I also received this camera as a Christmas gift, after much consideration by the buying party. The features are top-notch, quality is outstanding, and it's very user-friendly and easy to handle, even for novices.

MAJOR PROBLEM with the battery latch. Mine was purchased from a well-known chain, thank goodness a 3-year full warranty was also purchased. I will be returning to the store for the FOURTH time to replace the camera because of the battery latch breaking. The first one broke after just a few weeks, the second was broke when I got the camera out of the box, the third broke after 2 days, and now this fourth one has broken after several months.

I had ben wanting to go digital since I like taking pictures, but I'm not very good at getting my film devoloped.

The Camera body has a solid traditional feel, and the image size and flexability of control are great for a wide range of users.

It takes great pictures. I have taken pictures by accident that were good enough to keep. I also love how I can keep zooming into the images to see very small details. I normally shoot on full auto or the closeup setting, but it is really nice to have all the different pre-set modes, as well as the ability to take a reasonable ammount of manual control. On the other hand, I have to admit it does have its negatives.

The 3X optical zoom is okay (digital zoom is just marketing), but I sometimes wonder if I would have been as happy with the one of the simplier models with more powerful zoom.

The battery setup could have been designed better. The mechanism that holds it in does seem a little too delacate. I haven't broken mine, but I can see how it happens. You would think, with the breakage risk, the camera would ship the AC adapter so you could charge the battery in the camera, but the external charger alllows for charging a backup battery, and it only takes two hours.

It does not allow you to save raw images. I wonder how good the images and the shot to shot times would be if the camera didn't compress the images (especially using a lossy method).

Sure the cell is nonstandard, but I think you get better battery life than three AAA's would give. I am also not a big fan of the lens cap, but I can live with it.

Even with the negatives, I still really like my DX7630.

This is a good camera that takes great pictures. I enjoyed using it, but the camera has one flaw. The latch that holds the battery in place breaks easily. I have replaced this camera twice because the battery latch has broken. I would have one still if it weren't for the battery latch. Maybe if they would change this to a more sturdy latch it would be better.

I've owned a Kodak DX4900 Digital camera for the past 4 or more years. It really did a wonderful job for me with it's limited features. My new purchase is the Kodak DX7630. It is an upgrade for me and I think that it's just the perfect little camera. It does everything and more with the greatest of ease. The controls are simple to use and the features have few limits. I don't know why the little battery door is giving some people trouble. For me it functions perfectly. I figure that they must treating it too roughly. This camera is a precision instrument and should be handled accordingly. I recommend it as a "Great Buy!"

Add 2 more broken latches. Since Giving the camera as a Christmas gift it has had the same part break twice. Even the in store display camera has a broken latch! This week the camera is getting returned. <br /> The Canon A95 looks to be the next best option, too bad i already purchased a 512 media card for the Kodak. :(

This camera is very good for the novice photographer like myself. When I opened the camera at first I didn't know how to take a picture. This camera has little to no learing curve. I was taking great pictures within hours. Great Bang for your buck. I recommend this camera to anyone who wants to learn digital photography.

I love the easyness of this camera, we have one at our school and I use it very often. I love it but I can't print pictures though the printers because the megapixles are so high it jams the printer. But I'd still recomend it. It is wonderful

Earlier this year I began looking around for a new digital camera to replace my 4 year old, 2MP camera. After finding this camera being offered on sale at a local retailer it was a deal that I could not pass up. Being able to print up to 20x30 and 30x40 pictures is a big difference to the 4x6 maximum quality I was getting from my old camera. Although the many features take some getting used to they come in handy. They have allowed me to get the best results with pictures shot in many differnt settings. The camera itself is small, sturdy and has easy to use buttons and dials. Also the menu for setting camera formats and features is easy to navigate. I have had my camera for two months now and have not had any problems with the battery latch. I am looking forward to taking this camera on summer vacation just to see the difference in quality compared to my older pictures. Great camera for the price.

I thought I was the only one, seeing I only bought the camera a few months back it pains me to have such a small thing break. I looked up the warenty, which I still have the ability to use the one year one with the product. Only trouble is they charge you a large amount just to return the camera back to you and you must mail it to them in the first place to have it repaired! Cash out for postage to them and cash out to return!! What a great warenty, not! EDIT: I think I speak for all before me that its not the battery DOOR thats our issue, its the cheap and flmsy little PLASTIC orange lock that is breaking on everyone!! Ihave contacted a few local stores and asked if they have had many issues with this problem and the answer was a clear yes. OTHERWISE this camera is the best one out there, with ease of use at the top of my applaude list!! Clear HUGE pictures are great for large prints. BTW, the Video is 10 times better then the 4mp I had before it, also a kodak. Great sound and very clear video!

As an casual photographer, I had been using my old Ricoh, and unwilling to move into the land of digital. Along came this camera, and with 6 megapixels for $300, I couldn't resist trying it out. I haven't been disappointed yet. The pictures are AMAZING, both in color and clarity, the detail is sharp, crisp and true, and, with the huge screen, picture taking is a breeze. I've tried several of the various photo styles (night pictures, snow, active children, etc), and each time the pictures were beautiful. I haven't picked up my old favorite Ricoh in months. This camera even has features for more sophisticated photographers, none of which I am completely familiar with yet. However, for the everyday user, this camera is MORE than a bargain.

Sure wish I would have found these reviews before I purchased this camera on 4-27-05. I have only used the camera once and yesterday I decided I should go ahead and re-charge the battery for an upcoming vacation. I opened up the battery door and the orange plastic battery lock was broken. THIS WAS THE FIRST time I had opened the battery compartment up since installing it!!!! I can't take it back to the store where I purchased it for replacement because it has been longer than 14 days. I am so mad especially since I leave for vacation on June 10th. Kodak customer service was closed for the holiday yesterday so I had to call today. I have to pay to ship it back to the company for repairs. They promise me it will be shipped back to me by June 10th but I have serious doubts!!!! I can't believe they are putting such a cheap plastic part. I'm sure that darn thing will break on me again. I'm always very careful with my cameras too. I was very careful when I put the battery in. This is RIDICULOUS!

The Kodak EasyShare DX7630 is a perfect blend of features and ease-of-use. It's a great way to get 6 megapixels without spending a fortune. I bought the camera as my "serious" camera; but as time goes on and I want to upgrade, this camera can be my "glovebox" camera. I, personally, have not had any problems with quality. I admit that the battery compartment cover is a little cheap, but I wouldn't let that stop me from buying the camera. Worst case scenario is that the cover breaks, and you have to put a piece of tape on it. This is a great camera for the money. It takes great photos. My only complaint is that when you use the close-up setting, the actual framing of the photo is much different than what you see thru the viewfinder. But that problem is solved by using the LCD viewer instead, during those close-up photos.

I'm happy with mine. I'd buy the same camera again. Also, battery life is GREAT!

This little camera takes really super photos and the ease of the software included is great. However, like Dennis in Nov 2004, apparently our camera's wheel that controls the on/off function has broken and we had to send it back to Kodak for repair. Camera would act like it booted up for about 3 seconds and then would shut down, even with freshly-charged battery or even with the auxiliary power cord. Fortunately, the camera waited until AFTER our vacation to go on the fritz. If you buy this camera, get the extended warranty!

I've had the camera for several weeks and it takes great pictures. Even large bow-ups are great. It's also simple to use, yet has manual controls for the pros. What it lacks is manual focus and a hi-res video mode like the z740 model. why
only put low-res video in such a fine camera? With the epson r800 printer, the pictures have fine detail and great color saturation. This is onee camera I would recommend, but with caveats.

I bought this kodak after I had purchased an HP 5.0 MP camera. I was dissapointed in the HP. The Kodak is so good at taking pictures & so easy to use that I am now selling my old 35mm Minolta SLR. The picture quality is so sharp it rivals 35mm sharpness. There are enough manual controls that you would find on a good SLR that any want to be photographer will love.
One thing I've been reading is that people have been having problems with the battery case cover breaking off. You have to be very careful opening & closing the cover. However all digital cameras have very similar flimsy covers. I work in a Photo Lab and tell all my customers they have to be very very careful with any digital camera battery slot. This seems to be common negative on any digital camera. I have had this camera for a month now, have used it every day taken the battery out every night to recharge and have not had the cover break off yet. If you are careful it wont break. These are not cheap cameras, you just have to treat them with care. Also some have complained about the software, & I have not had any problems with it, it's been real easy to use & print out from.
in conclusion this is a great camera that takes excellent photos.

I got this camera to replace my 3.1 megapixel camera by Kodak, and I love it. I stuck with Kodak because I find the quality to be fantastic and consistant. This camera is an easy point-and-shoot, but also has a manual setting, and many other special feature settings. It's easy to use, easy to carry, and easy to look at. Overall, it's a great little camera!

This is a nice camera, great buy! When shopping and "doing my homework", this model is being pulled from most stores for it is last years model. However, it has more features than the current years model. The battery is extremely nice taking 256 6.1MP pictures. I really like the camera's ability to take rapid pictures, while many cameras take time to store the image on the card. It can also open and close the shutter 3-4 times in 1 sec to capture an action, generating 3 or 4 pics. The screen is large and clear even when there is some light or "glare" hitting it. I recommend at least a 512MB card for taking 256 pics, because the battery can accomadate. The camera is feature rich while with point and shoot ease; you can jump into manual mode and really control lighting and time of day shots. I give it 5 stars becuase it is a quality product and the price is right.

This is an excellent camera. My battery door lock broke, but Kodak had it repaired and returned to me within one week of my having sent the camera in for repair. Excellent service.

Fast focus, fast write time, fast turn-on time, excellent dusk performance, reasonable flash, strong performance in daylight and indoor when color-balance is set properly. Some purple fringing outdoors in intense light, particularly off of white objects. Most simplistic camera I could find with the ability to do advanced options, I'd buy it for my Mom as a first digital camera. I would give this camera 4.9 stars if possible.

My less tech savvy wife is comfortable with this camera. Easy to point and shoot, enough advanced options for amateur photographers. I was comfortable moving to this from my film SLR.

Excellent battery life. Buy a spare battery, the kit comes with an external charger. Prints from Kodak online are excellent, and include many options for sizes. I cannot emphasize how great their support is. If you do not buy this Kodak, buy a different model. Support the company, not many like them anymore.

This camera is a piece of work. I also had the latch problem.

What bugged me is the Kodak people, the second time it broke were upset it was still an orange latch. Was it suppose to be replaced with something else because all of them are breaking - the customer service person wouldn't say.

Then a power issue - camera wouldn't power up. I sent it in and waited 3+ weeks to get my camera back. FInally I got it back. I used it 2 more times and the same issue. NO POWER. I talked to Kodak the second time and they assured me that the camera would be fixed this time and they would pay for the shipping etc. It is 2+ weeks later and I called about my camera. I talked to the repair people today and they said they did the same replacement - they did the first time.

I was frustrated and called Kodak - they only would say it will be fine this time. They do not know what the repair people did and cannot tell me why they know the camera will be fixed this time - but they know it will.

I was told if it breaks again, I can send it into thier customer care area where a complete evaluation of the camera will be done and they will decide what to do with my camera.

BLAHH I am so frustrated. I bought that camera and accessories for more than 400$ in early April. I have managed to have had it working for one major event this summer. I didn't have a camera for my nieces birth or my sons being together for the first time in a year or my sons b'day.

I am so frustrated I could scream.

I trusted the name of Kodak when I bought the camera. I will never make this mistake again.

This is a wonderful camera. I bought it online at Wal-Mart for 199.00 and that included the dock.

I bought this camera about three months ago and was really happy with it. I didnt have to charge it that often as the battery life is pretty god. Unfortunately the battery lock broke after about the fifth time charging it. Im currently waiting for Kodak to send it back repaired but im extremely pessimistic since I read other reviews here fearing it might break again.

I take a lot of photographs for many occasions. I've had this digital camera for 20 months (I had another Kodak digital 3.0 MP and another brand before this one) and absolutely love this camera. I was the principle photographer at a wedding using this camera and the bride and groom's families were very pleased with the results. This camera is easy to use and gives you lots of options for scenes and settings(I think I've used them all at one time or another.) Fantastic, sharp amazing color photographs. (I've added some of my November, 2005 Caribbean Cruise photos above to give you an idea.)The only thing this camera lacks for me is a higher optical zoom.
I have had NO problems with the battery latch in the 20 months I've owned this camera.

I never had a problem with the battery latch... only thing is when I am turning it off and on, the lens squeaks when it comes out. Taking pics in the dark suck (especially if you dont want the flash)... i was trying to take night pics of my backyard and moon and it came out crappy.

My very first digital camera purchase came in December 2004. Everything about this camera just spelled quality, like the reviews online, our friends who had other Kodak cameras, Kodak's long history; That is until the battery died. It comes with a lithium ion rechargeable battery. I guess it's important to have a rechargeable one because digital cameras require alot of energy.

The lithium battery that I had with my camera lasted about 2 weeks plus. You could probably consider this a high mark.

The problem with it is that the battery latch or lock breaks. In my experiance, it broke the second time on the first camera, and then the first time on the 2nd and 3rd cameras.

Yes, you heard me. I returned this 3 times. Let me REPEAT,
I've returned this camera 3 times to the retailer(Sears) and the latch has broken EVERYTIME!!!!! The people who bought this and didn't experiance this problem, I would love to see their camera. Maybe Sears only stock the lowest quality. I DON'T TRUST KODAK at the moment and I DON'T TRUST Sears. When I first decided to buy this camera, the reviews I read suggested the camera was easy to use and the picture quality was good. True on both cases. Unfortunately, it has a CHEAP PLASTIC quality to it. The actual casing is poor. This camera is not durable and breaks easily. Sears was good about accepting returns except the 3rd time. The clerk was RUDE! After a little screaming and yelling he took it back. I can't say that I'm going to buy again a Kodak or Sears item anytime soon.

I have had 13 digital cameras in my time an im 14, i am an experienced photographer and have won many photographer competitions on www.picture.com and this camera IS THE BEST camera i have ever laid my hands on, its simple, clever, good looking and isnt Cheaply cased and Doesn't break easily at all, the lock breaking theory has been put dwn to lousy handling, i have had mine 2 years and my lock has been perfect an i charge it twice a week, ANYWAYS back to the camera, the pictures are absoloutly AMAZING and Stunning honestly they knocked me off my seat and i have won 16 competitions and have 14 silver an 2 bronze amatuer photographer medals and im 14, i never won a single one until i used this camera, the ease of use was soo great it was like a duck to water as soon as i picked it up i jst cud not stop cliking and my cat was blinded, For the price of this i would expect a lousy 4mp camera but this was cheap,great and absoloutly amazing, IF ANY1 WANTS A GREAT COLOUR,QUALITY, 6.1MP CAMERA THIS IS THE ONE TO GET, I USED TO HAVE A NIKON 8.0MP CAMERA BUT THIS ONE BEATS IT HANDS DOWN, Whether ur a pro, expert or a begginer this will always take your breath away

Ryan Rigby

contact me if u need any questions answering razzo12@hotmail.com

This is a wonderful camera, but, read on.

Just over a year from purchasing this camera, the shutter button stopped working. I took it to a local camera store, who would not look at it; they wanted $225 before they would touch it. I then turned to Kodak, who wanted $135 just to look at it, or, for $199 they would take my camera and send me a "reconditioned" camera of a different model (talk about adding insult to injury; send me someone else's lemon!). Such a deal!! So, this really beautiful camera sits in a drawer.

Kodak, what happened to your quality??!! A camera should not fail after such a short period of time.

My advice, if you want to buy this camera: get the extended warranty.

I was SO happy to get this camera. At $350 it was more than I'd wanted spending for my first digital camera, but I needed it to take quality photos of my artwork. It had a "flower" feature, which took nice closeups of my smaller, more detailed work. The "museum" setting did a fine job of getting the colors right without the glare of a Flash.

Two months after the 1-yr warranty ran out the shutter button fell off. No harsh treatment, just cheap manufacturing. I went online to see about getting it fixed and, as another reviewer noted, they estimated it would cost $135 to fix it. The other option they offered me was to trade it in for a refurbished camera they deemed similar, and I could check the box next to the one I wanted. The hitch was there was no guarantee they'd have the one I chose in stock, so they'd have to pick some other lemon if that was the case and send me that.

This is infuriating! Finances are difficult enough for artists, and when we make a big investment like this from a (formerly) trusted name like Kodak, we expect that investment to last forever, like my parents' and grandparents' Kodaks did. No more Kodak for me. $350 for slightly more than one year's use is a BAD, BAD INVESTMENT. Can't tell you how disappointed and angry I am about this waste of money.

Congratulations to those of you who purchased this camera and are still in the honeymoon phase with it. I was there once and would have given it four stars a month ago (the point deduction is for the EasyShare software... just use your camera & scanner wizard instead... Easyshare software made my computer slow and they kept sending spam.)

I bought a different camera after the 3rd battery latch broke. I love this camera other than that. I MEAN LOVE. I am thinking about buying one again and keeping my new one as back up (obviously due to the dang battery latch). It is easy to use, takes pictures quickly (tough feat in the digital non-pro world) and has a very nice quality. Stupid latch is my BIG hang up.

Unlike other reviewers I have had no problems with this camera's shutter button, battery latch or otherwise. As a matter of fact, at our first trip to the beach with this camera my one year old poured a whole bottle of suntan oil directly on it and it still works! It even still takes the most amazing pictures! The zoom is fantastic, it works through glass like there is none there, catches action shots amazingly due the quick shutter. And the video feature, talk about great! I wouldn't trade it for anything. I want one for every one of my family members for Birthday and X-mas gifts!

This is my first digital camera and I absolutely love it! I'm a teacher and have taken hundreds of pictures of my students with it. The quality of the pictures are fantastic and clear. Many of my students' parents inquire about what type of camera I have because the pictures of their child are so great! I was even asked if the pictures taken were professionally done! This camera is easy and simple to use. So even someone who is picking up a camera for the first time would be able to handle it with ease. The Kodak EasyShare program (download program that comes with the camera) makes it easy to edit your pictures. With this program you can turn your colored pictures into a black and white or sehpia, you can crop pictures, add a beautiful border shapes (oval, circle, rectangle, or square), remove red eye and clean up the picture quality. All this can be done with just the click of the mouse on your computer. This camera is also a 6.1 MP so pictures can be blown up 30 x 40. Again I am impressed with this camera. On my teacher's pay, I made sure I did my research prior to buying this camera. I'm happy with my decision and like the saying goes . . . "A picture is worth a thousand words."

a good entry level camera but don't expect miracles. lot of photo bleach. poor video. sturdy. battery superb. over-all an avg. camera for every day use. if you are investing 200-300 bucks u might as well consider entry levels DSLRs.

If you are looking for an easy camera to use this is it. It has a lot of options as well. We have had many pictures blown up into posters with fabulous results. We simply uploaded them to some internet sights having sales, and are unbelievably impressed. Thankfully, after almost two years of ownership we have not had one single problem with this camera. I would definitely buy this again . Even though we paid quite a bit more money for it than what it is now selling for.

I bought this camera from Sears a year and half ago. I purchased the extended warranty. The battery latch broke and they claim it is from customer abuse. Althought it has no scratches or marks on it, and the latch seems to be the BIG problem with these cameras, I am out the $200 for the camera. DO not recommend KODAK camera for this reason. THE BATTERY LATCH BREAKS and KODAK WILL NOT REPLACE.

This camera is extremely easy to use. To the layman, the photo quality is superb and better than most comparable cameras I've seen. We've taken thousands of photos with it over the last two years. The battery latch is plastic and may break if you remove the battery for charging on a routine basis. However, the cover that slides over the battery compartment will hold the battery in place, and our camera still functions just as well. A good camera if you can find one for a good price.

I like the camera. Has a nice size lcd screen to preview pictures taken and the battery life is great. Also very easy to use. Like at least one other user review stated my battery latch broke also but still works fine it just doesnt hold it in there. It's kinda bulky also in comparison to the newest skinnier cameras. My pictures all turn out 10 times better then my previous digital camera with this one but still not film camera quality. Close but not quite there yet. I don't know maybe it's my shaky hands. Maybe I'll try a tripod and then wright another review.
I bought a cheap one before and paid for it. Lost a couple of years of my families pictures because of that. On the other though with this camera they hardly ever turn out bad.

I also had the battery latch break within the first month. I returned the camera for a new one, and the latch broke several weeks later. I decided to keep the camera anyway, but after a year and a half, the flash quit working. I was offered the $135 repair or a refurbished Z650 for $199. I can get the Z650 new for $210 at Circuit City. I also have to wonder, why are so many refurbished cameras available? Stay away from Kodak, even thought it took nice pics.

i bought this camera when it first came out 3 years ago and have not been dissapointed. This camera has gotten a workout over the past 3 years, iwth four kids lots of travel and picture taking. .I am an avid scrapbooker and this camera never let me down. Unlike others, i have overused this camerea, and have never ever had aproblem with the battery latch. Still has the original, and have never had to send it back for any type of repair til now....I dropped it in hawaii and now it turns itself on and off at will. I figured instead of paying for repair,i'd just buy a new one.... cant find one anywhere... The best feature with this camera is the rapid shutter. I never missed a smile or a special momemt due to the delay that so many digital cameras have. It's the best i have found so far. I have tried out all the new cameras and even the newer kodaks are not as fast as this one. I found this site after doing an online search to see if i could buy this camerea anywhere. I dont think you will be dissapointted with this camera. Goodluck!

It takes great pictures, and has very easy controls, we have this camera for a few years and are pretty satisfied. however the lens often gets out of position, and has to be repositioned (a little scary to do as you're constantly afraid you'll break it) in order for the camera to shut. We even had to send it in to replace the lens after it got totaly bent. Lately the speaker broke, but the microphone still works wonderfully, so it isn't much of a problem. All in all its a pretty good camera, as its been taking good pictures steadily. One negative though is that although you can set it to take multiples of the same image, you have to pause a little before you can take another shot. Also there is no in camera editing.

I have owned this camera for 2 years and it needs to be replaced. It takes nice pictures especially when you choose the scene mode which matches the photo you are taking. The hardware easily breaks. As indicated in other reviews, the battery latch didn't last very long before it broke off. The rotary dial to turn the camera on is very sticky. You really need to force it to rotate it.

I bought this camera as a display model from sears and i've had it for over three years already and i love it! shortly after it was purchased, it began acting strangely (turning itself on and off), but kodak offers a free year warranty and i sent it in to be repaired--they replaced the entire processing unit and it didn't cost me a thing! i will be sad when it finally dies on me.

I am a photografic hobbist. The Kodak is my 2nd digital camera. I have shot pictures under many different conditions and subjects. I take all pics at the 6MP setting because I often pull out and enlarge a subject from the picture.
My kodak does a great job with its variety of settings. It's great.