Reviews (10)

All the drawbacks of the Ceiva frame, and no memory slot
First let me say that I have not seen this product, but my information is based on web research. This product comes out of a joint venture between Polaroid and Ceiva. Therefore, like with the Ceiva frame, you have to be in the US, and you have to sign up with the Ceiva service, and their monthly fee, and their system.

Unlike the Kodak frame, which also requires you to sign up for internet service, this frame does not have a removable media slot, so you can only transfer stuff via the Web, as far as I can see. This system seems to work if you are prepared to lock yourself into their system, like, if you want to give your parents a way to see new pictures of your children, without their having to deal with a computer. I think that this is the only solution for which this is ideal.

Otherwise, if you want to display your own digital pictures, then to do it the Polaroid/Ceiva way, you have to sign up with their service, and do it via the internet. To do it the Kodak way, you still have to subscribe to their service, but you can use compact flash cards.

Or you can go for the Kensington device, which lets you transfer with USB, or pay out quite a bit more for the Sony device, which uses memory sticks. Right now, I am going to stick with displaying pictures on my iPaq, which is sub-optimal, but the most cost-effective solution for me.

Mom Likes It
Seems only people that don't like something write a review. Personally, I like the frame. I KNEW it could only be used with an $8 a month service over the Internet BEFORE I bought it. The service is easy to use and so is the frame. My Mother doesn't have to do anything to get 20 pictures a day sent to her. I have uploaded 200+ photos and 20 new ones randomly appear every morning. They can use any picture I send for what ever they want - I don't care! Hell, maybe I'll become so popular that my face will become a commodity and some one will call me for a $$million$$ contract! (yeah-right) There are several other options one the service, like sending photos on a certain day, locking certain photos so they stay on the frame, etc. My mother lives 1,500 miles from me and has no computer or computer knowledge, so this works very nicely. My brother can also send photos, as can anyone else I am willing to give my password to.

They want to sell me my rights?
[Pay money] to be able to send new photos to the frame? Pay Polaroid to assume my rights to the content of my photo album? Please!

Only in US
I wanted to purchase a digital frame as a Christmas present. None of these photo frames will work in Canada though. If the Polaroid frame had its own server this could be different for me, but instead the buddied up with Ceiva. Anyone know when these frames will be avalible in Canada?

(price), usage rights, and reliance on a dot com?
ok, so let me get this straight... the Cevia web site is a critical component of this frame functioning, even after paying $$$ for it? Without a guarantee that the Cevia site will be alive in 12 months? And every picture I send, Polaroid gets world-wide rights to without asking my permission?

Tell ya what.. you pay me $5K for the frame and ($price)for each picture, and the requirement that you ask me prior to use of an image and I'll *reconsider* this product. The marketing bozo who whipped this one up should practice this phrase.. "would you like paper or plastic?". ... Read more

Features

• 1.3 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality prints at 5 x 7 inches
• Focus-free lens with macro
• 8 MB internal memory holds approximately 20 images at default resolution; Compact Flash expansion slot for additional memory
• Connects with PCs via USB port
• Uses 4 AA batteries

Reviews (12)

Read the manual - and all things will work
I can't decide like the pre-readed reviews mentioned! I own this camera since a year and all is possible - also that was Rick and the dynamius had critizised! The cam costs 400 Deutschmarks so the price is ok and the features of the cam is all what you need ! I make full-letter sized printouts and they looking well - and what the hell I need 4,1 Mio Pixels? Only that I have to wait half an hour to transfer some pics to my computer? Or will YOU make an ARCH-D-Print, where perhaps such a resolution is necessary!?

The only I sometimes miss is a zoom, but then I remember existing of my legs and go some steps for- or backward - and realy - the image fits like expected...

For further questions dont hestitate to contact me:
maito:moewe@t-online.de

Poor Image Qualtiy
At first glance, this seemed like a good camera at an affordable price. Branded Polaroid, it was expected that this camera be of exceptional quality. After taking a few pictures at each quality level at 1280x960 and 640x480, I viewed them on my computer and saw that the image quality was just horrendous; even at highest quality (lowest compression), the image was not very clear. The LCD doesn't even show a preview shot as you must rely on the optical viewfinder window.

I guess for the price, I would rate this camera as OK for casual use. Anyone looking for a camera that takes clear pictures should look elsewhere.

Disapointed
I found the last one at the local Echarts, half price,but even at 60 dollars I have to take it back.I have to reboot everytime i want to transfer pics from the camera to the PC.I could possibly live with this but the pictures are grainy and really poor. I`ll stick with my trusty FUJI..

XP Non-compatable...but THERE IS A WAY!
I bought the 1320 with high expectations and most were met, except for the non compatability of the software/Drivers. (The software it comes with and the download from Polaroids Webpage).

If you are currently in use of your computer (powered up)and plug in the camera
the Operating system XP will display a message box telling you
that the camera is not recognised thruogh the USB port.

To loop hole this problem, simply use Microsofts Paint shop Pro. I used version (Paint Shop Pro6)and I'm not intirely sure if any other PSP versions will cure this problem.

There are 2 similar ways to make the camera visible.

Firstly connect the camera with the USB connectors turn the camera on and set it to PC mode.
Then power up your computer (Cold Boot) or RESTART(REBOOT).

After doing the above, open PSP and click on the open folder option,click on look in; you should now see the camera as an external drive or removable disc e.g. " :E " etc
Click on the new drive to download and see your Pics.

Have fun, maybe you guys at polaroid can write a new driver
or send me a great new camera compatible with XP ha ha.
Regards, O'reilly

SATISFACTORY BUT........
The PDC 1320 performs fine according to its price, resolution is good, colors are good, the camera in general works weel but the flash could be more powerful.
What I didn't find good was the Polaroid service, my camera is still covered by the warranty, I have had some problems with the camera (the cable is not working properly) I wrote two emails to Polaroid and they don't even bother themselves to give me an answer. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Polaroid PDC 640 Plus digital camera makes digital photography easyand affordable while delivering outstanding image quality with improvedresolution for crisper, more professional-looking photographs. With point-and-shootsimplicity and with all of the features normally associated with much moreexpensive cameras, the PDC 640 features a 1.8-inch LCD monitor/viewfinder,built-in flash, and self-timer. It has memory storage capacity in 640 x 480 modefor 12 images in superfine quality, 24 images in high resolution, and 36 imagesin standard resolution. In 320 x 240 mode, the PDC 640 will hold 96images.

The PDC 640's accompanying Creative Kit offers everything "Cyber-shutterbugs" needto take pictures and download them to the computer. Itincludes an 8 MB SmartMedia card, batteries, PC cable, TV cable, AC adapter,camera case, wrist strap, camera and software instruction manuals, quick startcard, and an online tutorial. ... Read more

Features

• 310,000 pixel image sensor provides 640 x 480 image resolution
• Autofocus lens for point-and-shoot simplicity
• Included 2 MB SmartMedia card holds 36 images at default resolution
• Connects with PCs via the included serial cable
• View pictures on television with the included video cable

Reviews (54)

Almost Perfect!!!
I recently purchased the PDC 640 Plus as a replacement for my Kodak EZ200.
I am very pleased with the camera in general, but there are a few things that keep it short of perfection.

PROS
8 MB Card holds a lot of pictures
Good picture quality (if set on highest resolution)
Auto Focus Lens
Crisp, Clear LCD Screen
Great battery life
Very easy to use (you hardly have to read the manual)

CONS
You cannot add a Smart Media card higher than 8 MB (8 MB cards are very hard to find.)
It takes about 10 seconds to warm up when you first turn it on
Flash could be better (though it works in most cases)
Pictures look distorted when displayed on TV screen
Serial cable transfer is SLOW (but you can always get an adapter)
Software is worth nothing (I use Adobe instead)

Overall, I think that this camera is a must for anyone looking to buy a starter camera that is within their budget.

Great Look, Semi-Great Pictures!!
This camera is very handy and takes good pictures. I give it for my son to use a lot (maybe I should just get him one). I can't really tell the difference, in quality, between between the different modes. I usually just use the three star mode. The quality of the pictures are farely well. They look awesome though if edit them. I edit them with Adobe Photoshop Deluxe. Anyways,the pictures are nice. The video cable is convient, though the only thing I can do on the TV is view the pictures and take picture. You can't delete or do much on the TV, so don't rely on it too much. The AC adpter is handy, because like most digital cameras, they consume batteries very fast. I strongly recommend buying some rechargable ones, though I carry my AC adpter everywhere. Overall, this camera is a great buy for its price. Great for beginners too. Do get this cmaera!!

Good beginner camera
I've been using this digital camera for several years. I purchased it remanufactured from a closeout store. Even though I've had to exchange it a couple of times, it's been a good camera. It is very easy to use and doesn't suck down batteries like some cameras do. I use it to e-mail family and friend's pictures and for eBay listings. It has served its purpose well.

Eats battery like crazy
This is was my first camera. Slightly overpriced (I paid +- 167 uS$). It's heavier than you think. Uses 4 AA batteries that drain rapidly, it's fast enough to take photos, but I dont like quality of them. Seems granulated.. it's no crystal-clear picture to me.

There are better cams for the money
I bought this camera about 5 years back. I'm really surprised they are still selling something this antiquated. With only 0.3 megapixles it is not a good camera if you intend to print out the images. I purchased it for web work and it does a decent job but even with the 72dpi resolution you get from your monitor shows to many flaws in the image. It comes out to grainy and the colors of people are often to orange/red. The software often locks up and tells you it can't complete the action and you have to hit the retry button on every image to get the pictures off the camera. It does that on Win98 and my W2K boxes. All in all I would suggest spending the money on another camera. Polaroid does make some good cameras but this one is really past it's time. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Polaroid PDC 1300 is a potent little point-and-shoot digital camera. The 1.3-megapixel CCD captures images at 1,280 x 960--great for almost anything. A 2x digital zoom makes up for the lack of an optical one at the cost of some image resolution. A built-in flash helps ensure good photos and features a red-eye reduction mode. For those who like the look of old photos, the Polaroid lets you take black-and-white pictures. The PDC 1300 is good for just about any purpose and is a great tool for sharing photos with your friends and loved ones. Not only can you make great quality prints, but you can also post the images on your Web site or e-mail them to your friends. ... Read more

Features

• 1.3 megapixel sensor creates 1280 x 960 images for prints at sizes up to 5 x 7
• 2x digital zoom lens
• Included 8 MB memory card holds 12 images at default resolution
• Connects with PCs via USB or serial ports
• Uses 4 AA batteries, included

Reviews (23)

Great Memory Keeper
Ilove this camera! I paid a lot less for it though. It was an X-mas present, so I could capture all of my daughters growing up. It is easy to use, and I love the software. I have done amazing things with the pictures I have taken. I am even using the "new" versions of the pictures to paint. That's something I couldn't have even imagined doing, without all of the editing capabilities. There are 2 drawbacks though, you need to pre-plan the picture, it's delayed between the time you hit the button, and actually taking the picture. Also, either use the AC adaptor,or use rechargeable batteries, it kills them quickly. [...], if you us the camera correctly for the situation, and have a good printer, the printing quality is better than most cameras. I recommend the HP Photo Smart P1000 printer. All in all, this camera is a better than more expensive cameras, at a cheaper price.

Great camera for the price
I've owned my Polaroid pdc1300 for a couple of months now and I am very happy with it. I actually bought a Kodak dc3200 ...just before I saw this one, but the pdc1300 was on sale ...with a ...rebate - I couldn't pass it up! So, I had time to test out the two cameras. They have similar features but the pdc1300 goes one better on a number of features: 1.) higher res photos 2.) USB and parallel download 3.) macro mode (photos are quite clear) 4.)Flash works great even close up - doesn't white out the subject 5.) Slightly larger LCD 6.) AC adapter included. Positives: Very easy to use, great pictures, great price. Battery life is actually pretty good if LCD is kept to minimal use. Some negatives: long delay when taking picture, no lens cap, indoor photos are a touch dark (but easily fixed with a bit of photo editing) while outdoor photos are slightly bluish, poor photo editing software.

Had some challenges but worked them out
Well, I too have faced some of the challenges that you have all mentioned and once I worked them out, I have been very pleased with this camera.

I received it as a gift and found immediately that it wouldn't load on XP - quick trip to Polaroid.com and I found easy instructions on how to install it on XP - now it works - I agree about the Win2000 issues though - what's up with that?

Then I had the issues with the camera freezing up, weird pictures, stopped working, etc - then a guy at Circuit City suggested I buy a new memory card - I did and was able to take 100 pictures in a row without error. Haven't had problems with that since.

I have also encountered the battery issues - however, I found that if I keep the LCD off (which I prefer anyway) and, this is the key, use RECHARGEABLE batteries specifically for electronic devices - I've had much better luck with the battery - again, took over 100 pictures with flash.

Is this a lot of work - sure, but it was a gift and was better than nothing so I tried to figure it out. Now that I have, I really like it and have some pretty good pictures as a result.

XP Distaster
The PDC1300 software does notwork with Windows XP and I cannot find an update.

support needed
I have a hp computer with pentum 4 program ,windows XP and i can not load it on to my computer to view my pictures. Can you send me a disk that will work with windows XP. ... Read more