These days, when gadgets are the most important thing a man can get, the idea of a digital camera is blindingly attractive. With computing power so significant and hard disk storage virtually limitless, and the promise of eminently affordable equipment, there is really no excuse whatsoever for even the biggest Luddite to go on denying their urges and not buying one of the beautiful little silver products which promise literally hours of fun and adventure.
Storing your digital snaps somewhere inside your PC may not be as tangible and concrete a feeling as actuall having the glossy real thing nestling in your sweaty little mitts, however, the digital versions of your pix won't age, are easy to improve with the right software and normally much easier to find, especially if you employ the right application such as Adobe Photoshop Album, which allows you to attach all manner of keywords and set up slide shows, brilliant
advances. To my way of thinking, the PC version of a photo album has much to commend it over the touchable version of the thing, and I've become a committed convert.
Okay, having tried to convince you of the importance of owning a digital camera, let's consider which one to buy.
Like most electronic, chip driven gadgets, there's an endless array of choices to select from when you eventually come down to doing the picking, with an enormous price range and huge variations in spec.
From what I've seen in reviews of ranges of digital camera, Kodak doesn't get a great deal of support, with most good judges steering well clear of the brand when they make recommendations. However, I have been very impressed by the various Kodak models I've tried and believe they do what they set out to do very well indeed. They don't have too many of the snobbery value facilities and functions that the expert writers seem to rate, but then for most everyday uses all that stuff doesn't really interest me.
The Kodak CX4230 model is one of the Easyshare range of products, which allow you to easily load your snaps up to your PC by use of a docking bay, and there's a lot going for it. As per the Kodak site (http://www.kodak.com), "With outstanding color and exposure capabilities and a quality lens, you'll have crisp, sharp, colorful pictures. The on-camera share button, and software with one-touchphoto printing and organizing, means that quality prints and emails are only one-step away." Now, I've heard that one before, but in this case Kodak are giving you a quite realistic appraisal, even if they insist on Americanising the word colour, it's C O L O U R, damn you!
You have to buy the docking bay separately, but with it you get a rechargeable battery pack, although I've found that it does run down extremely quickly. The docking bay will cost you about fifty quid, although you can then transfer pix at the touch of a single button and recharge the battery pack at the same time.
For the rest of the spec (if you can be bothered), visit http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=1969&pq-locale=en_US but I can't believe you really want to know all that stuff, after all us layman don't actually need it. The same page also gives you access to user manuals and various downloads.
According to the Kelkoo website, the CX4230 will run you between £142 and £151, assuming you don't bother with a memory card. Such a card will cost you about £15 for 16Mb, £16 for 32Mb and £21 for 64Mb, although the camera's internal memory will do for a while. For most uses, however, you will want to get a memory card, and I opted for 128Mb which cost me about 50 quid at a duty free shop while I was on holiday. You can go right up to 256Mb but they're really difficult to track down. The 64Mb card will hold 95 photographs at best quality, but 383 at the lowest quality setting.
The lovely thing about the CX4230, however, is that it will also capture short video clips, although the quality isn't wonderful. If you do want to take videos I'd advise you to get a proper digicam, but nevertheless this is a nice touch.
There's a basic zoom facility and various settings with the camera, which is exceptionally easy to use, just point and click and away you go. You don't need to be an expert or even particularly careful, and can quickly achieve really tremendous results. I resisted buying a digital camera for an awfully long time, but I'm now extremely glad I took the plunge, and trust me, you will too if you get one.
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You will receive 1 high quality Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery ... more
(brand new merchandise in original packaging)This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured against overcharge and short-circuits.Important information:A battery with a greater power output than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device can have larger dimensions. Please observe the dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above under technical details).safety due to heat and overcharge protectionmore power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your deviceno memory effect - recharge your battery whenever you likeexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard battery charger can still be usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an original product of the camera manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or recommended by the camera manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and product names only serve the purpose of indicating compatibility, in doing so are not connected to the original products of the respective manufacturers and are the property of the respective holder of rights.
Postage & Packaging:£3.98 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
You will receive 1 high quality Rechargeable Battery,100% fits!Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery ... more
(brand new merchandise in original packaging)This high capacity rechargeable battery definitely disposes of more power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device. This rechargeable battery can be used instead of the original rechargeable battery without any problems and can be recharged with the available standard power supply. The rechargeable battery is protected and secured against overcharge and short-circuits.Important information:A battery with a greater power output than the battery which was included in the delivery of your device can have larger dimensions. Please observe the dimensions in mm indicated in the offer (see above under technical details).safety due to heat and overcharge protectionmore power than the battery which was included in the delivery of your deviceexcellent fitting accuracy, certified quality merchandise, not an original accessorythe standard battery chargercan still be usedLegal note: This item is compatible, not an original product of the digital camera manufacturer and is not manufactured, supported or recommended by the digital camera manufacturers. All brand names, trade marks and product names only serve the purpose of indicating compatibility, in doing so are not connected to the original products of the respective manufacturers and are the property of the respective holder of rights.
Postage & Packaging:£3.98 Availability:Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days......
Kit includes:* 1) Lenspen Lens Cleaning System- The LensPEN LP-1 Lens Cleaning System is ... more
the simple and effective way to clean your optics when they get dirty out in the field before the dust, dust, and grime begin to build up, becoming more and more difficult to remove. This is how simple the LensPEN is to use:1)Slide out the retractable brush, using it to remove any dust particles;2)Remove the end cap to expose the cleaning pad;3)Using a smooth, circular motion, wipe the lens surface with the unique flexible cleaning pad. If any smudges remain, just breathe gently on the lens and repeat the cleaning process. The unique cleaning compound will not spill or dry out and is both environmentally-friendly and non-toxic.* 2) 6-Piece Deluxe Cleaning Kit- The 6-Piece Deluxe Cleaning Kit includes what you need to keep your equipment sparkling clean: Hurricane Air Blower; Cleaning Brush; Lens Cleaning Cloth; Lens Tissue; Lens Cleaning Liquid; and Cotton Swabs. This LensPEN Combo Cleaning Kit contains what you need to conveniently and safely clean your film and digital cameras, lenses, camcorders, binoculars and scopes* 3) Micro Fiber Cloth
Postage & Packaging:£5.02 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
Don't be the invisible man (or woman) in your family photo album! Get yourself in the ... more
picture using your camera's self-timer and this professional steel tabletop tripod which has superior rubber tip legs provides extra stability. Also great for steadying your camera for sharper close-up/Macro images.You receive also as a bonus a screen protector for your digital device
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
This 72-Inch Photo and Video tripod features a special carrying handle as well as a ... more
professional foam grip. It has self leveling rubber leg tips as well as built-in bubble levels. It has a 3-way pan head and 3 section legs. It includes a deluxe carrying case .Lightweight, versatile, and affordable, the 72" tripod is a great tripod for photographers of all levels of experience.
Postage & Packaging:£10.56 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
BRAND NEW! 145cm (57 Inch) TRIPOD For Use With Most Digital Cameras&Video Cameras** ... more
Bonus** Free Carry Case* 20mm Legs Diameter* Extends To 145 cm (57 Inches)* Folds To 55.88 cm (22.2 Inches)* 1 kg (2.2 Lbs)* Made Of Quality Aluminum Materials That Will Provide Stability For Your Camera For Many Years Features* 3 Section Channel Legs Locks* 3 Way Fluid Pan Head With Bubble Level* Quick Release Mount* Center Column Brace And Lock* Center Column Bubble Level* Adjustable Rubber Feet* New Pro Hand Grip"*More*This Camera Tripod is designed for most film and digital cameras as well as camcorders. Featuring a quick-release plate that makes it a breeze to switch to handheld shooting and a professional grip for fluid 3-way panning and tilt, This Tripod lets you capture images from any angle you can imagine. The tripod can extend to a height of 145 cm (57 inches) when in use, and collapse to just 55.88 cm (22.2 inches) for travel or storage. For your convenience, a carrying case is included. Lightweight, versatile, and affordable, This is a great tripod for photographers of all levels of experience.
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
When your digital camera needs support for unique photo shoots, an ordinary tripod might ... more
not be able to tackle the job. The Gripster is the lightest and most versatile camera tripod available today. Featuring over two dozen flexible leg joints that bend and rotate, the Gripster will firmly secure your compact digital camera to virtually any surface ? anywhere and everywhere! Gripster is the ideal camera accessory for photographers on the go. Throw it in your pocket or backpack and you'll be ready for your next adventure! While the Gripster serves all the functions of a traditional camera tripod - steadying your camera under low-light conditions, taking timed groupshots, etc. - it is the only tripod malleable enough to provide you with the perfect shot while wrapped around a tree branch, hanging from a pole, or perched on a jagged rock. The possibilities are endless!
Postage & Packaging:£5.00 Availability:Usually dispatched within 2-3 business days...
Feb 22nd, 2004
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