Well, I've had this camera a few years now, and I've always been very pleased with both the way it works and the pictures it produces.
First things first though...here's the science bit:
Sensor: 3.1 Megapixels, 2048 x 1536 resolution CCD sensor
Image Resolution: Large - 2048 x 1536, ... Read review
Advantages: Simple to use, good basic spec, so good first camera Disadvantages: Small screen, not loaded with features
Well, I've had this camera a few years now, and I've always been very pleased with both the way it works and the pictures it produces.
First things first though...here's the science bit:
Sensor: 3.1 Megapixels, 2048 x 1536 resolution CCD sensor
Image Resolution: Large - 2048 x 1536, Medium - 1280 x 960, Small - 640 x 480, Video Resolution 320 x 240, 160 x 120
Lens: Copal: AQJ - 1300 f/3.1, 5 elements in ... ...mode -x3 continuous, Playback mode -x4 continuous, 0.1x/ step, Video mode -x3 continuous
Focusing Range: Auto Focus, 20cm - infinity
Exposure: Auto and manual
Internal Memory: 16 MB Nand Flash Memory
Storage Capacity/Internal Memory: Large 2048 x 1536 - 10 images at super fine approximately, Medium 1280 x 960 - 25 images at super fine approximately, Small 640 x 480 - 100 images at super fine approximately, Video clips ... more
Well, I've had this camera a few years now, and I've always been very pleased with both the way it works and the pictures it produces.
First things first though...here's the science bit:
Sensor: 3.1 Megapixels, 2048 x 1536 resolution CCD sensor Image Resolution: Large - 2048 x 1536, Medium - 1280 x 960, Small - 640 x 480, Video Resolution 320 x 240, 160 x 120 Lens: Copal: AQJ - 1300 f/3.1, 5 elements in 4 groups Zoom: 3 x Digital Zoom - Preview mode -x3 continuous, Playback mode -x4 continuous, 0.1x/ step, Video mode -x3 continuous Focusing Range: Auto Focus, 20cm - infinity Exposure: Auto and manual Internal Memory: 16 MB Nand Flash Memory Storage Capacity/Internal Memory: Large 2048 x 1536 - 10 images at super fine approximately, Medium 1280 x 960 - 25 images at super fine approximately, Small 640 x 480 - 100 images at super fine approximately, Video clips - 4 compression rate 5 minutes approximately Removable Storage: SD/MMC card slot Output File Format: JPEG compression/ EXIF 2.1 compatible format, DCF compatible with DPOF, PIM Viewfinder: Standard diopter: - 1 (FOV: 83 -/+ 5%) 2 plastic elements Flash Unit: Auto flash, flash off and fill in flash Power Source: 2x AA 1.5 V alkaline batteries or 1.2V NiCd and Ni-MH rechargeable, CRV3 or DC input Connectivity: USB 1.1 connection direct to PC or Mac, SD/MMC connection to SD/MMC card reader, Video connection direct to TV (NTSC/PAL) System Compatibility: Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, ME, XP, and Mac OS 8.6 - 9.1 Video Clips: CIF resolution, record and playback 10 fps Microphone: Built-in Dimensions: 97.4mm x 64.5mm x 36mm Weight: 175 g (without batteries and card) PC Software: Manual, camera drivers and MGI software Accessories: User's Manual, Multilingual Quick Start Guide, CD ROM with manual, Drivers and Software, USB Cable, Video Cable, Wrist Strap, 2x AA Alkaline Batteries
Well to be fair, most of that is a bit technical for me, but here's what I reckon...
It's a 3.1MP camera, with multiple options on the resolution you can use. This of course affects the size of the photo files, and therefore how many you can squeeze on it's internal 16MB memory. I found that with it on the 2nd lowest resolution setting I could get a good number of pictures saved, however I have now installed a 128MB SD memory card and can now get over 150 photos at the highest 2048 x 1536 resolution, so there is really no cause for complaint there.
You also have the option of the Quality, choosing between Fine, Normal and Economy. Mine has always been set on Normal with no ill effects on picture quality.
You can choose to date and time stamp your pictures if you wish, or remove this if not. There are a number of flash options, including red-eye reduction, auto flash, or no flash, giving you many choices for all eventualities. In fact, I've always found an appropriate mode to suit anything I've been photographing.
There is a 3x digital zoom which isn't bad considering there is no optical zoom fitted. You can find the picture pixelates a bit, but then this isn't a £400 item when all is said and done.
It takes 2 x AA batteries, and I must say it does tend to drink them, although since I've swapped to Duracell Plus this does seem to have slowed down the usage considerably.
You will find it easy to connect to a PC via the USB cable included. I have uploaded the software too but once you plug it in and switch it on the Microsoft Camera and Scanner Wizard (I'm on XP) recognises it straight away and downloads all your images for you - quick as a flash - so connectivity has never been an issue. And when you view the pictures on screen, they really are quite fantastic. I've always been very pleased with mine, even those at the lower resolution. I've printed them off on my Photo Printer and they really do give a great finish, and you would be hard pressed to tell them from 35mm pics. The colour is really bright and clear and of superb quality.
As you will probably guess, I'm no professional or camera boffin, but for my purposes, i.e. family holidays, events etc., this really hits the spot for me. It has a self timer, and also an ability to be fixed to a tripod, so great for those "all gather round" shots at Christmas! One thing I can't comment on however, is the video feature, because that's really just too complicated for me!
The instruction manual deserves a mention as it is very comprehensive - any queries you may have are usually answered within it.
Some may say it's a bit big and a bit heavy to carry round, but it does have a wrist strap and a carry case which helps to protect it. Anyway, I'd rather it was heavier so I know where it is! It may not be the prettiest, tiniest camera on the market, but it's a good, solid, no nonsense one, with easy to use menus and buttons, which I think is what counts.
I guess the main downside is the screen - it's quite difficult to see in the sunlight, but the size is it's main problem. At about 1.5 inches it's not that bad when compared to other lower end cameras, but with my eyesight I would prefer it a bit bigger! But it is quite adequate if you just use your camera every now and then, like I do.
All in all, if you want something robust, simple and effective, this is the one for you.
Advantages: Price, looks and ease of use Disadvantages: picture quality & no Macro
...this opinion purely on the CONCORD EYE Q 3103, but I find myself making comparisons to my 1st digi camera which is a Jenoptik JDC 1.3 LCD which I have previously written an opinion on.
First of all the technical specs
3.1mp
16mb internal memory expandable by SD cards.
4 resolution settings :- 2048 x 1536 large, 1600 x 1200 medium 1, 1024 x 768 medium 2, 640 x 480 small.
3 quality settings:- fine, nomal, and economy.
3 x digital zoom
Video ... ...better than those of he CONCORD 3.1mp.
Call me a stickler but I ASSUMED that the images from a 3.1mp camera would be far superior than those of a 1.3mp camera. (there's that word again)
I then took a video clip with it and played it back on my media player, to be even more disappointed than I imagined. Although it is essentially a stills camera, if you put options such as video mode on the camera you would expect at least reasonably viewable images. ...
greyhoundsooty 06.07.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Concord Eye-Q 3103
Advantages: Small, light, robust, great pictures Disadvantages: small viewing screen,
...have since found out that Concord are rebranded Polaroid cameras, but do not hold that against them.
Here are some facts about the camera with a 256mb card:
Available resolutions: 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 1024x768, 640x480
White Balance: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Tungsten.... (Work out how to use these for excellent pictures, do not use Auto all the time)
Quality: Fine, Normal, Economy... ( at the highest resolution, I cannot tell the difference in ... ...of .3... (as with White Balance, learn this too)
Number of pictures with a 256mb card:
2048x1536: Fine 195, Normal 306, Economy 423
1600x1200: Fine 319, Normal 489, Economy 652
1024x768: Fine 712, Normal 1192, Economy 1305
640x480: Fine 1741, Normal 2238, Economy 3134
The camera has 2 modes for taking pictures, fully automatic and manual. With automatic, it is a very easy to use point and click camera, all the guesswork being carried out for ...
donley 05.09.2007
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Concord Eye-Q 3103
Concord Camera is a global developer, designer, manufacturer and marketer of high quality, low cost, popularly priced digital, instant, Advanced Photo System (APS), and 35mm format cameras and 35mm, APS, and instant format single-use cameras. Its mission is to be a world class, high quality, designer, manufacturer and marketer of low cost, popularly priced, easy-to-use imaging products in a team-oriented work environment that promotes responsible individual and corporate performance to assure customer satisfaction and enhance shareholder value. PRODUCT FEATURES: 3.1 Megapixels (2048 x 1536) Resolution; 3.3 Megapixels CCD sensor; 1.5" TFT Color LCD Image Display; 16 MB Internal Memory, SD Card Slot; 3x Digital Zoom; Video Clip Recording Capability; Audio Record and Playback with Built in Microphone.
