Unlike most digital cameras, the DC290 accepts a unique electronic shutter release cable: The USB connector cable that's used to transfer images from the camera to the computer can also be used to fire the shutter remotely. The camera's "Scripts" function enables you to add watermark or copyright data to your images. It's also possible to extend the camera's functionality through the operating system. That's where the "Scripts" menu option comes in. A variety of capabilities can be added through simple text scripts. For instance, it's possible to run a script that adds the photographer's copyright information or other watermark data to each image. You can also use the DC290 in conjunction up with a global positioning system (GPS) unit and, through a special script, have precise geographic coordinates imprinted onto the image or stored with the files' "metadata." Metadata is text information that is separate from the image, but travels with it in a single file. The DC290 can also add audio information to images. Up to two minutes of audio can be attached to each still image, through the built-in microphone. With its excellent lens and precise focusing capabilities, the DC290 can generate some very high-quality images. Some of our shots were slightly underexposed when first transferred to a computer. That's not all that unusual. Digital camera images are frequently either flat or underexposed. That's why it's always a good idea to optimize images before printing them or distributing them electronically. Our daylight images also tended to be on the cool side when we used the automatic white-balance setting, but that is easily correctable in the computer. The DC290 has an accurate automatic exposure system. You can also adjust the exposure values manually if you desire. In addition to the various shooting modes available, the DC290 also offers a variety of picture-review options. Images can be checked one at a time, in a continuous scroll or in a fast scroll. With the DC290's still images, burst mode and audio, it's possible to set up an entire slide show, right within the camera, and display it on a television set. The "Video Out" option supports both the NTSC video standard found in the U.S., and the European PAL standard. The DC290 provides USB support for both PCs and Macs. The list price of $899 includes a 20 MB CompactFlash card, USB and video cables, and both Windows and Mac versions of Adobe PhotoDeluxe and image transfer programs. For more information contact Eastman Kodak Co., Digital and Applied Imaging, 901 Elmgrove Rd., Rochester, NY 14653-5245; 800/235-6325. Or visit Kodak's website at www.kodak.com