New Kodak Cameras Simplify PC Image Transfer

The big trend in digital cameras this year is the simplification of camera to PC image transfer. Last month Olympus introduced its Brio, a one USB cable, no software image transfer system, and now Kodak has developed its new Easy Share System, a no hassle docking station with one button camera to PC operation. The Kodak EasyShare system features a camera dock and two new digital camera models—the Kodak DX3500 Digital Camera and the Kodak DX3600 Zoom Digital Camera. The camera dock addresses two of the biggest objections to digital cameras: easy connection and battery charging. Once the camera is placed in the dock, pictures are automatically uploaded to the computer and the dock recharges the camera’s battery pack. The system also includes software that allows users to connect to the Internet to e-mail or print their pictures.

Using Kodak Picture Software, the EasyShare system makes digital picture taking and sharing one-button simple. Features of the system include:

• Fast Picture Transfer: At the touch of a button, the camera dock automatically transfers the pictures into the computer within seconds, avoiding the need to fuss with connecting cables or load memory cards into reading devices. Consumers no longer face a mystery of how to get their pictures out of the digital camera.



• Easy Picture Sharing: The Kodak Picture Software incorporated into the EasyShare system lets you simply e-mail or print your favorite pictures. A few more clicks, and you can also edit and enhance them.



• Simple Picture Management: The system lets you organize your pictures automatically in folders the way you want them: by date, name or event. It also lets you automatically delete all pictures on the camera after they are transferred to a computer, readying the camera for more picture taking.



• Convenient Battery Recharging: The camera is powered and recharged in the dock in less than two and a half hours, or half the time required by competing chargers.

The Kodak DX3500 priced at $299.95 and DX3600 Zoom priced at $399.95 are the first two models in Kodak’s line of EasyShare compatible digital cameras. With 2.2-megapixel resolution, both cameras take high quality pictures suitable for everything from emailing to printing 8 x 10-inch photos.

The DX3500 features a 3X digital zoom, auto white balance and close-up mode that are designed to deliver better pictures. The DX3600 Zoom, features a 6X zoom (2X optical, 3X digital), continuous digital video and sound.

Both cameras offer 8MB of internal memory so your camera can capture up to 48 pictures without a COMPACTFLASH memory card. For more pictures there is an expansion slot for removable compact flash memory cards. The camera dock, priced at $79.95, includes a rechargeable Ni-MH battery pack and AC adaptor. It connects via USB, so that it’s always ready for your camera to upload and recharge. The DX3500 and camera dock will be available worldwide in early May, the DX3600 Zoom will be available in early July. www.kodak.com/go/easyshare.