Kodak DC3800

WHAT'S HOT: An ultracompact shape is the DC3800's star attraction. It weighs less than half a pound, and the steel-gray case is only as thick as two decks of cards stacked together. Moreover, its controls are so simple that even the most techno-phobic user should be comfortable using it.

WHAT'S NOT: To keep the DC3800 small and simple, Kodak left out some critical features. Toping the list: serial or USB output ports. To move your shots from camera to PC, you have to remove the CompactFlash card and insert it into an external USB-based card reader (bundled with the camera). The DC3800 does have a video output port that lets you view your images on a TV.

Also missing are even the most basic exposure controls, such as an exposure value adjustment or white balance options. You'll also have to live without thumbnail views--the small LCD screen shows you only one shot at a time. And the camera's small size comes at a stiff premium: $399 is expensive for a camera with a list of features this thin (for example, it has no optical zoom). Finally, Kodak does not offer phone support on weekends.

WHAT ELSE: Our test shots were a cut above the average for cameras in the under-$500 price range. The camera produced solid whites and accurate colors overall. Most exposures tended to fall a bit on the dark side, and we noticed some loss of subtle shading in reds. Details in our still-life shots had average sharpness, but we noticed some odd yellow banding around fine black lines.

The DC3800 lets you review shots immediately after you take them, but you have to be quick. The image pops up for about 2 seconds and is then saved to the CompactFlash media. If you hit one of the control buttons before the image gets saved, you can delete the shot without having to switch to playback mode. Like most cameras, the DC3800 lets you fire off several shots in quick succession, but only at its lowest resolution.

Though the menus are just simple text messages, they're easy to decipher--in large part because there are so few options. Unlike most digital cameras, there's no LED status display--you have to turn on the LCD to view battery status, number of shots left, and other data, which tends to be harder on battery life. Button controls are limited to the self-timer, flash mode, and three very simple navigation buttons. A simple dial has camera settings, review, and shooting modes, plus a macro setting. Though the DC3800 is missing a slow-sync flash mode--useful for highlighting subjects in low-light settings without killing off the background--it has the usual flash options, including red-eye reduction.

BEST USE: Consider the DC3800 if small size and light weight are at the top of your wish list, and you are willing to live with the camera's limited options.

SUMMARY

Kodak DC3800 2.1 megapixels, 1792 by 1184 maximum resolution, 33mm focal range (35mm equivalent), f2.8 and f8 aperture range, shutter speeds from 1/2 second to 1/1000 second, optical and LCD viewfinders, external card reader and video connection, bundled 8MB CompactFlash card, two AA batteries, 7.7 ounces with batteries; ArcSoft PhotoImpression 2000 version 1.0 software. One-year parts and labor warranty; toll-free support for 11 hours on weekdays. $399 800/235-6325 www.kodak.com