Having tested the Kodak DC4800 for over a month, I can confidently say that this camera is what digital photography has been waiting for. What makes this camera a winner is that it combines the best of the digital world with almost the full range of functionality that serious photo-hobbyists could previously find only from 35 mm single lens reflex cameras.

On the digital side, the ability to take photos in high resolution (and uncompressed) at 3.1 megapixels will allow for printing images that are truly suitable for framing. On the other hand, the lower resolutions that can be automatically saved in the standard JPG format are perfect for the business user and snapshot tourist alike.

Those that are comfortable with technology will appreciate the use of standard compact flash cards to store photographs, as this allows them to transfer images to any notebook computer with a simple (and at $12 downright cheap) PC card adapter. For others, use of a standard USB cable will allow them to move their photos to either a desktop or notebook computer quickly, and with ease.

Conveniences such as a viewfinder, built in flash and rechargeable lithium-ion battery make this camera simple and easy to use. In addition to its simplicity, the two features that set the DC4800 apart from the competition are the lens and multiple operating modes. With a built-in 28-84 telephoto/zoom, you've got exactly what 90% of all photo enthusiasts want and need in a camera, digital or otherwise.

No doubt the average consumer will use the camera in full program mode, where all agents need to do is point and shoot. However, what reminds me so much of the old days and my handy SLR are the multiple operating modes and advanced settings. Beyond the basic automatic mode, the ability to manual set your aperture and shutter-speed, work in semi-automatic aperture priority and the flexibility to emulate various ISO film speeds will please the die-hard hobbyist.

Throw in a digital zoom, macro-mode, multi-shot burst photos, the ability to adjust exposures by 2 F-stops +/-, adjustable exposure metering, an LCD monitor with easy to use on-board menus and you've got everything you could want, and probably a bit more than you'll need.

With as street-price in the low $500's and a $100 rebate this should be the camera to grab the last of the digital resistance and bring them over to our side.

Editor's note: The rebate is valid for purchases made from 3/2/01 to 7/14/0. For a copy of the rebate-coupon in PDF format, just visit the "Products" page on www.canale.com and look for the "Special Offerings" section. Also, be sure to use your new digital camera to snap and upload sellers' homes to your newsletter for listing presentations that demonstrate your reach to consumers on the Internet.

Published: June 7, 2001

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