Labs

Between them, the Kodak's 4-megapixel CCD and Schneider-Kreuznach lens produce very crisp, detailed images. Close examination reveals the in-camera processing has sharpened the edges, and there is some noise in shadow areas, but overall the results look crisp and clear. Colours are very clean.

Due to its fiddly mode dial, it's easy to overlook some of the Kodak's features. Aside from

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a fully-automatic mode, it offers a selection of subject-specific 'scene' modes. But turn the dial still further and you'll discover the PAS mode, which offers automatic shutter-priority and aperture-priority options. You even get three metering patterns to choose from.

The DX6440 is also rather well made. Its solid build is topped off by a very nice metal finish. The preview screen is very good, too. But although the main mode dial looks neat, it's a nuisance having to click through a series of options to get to the one you want. The menus are a bit fiddly to navigate, too, with the Kodak's rather twee little joystick, in place of a thumbpad.

As we said, don't underestimate Kodak. The DX6440 is a nicely made camera that gives high-quality images, and packs in some serious photographic tools. It's let down only by its mode dial and navigational controller, which look smart, but really aren't. For under 300 quid, this is a decent camera, but not the best here.