Kodak DC3200 1MP Digital Camera

Other products by Kodak

Product Details

Product Manual [1.19mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 2.1 x 4.4 x 3.1 inches ; 7.7 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00004YRVY
• Item model number: DC3200
• Batteries: 4 AA batteries required. (included)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (90 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #10,552 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 4, 1973

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

In 1900, Kodak introduced the Brownie camera--a basic, simple design that cost $1. Its ease of use and low cost popularized amateur photography virtually overnight. Now, 100 years later, Kodak is hoping their DC3200 will play the same role and bring digital photography to the masses.

It's as though Kodak asked us, "What's the minimum set of features you feel are necessary in an entry-level digital camera?" and built the DC3200 around these specifications. There's a traditional optical viewfinder (great if you want to save batteries or you like to compose photos the old-fashioned way), an LCD screen (for previewing and reviewing photos to ensure you're getting exactly the shot you want), 1 megapixel of image resolution (enough detail to produce sharp 4-by-6-inch prints), video-out mode (for viewing your pictures on a TV), a flash, plus expandable memory (via a CompactFlash slot). You can find digital cameras that cost less, but they're almost certainly lacking at least one of these key features.

Where did Kodak cut corners to keep costs low? The lens is quite basic: it's fixed-focus instead of autofocus, and there's no zoom or macro--or even a lens cap. To transfer images to your computer, you use an older (and slower) serial cable instead of an increasingly common and much quicker USB cable. Finally, the 2 MB of memory that comes with the camera is internal and not on a removable card, so you can't use a separate card reader to transfer your photos. And last, you're forced to use Kodak's image-transfer software (compatible with Windows 95, 98, and 2000, but not Mac version) to put the photos on your computer.

Camera operation is extremely easy. To take a picture, you just turn the camera on and press the shutter release--true point-and-shoot simplicity. Transferring images to your computer is nearly as easy: install the included software, connect the cable between your computer and your camera, set the camera to "PC Connect" mode, and start the software. A thumbnail index of the pictures on your camera should automatically appear on your computer's screen. A few mouse clicks later, the pictures are stored safely on your computer's hard drive. Picture quality is on a par with other 1-megapixel fixed-focus cameras--great for e-mailed photos and sharp enough for 4-by-6 prints that look like they're from a film point-and-shoot. Though there's no macro feature, everything from two feet to infinity is in focus.

It's clear that Kodak is trying to make this camera as easy to use as possible. An included double-sided "Quick Set Up" sheet contains all of the information that most people will need to start using the camera, and both the hardware and software are designed to be simple. Compared to most digital cameras, this one is pretty easy to use, but if you're afraid to install software or crawl around to the back of your computer to connect the serial cable, you might want to invite a technically savvy friend or relative over to help you with the initial setup. For example, we had to install the software twice to get it to work properly, and if the transfer cable wasn't inserted all the way into the camera (it felt like it was plugged in firmly even when it wasn't), we had problems. These aren't major issues, but they can be frustrating, especially for beginners.

If you're curious about digital photography but don't want to spend a fortune on a deluxe model, the Kodak DC3200 is a good choice. Though it doesn't have many bells and whistles, the camera is easy to use and captures images with enough detail for both e-mailed pictures and prints.

Pros:

• Extremely simple operation.
• Good image quality for the price
• Built-in flash, LCD, and video-out port not often seen on cameras in this price range

Cons:

• No self-timer
• Included memory is built-in instead of removable (though removable memory can be used)
• Not compatible with newer USB port; uses older (and slower) serial port
• Camera includes video-out connection, but cable is not included.

Product Description

In a snap, the Kodak DC3200 digital camera captures all of life's special moments, no matter how big nor small. It's perfect for those who cherish memory-making as much as memory-sharing. Spread the joy and share your pictures in e-mails and with great-looking prints. With the DC3200, it's easier than ever to stay in touch with friends and family. Preview and review your pictures. See what you shot in an instant with the built-in LCD screen. With the DC3200, you'll know if the picture is a keeper. When it comes to capturing fun as it happens, leave it to Kodak - the name you trust in pictures.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

258 of 266 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Might be just what you need., October 12, 2000

By	Rheumor (New Orelans) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This is a pretty good deal on a Kodak 1-megapixel camera. What is a 1-megapixel camera you ask? Well, it's about the maximum resolution (the best) you would want for a digital camera whose main task will be taking pictures for emailing or website posting. Higher resolution makes for larger files which require not only more time to upload (i.e. to transfer to an email or to post on a website), but more time to download for your reader. In fact, the new 3-megapixel cameras make photo files so large that a person with a well-tuned 56k (regular modem) connection would have to wait almost 6 minutes to download (view) a single photo! This particular camera then is well-suited to internet apps, and you'll probably use it on lower than 1-megapixel resolution most of the time. PROS: 1) Price 2) Quality 3) USB connection 4) CompactFlash (expandable) memory 5) Through-the-lens shooting. CONS: 1) Limited zoom (digital zooms are poor relatives of optical zooms) 2) High battery usage 3) Mediocre flash capability.

94 of 94 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Buy, November 8, 2000

By A Customer

This particular camera is a great buy. I have never used a digital camera before and the ease of this one is great. The first time I held it I knew how to use it. Downloading time is fairly quick, 25 pictures took about 4-5 minutes, of course using a 900 mhz machine. Picture quality is excellent even in the good mode. If you have it on the best mode the pictures are remarkable. I have enjoyed the use of the camera, and if you are a first time buyer of a digital camera I highly recommend this one.

109 of 110 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW- A Point and Shoot Winner, December 5, 2000

By	Andrew Lamberson (Hudson, WI USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

My wife just gave me this camera for my birthday and I can sum up my feelings in one word: WOW

I have a high end Kodak digital camera that doesn't always get used due to it's size, weight and cost. The DC3200 is a perfect addition to my collection of cameras! It's point and shoot easy and the picture quality is excellent. If you plan on printing standard 3x5 or 4x6 pictures, this camera will give you super results.

Hey, it's not fancy by any means. You turn it on and press the shutter (so to speak) button. You can use the onboard memory (only 2 Meg so you can't fit very many pics on it) but when you add a larger (15 Meg or so) card...you have the ability to take a ton of pics.

You'll need to buy some rechargable batteries and a memory card reader to complete your package. Add a good photo program like MS Picture-it and your digital darkroom is ready to go.

If your looking for a point and shoot digital camera at a VERY good price this is it.