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.
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Jan 10th, 2007
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