few kodak questions

[kensplace]

Hi,

I shall (hopefully) be the proud owner of a kodak dx6490 camera, assuming it arrives safely :)

I have a few questions....... Hopefully someone here knows the answers :)

I notice the battery says it is good for 300 recharges, Im a bit confused on this, does that mean 300 full discharges/charges or does it mean, gulp 300 top up charges and its dead?
Does the battery really last less than one year if charged daily?

Has anyone tried the batteries available on ebay, the generic ones, that are CHEAP, I am a bit dubious about these, as I noticed on the kodak site a mention about counterfeit klick 5001 batteries, lacking safety features, and being liable to explode etc....
Anyone out there actually used any batteries (non genuine kodak ones) for a long time and found them to be any good?

Is it worth getting the add on lens adapter, and are the "flower shaped" ones (which seem good value for money) any good, or do they interefere with the camera operation,due to possibly blocking the a/f etc?

Anyone know if kodak has any plans ever to release a firmware update for less compression (from reading various forums it appears this has been a ongoing "want" from users for a while now....) Seems odd having a 4megpixel camera with high compression ratio in use, kindof defeats the purpose really.. But not sure if it makes much difference until I actually get the camera.. STill would like the choice though!

What types of external flash have people used with this camera, never used a external flash before, so bit clueless as to what I would need to look for, and what would be good to pick up (CHEAP) on ebay.

Are there any things that you recommend I should get, that maybe you only purchased in retrospect, and wish you had bought when you first got the camera (ie screen protectors, whatever??)

Thanks in advance for any info!

[poprocz]

Very good questions as I am also waiting on my new digi cam to arrive.

[sredd68]

I'm not sure about the 300 charges but I've had mine since Dec 2003 and I'm still using the same battery. Charged it every night, took it with me everyday until buying the 7590 in Oct 2004.

No I've only used the Kodak branded battery, I'm leery of third party accessories that are supposed to connect to or in my equipment. Plus you get what you pay for.

The adapter is necessary only if you plan to add lenses and filters. It the only way you can connect the accessory lenses (like the wide-angle lens) or filters (like the circular polarizer) to the camera. The adapter affects the A/F when combined with a lens or filter so you should switch to Accessory lens focus in the menu.

I don't own one but I've heard of people using the Sunpack 383 flash. You have to use a bracket though. . They claim its one on the best things they have done for their photography. Doubt if Kodak is planning a firmware update for the 6490. There was some talk from Kodak last year though about a update but nothing yet. Some even recommend leaving the adapter and UV filter on all the time to protect the lens and keep dust and dirt from getting inside the housing.

Get a good, cushioned bag, Kodak makes a good one. Make sure you buy a lens cleaner or a lens pen to keep the lens clean. Get the filters and any accessory lenses you can find. Once you start taking pictures you find that you may not be able to work with out them. Get an extra battery and a travel charger, you can't walk in the corner store a buy a replacement if you expend one. Replacements are not hanging next to the Enerigizer and Duracell batteries at the drug store or supermarket. But you will be able to find one online or at a major electronics store like Circuit City, Best Buy and or Comp U.S.A.

Hope I have been of some help to you

Simon