Kodak DC215 Zoom Digital Camera

The Kodak DC215 feels like a half-brick in your hand. It's quite heavy but as it's now an ageing camera this should come as no surprise. If it's possible to call a digital camera a classic then the DC215 is a contender.

It's non-usb. So if contemplating buying one make sure that you have the connecting leads and you can actually connect it to the computer as well ... Compared to modern usb cameras, the DC215 seems to take forever to transfer the images into the PC. And you do need the Kodak215 software to do this; though the software can be downloaded from Kodak's website. The camera doesn't just plug and play like USB.

The inherent weakness of the Kodak 215 is its 4 battery tray - or more accurately, the catch that keeps the tray in place. It wears and allows the battery tray to pop out. You'll often see 215s with a piece of sticky tape keeping the battery tray in place.

It's also just 1 megapixel which in digital camera terms is stone age. Yet the photos are fine.

The great strength of the Kodak DC215 is its toughness. My DC215 has now taken 7500 photos over the last four years. Whilst teaching in China my students borrowed, dropped it and abused it. It's still going strong. I've actually bought a couple from Ebay to send to Chinese students.

If you're considering buying one, go for one that comes with the software and connecting leads. Preferably with the power adaptor as well. The 4 Mb card that these cameras come with will store no more than 36 images when set to high quality.

Keep your eye open for those cameras advertised with spare cards or bigger memory cards - the 128Mb card will store almost 900 images. Though do remember that it takes absolute AGES - and that's Ages with a capital A - for them to transfer into your computer. In this respect it cannot compete with USB.

Corel software for cropping and altering images works well with this camera. Though as with any other software packages, you need to have the Kodak DC 215 software installed first.

Like other digital cameras, the DC 215 can appear to 'die' if not used for long periods (months really) and will not power up no matter what. The secret is not to panic and throw the camera away. Use the adapter to plug it into the mains and leave it for 24 hours. Keep switching the camera power button on and off and eventually, the camera will work as it should.

Early (and superior)USB 2 million megapixel digital cameras can now be bought 2nd hand for £20 and less. Perhaps the price for the 1 million non USB Kodak DC215 should be seen in context against the price of a cheap 2nd hand USB digital camera.

The DC 215 can sometimes be picked up at car boot sales for £3-£5. Unfortunately for sellers, they have little monetary value. A boxed camera with all the connecting leads, power adapter and software can be picked up for no more than £15 maximum for the lot. Often, a bigger mememory card is thrown in with it.

A single camera with no leads/software and 4mb card? ... £5 maximum. Beware of sellers who are asking too much in postage costs to boost their 'profit'.