Amazon.com Product Description

The stylish, SLR-style Konica Minolta Dimage Z2 is offers appealing features for a wide variety of photographers--from sports enthusiasts to serious wildlife photographers. Packed with power, yet easy to use, the Dimage Z2 features an amazing 10x optical zoom lens, quick startup time (1.8 seconds), and a rapid autofocus (the fastest for digital cameras of this class as of January, 2004) that helps you capture images in virtually any situation. It also offers a 4-megapixel resolution, VGA-quality video mode with audio, and a real-motion LCD monitor.

Optics and Resolution The Dimage Z2 has a maximum resolution of 2272 x 1704 pixels, good enough for enlargements up to 20 x 30 inches. It also offers 1600 x 1200 (2 MP), 1280 x 960 (1 MP) and 640 x 480 (VGA) resolution modes. The camera's 10x optical zoom lens is a fast f2.8 - f3.5, allowing fast shutter speeds for sports or natural-light photography. With a focal range of 5.8mm-58mm, it is equivalent to a 38-380mm 35mm camera lens. When combined with the seamless 4x digital zoom, it has an amazing 40x zoom range, equivalent to a 38-1520mm lens.

Movie Mode
The Dimage Z2 can record high-quality VGA (640 x 480) movies at 30 frames per second (fps), which is comparable to S-VHS video. It also offer's the world's first (as of January, 2004) SVGA option, with a resolution of 800 x 600 and a 15 fps rate. Viewed on a PC, the SVGA movie delivers approx. 6.3 more pixels than the standard QVGA (320 x 240) found on many other comparable digital cameras. You can record as much video as your

More Features
The Dimage Z2 features Rapid AF with Predictive Focus Control to ensure sharp images with minimum delay. The Rapid AF system uses a high-speed drive to focus the lens quickly and smoothly--a 0.3 second focusing time at a focal length of 5.8mm and 0.4 seconds at 58mm--giving the DiMAGE Z2 the world's fastest AF among digital cameras with a built-in 10X or greater optical zoom as of January 1, 2004. The Predictive Focus Control compensates for the minute delay from when the shutter-release button is pressed until the image is captured and adjusts focus right up until the exposure is made.

Startup time is a mere 1.8 seconds and shutdown time is 2.4 seconds. After focus has been locked, the shutter-release time lag is 0.06 second -- comparable to a 35mm SLR camera. The Z2 is ready to capture another image in just 1.2 seconds after the previous exposure.

The powerful built-in flash can cover distances of up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) with the lens at its widest angle. Unlike most compact digital cameras, the Dimage Z2 offers extra versatility with flash photography. It has a hot shoe for attaching any of these Konica Minolta flash units: the Maxxum Flash 2500(D), 3600HS(D), or 5600HS(D).

The Real Motion LCD monitor uses a 60 fps rate, showing action smoothly compared to the slower 30 fps rate of conventional monitors. It's also equipped with Konica Minolta's exclusive Switch Finder, a unique system allows the camera's LCD monitor to be viewed either directly or through the viewfinder. Since a single monitor is used, you need not worry about the color, contrast, and resolution difference between separate rear and viewfinder monitors. Automatic monitor amplification brightens the monitor under low light so the live image is always visible

Select the UHS (Ultra High Speed) option from the rapid shooting menu. The enlarged 32MB internal memory allows the Z2 to capture 15 images at 10 frames per second. When the shutter-release button is pressed and held, Progressive Capture begins saving images in the buffer memory. Five frames are saved with standard continuous advance and 12 frames with UHS continuous advance

Other features include:

• Super Macro mode lets you focus as close as 1.2 in. (3cm) from the front of the lens
• Real-time histogram shows the luminance distribution of the image before it is captured
• Output photos directly to a PictBridge-compliant printer without having to go through a personal computer
• Flash modes: auto, red-eye reduction, fill flash, and slow sync
• Five subject programs--portrait, sports action, landscape, sunset, and night portrait--cover common and specialized shooting conditions and can be selected manually
• Four exposure-control modes: programmed AE, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual
• Three selectable metering modes: multi-segment, center-weighted, and spot

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards; a 16 MB starter card is included (which will store approximately 17 standard 2272 x 1704 images). It transfers images to Macs and Windows-based PCs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection.

CxProcess II Image Processor
Konica Minolta's newest image processing technology, CxProcess II, is used to bring out the best in the 3.3 megapixel CCD. CxProcess II controls the essential image qualities of color, contrast, and sharpness while minimizing noise. Brilliant, saturated color remains vibrant without becoming unnatural. Subtle contrast is rendered to retain the richness and depth of the subject while preserving details in the highlights and shadows. Sharpness is controlled to show fine detail while minimizing hard, unnatural edges.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by four AA batteries (alkaline included; NiMH rechargeables recommended). The Dimage Z2 measures 4.3 x 3.1 x 3.2 inches and weighs 10.8 ounces without batteries or recording media.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Dimage Z2 digital camera, 16 MB Secure Digital memory card, 4 AA alkaline batteries, neck strap, lens cap, accessory shoe cap, USB and A/V cables, and CD-ROMs with Dimage Viewer and ArcSoft VideoImpression software. ... Read more

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 11-by-15-inch enlargements
• GT 10x optical lens system combines with 4x digital zoom for 40x total zoom
• TV-quality movie recording; 1.2-inch super macro mode; 1.8-second start-up time
• Store images on Secure Digital (SD) memory cards
• Powered by AA-size batteries

Reviews (14)

great for the enthusiastic beginner
I've had this camera for a little over a month and so far, I love it. It's got the full-auto (point-and-shoot) mode for the casual photographer/beginner, but it also has a variety of manual modes and advanced features like aperture priority, shutter priority, program mode, and full manual, as well as manual white balance for those interested in learning the art of (digital) photography.

The two built in macro modes (close and *really* close) allow for excellent close-up shots. Despite having almost no experience in photography beyond point-and-shoot cameras, I was taking pretty good macro shots my first day with it (at least that's what mom said ;). The 10x zoom is great for the long shots. The 16MB SD card is useless (pick up at least 256MB). I still carry the 16 for a spare, but at the highest image resolution, I doubt I could fit 10 pictures on it.

Do yourself a favor and buy the lens adapter ring and a UV filter for the camera. The UV filter can be had pretty cheap, won't affect picture quality, and will keep your built-in lens safe from scratches, dirt, and UV rays (evidently pretty damaging to camera equipment). And having the adapter, you'll be able to attach other filters as your need/skill grow. Oh, and get a couple of sets of rechargeable NIMH batteries too. They'll save you a lot of money. I briefly looked into the Konika-Minolta LI battery pack that's made for the camera, but being more than half the price of the camera, decided it was more expensive than I needed. At least for now.

So far, my only complaints are: the battery cover door seems pretty flimsy. I'd like to see something more substantial. And, I'm not sure the idea of the mechanical mirror used to select the view through the eyepiece or on the display screen is wise. It just seems like more mechanical parts to fail in the future. Also, the use of the eyepiece won't prolong battery life as it would in most digital cameras.

So, it's few faults aside, I give the KM Z2 a solid 5 star rating.

You will not regret the purchase
This camera will do everything for you except hold it in place. The auto mode does it all. I was very impressed with the battery life and BRIGHT flash. The camera is just perfect, video mode is brilliant, no noise from the camera's AF feature. The zoom, well seeing is believing, you will not believe the details that you are missing on these 2x and 3x zoom cameras. Can't wait for the next generation. Get one!

Where's the color?
I purchased my Z2 and couldn't wait to see the great images it could produce with 4 megs and 10x zoom. What a disappointment! I want my old Olympus 510 back. The color is horrible on the Z2. I could get the color ok by adjusting the white balance in the program modes (not using a flash), however it's not adjustable in the "Auto" mode, which also meant switching back to "Auto" for a flash shot. Also, this camera's size and shape make it totally impossible to just carry around in your pocket. I have missed way too many shots because I didn't have the camera with me.

Great Camera
What a great camera! I compared this to a Cannon Elph, and this camera blew it out of the water. It's real easy to use, it's light, and the auto focus is quick. From the time you press the shutter button to the time the camera takes the picture is lightning fast. The Cannon Elph was a lot slower, causing me to miss action shots. The picture quality is great!

Quality product
In short, I did a LOT of research, and I found this camera to fit my needs best. The 4MP are more than adequate, the stills are sharp, the menus friendly, the video AWESOME. Well worth your money. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Created for the savvy photographer, the Kodak EasyShare DX7440 combines high-performance photographic controls and optics with easy-to-use features for stunning picture quality. It offers a 4 megapixel resolution and a professional quality Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 4x optical zoom lens, as well as a rapid 0.2-second click-to-capture rating, large 2.2-inch indoor/outdoor LCD screen, 32 MB internal memory, and compatibility with both Secure Digital and MMC memory cards.

Optics and Resolution The DX7440 has a 4-megapixel resolution for 2304 x 1728 images and photo enlargements up to 20 x 30 inches. Other resolution modes include 2304 x 1536 (3:2 aspect ratio), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1656 x 1242 (2MP), and 1200 x 900 (1MP). The Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 4x optical zoom lens is also supplemented by a 4x digital zoom, for a 16x total. Working with renowned German professional optics designer Schneider-Kreuznach, Kodak equipped the camera with an f/2.8 - 9.5 aspheric lens to provide striking edge-to-edge brightness and sharpness across the frame.

Movie Mode
The DX7440 can capture both full-motion video (24 frames per second at 320 x 240 pixels) and TV-resolution video (VGA; 640 x 480 pixels at 13 fps) with capacity dependent on available memory (32 MB internal memory included; additional memory may be added via the SD/MMC expansion slot).

More Features
The DX7440's precision low-light auto-focus system combines rapid phase detection with highly accurate through the lens (TTL) contrast detection to sharply define a subject, even in almost complete darkness. Continuous auto-focus also delivers rapid click-to-capture (0.2 seconds) to precisely freeze action at a desired moment. Selectable focus zones and exposure metering allow exacting control over each scene, while standard and fine JPEG compression settings give users more power over their file sizes and quality.

The DX7440 offers fully automatic mode for effortless point-and-shoot picture taking, as well as 16 automatic scene modes (e.g., sport, portrait, night, landscape, beach, snow, and macro) that help obtain the best shot in a variety of settings. In addition, manual control mode permits independent aperture settings, shutter speed (1/1000 to 64 seconds), exposure compensation and bracketing, and ISO equivalents for advanced photographers.

Storage and Transfer
Images can be stored within the DX7440's 32 MB internal memory, or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards. It connects to Macs and Windows-based PCs via USB 1.1 connectivity.

Sharing
With a touch of the red-jeweled Share button, you can store up to 200 pictures in an on-camera digital album. These pictures can then be shared anytime on the camera's large, 2.2-inch, high-resolution (153,000 pixels) indoor/outdoor LCD screen. The Share button also allows selection of photos for printing and even e-mailing, with up to 32 e-mail addresses stored in the camera's memory.

Kodak Color Science Image Processing Chip
Kodak's Color Science Image Processing Chip offers a new high-speed digital image processor, advanced algorithms, and hardware acceleration features that enable the DX7440 make simultaneous, split-second decisions to produce rich, vibrant, true-to-life colors in almost any lighting situation. Each time you click the shutter, the Kodak Color Science Chip performs an instantaneous and advanced analysis of collected scene data to identify and correct multiple factors that influence picture quality. Scene light source is detected and adjustments are made to capture bright whites and true, vivid colors under difficult lighting conditions--fluorescent, tungsten or daylight. Scene content is analyzed for luminance, focal distance, subject matter orientation and color to determine the correct exposure and capture the natural details, accurate flesh tones, and rich colors you see in your composition.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a proprietary rechargeable lithium-ion battery (1050 mAh), which can be charged via the included battery charger or an optional EasyShare Camera Dock. It measures 4 x 2.7 x 1.6 inches and weighs 7.9 ounces without the battery.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Kodak EasyShare DX7440 digital camera, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, battery charger, USB and A/V cables, wrist strap, and custom camera insert for optional EasyShare Camera and Printer Docks.

Like all EasyShare cameras, the DX7440 includes Kodak EasyShare software for Windows and Macintosh systems, providing effortless digital picture transfer, organization, basic editing, sharing and printing. The software's exclusive One Touch to Better Pictures feature--which takes advantage of proprietary color technologies developed by Kodak--helps Windows OS users get vibrant, true-to-life prints from home inkjet printers, while significantly reducing the trial, error and waste usually associated with home photo printing. ... Read more

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 11-by-15-inch enlargements
• 4x optical Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon zoom lens
• Advanced manual controls; movie mode with audio; 2.2-inch LCD display
• Store images in 32 MB internal memory; compatible with Secure Digital (SD) memory cards (not included)
• Powered by high-capacity rechargeable Li-Ion battery (1050 mAh), included with charger

Reviews (3)

wow man wow
I spent a week reviewing all cameras and it came down to two the ones with good price and quality.So i had to pick i got this camera for a gift i opened it up to see if it's<br />as good as people say and to charge the battery.wow man wow<br />this was easy to use with out a manual this is one awsome camera the pic is a little fuz at first but in time camera got better knock on wood i got a good camera this gift amazed and impressed Everyone with the pictures and the video yah video like a camcorder the rec time is not as long but the camera that can do both great pics and vids is wow and for the price wow again.You can find cameras like this but be ready to pay big bucks yah 300 is not cheap but the camera is not little cheap piece of junk ether and you get what you pay so make count and thats the bottom line.

Great features - Easy to Use!!!
The Kodak DX7440 is a near perfect combination of features and ease of use. The 2.2" viewfinder is great for framing shots both inside and outside and the 4x zoom gets you a little closer than most cameras in its class. The ergonomics of the camera are also a plus. It fits comfortably in my hand and the dial and joystick are very easy to use. The Kodak DX7440 produces vivid colors that other digital cameras just can't match and the images are much sharper than the Canon I previously owned.

For the beginner photographer, it has a full auto mode and a number of special scene modes to help take great pictures. For the intermediate photographer, it has PASM modes which give you even more creative control. The movie mode is better than most cameras, but if you really want to make movies, you should probably get a camcorder.

I have only 2 complaints about the DX7440 - the lack of a superfine compression mode and the use of a proprietary battery. However, neither of these issues are too big of a deal. Hopefully Kodak will release a firmware update at some point in the future to address the superfine compression. I ended up buying 2 backup Li-Ion batteries so that should not be an issue in the future.

In conclusion, I would recommend this camera to any beginner or intermediate photographer who wants a camera that is simple and fun to use.

Fantastic camera!!!
I had been looking for a digital camera to carry around for special events instead of lugging around my 35mm. I researched all kinds of cameras. Sure there are more expensive cameras that probably do more, but for the average picture taker this is a winner!!!! I used it right out of the box; without using instructions. This is my first digital camera too! I took pictures of fireworks with the special night mode for fireworks and they turned out great. Also the video part is great too! It will go as long as your memory card holds out. I purchased an additional 256 mb memory card. It comes with a charger so you don't have to buy a camera dock unless you want to. The batteries really hold up. I went a week and took numerous pictures and decided to charge it just in case. I love this little camera. The color in the pictures are great and I even put it on night mode and took a picture in the dark and the flash lit up the whole room and I got my picture. Kodak you definitely have a winner in my book!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Features

• Three Megapixel Advanced HAD CCD Imagers for peerless video and still images
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T lens
• 12X optical and 150X Digital Zoom with Super SteadyShot stabilization
• Capture MPEG Movies on Memory Stick DUO Media
• Intelligent pop-up flash for more light when you need it most

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13x17-inch prints
• Exclusive Canon DIGIC Image Processor and iSAPS technology allow faster processing speed, excellent image quality, and vibrant colors
• Includes five new Scene Modes and a Print/Share button for greater ease of use
• Intelligent orientation sensor automatically rotates images for playback
• Four novel colors with refined surface finish are the ultimate in camera couture

Amazon.com Product Description

The compact, lightweight HP Photosmart R707 makes taking dazzling photos easy. It offers a 5-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and new digital image processing technologies that will make it quite difficult to snap a bad picture. It also features a large 32 MB internal memory, compatibility with SD and MMC memory cards, movie mode with audio, manual controls, and a stylish brushed stainless steel body with an ergonomic grip for steady, one-handed shots.

Advanced digital image processing balances brightness and preserves gentle contrasts while suppressing harsh contrast.

Optics and Resolution
The Photosmart R707 has a 1/1.8-inch CCD with a 5.1-megapixel resolution (effective) for 2612 x 1968 pixel images. It also has a 1296 x 976 pixel low-resolution mode. The 3x optical zoom lens has an 8-24mm focal length (equivalent to 39-117mm in 35mm photography). It also has an 8x digital zoom to help you get even closer to the action.

Video and Audio
In addition to still imagery, the Photosmart R707 can also capture high-quality MPEG1 video with audio. It has a high-resolution video setting of 320 x 240 pixels and 30 frames per second. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand (either internal memory or external memory card). You can also capture voice notes of up to 60 seconds in length.

More Features
With HP's Instant Share feature, printing and sharing photos with friends and family is quick and simple. You can select a destination--e-mail addresses, online albums, printers and more--on the back of the camera with a single push of a button. When connected to a PC (either via the included USB cable or via the optional dock), the selected images are automatically printed and/or e-mailed. E-mail recipients see thumbnails of the images right in the body of their e-mail message, as well as a link to the web page where they can view, print and save the photos.

		 
 	In-camera red-eye removal (above) and HP Image Advice (below).	 
		 

The R707 features HP's exclusive Real Life digital image processing technologies (created in collaboration with Texas Instruments), including:

• HP Image Advice, which analyzes photos and then provides tips to users on how to adjust settings to improve future shots, thus helping the photographer learn to take better photos.
• HP In-Camera Red-Eye Removal, which instantly removes red-eye from photos right on the camera without using a PC--an industry first.
• HP In-Camera Panorama Preview, which allows consumers to take up to five pictures that are then combined into a panorama picture composition and reviewed in-camera.
• HP Adaptive Lighting, which automatically adjusts high-contrast photos to bring faces out of shadows and details out of backgrounds. This feature balances brightness relationships between bright and dark areas in a photo, preserving gentle contrasts while compressing harsh contrasts.

• 1.5-inch LCD with optical view finder
• Manual controls: EV compensation, image quality, white balance, ISO speed, AE metering, color, saturation, sharpness, contrast, AE bracketing

Direct Printing
The Photosmart R707 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.

Storage and Transfer
Images can be stored in the built-in 32 MB memory, or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards. The internal 32 MB memory will store 12 Fine and 23 Standard 5.1-megapixel images. The R707 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included). It measures 3.78 x 2.36 x 1.38 inches (W x D x H) and weighs 6.4 ounces without battery and 7.2 ounces with battery installed.

What's in the Box
This package includes the HP Photosmart R707 digital camera, rechargeable lithium-ion battery (model R07), AC adapter, 2 USB cables (1 for PC connection, 1 for connecting to printer), and printed instructions. The CD-ROM include HP Image Zone for Windows and Macintosh, HP Memories Disc Creator, ArcSoift Panorama Maker, and American Greetings Create and Print software. It's backed by a 1-year limited warranty. ... Read more

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor (2612 x 1968 pixels) for enlargements up to 20 x 30 inches
• 3x optical zoom plus 8x digital zoom for 24x total
• In-camera red-eye removal; movie mode with audio at 30 frames per second
• Internal 32 MB memory; compatible with Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards
• Powered by rechargeable lithium-ion battery; connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0

Reviews (13)

Wonderful little camera
This is my third digital camera. I have owned a Fuji FinePix and a Pentax Optio S4. This camera performs so much better than either one of those. The good points: Great video, crystal clear images, super easy to use, removes red eye after pic is taken, adaptive lighting really works, good battery life. The bad points: a little slower than some cameras when it comes to processing images(but it is worth it), no case or SD card (seems to be a trend with most digitals).

I researched this camera and the Canon Powershot S410 and S500. When comparing the two, the HP had 2 or 3 better features than the Canon. I was hesitant about buying the HP, because it was so new that there was not a lot of customer feedback. I guess the selling point that just made my decision easier was the red eye in camera removal, since I take lots of close ups of my children.

I am so happy with my purchase. I would recommend this camera to anyone. The auto features make picture taking a no-brainer, but if you do want to get creative, you can adjust almost anything, in the manual mode.

A+++

HP Delivers with the R707
HP finally delivers a Camera that puts themselves above the crowd. I've been a fan of HP for a long time and the HP R707 is a big jump in quality from their previous cameras. The first thing I noticed was the speed. Everything from taking pictures to navigating the menus was lightning fast. HP has also packed the camera with great software. Built into the camera are features for removing red eye, making panoramic scenes, adjusting bad lighting in pictures...ect. The camera also does not use double A batteries, which I always burned through on my previous cameras. I was able to use the camera continuously for about two hours constantly using the flash and lcd screen with the lithium-ion batteries.

I had no problems with the software and the camera was synced in under 10 minutes. I really like the Arcsoft panoramic maker.

I give the Camera four out of five stars because I thought HP should of included a Secure Digital memory card with the camera. It does not come with a removable memory card and I thought that was cheap on their behalf.

Overall, I highly recommend this camera if you are looking for a point and shoot device.

Best Quality in its Price Range.
You won't find a better camera for this price. I bought this camera in August while on vacation. I had read raving reviews about the camera prior to getting it, and they were right. What I love most is that the camera fits in my back Jean's pocket. Now that it's winter I have it in my coat pocket every day. The battery lasts forever and has no "memory problems". The camera comes with its own recharger and the battery takes between 6-8 hours to charge, can be done when you go to bed. <br />The camera has many features you only find on more expensive cameras at half the price. The 5 megapixel shots are astounding in crispness and color fidelity. It does not come with an SD card, but it has built in memory which allows you to take various shots depending on the quality setting. All the cameras that come with a card include one with so little memory that they are not even worth using and require the purchase of an additional card, so I don't see the lack of one as a drawback on the R707. I have taken pictures and had them developed at the kiosks in some of the stores for 29 cents a piece and I only have to develop the one's I like. I never have to buy or develop film, I can email the images to family instantly with the camera's features and can even print them on any color printer with the press of a button. If you want stunning photos and the lowest price with the easiest user interface, then this is the one to get; you can't go wrong.

Love it!
I just bought the r707 a few weeks ago, and I LOVE it. I spent a lot of time researching and I would have never thought of getting an HP, but I finally decided to get this camera after testing it in the store. It replaced a 2 megapixel canon elph, which produced average pictures. The interface for this camera is much more user-friendly than my old elph, and the pictures are gorgeous too--the colors are sharp and crisp. It's just so fun to use! You do need to take advantage of the many modes and setting options to get beautiful images in all conditions (low light etc) but it's not hard to do that and worth the effort. It also does really well with action shots.

Lens in the Viewfinder -----
I just bought this camera. Its a nice design overall...but suffers from one major flaw. The lens is visible in the bottom right-hand corner of the viewfinder.

I read many detailed reviews before purchasing and none of them mention this....WHY ? Don't others find this a distraction when composing pictures ? HP has designed all these nifty features not available on other cameras... They got the styling right all in a nice tight package but really dropped the ball on the most basic feature of all....optics.

I called HP to make sure that my unit wasn't defective. The rep powered up a camera and comfirmed that yes you do see 'a bit of the lens' but it doesn't print !....well duh...I know it doesn't print. So basically its good to know mine is not defective...they are ALL defective, IMO. Told the rep mine was going back to the store tomorrow. I use mostly the wider angle setting and I dont want to look at the camera lens in the viewfinder. ... Read more

Product Description

1.33-megapixel CCD * advanced DIGIC DV image processor * digital photo mode * photo resolution options: 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 * 2-1/2" color viewscreen * ... Read more

Features

• Powered by NB-2LH Lithium-ion battery pack
• Compact MiniDV camcorder with 1.33-megapixel still capability
• 18x optical zoom and 360x digital zoom with image stabilization
• 2.5-inch LCD screen with backlight
• Built-in slot for SD memory cards and MultiMediaCards

Reviews (1)

Decent camcorder overall
Pros
- Good video quality overall (resolution)
- Decent audio
- Decent manual controls
- Includes 16MB memory card

Cons
- Not so impressive low light performance (when compared to JVC 93US)
- Not very sleek design - old fashioned controls, lens cap and flakycontrol area caps
- Not very user-friendly menu ... Read more

Product Description

4.1-megapixel effective recording * 2" color LCD * optical viewfinder * 3X optical zoom (up to 2X digital/6X total zoom) * JPEG options: 2304 x 1728; 2048 x 1536; 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 * ... Read more

Features

• Powered by AA-size batteries (alkaline batteries supplied); up to 500+ shots per charge with NiMH batteries (not included)
• 4.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 12 x 15-inch prints
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens; 2.0-inch LCD
• Real Imaging Processor LSI allows for fast start-up and shot-to-shot times, plus extended battery stamina
• Stores images on Memory Stick media; features 32MB internal memory

Reviews (1)

Great features - poor pictures
I did months worth of research before purchasing a camera. I was excitied when the S60 model came out last month because it had all the features I was looking for at just the right price. However, after a week of using it I am not so happy with the quality of the pictures and video it takes. To help you decide here are my main likes and dislikes:
Likes
- Video limited only by memory size
- Carl Zeiss lens
- In-camera photo editing (what a great idea! in theory you don't even need a computer; just edit, save, and print in store from memory stick)
- 2" screen
- Viewfinder (for bright settings when you can't use the screen)
- Easy to hold (my 4 yr old had no problems holding this camera
- Uses AA bateries
- Fast, fast, fast (no problems catching the kids running around)
- Built-in lens cap
Dislikes
- Weight (heavier than my 35mm point and shoot)
- Red-eye (even with the red-eye feature just about everyone had red eyes)
- Picture quality (the skin tones just don't look right and many of the picutres look washed out)
- Video quality (I used this feature to capture my daughters open house and the quality is very grainy and blurry, even at the 640 standard mode.)

Even with all the features I like, I'm returning this camera because of the poor picture and video quality. Back to more researching. ... Read more

Product Description

Scanning color negatives can be a tricky business, even for experts. But with the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 II, you can take advantage of a new Film Expert algorithm that draws on decades of Konica Minolta expertise in photofinishing and optical imaging technology.As a result, you can get consistently beautiful results without the hassle of manually adjusting scanner settings to match the different exposure characteristics and color balance of various types of negative film.The DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 II boasts class-leading 5400 dpi resolution that transforms a single frame of 35mm film into more than 42.2 megapixels of rich, 16-bit color data. Designed specifically to meet the demands of people who are serious about image quality, it captures every detail and tonal nuance of the original, allowing you to produce stunningly beautiful large-format prints*.16-bit analog-to-digital signal conversion and a wide, 4.8 dynamic range deliverover 65,000 gradations in each of the three RGB color channels. The result is smooth shading of color tones, with excellent shadow and highlight detail.There's no need to compromise on scanning area when you're working with filmstrips, because the DiMAGE Scan Elite 5400 II offers edge-to-edge 24mm x 36mm scanning that captures 100% of every frame.Multi-sample scanning allows images to be scanned 2, 4, 8, or 16 times, significantly reducing random noise in shadow areas and revealing subtle tonal gradations tha ... Read more

Features

• 35mm film and slide holders; advanced color restoration
• USB interface; PC and Mac compatible
• 5,400 dpi optical resolution with 42.2-megapixel sensor
• User-selectable 8 or 16 bits per color channel, 4.8 DMax
• High speed scanning at 25 seconds per frame

Product Description

Real Kodak pictures - Everything you need to capture, print and share in seconds! Zoom in to capture extraordinary detail with the Z740 Zoom Digital Camera. Featuring a 10X optical zoom, 5.0 Mega Pixels and advanced manual and custom controls - the Z740 has everything you need to get the shot you want. Then bring your artistic aspirations to life with a touch of a button on the Printer Dock Series 3 - pictures that last a lifetime - Kodak XTRALIFE lamination makes them waterproof and durable. 10X Kodak RETINAR all glass aspheric optical zoom lens 5X advanced digital zoom (50X total zoom) 5.0 MP for stunning print quality up to 20x30-inches (50x76 cm) Kodak Color Science chip for rich, vibrant color under a variety of lighting conditions Broader creative range with scene and color modes Advanced manual and custom controls including selectable aperture priority, shutter priority, and full manual mode p Kodak RETINAR All Glass Aspheric 10X Optical Zoom Lens Capture your subject in crisp detail with the Z740's all-glass lens Get amazingly close to your subjects with the 10X optical zoom (35 mm equivalent: 38-380 mm) Get even closer with the 5X advanced digital zoom for 50X total zoom Exclusive Kodak Color Science Image Processing Chip - With the exclusive Kodak Color Science Image Processing Chip, your pictures come to life just the way you remember it. ... Read more

Features

• Printer Dock Series 3 charges your Kodak camera battery in 3.5 hours or less
• Camera's 5.0 MP resolution captures enough detail for photo-quality prints up to 13 x 17 inches
• All-in-one kit includes the Kodak EasyShare Z740 zoom digital camera and Kodak EasyShare printer dock series 3
• Camera features 10x Kodak Retinar all-glass optical zoom lens and 1.8-inch indoor/outdoor display
• Create real Kodak photos up to 4 x 6 inches in one touch

Reviews (10)

Great camera with a great zoom
There's no doubt about it, the Kodak Z740 is a great camera. Its small enough to carry with you (though a little too big for pockets), has a nice LCD, boasts amazing 5MP resolution, as well as professional quality 10x optical zoom (not junky digital zoom, like other cameras). You can print out an 8x10 poster of your photo without having to stretch the image, that's how great 5MP really is. Also, its got tons of features for a non-SLR model that are easy to use for camera beginners. At about $500, it is a little expensive, however. [...]

Excellent!
This Camera is remarkable. I remember when I got my first digital camera a few years ago, and it was a 1mp camera and everyone was so excited when those made there way on to the market. Now only a few years later, consumers are able to buy, 5, 6, and even 8 megapixel digital cameras. That goes to show you how far digital photography has come these days. - One thing that makes this camera stand out from all the rest is it's 10x Optical Zoom Lens. This lens can get you up close and personal with anything your trying to capture, and the quality does not degrade, because it isn't the digital zoom. I would suggest getting a Higher Capacity SD card, 256mb is sufficient for most people (159 photos at 5mp Resolution) but if your taking a long vacation get a 512 or even a 1gb card for this camera and you won't regret it. Overall this is a good value, and if your in the market for a Printer as well, check out the printer dock, it makes a great companion for this Kodak z740.

ANOTHER SATISFIED CUSTOMER
I purchased this camera as desperately needed upgrade from my HP 812xi digital camera.After over 2 months of research I decided that Kodak was my best bet as an upgrade and MAN OHH MAN am I pleased! When viewed from the camera display, the pictures look good, but when actually downloaded to a computer or printed they look fabulous.I especially like the fact that the movie mode allows me to film quite a bit of footage and the battery that accompanied the camera is very strong.I was able to purchase three rechargeable back-up batteries on Ebay for $5.00 each.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS CAMERA!

Grrrreat Camera
I love this camera. I do not know alot about cameras but all I have to do is point and shoot set it on the printer dock and hit the print button. The camera is so easy to use. I would advise you to buy this camera and the printer dock. Hope you love it as much as I do.

Wonderful Camera
I researched for a very long time before deciding on the Z740.I am sooooo HAPPY with my purchase.Kodak's cameras are so easy to use and this one is no exception!The pictures I have taken are AWESOME!I love having the 10X zoom, I can get some amazing closeups.I recommend this camera to anyone who is looking foran easy to use camera that has the capability to do a lot with! ... Read more

Product Description

JVC GR-D270US, MINI DV CAMCORDER WITH 2.5 LCD & SOFTWARE ... Read more

Features

• Captures 1,024 x 768 digital stills to Secure Digital memory card (not included)
• Real-time slow motion recording; NightAlive function for shooting in low-light conditions
• Data Battery function that displays battery power and calculates remaining recording time
• Compact MiniDV digital camcorder with 25x optical zoom/800x digital zoom
• 680K pixel CCD with 340K effective pixels for video

Reviews (1)

Works well, price is right
I spent hours on-line trying to select a camcorder from an overwhelming multitude. The important considerations for me were:

- PC connectivity
- Price
- At least decent video and audio quality
- Battery life, size and everything else

This JVC is a success in all these parameters.

- I had no trouble at all connecting to a wintel PC. I have a cheap no-name lash-up desktop box, a $15 firewire card, a generic $5 firewire cable, and XP. I am relieved to report it all worked first time, because connectivity problems are apparently common with all camera brands (including JVC).

- This is one of the cheaper miniDV machines, so the price was right.

- Video quality, for an uncritical amateur like me, is plenty good enough. And there is apparently wide-spread opinion that JVCs are better than average in low-light conditions.

- Audio quality, again good enough. There is definitely some motor noise breakthrough with the built-in mike that interferes with quiet pastoral scenes.

- Battery life with the supplied battery is approx 1 hour. Since JVC batteries are upwards of $80, I will be buying cheap generic knock-offs in the $30 range.

- The supplied USB cable is for downloading pictures from the snapshot and webcam mode. It is worthless for transferring video. Snapshots are inferior to my aged Canon Elph.

If a buddy could have told me here was a camera that worked OK with my computer, and was otherwise decent and affordable, I could have saved hours of research.

EDIT 1: Still 4 stars, but I would have exchanged some of that 25x tele for some more wide-angle. Also, the zoom mechanism is a bit abrupt, it is difficult to get a smooth zooming action. ... Read more

Product Description

records high-quality DVD-Video * records to mini DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, and DVD+RWs * recording capacity of one disc: 20 minutes at HQ setting; 30 minutes at SP setting; 60 minutes at LP setting * digital photo mode * 2-1/2" color touchpanel LCD * variable-speed 10X Carl Zeiss® Vario-Tessar® optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 120X) * ... Read more

Features

• records high-quality DVD-Video
• records to mini DVD-Rs, DVD-RWs, and DVD+RWs
• recording capacity of one disc: 20 minutes at HQ setting; 30 minutes at SP setting; 60 minutes at LP setting
• digital photo mode
• 2-1/2" color touchpanel LCD

Reviews (1)

Sony DCR-DVD7 - Nice size but missing a few features
Review for the Sony DCR-DVD7.

Last week I found myself about 2000 miles from home and needed an easy to use, lightweight, and small camcorder. I found the DCR-DVD7 and decided to try it. It worked well for my needs except in the area of digital stills.

I noticed this camera at first because of its shape. It looks like a digital camera - not a camcorder. It is small enough (if you have big pockets) to fit into your pocket.

The camera is very easy to use and even has an Easy button to make taking video a snap.

Pros

The pluses of this camera are that it is small and takes acceptable video. Has a good feel and form factor. The camera has quick and smooth focus. It turns on and is ready to shoot in a very short time even for a DVD based camcorder. All the I/O ports work good (USB and Video-out). It has a nice bright LCD display. It can take literally thousands of digital images. When you finish shooting video, you have a ready-made DVD to show friends and family. You also have a long lasting archive of your images that you can edit later.

Cons

For me the biggest downside of this camera is that it takes terrible digital still images. The pictures have visible pixels and the color is not as rich as with Sony still cameras. A unit of this price should take at least acceptable still images. Some of the pictures I took with the camera look worse than the old Apple Quick-take cameras of 10 years ago could produce. The camera has no Firewire port. As an Apple computer user, this camera is unfriendly when it comes to editing-no Apple supported software and it is a difficult task to put your video into iMovie for editing. For all these lacking areas it is a bit pricey.


(Comments: - JUST IN CASE SOMEBODY FROM SONY READS THIS STUFF - This camera has a great form factor and has huge potential. IF it had a headphone out-jack, you could have a portable DVD player and MP3 Player that could be watched/listened to on a plane or any other type of trip. IF it took better digital, stills it would be good buy because it could replace a digital camera and camcorder. Some other reviews I have read criticize this unit because of the video quality of this unit but I found it to be acceptable for home use. Great concept I wish that Sony would make some small improvements and this unit could be a fantastic product. )


Conclusion

Overall, if you need an easy to use camcorder that is small this camera would be a good choice. (DVD archiving is also a big plus for those who shoot video but do not always edit it right away.) If you are looking for great quality images and size does not matter look elsewhere. ... Read more

Product Description

ReplaceYour Inkjet With Speedy Laser The magicolor 2400W from KONICA MINOLTA is the color laser alternative to ink jet printers. It's small, quick, and ready for any print job—from letters and reports to family photos and fun flyers. There's no special paper required and it's got long-lasting supplies so you can print page after page of durable, high-impact color. Don't try this with a bargain-bin ink jet! ... Read more

Features

• USB 2.0 interface, optional Ethernet; PC compatible
• 2,400 x 600 dpi resolution in black and color
• Up to 5 ppm color, 20 ppm black print speed
• 35,000-page maximum monthly duty cycle
• 32 MB standard memory

Reviews (5)

Not for the Typical Home User
I owned this printer less than a month and sent it back.

For: 1. Great price for a color laser printer.

2. Nice looking copies, especially photos.

3. Fast color photo printing.

Against: 1. Power consumption. It uses 11 amps of my 15 amp circuit when on. (Spec found on pg 87 of the PDF manual) It is like having a small space heater on all the time.

The lights flicker while the element stays hot. So I let it go into standby, which solved the flickering. When coming out of standby the power surge killed my ups (on the same circuit, but not powering the printer). Unless you have two circuits in your home office, beware.

2. No Surge Protection. The printer should not be plugged into a surge protector or ups. This is not stated in the manual, but you are told this by tech support when you call to complain about the flickering lights.

3. The time from warmup to print is 45 seconds. If you are only printing a couple of pages in black an inkjet is just as fast or faster. And the print quality isn't enough difference to be noticable for text.

4. Envelope printing. Typically home users print one or two envelopes at a time. To print an envelope, you have to take out all the paper, put in your envelope, move the slide, open the top, move two levers, close the top, and print. When you are done, reverse the process. In my HP inkjet, you put the envelope in the slot in the output tray and print.

According to the manual (pg. 23), "laser" envelopes only, lest they seal shut during printing. Staples has no such thing.

5. Lables. Precut or perforated lables need not apply. Whole uncut sheets only. (Pg 24)

6. Printable area. Normal margins = .157" all around...except for legal paper in color mode, when the bottom margin = .409". Since the printer is normally in color mode, it is one more thing to change when printing on legal and you need all the print area you can get or need an even print area.

7. Noise. It is extremely noisy when starting up or coming out of standby with a lot of loud clunking.

8. Tech Support. When I called about the power surge when coming out of standby (that caused the computer to reboot) I was told, "Don't put in standby."

On the second call to tech support for this problem I was told "Plug it directly into the wall socket, not a surge protector or ups."

When leaving it on caused the lights to flicker (Call 3), Tech Support Level 1 kept putting me on hold and relaying my questions to a Level 3 tech and relaying the answers back to me. The solution to the flickering lights...plug it into a different circuit. (Not an option in my home.)

Conclusion: For the average home office user that doesn't print a lot of color photos, get a good color inkjet. (I am partial to HP). For most printing needs it is just too much hassle.

If you do print color photos, just make sure you have a seperate circuit to plug it into.

This is being returned
I did my homework and read many reviews. Not one mentioned that you can not share this printer. I didn't need network ready, but I do need to share with my home network. This is an important consideration and should be noted in the specifications.

Also, no one mentioned that to print an envelope I would have to remove all the paper, open the cover, adjust 2 levers, close the cover, load the envelope, print and do it all again to replace the paper. What a hassle!

One last complaint, and I read about that one. This is one very noisy printer. Don't expect to print while you are on the phone. Neither of you will be able to hear.

On the plus side, the print quality was good.

Overall, the negatives are not worth the cheap price!

A COLOR LASER PRINTER THAT WON'T BREAK YOUR BUDGET
I recently purchased the Konica Minolta Magicolor 2430DL Color Laser Printer and I LOVE IT!I run a small desktop publishing business from home and needed a reasonably priced color laser printer that would produce good quality products in a short period of time and this printer fits the bill.The text is awesome and graphics are awesome and the speed is just what the doctor ordered.The only problem I have with this printer is that the documentation that comes with it is awful.It's in at least 5 different languages and pretty much, all you can decipher from it once you find the English version is how to set it up.I still don't know how to change out the toner cartridges or even how to troubleshoot if I was to run into a problem.So for the job that it does, I give it 5 stars.It serves its purpose, it's compact and it's reasonably priced.As for instructions and/or tech support, I give it 2 stars.(Lets hope I never run into any problems with it.)

Excelent for home use
I bought that printer because I was sick and tired of ink jets:
* There would always be clogged heads and print output with horizontal bands
* You would use most of the expensive ink cleaning the heads
* The ink would run out in middle phrase without any prior warning, as opposed to the progressive fading of a laser
* You had to wait for the paint to dry
* The result was not waterproof
* Photo quality requires expensive paper

I was almost buying the Oki 5050. The Oki is fast even in color mode and has relatively inexpensive toner. But the 2400W was positioned as a photo printer and was just US$300! I ended up with the 2400W.

This is a great printer for home/home office use. It does print very decent photos even in plain paper. The results are even better with a light (90 g/m2) or matte (167 g/m2) photo paper. My mother stopped complaining that I don't give her enough pictures of the kids.

I have only a few complains:
* The toner is expensive. You can buy a 1500-page "standard" cartridge for US$70 each or a 4500-page "high capacity" cartridge for US$120 each. Since I don't print a lot of stuff, this is ok with me. Interestingly, the set of 4 "standard" cartridges might cost more than a brand new printer - that comes with the same cartridges!
* It cannot print a photo at full page size (Letter, A4) at maximum resolution (2400 X 600) because of lack of memory (it's not expandable); I have to settle with the still decent 1200 X 600 resolution. The most you can get at full resolution is 1/3 of a page.
* It does not come with an Ethernet print server and is incompatible with the Linksys PSUS4 print server that I bought.

Both of the last issues above are addressed at the 2430DL that costs about US$100 more, so I think you should consider that model instead.

Excellent printer - worthless documentation
This is the second Konica-Minolta Magicolor color laser I have purchased. The first was a 2430DL which I purchased for my office. Basically the printers are the same except that the 2400W does not have ethernet connectivity, or an LED read-out (the printer messages from the 2400W pop up in a window on your computer screen), and the 2400W costs about $100 less.

Printing quality is the same on both units. Warm up time is quick, pages come out fast, and quality is good. Text quality is excellent. We also have a $10,000 color laser at work and the Konica units print text just as well and graphics almost as well.

Obviously I liked these printers enough to buy a second one, however I only give the product 4 stars because neither my 2430DL or the 2400W worked right out of the box and the accompanying "documentation" (if you can call it that) is a total joke.

Installation of my 2400W conked out with a message saying, and I quote: "Put Cyan toner". Huh? I opened up the unit and the magenta toner was on top. The rotate toner cartridge button refused to work and, as I said before, the manual is useless. I had to call tech support. Eventually we discovered that the magenta and cyan toner cartridges were switched. When switched back the unit performed perfectly.

Installation of my 2430DL appeared to work but the prints initially were faded and the toner rubbed off. Another call to tech support revealed that two clips that are supposed to hold the paper tightly against the fuser were not down all the way. When these were seated properly the unit functioned perfectly.

The installation instructions contain one page of sketches that look like they were made by a grade-schooler. Worthless. The thick "manual" consists of only one-quarter of one page of generic information which is repeated a bazillion times in a bazillion different languages, 4 per page. Curious, but utterly worthless.

On the plus side, Konica's tech support is excellent. The calls are toll-free, I only had to wait on hold a few minutes each time, and I got to speak to native English speakers who were very knowledgeable, polite, and helpful.

Here are a couple of other tidbits which may be of interest. The 2400W only connects via a USB cable, which is NOT included. Also, the printer uses 4 toner cartridges: black, cyan, magenta, and blue. The combined cost of theses cartridges is almost as much as the printer sells for at discount office stores. And... the toner cartridges which come with the printer are "starter" cartridges which are only one-third full, so get ready to spend some $$$ on replacement cartridges.

Power consumption on this unit is high compared to my previous home laser (an HP Laserjet 6L). When the Konica unit is switched on my room lights flicker constantly, even when not printing. So I turn the thing off after every use. Normally you can leave it on all the time and it will go into power saver mode by itself after about 20-30 minutes (by the way, you will have to get used to the loud clunk it makes when going to sleep - initially it will scare you because 20 minutes after making a print you have forgotten all about the printer, and, as I say it is a LOUD clunk!)

Both the 2430DL and the 2400W have a paper tray with a complete enclosure, which is very nice for keeping the paper clean and out of the way.

Duplexing is manual. You have to print one side then put the sheet(s) back into the printer upside down for the second side.

So, in summary: some installation headaches, great tech support, worthless documentation, but very nice printing, especially for the money. ... Read more

Features

• 5.1-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 3x optical zoom lens combines with a 2x digital zoom for 6x total zoom
• 300-degree rotating lens design; 1.8-inch LCD monitor; 1.6 frame-per-second Shot Burst mode
• Store images on Memory Stick (32 MB Memory Stick included) or Memory Stick Pro media
• Powered by rechargeable InfoLithium battery (included with charger); connects to computers via USB 2.0

Features

• High-performance 4.0-megapixel digital camera with 3x optical/3.6x digital/11x combined zoom
• 1.8-inch LCD monitor for easier image previews and reviews
• Exclusive Canon XImage Processor and iSAPS technology for faster processing and excellent image quality
• New Print/Share button for easy direct printing and downloads
• 9-point AiAF with special scene modes for spectacular shots in special situations

Amazon.com Product Description

With its small size and quick reaction time, the Sony DSCP73 digital camera will be your constant photographic companion. The affordable DSCP73 offers point-and-shoot simplicity with a variety of features normally found in higher-end models. This 4-megapixel camera features a 3x optical zoom, 4-shot burst mode, conversion lens compatibility, A/V connection to view images on your TV, and a high-resolution movie mode that's limited only by your Memory Stick's capacity. For a step up in price, the Sony DSCP93 adds a 5-megapixel CCD, higher resolution LCD screen, and 9-shot burst mode.

Optics and Resolution
The 1/2.7-inch Super HAD (Hole Accumulation Diode) CCD allows more light to pass to each pixel, increasing sensitivity and reducing noise, and provides a 4.1-megapixel effective resolution (2304 x 1728).The Real Imaging Processor offers greater clarity and picture quality as well as improved response time and battery life and decreased shutter lag. The DSCP73 has a 3x optical zoom lens that's combined with a smooth 2x digital zoom for a 6x total.

Movie Mode
Capture video with audio at 30 frames per second (fps) at VGA size 640 x 480;the included 16 MB memory card will store 42 seconds of vide at this setting. Movie length is only limited by the amount of storage you have on hand. The Video Mail mode captures a smaller movie (160 x 112 pixels) that's more suitable to sending to friends and family via e-mail.

More Features
The DSCP73 offers the following additional features to the DSCP41:

• Live Histogram Display: Available in capture and playback, the Live Histogram displays the concentration of pixels at each luminosity value making it easy to evaluate the correct exposure.
• Manual Exposure Mode: Manual Exposure Mode provides extended control with 46-step adjustable Shutter speed (30 Ð 1/1000 sec.), and 2-step Aperture control.
• Conversion Lens Compatibility: Increase your shooting options by adding either telephoto lenses to increase your optical zoom or wide-angle lenses to increase the width of your field of view. You can even add filters for special effects.
• Audio/Video Output: For reviewing images and MPEG movies, the DSCP73 offers an A/V output for convenient connection to a TV or VCR, this makes sharing images with family and friends easy.

Other features include:

• Resolution modes: 2304 x 1728 (4.1MP), 2048 x 1536 (3MP), 1280 x 960 (1MP), 640 x 480 (VGA)
• 1.5-inch, 64K LCD monitor makes framing shots and reviewing pictures easy.
• Selectable Focus Mode: Monitoring AF (Auto Focus) helps you anticipate the action by focusing even before you press the shutter release.
• 5 Area Multi-Point Auto Focus: By evaluating 5 separate focus areas of the frame, SonyÕs Multi-Point AF system can intelligently focus on the subject and avoid mistakenly focusing on the background.
• AF (Auto Focus) Illuminator: Briefly illuminating the subject, in low--or no--light conditions, the AF Illuminator helps establish a positive focus lock.
• Multi-Pattern Measuring: Independently light-metering 49 points of the frame, Multi-Pattern Measuring establishes the optimum exposure, even when highlight and shadow isnÕt centered in the frame.
• Multi-Burst Mode: Captures 16 320 x 240 frames as part of a single 1280 x 960 image which plays back sequentially in the camera (selectable 1/7.5, 1/15, 1/30 second).
• Scene Selection Mode: With 6 Scene Modes, parameters can be matched to the shooting conditions. Choose from one of the following: Twilight, Twilight Portrait, Landscape, Soft Snap, Candle, or Beach.
• Slow Shutter Noise Reduction: During long exposures, Slow Shutter NR captures the scene, and then the CCD noise pattern with a dark frame exposure. By subtracting the two, even long exposures can be clear.
• Pre-Flash Metering: With a momentary pre-flash, the camera illuminates the subject and sets exposure through the lens for accurate flash metering. Adjustable flash level and red-eye reduction ensure great flash shots.
• 4 Shot Burst Mode: Capture up to 4 shots (fine) or 6 shots (standard) at 1.3 frames/sec. even at 4 MP resolution. Perfect for high speed subjects or fast moving action such as sports.

Direct Printing
The Cybershot DSCP73 offers PictBridge functionality, which enables you to transfer pictures from your digital camera to a compatible printer--such as the Sony PictureStation DPP-EX50--without a PC or image-editing software. Images can be viewed and selected for printing right on the camera's LCD, with menus for print quantity, date, and index print.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, and the Cybershot DSCP73 is compatible with Memory Stick Pro media--for storage up to 1 gigabyte. The included 16 MB Memory Stick will store 8 Fine and 14 Standard 4.1-megapixel images. The DSCP73 transfers images to PCs and Macs via a speedy USB 2.0 connection (which is backward compatible with USB 1.1 ports).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by two rechargeable NiMH AA-sized batteries (2100 mAh). The included adapter/charger provides power while you transfer images from the camera to your PC. It measures 4.63 x 2.13 x 1.38 inches (W x H x D) and weighs 7 ounces without Memory Stick or batteries.

What's in the Box
This package contains the Sony DSCP73 digital camera, 16 MB Memory Stick, two AA-size NiMH rechargeable batteries (NH-AA-DA), battery charger (BC-CS2), A/V and USB cables, wrist strap, and CD-ROM with photo editing software.

Sony Photo Vault
The optional Sony Photo Vault mini CD burner eliminates worry about running out of space on your Memory Stick when travelling. It burns images to mini CD-R's without a PC interface--just connect your camera using a USB cable. The Photo Vault also has a Memory Stick slot (compatible with Memory Stick Pro and Duo) and features a built-in photo album capability to display photos on a television screen using a television's standard AV input. ... Read more

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor (2304 x 1728) captures enough detail to create photo-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical zoom plus 2x digital zoom for 6x total
• High-resolution movie mode with sound; A/V output to TV; 4-shot burst; histogram display
• Compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media; includes 16 MB card
• Powered by 2 AA batteries (NiMH rechargeables included); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0

Reviews (4)

Great for pictures -- not great for videos
We bought this camera as an upgrade from our Canon A40. The big feature for us (after the fabulously quick shutter speed) was the ability to take unlimited videos. (Most other cameras limit the video length because they must buffer the image, whereas Sony cameras can write directly to their memory cards.)

However, we've decided to return the camera. There are 3 movie modes. With a 256 MB memory stick (about $100), you get about 3 minutes of video on the best setting. On the medium setting, you get 10 minutes of video. The third setting does give you 2 hours of video, but is completely unusable. The audio is very poor and the image is blurry and pixelated.

We're disappointed that Sony didn't offer a movie mode in between the terrible 160 mode and the Standard 640 mode. A friend's Sony, now over 4 years old, has such an inbetween setting, and we figured this would be an example of the quality of this Cybershot's lowest setting. Not so!

Great camera
This is our first digital camera and so far we love it. It feels very solid and the pictures are really great. The camera is very easy to use for pictures and for video. I have not used any of the different picture settings but I did read the manual and they seem easy to use.
The camera comes with batteries and a charger but no AC adapter. This is the only reason (no AC adapter) I gave the camera 4 stars instead of 5. I would recommend buying the AC adapter so you don't use the batteries too fast or an extra set of batteries so you always have a charged pair of batteries.

Sony Cybershot DSCP73
My husband & I wanted a good digital camera but did not want to spend a bundle. We own other Sony products and know the products are usually high end. We are pleased again with another Sony product. The camera is a little bulky, but the pictures look wonderful and the capability is amazing. More than enough to keep us non-techies amazed!

pretty cool for what you pay
I just bought the p73 and I am pretty content with it. altough bulkier than the exilims of casio, I like the fast cycle times between shots, which often caused me to loose nice pictures before with my old digital camera. The video is quite good considering it's just mpeg, and good for those moments when you wished you had brought your camcorder. I am using the mem stick pro 256 meg so there is alot of room for short videos as well as pictures. The preflash works pretty well in low light, an added benefit is that it catches the attention of my baby so all our shots have her looking straight at the camera. I havent tried the more advanced features yet, altough I am saving up for a wide angle lens to attach onto this toy. It is a bit heavy for a small cam, but then I realized that it was the battery which was accounting for much of the weight. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Still images or video--capture either 60 minutes of DVD-quality MPEG-2 movies or thousands of super-high resolution UXGA-size JPEG pictures with the Everio--the first camera to use Microdrive technology. The included 4GB Microdrive card, though it is the same size as Compact Flash card, has such unprecedented capacity because it is has its own built-in HDD (hard disk drive).

The completely tapeless Microdrive format lets you choose higher video quality or longer shooting times.

Store more photos than you ever thought possible on the included 4GB Microdrive card.

Until now, tapeless formats have been severely limited in the length and quality of video capacity, but the Everio's Microdrive lets you shoot up to 60 minutes of high quality MPEG-2 video--and even more in lower resolution modes.A selection of recording modes lets you choose more quality or more shooting time. The highest quality ULTRA mode records at a constant bit rate of 8.88 Mbps with AC 3 audio -- comparable to the DVD data rate (average 4 Mbps video/9.8 Mbps maximum). Essentially what you get is DVD quality, with the same video and audio format as a movie DVD. And the number of still photos that will fit on the Microdrive card is nothing less than awe-inspiring: More than 5000 of the highest resolution images (1600x1200 fine).

2.12 Megapixel CCD
This 1/3.6" CCD with a total of 2.12 million pixels (effective: 1.23 million for moving pictures, 2 million for still pictures) offers the high resolution capabilities needed for high quality digital videography and photography. And the Megabrid Engine applies separate, optimized processing to moving and still images, for videos with a high signal-to-noise ratio, and high-resolution still pictures.

Versatile, Lossless Data
Store what you've shot on the provided Microdrive card, optional CompactFlash or SD Memory Cards. size as a CompactFlash card, but with many Gigabytes of capacity. You can eject the Microdrive card, just as you would a CompactFlash or SD Memory Card, and load data into your PC via optional card adapter. Or simply connect the camera via its USB2.0 interface for quick downloading to a PC. All transfer is digital-to-digital, so you won't lose any quality in the process.

DVD Creation & Sharing

Three advanced applications are provided: Power Producer offers easy saving (authoring) of your video clips in any order to DVD, even right from a USB-connected camera, so you can share your original DVDs with anybody who owns a DVD player. Power Director offers feature-rich non-linear editing so you can flex your creative muscle with titles, effects, and even mix still with videos. Power DVD for easy video clip and DVD playback with AC 3 audio.

Multi-Format Support
In addition to making it easy to create DVDs, the supplied software converts to a variety of file formats for distribution via the Web or by e-mail. Supported formats include DV-AVI, Windows-AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, as well as Windows Media Video and RealVideo that can be streamed over the Internet. ... Read more

Features

• The first camera to use Microdrive technology
• Includes a 4GB Microdrive card that can hold 60 minutes of DVD-quality video or more than 5000 high resolution still images
• Completely tapeless format for a ultra-compact, lightweight body
• Includes software for easy video editing and DVD creation
• Also supports CompactFlash and SD Memory Cards, USB2.0, DV-AVI,Windows-AVI, MPEG-1 and MPEG-2, Windows Media Video, and RealVideo

Amazon.com Review

Perfect for deep cleaning without excessive strain, the self-propelled Hoover WindTunnel Ultra upright takes charge of its own locomotion both coming and going. In addition, Hoover’s WindTunnel technology creates a powerful double air path for maximum suction and cleaning. The vacuum even provides feedback on cleaning progress with the Embedded Dirt Finder--a feature that scans the floor for debris, signaling you if there’s still dirt to be picked up. You can operate the Dirt Finder on a regular setting for your routine cleaning or on a high setting for your deep-cleaning sprees.

The WindTunnel Ultra is designed for both bare floors and carpets, with a 15-inch cleaning path and three adjustable nozzle heights to accommodate variation in carpet depth. Dirt collection is bagged using Hoover’s Microfiltration system, and a helpful indicator signal keeps you posted on the bag’s status. A HEPA filter assists the bag, trapping 100 percent of dust mites and 99.98 percent of ragweed and common grass pollens.

The vacuum comes handsomely equipped for attachment cleaning with a stretch hose, two extension wands, a crevice tool, an upholstery tool, and a dusting brush all on board. (The Dirt Finder does not work with the attachments.) The most rigorous attachment is a powered hand tool with its own rotating brushroll--great for carpeted stairs and durable upholstery. Other useful elements include quick-release cord hooks, a carrying handle, a headlight, and a view window over the brush roll. Hoover covers the machine with a one-year warranty. --Emily Bedard ... Read more

Features

• 14 by 15 by 43 inches
• Self-propelled locomotion with WindTunnel technology
• Allergen filtration with HEPA filter
• Embedded Dirt Finder system
• Onboard hose and attachments, including powered hand tool

Reviews (29)

Poor longterm performance
Splurged a couple years ago and bought a Windtunnel when my wife and I got tired of going through $100 Eureka and Hoovers.

Very happy with it for the first year...good suction and the self-propel feature made vacuuming almost fun. Fast forward 3 years and numberous little parts are near/past end of life and performance/utility are quickly deteriorating.

Vacuum is still working, but I'm shopping for a replacement. Overall disappointed that a $300 vacuum was not better built.

Thought it was good, but SO disappointing
I thought for the money this would be a good vacuum. Easy to push, suction to pick up cat hair and dust. Boy, was I wrong. The suction never really was that great, and the self-propel feature stopped working about 2 years after purchase. What a disappointment.

Please withdraw my review
Please withdraw my review of this product (evh70) since, although I believed that is was accurated when I posted, I discovered that it contains errors.

9 months old - dead as a door nail
I picked one of these up August 2003 and I turned it on this afternoon: nothing happened. I checked the off/on switch with an ohm meter and it seems to be working. The "helpful" troubleshooting guide suggested that maybe there was a problem with my house's electrical system or that the cleaner I had not used for several days was overheated -- wrong! I suspect that the thermostat to detect overheating is broken. I agree with the other reviewers that the product is bulky, heavy and awkward. I cannot get in under the coffee table to clean because it is so large. It also tends to fall over when I use the applicances, also mentioned by another reviewer. The only really cool feature is the air-powered beater brush extension -- which I will not be using today because the Hoover does not suck...Avoid this over-priced piece of junk. Next time I will go with cannister vaccuum like the Kenmoore I had that lasted 15 years.

Hoover - Good Performance
Have had this Hoover for over 2 years - purchased online. This Hoover has been a reliable product and has the best suction of any machine I have used/seen. My prior Eureka Christian Klingspore signature upright model had significant durability problems and not near the cleaning power which drove me to evaluate the Hoover based on the Consumer Reports rating. Am satisfied with its overall performance - good suction (not through the motor), good tool set with power brush, and is reasonably quiet, although it is a bit heavy (carry handle is conveniently placed).

Downside: When using the tools with the short hose, the vacuum tips too easily and can easily hit you, or nearby walls or furniture potentially causing damage (scratches/scuff marks).

I am satisfied with this product and would consider purchase of another many years from now, as all functions/features still work as when new. ... Read more

Product Description

Samsung's MPEG4 Sports Camcorder offers the ability to capture those thrlling moments. Whether you're snow boarding or skiing or just having fun with the family you can capture the moment with the remote lens. ... Read more

Features

• 2 inch LCD
• Instant "power on"
• MPEG4 video recording
• Super lightweight
• Waterproof

Reviews (5)

Great camera- need extra storage and battery
This thing is awesome. It's smaller and lighter than my RIM Phone! Easy to throw on the charging station, grab and go. Something that never happend w/my old Video Camera. Had to grab the whole bag, overnight charge of the battery, etc... This thing charges in an hour or two.Quality of the LCD is excellent, even on the soccerfield under direct sunlight.Quality of the video, even on normal (has 2 higher settings) is good.

Downsides: only 2 I can come up with. Definitely need to buy extra memory cards.If you are going to take on vacation w/out your laptop to download the video to, then you'll probably want to buy another 2GB's.That would give you 2-3 hours of video over a week trip.Also, you'll need an extra battery. It's only good for about an hour (I run through it in a single 8yr old soccer game).Problem right now is that I can't find an extra battery to order anywhere.Accessories aren't really out yet (as of end of May).So, plan on another $300 to make it really livable.That all said, it's the coolest gadget I own. Haven't tried the helmet cam yet, but am already planning it.

Very Cool
I got this to record ATV riding adventures. It was this or the new super small Sony mini dv cam. I went with this because I think the mini dv cam would not hold on the trail with all the dust.
I have had this for a few days to play with so far. I bought a 1gig scan disk card with it. It will record 63 minutes on the lowest 620x480 setting with the 1 gig card. The video quility is good on the lowest setting. I edited it with I-movie on my Mac and burnd a dvd and it looks great on the normal tv.
I could not get it to work with my windows vedio editing softwere ( Pinnacle and Screenblaster) but It does work with windows movie maker.
You may want to bump up to the super fine setting if you want HD quality. I only get 22 minutes with the 1gig card on the higest settings.
The external lens is cool. It come with a head and arm band. The extrem sports guys will love this for recording thier crazy stuff.
Overall I'm happy with it.

Good for its intented purpose
I plan to use the Samsung sc-x105l for cycling (MTB, Road and Motorcycle) trips.I've had the unit a few days and familiarized myself with the controls.Fumbling for setup and features is always a battery burner so I try to be proficient before giving a real-life judgement on battery life.

I did a road bicycle test yesterday in 56 degree weather, starting with a full charge (I had cycled the battery once prior to this), the image quality was set for 352 dpi at "normal".Two higher quality settings are available this is the lowest and most battery efficient.Electronic Image Stabilization was turned on which also uses more power.The LCD display door was closed and I used the external remote camera.

According to the manual, I should have gotten ~80 .minutes, the varible was the EIS, there is no mention of how much that lowers battery life.My actual battery life was 48 minutes.About half of what the manual stated.

Image quality at 352/normal was fair.When a car zipped past me, the image was not clear enough to read a license plate from 30 ft away during playback, even going frame by frame.Recording at higher resolution should help this but more testing required.

The good news was how much of the 512mb internal memory I had used in 48 minutes, which was only 95mb.I feel by increasing the resoltuion (which uses way more memory and some battery) an equal amount of memory and battery can be consumed yielding about 30 minutes of quality video.

30 minutes may not sound like much but frankly, 30 minutes of home moives is usually more than most people can take.I'll carry a spare battery and 1G memory stick top tranfer during longer trips.

BTW, the unit is amazingly small and light, build quality is sturdy.That is a big plus for the intended audience of this unit.

Wait for Improvements
I was very excited to receive this camera. My intent was to use it for skydiving video, after all I first saw the advert for it in Parachutist magazine. Anyway, I had it for about 1 week before I sent it back. It went through batteries very quickly and captured relatively grainy and dark video and stills. It takes several seconds to ready for video or stills and if I kept it in the ready mode for too long (20 min) the battery was about gone! The lense provided a pretty narrow field of view. It is good for standard back yard applications but as an "extreme sports cam" it is not ready for the quick and constant action of up close "extreme sports". Only the external optical cam eye is water resisitant. The rest of the cam will break if exposed to heavy moisture/rain/water. Another point of contention, I early purchased this unit from Amazon for $699. By the time it was delivered the price was already down to $569.00 from Amazon! Bottom line.....Wait till it is improved and the price settles down.

Slightly Disappointed
I wanted to use this product to document sports and other activities and expected that the video could show the times and dates when these activities were observed.However, although the camera has a time and date function, these items cannot be made to appear on the video.

The camcorder has a separate camera module for mounting on a helmet, etc., but the picture quality does not match that of the main camera, which makes use of the separate module inadequate for the purposes I had in mind when ordering this particular unit. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Canon's EOS-1D Mark II (successor to the original EOS-1D) is the ultimate professional digital SLR. Nearly doubling its predecessor's resolution to 8.2 megapixels, it also offers an improved shooting buffer for continuous shooting 8.5 frames per second at full resolution--making it the world's fastest digital SLR (as of January, 2004). It also features a faster DIGIC II imaging engine, a rugged yet lightweight weather-resistant magnesium alloy construction, capability for custom and personal presets, and dual storage slots for CompactFlash and Secure Digital cards.

Optics and Resolution
Canon's newly developed single-plate CMOS sensor with 8-channel reading technology delivers exceptional image quality, with approximately 8.2 million effective pixels (8.5 million total pixels) and a generous 28.7 x 19.1mm image size. The sensor's 3:2 aspect ratio is the same as in 35mm cameras, and the sensor's large size realizes an effective angle of view that's just 1.3 times the focal length indicated on Canon EF lenses. It features 3504 x 2336, 3104 x 2072, 2544 x 1696, and 1728 x 1152 pixel resolution settings.

A new on-chip noise elimination circuit eradicates fixed pattern and random noise. A low-pass filter placed in front of the sensor reduces false color and moire effects, while the infrared filter suppresses red fringing caused by sensor reflections and fog.

RAW processing
New Digital Photo Professional image processing software is provided for high-speed processing of lossless RAW files. It enables real-time display and immediate application of adjustments to images and includes a wide array of RAW, TIFF, or JPEG image editing functions, which give control over variables such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation and color tone. It supports sRGB, Adobe RGB, and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces.

Digic II Imaging Processor
Canon's newly developed, state-of-the-art DIGIC II imaging engine achieves super high speed processing that results in continuous shooting of 8.2-megapixel images at 8.5 fps in maximum bursts of 40 (JPEG format) or 20 (RAW format) shots. By handling larger volumes of image data, DIGIC II also contributes to lower power consumption: up to about 1,200 shots can be taken on a full battery at 20 degrees C, or around 800 shots at 0 degrees C.

More Features
The new 230,000-pixel, 2.0-inch color TFT LCD offers nearly twice the resolution of monitors on other EOS digital models, nearly 100% coverage of JPEG images, and a new bolder typeface that simplifies reading of text menus. Photos displayed on the LCD monitor can be magnified from 1.5X to 10X in 15 increments, allowing you to check the focus and exposure of images with high precision.

You can easily tailor the EOS-1D MARK II to meet your own specialized needs:

• 21 Custom Functions with 67 settings include the removal of the ISO speed extension setting to the ISO speed extension menu, the addition of new E-TTL averaged autoflash metering, and the inclusion of AI Servo continuous shooting, which was previously a Personal Function.
• 25 Personal Functions can be installed in the camera at any time, via driver software, to meet high-level customization needs. New features include the ability to append data for data verification and the ability to apply the Quick Control Dial's ON/OFF switch to the Main Dial to prevent accidental changes to settings when shooting remotely with EOS Capture.

• Images can be recorded in the JPEG image format, the RAW image format, or both formats simultaneously.
• Seven Color Matrix settings are provided for JPEG and RAW images, including five factory presets that were previously available and two new settings that allow independent user adjustment of color space, color saturation, and color tone within a prescribed range.
• ISO speeds are selectable in 1/3 increments (100-1600) and may be set as low as 50 or as high as 3200 through the ISO extension menu.
• It offers 10 selectable white balance modes and a new WB Compensation function, which allows adjustment of blue/amber and magenta/green biases in +/-9 steps, as well as combined use of light-balancing (LB) and color-correction (CC) equivalent digital color filters.
• Canon's improved Evaluative Through-The-Lens (E-TTL) Autoflash system offers new averaged metering in addition to the evaluative metering available on other EOS models.
• Designed as a serious tool for professionals, the EOS-1D MARK II offers rigid magnesium alloy in the chassis and external covers (top, front, rear and memory card slot cover).

Lens Compatibility
Canon's lineup of professional EF lenses--including over 50 models ranging from 14mm ultra-wide-angle to 1,200mm super-telephoto--are compatible with the new EOS-1D Mark II (except the EF-S line). Canon's sophisticated electronic lens mount technology communicates with the camera as soon as the lens is mounted to transfer information about the lens, such as its type, f-number and focal length, thus enabling faster, more precise control from the camera.

EF lenses offer professional capabilities that meet wide-ranging needs, including such features as an Ultrasonic Motor that silently drives the autofocus mechanism with very high precision, an Image Stabilizer that automatically compensates for camera shake via microcomputer, advanced aspherical optics, fluorite lenses, Ultra Low Dispersion (UD) lenses, and Super UD lenses.

Storage and Transfer
The EOS-1D Mark II offers support for both CompactFlash Type I and II (making it MicroDrive compatible) and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards. Images can be recorded on a CompactFlash card or SD memory card alone; on both cards at the same time as a safeguard against losing important data; or on both cards, one at a time, to maximize storage capacity. It connects to PCs and Macs via FireWire (also referred to as IEEE1394, or i.Link) and USB 1.1 (which activates PictBridge printing capabilities).

Power and Size
The camera is powered by a rechargeable NiMH (nickel metal hydride) battery pack (NP-E3, included); it also requires one CR2025 for date and time settings. It measures 6.1 x 6.2 x 3.1 inches and weighs 43 ounces (camera body only without batteries; battery adds 11.8 ounces).

What's in the Box
This package includes the EOS-1D Mark II digital SLR camera body, rechargeable NiMH battery (NP-E3), AC adapter (DCK-E1), CR2025 battery, and USB and FireWire (IEEE1394) cables. The CD-ROM includes EOS Viewer Utility software for faster image preview, and Digital Photo Professional software for high-speed processing and handling of RAW images. It is compatible with over 60 Canon EF lenses (excluding EF-S lens) and the entire Canon EX series Speedlite flash range. ... Read more

Features

• 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor--3:2 aspect ratio the same as in 35mm cameras
• Compatible with Canon professional EF lenses (except the EF-S line)
• Continuous shooting 8.5 frames per second at full resolution; rugged, weather-resistant magnesium alloy
• Supports both CompactFlash Type I and II and Secure Digital (SD) memory cards
• Powered by rechargeable NiMH battery pack; connects to PCs and Macs via FireWire and USB 1.1

Reviews (1)

Canon's EOS-1D-Mark-II - Best Performer of the Decade...
Canon's EOS-1D-Mark-II -Best Performer of the Decade..
Reviewer: Jim Wilson (fau@bellsouth.net) Boca Raton, Florida, USA, June 3rd, 2004/9pm

Canon's EOS-1D-Mark-II -Best Performer of the Decade.....

This mini-review will give some initial impressions with the first week of use and testing. I was one of the early users of the DCS-560 Canon/Kodak cameras, which was great camera for its time however at $25m a copy. Looking at this new Mark-II with its feature set, pixel count, image quality, speed, in camera processing parameters, 8+ fps.... the list goes on and on... what a performer. This digital camera has almost everything for a broad range of uses. With 8.2MP sensor and using LizardTech's PrintPro to up-size the image 250% produces huge images which would challenge the best medium format digital backs. The images are pure, clean, crisp, and accurate. If you're a RAW shooter the included software will give all the post imaging adjusting one can imagine. Many of my assignments have good or controlled lighting therefore I'm quite happy with in-camera processing. I go with +1 or +2 ticks on the sharpening, and +1 on the color so the skin tones are more towards tan. This heavy duty camera, literally heavy, is such a wonderful piece to work with, its worth the extra size and weight. When one combines this camera with Canon's line of "L" series lenses, this gives the user an incredible feeling of confidence when on assignment, whether taking pictures of products, food, science, fashion, engineering, construction, or action sports for NCAA events. This camera also re-defines quality low-light imaging. An ISO of 1600 produces images with very good results, and images at 3200 are surprisingly sharp, which until today was unheard of. ISOs of 50 through 1250 produce clean noise-free, or near-noise-free beautiful images.

As to image sizes, when shooting in JPEG mode, the user may change the JPEG compression settings from numeric values from 1-10, as with Photoshop when saving images. I set the JPEG value to 10 which produces file size of about 6 million bytes +/- 1 million bytes, depending on image detail and light level; low light, high ISO will result in higher image sizes. Therefor with a 2GB data card expect 330 image capacity. Using the FireWire interface, downloads average 5.5MB images at the rate of about 10 per minute.

As an opinion, in the future several items Canon could work on to improve this already beautiful masterpiece:

1. Use a full 24mmx36mm imager
2. Increase pixel dimensions to 3600x5400 pixels
3. Increase near-noiseless ISO's to 6400
4. Decrease camera weight and size
5. Change battery system to Lithium-Ion.
6. Provide an extra-bright 3" diagonal LDC display.
7. Oh why not, ...lets ask for 12 fps.

James L Wilson, Prof., Principles.of.Digital.Photography and.Post.Image.Processing Florida.Atlantic.University Boca.Raton.Campus Operating.Entity.BocaDigital.LLC. Quality.Digital.Imaging Post.Office.Box.520 Boca.Raton.Florida.USA.33429 Internet.E.Mail.Address For.Faculty.and.Students.mail.use: FAU@bellsouth.net For.Other.Business.mail.please.use: BocaDigital@bellsouth.net Desk.561.416.1110 SecureFax.561.892.2681

Comments: It is important to read the included documentation so that one can utilize (some of) the large feature-set. Its worth the effort since the features provided solve most of the photographer's needs.

Professor Jim Wilson, "Principles of Digital Photography" ... Read more

Product Description

680,000-pixel CCD * digital photo mode * photo resolution options: 1024 x 768 (interpolated); 640 x 480 * Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) movie mode * slot for use with separate MultiMediaCard® or SD memory cards * 2-3/8" color viewscreen * color viewfinder * PCM stereo digital audio (12-bit or 16-bit) * variable-speed 22X optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 440X) * ... Read more

Features

• 680,000-pixel CCD
• digital photo mode
• photo resolution options: 1024 x 768 (interpolated); 640 x 480
• Motion JPEG (M-JPEG) movie mode
• slot for use with separate MultiMediaCard® or SD memory cards