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deedar · Jan 17, 2001, 02:32 PM

Anyone with experience with this digital cam? I'm thinking about getting one - good reviews and all... comments??????

Paul S · Jan 17, 2001, 04:27 PM

I have a Kodak DC280 which is the direct predecessor to the 3400. I have also used some 3400s that my company has. I love them. Easy to use, nice feature set, good picture quality. With my Epson Photo 870 I get some amazing prints from that camera. I know that Olympus is generally considered better, but I have also used those. User interface isn't as easy, they only do USB with an optional card reader, and I didn't notice a difference in picture quality.

One key note on printing if you think you'll do that. The default dpi for the pictures is 72. In Photoshop, I increase the dpi to 300 before printing, and also change the print dimensions to fit a 8.5x11 page. The difference in print quality is substantial. 72 dpi is grainy and blocky. 300 dpi is very smooth.

If you get this camera, there is a version called the DC3400EZ. It is a bundle that includes rechargeable batteries and a charger plus a 32MB Compact Flash card. It's well worth the money because these cameras go through batteries fast and the recharger will save you a ton in the long run.

deedar · Jan 17, 2001, 05:19 PM

Thanks for the tip(s), Paul.

iPaul UK · Jan 18, 2001, 11:24 AM

I too have a DC 280 and it's great! I've seen the newer 3400's and I can't tell what the difference is!? It looks lighter in colour, but the 2meg res is the same etc.. So what are the differences? By the way, here in England my DC 280 came with re-chargeable batteries and a charger as standard. Not to mention a myriad of cables that means I can connect to just about anything! Software for these cams works very well too.

Paul S · Jan 18, 2001, 11:50 AM

My DC 280 also came with the batteries, etc. standard, which is why I bought it instead of the 3400, which was just being announced at the time I bought my camera. The 3400EZ bundle hadn't been created at that point. A Kodak representative told me the 3400 has a slightly newer lens in it that the 280 didn't have. She also said the difference was virtually indistinguishable from the lens in the 280. Basically just a new model year for them. Tech companies update their product numbers a lot even if the changes are minor or no changes at all. It gives the impression that the unit is "new and improved".