Camera Options, Connecting to Computer | Kodak DC50 specification

CAMERA OPTIONS

To select any camera option press the MODE button on the back of the camera. The icon flashes when selected. Press the SELECT button to advance through the options until the desired function is chosen.

Fig. 3. Illustration of camera mode options.

Auto Focus

The Auto Focus (AF) function allows you to select from three focus settings: Multi-spot auto focus ( three dots under the AF icon), single spot auto focus (one dot under the AF icon), and close-up focus (a flower icon). Use the MODE button to select the desired Auto Focus icon. Once the camera is turned off, the default settings are automatically reset the next time the camera is turned on.

Exposure Compensation

The exposure compensation icon (left and right arrow with positive sign on right and negative sign on left) allows you to change the exposure to adjust the camera for too dim or too bright lighting. The exposure value can be measured to plus or minus two steps (equivalent to aperture settings) from the automatically measured setting.

Flash

The Flash Icon allows you to select from three flash settings: automatic flash (zig-zag down arrow with an A), flash off (Zig-Zag down arrow in a circle), and flash on (Zig- zag down arrow). Automatic flash determines if the flash should be used depending on the existing light. Flash on uses the flash regardless of existing light. Flash off uses no flash.

Image Quality

The image quality icon allows you to select from three image quality settings: good, better, and best. The actual resolution does not change (it is 144 dots per inch). The lower quality creates a smaller image. Good is selecting the single dark square under the word "Quality" on the LCD screen. Better is a medium quality and is selected by choosing two dark squares. Best is a high quality and is selected by three dark squares. Note that since the camera has a limited amount of memory, selecting higher quality (thus stored as a larger image) images results in fewer pictures.

Images Remaining Counter

The Images remaining counter appears near the center of the LCD. The number is the approximate number of pictures that can be taken. This number varies depending on the image quality chosen. When the counter hits 0 no more pictures can be taken. The images must either be transferred to the computer or erased, in which case they are non- retrievable.

CONNECTING TO COMPUTER

When through taking pictures with the DC50 camera, the images are transfered from the camera to a computer. The pictures are normally transfered, converted to an applicable format, and stored on disk.

DC50 specifications

Released in 1995, the Kodak DC50 marked a significant milestone in the world of digital photography. As one of the early consumer digital cameras, the DC50 combined simplicity and innovative technology, making it a popular choice among photography enthusiasts at the time.

At the heart of the Kodak DC50 was a 0.6-megapixel sensor, a cutting-edge feature that allowed users to capture images at a maximum resolution of 640x480 pixels. While this resolution may seem modest by today’s standards, it was a remarkable accomplishment in the mid-90s, providing decent image quality for personal use and basic printing.

One of the standout features of the DC50 was its modular design. The camera could be fitted with an array of interchangeable lenses, expanding its versatility and allowing photographers to experiment with different focal lengths and perspectives. This modularity meant that users could adapt the camera to various shooting scenarios, from landscapes to portraits.

In addition to its interchangeable lenses, the DC50 also incorporated a built-in LCD display, a pioneering feature for digital cameras of that era. The LCD screen facilitated image previewing, enabling users to review their shots immediately after capturing them. This direct feedback was a departure from traditional film cameras, where photographers had to wait for film development to see their images.

Another notable aspect of the Kodak DC50 was its connectivity options. It featured a serial port for transferring images to a PC, an important feature that simplified the sharing and editing of photos in the burgeoning world of digital technology. This made the process of digitizing photographs not only more efficient but also more accessible to a wider audience.

The camera utilized one of Kodak's early digital image compression technologies, which allowed for the efficient storage of images on removable memory cards. The DC50 typically supported CompactFlash cards, which became a standard in the industry, providing an increased capacity for storing images compared to earlier storage options.

Overall, the Kodak DC50 was an innovative digital camera that combined user-friendly features with advanced technology for its time. While today’s cameras have vastly surpassed its capabilities, the DC50 played a crucial role in introducing digital photography to a broader audience, paving the way for the modern digital imaging landscape we enjoy today. Its legacy continues to influence how digital cameras evolve, highlighting the importance of convenience, connectivity, and user experience.