Eastman Kodak Co has released its updated version of the DC 40, the digital point-and-shoot camera that it launched last spring (CI No 2,634). Aimed at business users wanting to add digital images to reports and presentations, the DC 50 downloads pictures to a computer, where they can be manipulated and reproduced. At the time of the DC 40’s release, Eastman Kodak hoped it would pave the way for cheap digital cameras for businesses, but has so far declined to comment on sales. The DC 50 uses the same PhotoEnhancer software from PictureWorks Technology Inc as its predecessor, but has a number of basic enhancements. The latest model comes complete with a motor-driven zoom lens, automatic focus and exposure control, doing away with the need to buy extra lenses. Along with the 1Mb permanent memory inside the camera, it is now possible to store pictures on removable ATA-compatible PCMCIA storage cards, providing faster, more flexible access to pictures. ATA is the mobile equivalent of the IDE desktop personal computer interface. The ability to remove or change cards at any time and transfer them to a personal computer via a PC Card slot is a marked improvement on downloading through the RS-232 interface. Speed is doubled, capacity increased and the cards can be read by any PC-ATA card reader without additional software drivers. The DC 50 measures 6 by 4 by 2.25. It is out now in the US costing $979.
