September 1997 — Ed-Tech Trends

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Digital Imaging Is Innovative, Useful and Now Within Educators' Reach

WinCam.One. For $269, the kit includes a camera that can handle 640 x 480 resolution images, a slide holder for digitizing 35mm slides, a tripod, all necessary cables, a power supply and WinCam software that controls the camera. Designed as a desktop camera, aiming and focusing is accomplished using the software. There are many uses for this type of camera, from taking photos for portfolios to setting up a low-cost desktop surveillance system. It could even be taken outside and hooked up to a laptop and tripod for outdoor shots.

WinCam.One is a Complete Bundle

In addition to the DC50 we review in this article, Kodak offers a couple of cameras at prices that may entice educators. While not capable of the same resolution the DC50 features, both the DC20 and DC25 are designed with the same usability that pervades their bigger brother. Both cameras offer 493 x 373 resolution, on-camera image storage (1MB for the DC20, 2MB for the DC25), optical viewfinders and a good mix of bundled software, such as Kaiís Power Goo SE. The main differences between the two cameras are the memory capability and the DC25ís built-in color LCD display, which enables immediate previews of stored images. These differences are reflected in the prices: the DC20 g'es for $199; the DC25 for $399.

Built-in LCD Screen Provides Previews

Panasonic also is offering a digital camera under the $400 mark. The CoolShot KXL 600A is remarkably compact -- 5.2 inches high, 2.4 inches wide and 0.8 inches deep -- yet still offers 640 x 480 resolution. It utilizes a 2MB CompactFlash memory card, where it stores up to 24 high-resolution pictures. With an optional 4MB PC card, it can hold 192 normal quality images. A unique feature lets educators view photos directly on a television using the bundled cable. To transfer images to a PC, simply place the PC card into the included PC card adapter or use the serial interface cable. For Macintosh users, Panasonic (800-742-8086) is offering an optional interface kit ($59) that includes image-editing software.

Hands-On: Kodak DC50

Priced under $700, Kodakís (800-23-KODAK) DC50 is a good "do everything" camera, with additional features not seen on other cameras in its price range. It has a 3x motorized zoom lens, with automatic focus and exposure, and can store up to 22 "good" quality pictures in its 1MB internal memory.