors weren't even right. After starting over three times, I realized this battle was not going to be won by fighting with it, but by returning it because it just doesn't work. And, Kodak's website support section was as unhelpful as possible. I sent them an e-mail for help, and got an automatic reply that it would take 7-10 days for them to get back to me. I find that wholly unacceptable...and no phone number to boot!
Do yourself a favor and buy a different camera.
11 novice with digital cameras
I just received my camera on 12/30/01 and within minutes of opening the package we were taking pictures. Because it came with an instruction manual for a Kodak DX3500 and I have a DX3215 we spent a little extra time trying to figure out what all the buttons were for. It would have been much more helpful to have a manual that actually showed the details of the camera which was purchased but once the software was installed in my computer I could retrieve the information I needed which is okay but would be better to have an actual black and white copy rather then having to go online each time I have a question. I do think the pictures we took came out rather good except for those taken in a low light situation. I would recommend this one for any beginner in digital photography. It's a good learning camera before investing in a more expensive and better quality camera.
12 Great Entry-Level Camera
I bought this unit as a Christmas present for my wife. We were immediately impressed by the ease of operation and the quality of the images. The only real "negatives" would be the overuse of plastic, almost the entire housing, and a small viewing screen. Overall, it's a great entry-level camera for anyone thinking about transitioning from film. I bought a complete package, adding the 16Mb memory card, a small camera case and the Kodak docking station. The docking unit charges the included camera batteries while the USB cable allows direct transfer of the images to our desktop computer. As I said, it's a really good start-up consideration.
13 Camera is without lens protection!!!
Alltogether this camera is good.
Here the good things:
1. It makes clear pictures and it is very very very very easy to use. (After five minutes I could operate all menus etc on that camera)
2. It even has a macro function although the description at amazon.com says it doesn't. So, you can go 25 centimeters close to your object. (that's good if you want to photograph flowers, pictures and other close motives)
3. The lenses are all made of glass (which is important, never buy a camera with a plastic lens!!).
4. The battery lives long (300 pictures with one battery)
5. For only $30.- additional you can buy a 16mb card and so you can hold 60 pictures at highest resolution.
6. You can connect it to TV and watch your pictures there. It also has a slide show function, that means as you watch, the camera switches automatically from one picture to another showing all pictures that you selected.
7. You can add or turn off each of the three optional flashes (red eye, bright background, regular).
Here is the bad:
1. No autofocus. For that reason I would probably buy a different one today.
2. The highly celebrated special feature, the camera dock to recharge the batteries is NOT included.
3. Here is something for people who don't know much about computers:
A lot of computers (three years and older) DON'T have USB.
You need to double check if your computer has USB input, if it doesn't, forget buying this camera. I have a 266MHZ Pentium and I thought it must be new enough to use this camera however it doesn't have USB. Also you NEED to have Windows 98 or newer to use this camera, otherwise you can send it back....
4. Finally I want to say that nowadays cameras have so many features and are so sophisticated however THE basic thing, a simple plastic top on the lens for protection is not there anymore. Be careful not to get scratches on the lens with this camera. Even in my grand-greatfathers time this was a basic feature for all cameras, today it is considered as something special, isn't that sad?
14 l337
I love this camera, it's easy to use, that pictures are amazingly clear, and unlike most digital cameras, it takes great motion pictures instead of blurring the motions, it keeps them clear. I love how I can preview pictures on my Television, and upload the pictures quickly. The battery it comes with has lasted me four days of almost non-stop use.
The one default of this camera is that it doesn't seem to have an self timer on it for taking pictures of yourself.
15 Not a great camera
This was my first digital camera, and I'm sending it back. I was searching for a digital camera that would take good close up pictures. This isn't it. They get blurry and the pictures are not sharp and clean. It feels like a cheap toy. The buttons wouldn't work half the time and I would have to turn the power off and on again to make them work. The docking system was nice because it recharged the batteries, but it's not any more convienient than a plain USB connection. The one time I used the transfer button on the dock it completely restarted my computer. In every indoor picture I took, the flash made this huge, blinding white spot, no matter what mode it was in. Another thing that bothered me was that there is no lens cover. If you're looking for quality sharp, clear photos, this isn't the way to go.
16 Not very happy
This is my second digital camera (I also have an Apple Quicktake 150). I was looking for 1M pixel + with optical zoom and USB and this camera looked great. What I found was that it does not do well with "low" light (the school cafeteria with no flash is what I'm refering to as "low"). Images were grainy and blurred. It is also very slow. Don't expect to quickly turn it on and take a picture. Then I went to take family photos and found that there is no timer function! The included software seemed incomplete (as if this newer model had not been added). It installed a control panel with no functionality for this model and other software features also did not work (I haven't got the firmware update to work yet either).
17 Good Camera
i bought this camera about 1 hour after i bougt this.
first i tell u the bad things abut this product:
1. the digital zoom is not go cuz the picture goes blury.
thats it.
second the good things:
1. normal zoom is cool
2. high quilty pictures even better than the Polaroid PDC 1.320 megapixel camera even though thats the same megapixels.
3. the lens are really made of glass
4. pictures in the LCD is real colour
and 5. USB
thats it
