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Stress-free pixel power
 When you see a new digital camera touted as “more advanced,” do you shudder at the thought of endless menus, a riot of mystery icons, and far-out features that even the company engineers can’t explain?
We do. Which is why we were happy to get Kodak’s new pixel-packed EasyShare DX7630 ($500 street). Here’s how this advanced 6.1-megapixel camera works: Take it out of the box, charge the battery, put it in the camera, turn the camera dial to auto, take pictures. Any questions?
Actually, if you had any questions, the 7630 could probably answer them for you. Like other DX- and CX-series Kodak cameras, the clear, easy-to-read menus explain the function of each setting in plain English.
The control array is nearly identical to Kodak’s DX6490 (tested November 2003). Modes are set with an illuminated dial, which locks in the off position. (Minor gripes: the dial is hard to turn, and the central joystick control is a little tricky.) The usual point-and-shoot buttons adjust flash and focusing modes.
The only control that may mystify you at first is the unmarked thumbwheel just behind the shutter button. This selects f-stop, shutter, exposure comp, and ISO level. Dial it to your choice on the big 2.2-inch LCD monitor, press on the switch, and make your settings. Once you get the trick, it proves to be a fast, easy controller.
The 7630 is a pleasantly sized chunk, with a very ergonomic right-hand grip and well-located shutter button. Should you choose to use the viewfinder, magnification and eye relief are pretty good, but not great.
If you’re thinking that the 7630 is a lot of pixels in a stripped-down point-and-shoot, consider some of the other features available: autobracketing, selectable multipoint AF, and a four-frame speed burst at 2 fps. And, unlike a lot of compacts, the 7630 has adjustable flash output. So-so movies, though: QVGA resolution, 24 fps max, with sound.
The hybrid external-plus-TTL passive autofocus works well at all but the very lowest light levels, as long as there’s some detail—vertical or horizontal—in the AF field.
Resolution tested out to an honest six-pack—on par with the 6MP Nikon D70 we tested in June 2004—and noise was well controlled. The only flaw (a minor one) was slight color fringing that you might see in extremely fine detail.
As with other EasyShare DX models, the 7630 fits into the little 6000 Printer Dock. And it comes with the highly useful EasyShare software, with tools like redeye fix and quick setup for a whole slew of printers.
Bottom line? Simple camera, with high resolution and great results, for picky point-and-shooters. We also suspect that serious photographers, during time off from their DSLRs or EVFs, will dig an easy-operating, fun camera like this. We certainly do.
What's Hot
Zippy operation. Sharp, fast, f/2.8–4.8 zoom lens. Simple controls. Clear menus. Big 2.2-inch LCD. Brawny battery.
What's Not
No custom white balance. Who needs 16 scene modes? Mediocre movie making. Nubby zoom and jog controls.
Download our Kodak EasyShare DX7630 Certified Test Results
-requires Adobe Acrobat Reader
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