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Considering the 'bottom' to be the cheapest, I lobbed the Vivitar Vivi cam into the basket rather cynically, but I began to change my mind when I took it out of the box at home.
It weighs virtually nothing, and looks rather neat, although with the name and model no. emblazoned across ... Read review
Advantages: Absolute Bargain! Disadvantages: If you want to moan, spend more money!
...the cheapest, I lobbed the Vivitar Vivi cam into the basket rather cynically, but I began to change my mind when I took it out of the box at home.
It weighs virtually nothing, and looks rather neat, although with the name and model no. emblazoned across the front, there is no mistaking the brand! ( How to spot a cheapskate, chapter one!). A metallic blue circle surrounds the lens, and what looks a tiny planet in orbit sweeps across ... ...
Viewing from behind, as if you were taking a picture, the viewfinder is located to the upper left, the USB socket is on the left hand side, and the batteries go underneath in a clever little secret compartment- ingenious, methinks!
Also underneath is a screw-in socket for a tripod, which I have found indespensible.
Right then, here is the bad stuff.....
1. There is no image display, which means ... more
This is what I meant to do when I started rattling on about film quality......!
I bought this camera at Asda a month ago, as I wanted to play around on ebay, and needed to photograph all the useless crap that I hoped somebody would buy! Unfortunately, I am only running my first pc on windows 98, having consigned my Amiga 600+ to the great gig in the sky!
And therein lies the problem- most installation software supplied with to-days hi-tec wizardry will not tolerate such weaknesses, and as I prefer traditional 35mm for work applications, I didn't want to spend half my life researching stuff I didn't really need. I chose to start at what I perceived ti be the bottom, and work my way up.
Considering the 'bottom' to be the cheapest, I lobbed the Vivitar Vivi cam into the basket rather cynically, but I began to change my mind when I took it out of the box at home.
It weighs virtually nothing, and looks rather neat, although with the name and model no. emblazoned across the front, there is no mistaking the brand! ( How to spot a cheapskate, chapter one!). A metallic blue circle surrounds the lens, and what looks a tiny planet in orbit sweeps across the camera's face, making it look quite funky.
Viewing from behind, as if you were taking a picture, the viewfinder is located to the upper left, the USB socket is on the left hand side, and the batteries go underneath in a clever little secret compartment- ingenious, methinks!
Also underneath is a screw-in socket for a tripod, which I have found indespensible.
Right then, here is the bad stuff.....
1. There is no image display, which means that you can't see what you have taken until you plug into the pc; however, it does display live images when in webcam mode.
2. There is no built in flash unit, and you cannot add one on.
3. It has no cover or carry case.
4. The viewfinder seems too aim too low (paralax) and this has to be accounted for when capturing images. Its a bit like a rifle that shoots off centre, except nobody gets hurt! ( if thats what you want, try my mum-in-laws Sunday roast!). ''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''' Now the positive points..........
With hardly any weight or size, this camera even fits into the breast pocket on a shirt. In fact it is smaller than a packet of cigarettes ( and it wont give you lung cancer!).
The cd rom disc contains some useful software in the following programs:-
FUNHOUSE- combines and overlays images, and helps to email, print and share images. You can also add captions, quotes, and titles.
PHOTO IMPRESSION- image editor with tools to enhance, print, and get creative.
IN-A-FLASH LE- this enables you to add animations, special effects and music. You can also create Flash Banners and even business portfolios.
You will also find a comprehensive manual on the disc, but there is a booklet enclosed in the box. To read the file, your pc will ask you to download acrobat reader 5, free of charge. Wow!
The camera can also capture video sequences. Manufacturer' specifications are as follows-
Dimensions- H= 54mm x W=85mm x D= 26mm. Weight with batteries inserted= 72g! Resolution Ld compression Hd compression
viewfinder: built in, optical Self- timer: 10 seconds Continuous (MOVIE) mode frame rate: 6 frames per second Shutter speed: 1/6- 1/15000 second Capture modes: single, Continuous (movie clips) Automatic energy saving (shuts down after 30 seconds) Exposure and white balance: Automatic Power: Two AAA (1.5 VDC) batteries, or USB 5V bus voltage PC interface: USB 1.1 Working Temperature: 0 to 40 degrees C
The written manual is quite comprehensive and easy to understand, and the camera is simple to use. In fact, I would highly recommend this camera as a Christmas present for youngsters- imagine their faces when they see the results on the monitor screen!
Now you may think that this camera is extremely limited in its usage, but, bear in mind that I only wanted some simple shots for ebay, and it does the job perfectly, although I do have to use some extra light. So how much is it? And I've deliberately saved this for last: an incredible NINE POUNDS AND NINETY NINE PENCE!!! Yes, that's right- £9.99! Now do you have some respect for the little blighter? I can see me hanging on to this until it goes the same way as the old Amiga 600+!!
The photographs were taken with this camera, by my own fair hand. If you click on them, you will see them enlarged without too much loss of resolution.
The camera comes complete with USB cable, CD ROM, batteries, and a hand strap.
The manufacturer has a superb website at vivitar.co.uk (believe it or not!)
If you are still here, thanks for persevering, and I hope you had a little giggle on the way- many thanks, Andy
Vivitar designs, develops, and markets affordable, easy-to-use photographic and digital imaging products that offer families and other consumers exceptional value, fine quality, and a wide range of features and benefits. PRODUCT FEATURES: Attractive, Fashionable Styling; Compact Size; 640 X 480 Image Resolution; Built-in 8MB Memory; USB Connectivity; Status LCD Display; Self-Timer & Tripod Socket; Auto Power Saving Feature.
Takes AAA batteries and....er.....er...hmmmm.... takes AAA batteries 
