Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DV4200i is a revolutionary MPEG-4 digital camcorder with 2.1-megapixel digital still camera. This tapeless digital camcorder is capable of storing up to 3 hours of video--at VHS quality or better--with an optional 512 MB memory card. The included 64 MB Secure Digital (SD) memory card will hold approximately 20 minutes of video.

Still images can be taken at a resolution of 2.1 megapixels--for prints up to 8 x 10 inches--making the DV4200i one of the highest resolution camcorders with still image capability available as of March, 2003.

Using high-compression MPEG-4 technology with patented techniques of Advanced Simple Profile, including quarter-pel motion estimation, the DV4200i is the world's first camcorder to reach 30 frames-per-second using MPEG-4 encoding/decoding.

The DV4200i is practical for every office or family use, offering 30fps and AAC audio, which compresses much more efficiently than older formats such as MP3, yet delivers quality rivaling that of uncompressed CD audio.

With the AV-in feature of the DV4200i selected, you can transfer all your favorite movies or recordings from different media--VHS tape, VCD, DVD, etc.--to MPEG-4 video.

Other features include:

• 1.8-inch TFT (transreflective) color LCD screen
• USB 1.1 interface
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to 60 minutes of recording
• NTSC/PAL output
• 2x digital zoom
• Voice recording feature

Features

• Pocket-sized MPEG-4 SD video camera, 2.1-megapixel still camera, and digital music player--weighs just .2 pounds
• 2x digital zoom lens
• 1.8-inch rotating LCD and black-and-white viewfinder
• Includes 64 MB Secure Digital card; voice recording feature
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery pack lasts for up to 1 hour

Reviews (2)

Pretec? The leadind CF card maker?
This is not a review, I just want to make sure that the 'Pretec'
is the famous 'Pretec' I knew for a long time? For they made very high quality CF cards.

What about Samsung? Nothing to expect!

Cheap piece of plastic!
First of all I was highly unimpressed with the appearance and "feel" of the unit. Second, I went to load the supplied CD and it was either a blank, or a defective copy. I checked my CD Drive to be sure and it loaded other software with no problem. So, I guess I can't really comment on the performance of the unit, as I never got to the point of shooting anything with it. I have waited some time for the release of this Camcorder and was quite dissapointed with its "cheap construction". There was no written manual supplied with the unit, so I assumed that the instructions to be on the supplied CD, which as I said, would not load onto my computer. I drew a blank, I will now go back to the Mini DV technology, or wait for the Samsung unit to be released. I have returned the unit to Amazon. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DC-600 captures pictures at a resolution of 640 x 480, whichis great for taking pictures for the Web or e-mail. The 2 MB internal memory canbe supplemented with CompactFlash cards to hold as many images as you like. TheDC-600 has a 1.8-inch LCD monitor to preview the photos you've taken, or toframe your shots, which can also be done with the optical viewfinder. There is aserial connector for transferring images, as well as a video-out, withselectable NTSC or PAL modes, to view your pictures on a television. For Windowsusers, MGI PhotoSuite is included for image manipulation and touchup. The DC-600uses four AA batteries. ... Read more

Features

• Captures images at 640 x 480 resolution
• 1.8-inch LCD monitor
• 2 MB built-in memory
• Uses CompactFlash memory cards
• Auto power-off preserves battery life

Reviews (3)

Very Good Value
This is an entry-level Point&Shoot, low-resolution digital camera, very pleasant to use. So far, I have taken pictures indoors, for most part. All the spontaneous comments I have received were positive, and actually many thought that the image was very "clear". If one takes the time to work on the camera settings, such as the EV compensation and the type of ambient light, the results are normally good. Again, this is not a high resolution camera, but does the job, for which it is intended, very well.

cool camera.
This is a pretty cool camera for the price. It has a good resolution and a usb connection. And a cool color too. I suggest it for work and play.

Pretec DC-600 review
Good entry-level camera with good memory expansion capabilities (up to 32 MB), but very slow processing time (6-7 seconds) between taking or reviewing pictures. Poor indoor picture quality even when using the flash. As with most digital cameras, using the display eats batteries faster than you can replace them. ... Read more

Features

• Make powerful, professional presentations from your Pocket PC and say good-bye to that clunky laptop
• Language Support:World-wide English (WWE); Traditional Chinese (Big 5);. Simplified Chinese (GB2312)

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DC-520 can be used as either a basic digital camera or a Webcam. When used as a digital camera, it features 640 x 480 optical resolution, which won't produce highly detailed printed images but is perfectly adequate for images viewed on a TV or computer screen. Its 2 MB of internal flash memory stores 32 pictures in economy mode and 16 pictures in its best mode. With its fixed focus, fixed aperture, auto shutter speed, and auto flash, this camera offers true point-and-shoot simplicity.

To use the camera as a Webcam, simply connect it to your computer's USB port with the included cable. In this mode, you can send video streams over the Internet or record and save short video clips. When connected to your computer, the camera gets its power from the computer's USB port instead of its own batteries.

The camera package includes a hand strap, carrying pouch, all necessary cables and drivers, alkaline batteries, and MGI PhotoSuite SE software. ... Read more

Features

• Can be used as either a digital camera or a Webcam
• 640 x 480 resolution from 1/3-inch CMOS sensor
• 2 MB internal memory stores 16 to 32 images
• Includes serial, USB, and TV connection cables
• Video-out connection lets you view pictures on your TV

Reviews (1)

Perfect Pretec Prose in Digital Cameras
I own a pretec DC-520 digital camera exactly the same as the one above and I can tell you that it's worth much more than it's selling for. It's compact, economical and the pictures turn out fabulous. It's the best possible choice in it's price range and it's user friendly. It's Perfect Pretec Prose in digital cameras! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DC-520 can be used as either a basic digital camera or a Webcam. When used as a digital camera, it features 640 x 480 optical resolution, which won't produce highly detailed printed images but is perfectly adequate for images viewed on a TV or computer screen. Its 2 MB of internal flash memory stores 32 pictures in economy mode and 16 pictures in its best mode. With its fixed focus, fixed aperture, auto shutter speed, and auto flash, this camera offers true point-and-shoot simplicity.

To use the camera as a Webcam, simply connect it to your computer's USB port with the included cable. In this mode, you can send video streams over the Internet or record and save short video clips. When connected to your computer, the camera gets its power from the computer's USB port instead of its own batteries.

The camera package includes a hand strap, carrying pouch, all necessary cables and drivers, alkaline batteries, and MGI PhotoSuite SE software. ... Read more

Features

• Can be used as either a digital camera or a Webcam
• 640 x 480 resolution from 1/3-inch CMOS sensor
• 2 MB internal memory stores 16 to 32 images
• Includes serial, USB, and TV connection cables
• Video-out connection lets you view pictures on your TV

Reviews (2)

Best Value
Hard to bet for the price. USB plus all cables included. Plus it works as a webcam! Pic look great for e-mail. Easy to use and download.

cool but to long way to get her to me
cool camera with functions whitch i do need, but I cant buy her /and others from my wish list/ because I am not living in U.S. Amazon hurry, she is one of my favourite... ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DV4200 is a revolutionary MPEG-4 digital camcorder with 2.1-megapixel digital still camera. This tapeless digital camcorder is capable of storing up to 3 hours of video--at VHS quality or better--with an optional 512 MB memory card. The included 64 MB Secure Digital (SD) memory card will hold approximately 20 minutes of video.

Still images can be taken at a resolution of 2.1 megapixels--for prints up to 8 x 10 inches--making the DV4200 one of the highest resolution camcorders with still image capability available as of March, 2003.

Using high-compression MPEG-4 technology with patented techniques of Advanced Simple Profile, including quarter-pel motion estimation, the DV4200 is the world's first camcorder to reach 30 frames-per-second using MPEG-4 encoding/decoding.

The DV4200 is practical for every office or family use, offering 30fps and AAC audio, which compresses much more efficiently than older formats such as MP3, yet delivers quality rivaling that of uncompressed CD audio.

Other features include:

• 1.8-inch TFT (transreflective) color LCD screen
• USB 1.1 interface
• Rechargeable lithium-ion battery for up to 60 minutes of recording
• NTSC/PAL output
• 2x digital zoom
• Voice recording feature

Features

• MPEG4 camcorder records video onto Secure Digital memory card
• Digital still capability--2.1 megapixel resolution for prints up to 8 x 10 inches
• 1.8-inch TFT (transreflective) color LCD screen
• NTSC/PAL output; voice recording feature
• Includes 64 MB Secure Digital card; connects to PCs via USB 1.1

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DC-800 captures pictures at resolutions of 1,024 x 768 or 640x 480. The 4 MB internal memory can be supplemented with CompactFlash cards tohold as many images as you like. The DC-800 has a 1.8-inch LCD monitor topreview the photos you've taken, or to frame your shots, which can also be donewith the optical viewfinder. There are both serial and USB ports for downloadingimages to a computer, as well as a video-out, with selectable NTSC or PAL modes,to view your pictures on a television. For Windows users, MGI PhotoSuite isincluded for image manipulation and touchup. The DC-800 requires four AAbatteries. ... Read more

Features

• Captures images at 1,024 x 768 resolution
• 1.8-inch LCD monitor
• 4 MB built-in memory
• Uses CompactFlash memory cards
• Auto power-off preserves battery life

Reviews (4)

Things to know about the Pretec DC-800 if you have WinXP
I bought a Pretec DC - 800 ... The camera works fine. It even used to upload to my computer. I upgraded to WinXP and the camera is not compatible with WinXP when using the USB cable. You also cannot use the MGI PhotoSuite SE that comes, (or at least came when I bought mine,) with the camera with WinXP However PhotoSuite 4 is WinXP comatible. You will need to go to the Pretec WebPage... and down load the latest driver.

You will need a Serial cable that will atatch to the Serial port and the Digital port on the Pretec 800. I was fortunate, my daughter had a ceap digital camera that had a Serial cable and that worked.

It is a bit of a hassle, but the camera does a good job.

eats batteries but a pretty fun toy
this is my first digital camera. it seems kind of generic, but it is actually pretty good, it holds a lot of pictures with 4mb of built-in space, it's easy to use, and the pics come out pretty nice. the down side to this camera is that it eats batteries like they are nothing, so make sure to buy those new Energizer Titanium or Duracell Ultra batteries, and even then they don't last more than about 50 shots without the LCD display on. Another problem i had was that i kept getting my fingers in the picture as i was holding the camera. Overall, i like this new toy, despite having to shell out the cash for the batteries, and it's a lot more cheaper than what else is out there.

Great Digital Camera at an awesome price!
This is a great digital camera at a very affordable price, excellent features that some 300-350 dollar camera don't have (USB download being the best !) Crisp clear LCD screen great picture quality, and stacks of built in RAM, with FLASHCARD slot for up to 64mb of picture space. The only downside I would say is the Macro lens button, a little flimsy, but the good far outweighs the bad in this excellent product.

This is a cool camera!
This camera is small, cool, and looks really easy to use! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DC-520 can be used as either a basic digital camera or a Webcam. When used as a digital camera, it features 640 x 480 optical resolution, which won't produce highly detailed printed images but is perfectly adequate for images viewed on a TV or computer screen. Its 2 MB of internal flash memory stores 32 pictures in economy mode and 16 pictures in its best mode. With its fixed focus, fixed aperture, auto shutter speed, and auto flash, this camera offers true point-and-shoot simplicity.

To use the camera as a Webcam, simply connect it to your computer's USB port with the included cable. In this mode, you can send video streams over the Internet or record and save short video clips. When connected to your computer, the camera gets its power from the computer's USB port instead of its own batteries.

The camera package includes a hand strap, carrying pouch, all necessary cables and drivers, alkaline batteries, and MGI PhotoSuite SE software. ... Read more

Features

• Can be used as either a digital camera or a Webcam
• 640 x 480 resolution from 1/3-inch CMOS sensor
• 2 MB internal memory stores 16 to 32 images
• Includes serial, USB, and TV connection cables
• Video-out connection lets you view pictures on your TV

Reviews (1)

More for you money!
It's a normal digital Camera and a PC Camera in one ! Buying these two item seperately.. it will cost you ... bucks. I'm talking about the inexpensive digital and PC Camera. So my suggestinon is.... Why spent more if you can get both for less . No kidding folks, it works good for normal usage. Nothing to regret about!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DC-520 can be used as either a basic digital camera or a Webcam. When used as a digital camera, it features 640 x 480 optical resolution, which won't produce highly detailed printed images but is perfectly adequate for images viewed on a TV or computer screen. Its 2 MB of internal flash memory stores 32 pictures in economy mode and 16 pictures in its best mode. With its fixed focus, fixed aperture, auto shutter speed, and auto flash, this camera offers true point-and-shoot simplicity.To use the camera as a Webcam, simply connect it to your computer's USB port with the included cable. In this mode, you can send video streams over the Internet or record and save short video clips. When connected to your computer, the camera gets its power from the computer's USB port instead of its own batteries.The camera package includes a hand strap, carrying pouch, all necessary cables and drivers, alkaline batteries, and MGI PhotoSuite SE software. ... Read more

Features

• Can be used as either a digital camera or a Webcam
• 640 x 480 resolution from 1/3-inch CMOS sensor
• 2 MB internal memory stores 16 to 32 images
• Includes serial, USB, and TV connection cables
• Video-out connection lets you view pictures on your TV

Reviews (3)

Excellent Camera at an inexpensive price
This is an excellent value for the money. It takes 640x480 with good color.

pretec dc-520 digital camera
I don't know how the photo quality is for this camera because the software crashed our computer. After much wasted time and money trying to fix the problem, we discovered that Pretec is aware that their software does not always work properly with Windows 95 (or Win 98 as we tried that too). Although they agreed to send us a "rescue disk" for our computer, it is unbelievable they even market this stuff and failed to include a warning. We have 32 pictures loaded on the little pink time bomb (the camera) that we cannot download. I recommend avoiding this camera and this company at all costs.

Considering the price: absolutely fantastic!!!!
I am completely satisfied with this camera. It's not a professional camera, but it certainly serves the purpose of being able to take pictures of high enough quality to keep on your computer and e-mail to your friends and family. The only thing you need to be careful of is keeping the picture settings to Fine quality-- you get only 16 pics max, but the quality is infinitely better. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DC-520 can be used as either a basic digital camera or a Webcam. When used as a digital camera, it features 640 x 480 optical resolution, which won't produce highly detailed printed images but is perfectly adequate for images viewed on a TV or computer screen. Its 2 MB of internal flash memory stores 32 pictures in economy mode and 16 pictures in its best mode. With its fixed focus, fixed aperture, auto shutter speed, and auto flash, this camera offers true point-and-shoot simplicity.

To use the camera as a Webcam, simply connect it to your computer's USB port with the included cable. In this mode, you can send video streams over the Internet or record and save short video clips. When connected to your computer, the camera gets its power from the computer's USB port instead of its own batteries.

The camera package includes a hand strap, carrying pouch, all necessary cables and drivers, alkaline batteries, and MGI PhotoSuite SE software. ... Read more

Features

• Can be used as either a digital camera or a Webcam
• 640 x 480 resolution from 1/3-inch CMOS sensor
• 2 MB internal memory stores 16 to 32 images
• Includes serial, USB, and TV connection cables
• Video-out connection lets you view pictures on your TV

Reviews (4)

Web What?
They say that you can use the Camera as a Web Cam but that is not so. After you follow the instructions to hook it up as a Web Cam they tell you that you have to buy additional software, but they don't tell you what software or where to get it. So the description for this product is misleading and false because if you buy it you really won't be able to use it as a web cam seeing how you have to buy even more software to make it into a web cam and that is only if you can find it.

Adequate for the price
On the positive side, the DC-520 (we ordered gray and got blue) takes surprisingly clear pictures, is fairly easy to use (after reading the instructions), and doubles as a web-cam IF you have Windows 98 or 2000. I have W95. For Windows 95, it connects by serial port for snap-shots. On the negative side, the supporting software seems rather primitive and moves very slowly. As well, downloading moves achingly slow. Also, the camera takes a few seconds of annoying down-time between each shot. On the whole,..., it's worth consideration, but be sure you know what the competition has.

Nothing else to buy ? Take it......
I have used a few digital cameras but have not found any unusuall qualities in the Pretec DC-520.The picture quality is just average,not better than its competitors.I bought it 2 months ago but have used it just for 5 or 6 times.Instead I like using my JVC Digital camera.It has many more functions than the Pretec DC-520.I would not recommend you to buy this.

Good value
This is the second digital camera that I have owned and is by far nicer than the last one that cost me 299.00. A very good value. ... Read more

Features

• 2.3 megapixel sensor creates 1792 x 1200 images for prints up to 8 x 10
• 2.3x optical plus 2x digital zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 8 MB CompactFlash card holds 14 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses 4AA batteries, disposable alkalines included

Reviews (3)

Nice P&S Digital Camera
I have this camera as Vivitar's ViviCam 3655 (it's the same as Pretec DC2000). It's a very nice digital camera with awesome image quality. This camera system sensitivity is equivalent to using ISO 170 film. This means you will have to use flash for very low light situations or stay away from them. The CCD response to high contrast situation is surprisingly good.

Do not buy from Pretec if you have WinXP
I bought a Pretec DC - 800 from Amazon. The camera works fine. It even used to upload to my computer. It no longer does. I upgraded to WinXP and the camera is not compatible with WinXP. In fact, looking on the Pretec website I found not one single camera that said it was WinXP compatible.

I have tried numerous times to contact Pretec and find if a WinXP driver is in the works, or if I will have to get a different camera. I have yet to receive a responce.

That tells me that Pretec wants only to sell its wares and let the buyer beware.

So, if you have WinXP or ae planing to upgrade to it, I would advise you to stay away from Pretec products.

Protec DC 2000 - A worthy camera for your money
Pretec's brand new DC-2000 is a full-featured high-end 2.3 megapixel digital camera capable of super-high resolution images up to 1792 X 1200. It features 2.3X optical and 2X digital zoom, auto-focus, 1.8" color LCD display, multi-language display, USB interface for downloading, and support for CompactFlash memory cards. The DC-2000 is easy enough to be used by a novice, yet powerful enough for an intermediate or even advanced user. ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

You've decided that it's time to get a new electronic gadget--but which one? A digital camera sounds exciting, but an MP3 player would be fun, too. Of course, having a Webcam for videoconferencing might be neat, and, if you're a student, a digital voice recorder would be useful for taping lectures. With so many options, which should you choose? Thanks to Pretec, your decision-making worries are over. With the DC-530, you get all four devices in one cute pocketsize package.

The instruction manual is quite thin, but the controls are intuitive and well arranged, so most users will probably never even glance at the directions. A power button, shutter release, and mode dial are located on the top of the unit, and there's a four-way rocker switch on the front, next to the LCD status display.

Judging by the "DC" in the model name, it seems that Pretec considers the digital camera to be the most important of the camera's functions. Its 640 x 480 CMOS sensor, fixed-focus lens, automatic built-in flash, and optical viewfinder are all pretty standard fare for entry-level digital cameras. Images can be stored either in the 2 MB of internal memory or on the included 32 MB Type I CompactFlash card (which also holds MP3 music files). At this price, you don't get an LCD display for previewing and reviewing your shots, but there is a small LCD panel that lets you know how many shots are remaining, flash status, etc. Strangely, this panel is placed on the front of the camera, so you'll have to point the camera at yourself each time you want to check if the flash is on or see how many shots you have left.

To share your photos with others, you can either view them on a TV (the connecting cable is included) or transfer them to your home computer. Image transfer is quick, thanks to the USB connection. Image quality is acceptable--not particularly detailed, but with reasonable color reproduction. The fixed-focus lens means you don't have to worry about blurry snapshots, though the lens doesn't deal well with close-ups. With a resolution of 640 x 480, the images will look OK as e-mailed pictures or Web-based photos, but even 4-by-6-inch prints will be unacceptably fuzzy. As with the Polaroid i-zone or a disposable camera, this is a camera you use to capture memories, not to become the next Ansel Adams. With the exception of the flash (which can be switched between "auto" and "off"), every other function on the camera is preset or automatic: just point and shoot.

Twist the mode knob to MP3, and you're ready to start listening to music. Depending upon recording quality, MP3 files require more or less 1 MB of memory per minute, so the camera's 32 MB card gives you around a half-hour of music. If you're hoping to bring more songs along, you can either record at a lower quality or purchase an additional memory card. The unit uses standard Type I CompactFlash cards, which are available in capacities of up to 256 MB. With the included software, song transfer was speedy and drag-and-drop simple. Though most of the other combination digital camera/MP3 players employ copy protection that forces owners to use proprietary software and cables to transfer files, the Pretec will also play CompactFlash cards that were recorded on a dedicated card reader/writer--there seems to be no copy protection at all, making it much easier for people to transfer files to and from the player.

Like the digital camera, the MP3 player is quite basic, letting listeners adjust the volume, play, pause, rewind, and fast forward. You won't find any advanced features like shuffle, repeat, or tone adjustment. In MP3 mode, even the LCD display is quite basic--information is limited to volume and battery condition.

When used as an audio recorder, the DC-530 saves sounds as an 8 kHz mono PCM "wav" file. Files take about 1 MB per minute of memory (unlike MP3 files, these aren't compressed). The recorder uses a built-in microphone, and you can play back your files through headphones or transfer them to your computer.

The DC-530 comes with a comprehensive software suite, including MGI PhotoSuite III SE, Siren Jukebox Xpress, and MGI VideoWave SE. The package includes a belt-loop carrying pouch, headphones, software, two AA batteries, and cables to connect the unit to your computer and TV.

Each of the four functions is pretty basic, but they work as advertised and are fun to use. For the same price as the DC-530, you could purchase a digital camera (or MP3 player, or Webcam) with more features, but taken as a whole, it's a reasonably priced and fun little gadget.

Pros:

• All-in-one design means fewer items to tote around.
  
• Compact, lightweight, and stylish.
  
• No proprietary file formats or copy protection on MP3 player.

Cons:

• LCD can't be seen when taking pictures.
  
• Minimal features in all modes. ... Read more

  Features

  • Combination MP3 player, digital audio recorder, webcam, and digital camera
  • 0.3 megapixel sensor creates 640 x 480 images
  • Focus-free lens for simple operation
  • Included 32 MB CompactFlash card stores hundreds of photos or 30 minutes of high-quality audio
  • Connects with PCs via USB port; uses 2 AA batteries (included)

  Reviews (12)

  Not bad, but not great
  You can't really hold this camera in your hand and take a picture because it will turn out too blurry. But if you place it on a tripod or flat surface it works allright. People don't realize that for everyday pictures 640x480 is pretty sharp. There's a 20 second timer which is also great and the video out is convenient enough (there's no way to preview window on the camera).

  The MP3 player works well, and I have minimal complaints with the voice recording (what can you expect for [the price]). It's poor sound quality and the mic is a pinhead sized hole on the camera.

  There were some problems using as an internet camera in NetMeeting where the picture started bleeding and there were artifacts in the display as if the update was too slow, but again in a pinch it's not terrible.

  All told I'm glad I got it. I'll take a picture or two with it and play music on it while I commute or walk around. I can't really speak about battery drainage either. I'm trying to find an AC adapter for it.

  Suprisingly good multifunctional gadget for the price
  I found this unit while looking for a combination webcam digital camera. I had also desired to purchase a compact flash MP3 player. Double bonus, and a audio recorder to boot, what a deal.. The pictures are suprisingly detailed and with accurate color reproduction, something I would expect in a higher echlon camera. It is not a multi-megapixel unit, but can hold its own in its class. Detail on images taken inches away lacks resolution, but anything taken with more than a foot has enough definition and will suprise you. The USB connection transfers images quickly and the TV display connection is nice. It does not have a LCD screen on the unit, but its price is enticing to say the least. The mp3 player works great. Another bonus that both pictures and mp3 songs exist on the same memory card. The camera creates a folder on the card for its images. Triple mega bonus, both the mp3 songs and jpeg pictures are immediately accessible on my Windows CE PDA!!!! Unbelievable... My friend just spent $300 for a Sony mp3 player and an absorbant amount on a Sony maciva digital camera and is disappointed that the memory sticks are not readable by both and his files are not transferable to his PDA.

  If have the need for a digital camera, mp3 player and webcam look not further as this is the unit for your. It will work great in capturing moments and memories while providing countless hours of music entertainment.

  If you are looking for a digital camera to produce high quality prints to display and frame, you will need a higher end mega pixel unit and some good digital imaging software.

  You Get What You Pay For
  While this gadget does what it says it will do, it falls short on several levels. First of all, when I bought it, I needed to download the Windows ME driver (a fix not indicated anywhere in the literature) - then it worked fine.

  I used it regularly as an MP3 player at the gym. Took it to Mexico with me on a vacation - it crashed. Came home - it worked! Go figure...

  One of the advantages of digital photography is being able to see you pictures immediately after you take them. For this camera, you'd better have a computer close by as there is no viewer window.

  One day when I took the camera out to use it, I discovered the tiny plastic hinge on the battery compartment door had broken (this is not the type of damage that some unknown person could have done - it was in a protective bag, just sitting on a shelf). I continued to use it holding the batteries in by hand when needed (ugh!).

  Now for the real disappointment - I purchased a new computer system using Windows XP, downloaded the driver from Pretec's site - no go. Camera won't work. Tried to contact tech support via the web - filled out their web form and - imagine this, when I hit "send" I got "Page not found" (after a couple of tries too). So, refusing to give up, I called their headquarters. The recording said they were open 9-5 Pacific time (oh well, it WAS only 8:54 Pacific - no point in getting there early I guess) and asked if I'd like to leave a message for tech support - I pushed the appropriate number and...GUESS WHAT? It wouldn't take my message because THE TECH SUPPORT BOX WAS FULL! I wonder why....

  This was a regrettable purchase.

  fancy functions, but poor quality
  It looks perfect at the first sight. And actually it works great when I use it brand new. Only the software is not so satisfying. It causes my computer to restart from time to time. But within a week, I find there are many problems with the camera itself. Almost 5 out of 10 times, I can not switch it on successfully. I have to disconnect it with the batteries first, only after that it's willing to work. Also, I can not transfer between the camera and my computer through the USB cable. There is always an error there. I contact their tech surpport but they are of little help. Anyway, I can still "use" it at long as I have a card reader. But recently (within 3 month of perchase) this thing refused to work completely. There is just no way to turn it on. Btw, I always take good care of it, never drop it or something like that. That's why I give it a single star. If it works as it says, not bad. But you have to take the risk that you get a "bad" one like mine.

  Almost Perfect
  i bought the pretec dc-530 and i really like it. it has everything that you need to have fun. digital camera, voice recorder, pc cam, and mp3 player.

  the digital camera part of it i really like. it takes really good pictures, and they are very easy to tranfer to your computer. it is a really good camera unless you are professional of something.

  i really like the pc camera also. it is really easy to huck up, and it does not take long at all to start it up or anything.

  the one thing that i don't like is the voice recorder. it has a very small mic so the sound [is bad]. when i tested it out, i was talking in a normal voice, from 5 feet away and i could not here a word i was saying.

  i think that the mp3 player is the best thing in it. it is really easy to download them on to your camera, and it has great sound quallity. the only problem is that the head phones that they provide [are bad], so you have to have your own.

  all togeather i think that this is a great buy for some one who is getting their 1st digital camera. becides getting a great camera, you get 3 extra features (1 of them that [is not too great] but thats ok). ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The DC-1500 is Pretec's first megapixel camera. With its 1.5-megapixelprogressive-scan CCD, it captures pictures at resolutions of 1,360 x 1,024 forhigh-quality printed images at sizes up to 5 by 7 inches. The camera lacks anoptical zoom, but a 2x digital zoom makes up somewhat for this deficiency. A10-second self-timer lets you become part of the action, and a multimode flashexpands your shooting opportunities. The camera stores images on standardCompactFlash cards (an 8 MB card is included). The DC-1500 has a 2-inch LCDmonitor to preview the photos you've taken, or to frame your shots, which canalso be done with the optical viewfinder. There is a serial port for downloadingimages to a computer, as well as a video-out, to view your pictures on atelevision. Images are stored on CompactFlash cards. For Windows users, MGIPhotoSuite is included for image manipulation and touchup. The DC-1500 uses fourAA batteries. ... Read more

Features

• 1.5 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 5 x 7 prints
• 2x digital zoom lens with fixed focus
• Included 8 MB CompactFlash card holds 36 images at default resolution
• Connects to Macs and PCs via serial port
• 4 AA batteries included

Reviews (4)

excellent pictures and compatible with mac os
I bought this camera last month, and I had alot of fun with it. The picture is so rich and clear, it it even better than some the canon digital camera...my friend has. It is compatible with mac os... Overall, I give 5 starts for this digital camera.

pictures are so clear, and it has so many features
I must say I love this camera. The camera is enough for daily uses, and it is just like a professional camera with spending less money. The best is it takes excellent pictures comparing to my previous Sony fd-91(cost me $900 2 years ago). Yet the features are most likely with the sony I have. The macro pic is also excellent. I am very happy with this camera than the sony I have. I saved a lot of money!

NOT compatible with Mac OS
I bought this camera believing the manufacturers' marketing information that it is compatible with the Mac OS. Pretec has now admitted that the Mac drivers for the DC-1500 have not been released, and that there are no plans to release them. DON'T BUY FROM MANUFACTURERS THAT MISREPRESENT THE CAPABILITIES OF THEIR PRODUCTS! If they misrepresent something as basic as this, then how can any other product claims be believed?

nice camra
I think any buyer of this camra will enjoy it's many uses and it can be a great help to any first time users ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Pretec DC-520 can be used as either a basic digital camera or a Webcam. When used as a digital camera, it features 640 x 480 optical resolution, which won't produce highly detailed printed images but is perfectly adequate for images viewed on a TV or computer screen. Its 2 MB of internal flash memory stores 32 pictures in economy mode and 16 pictures in its best mode. With its fixed focus, fixed aperture, auto shutter speed, and auto flash, this camera offers true point-and-shoot simplicity.

To use the camera as a Webcam, simply connect it to your computer's USB port with the included cable. In this mode, you can send video streams over the Internet or record and save short video clips. When connected to your computer, the camera gets its power from the computer's USB port instead of its own batteries.

The camera package includes a hand strap, carrying pouch, all necessary cables and drivers, alkaline batteries, and MGI PhotoSuite SE software. ... Read more

Features

• Can be used as either a digital camera or a Webcam
• 640 x 480 resolution from 1/3-inch CMOS sensor
• 2 MB internal memory stores 16 to 32 images
• Includes serial, USB, and TV connection cables
• Video-out connection lets you view pictures on your TV

Reviews (3)

WARNING! THIS CAMERA IS A LEMON!
I bought this camera to take pictures for online auctions & ended up having to go back to getting regular film put on disks after WASTING TIME trying to get this digital camera working.What's worse is the COMPANY DOES NOT HELP!!The company wouldn't give me a toll-free number~Amazon did.No one picks up the phone at the company...You just get recording after recording while you are made to believe you are being connected to someone who will help.Emails to the company were answered with just links to their website, no personalized help.Then, when I thought I was about to get personalized help...the man never contacted me by email or phone!This camera may work on some other plane or planet...BUT THIS COMPANY SURE DOESN'T!!Unless you know everything there is to know about computers & digital cameras...DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME(or money)!

Good images for a VGA sensor.
I have had this about a week. The quality of the images is the best I have seen for a 640x480 imager. Details show up well. Colors are sort of grey, but reasonable.

Software it buggy -- disconnecting/reconnecting the USB cable with the camera on helps the twain software find the camera. I have not been able to get the PC-connected video camera feature to work, but basic image preview and transfer is fast with USB.

Battery life seems good though I am not previewing to a TV on battery power.

Good for a month or so, then it may die
I got one of these to play with a while back... One day it just froze up. The twain software that comes with it was very slow, and would often freeze in the middle of what it was doing. And when it was working, It wasn't even worth the money just for something to mess around with. I had to send it back... Now I learned my lesson - save up your money, and get something decent! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This Pretec adapter allows you to transport data files or digital imagesbetween SmartMedia and CompactFlash devices. Say your digital camera works onlywith SmartMedia and your PDA accepts only CompactFlash. Simply take yourpictures, plug the SmartMedia card into this adapter, and plug it into your PDA.Then display, organize, and edit your pictures using your PDA's software.

This adapter is in the CompactFlash Type II form factor and can be used indigital systems and Internet appliances including Pocket PCs, PDAs, digitalcameras, photo printers, digital picture frames, voice recorders, and smartphones. ... Read more

Features

• Convert SmartMedia images into CompactFlash format
• CompactFlash Type II form factor for easy compatibility
• Use with PDAs, digital cameras, digital MP3 players, smart phones, pagers
• Dual-voltage-compatible CompactFlash slot (3.3 or 5 volts)
• PC Card ATA interface support

Reviews (7)

Almost there.
Wish I'd read the other reviews.

This is a nice device as long as you only have 32mb or smaller SmartMedia cards. It won't read anything larger. I had hoped to use it with 64mb cards (perfect size to hold a CD worth of MPEGs on), but no luck. Don't believe the technical data provided by Amazon on this one. Pretec says in big red letters that 32mb is the largest card it's been able to translate so far. They'll get there someday, hopefully soon.

CompactSSFDC limitations
This appeared to be an ideal convertor tool from smart media to CF. However, having purchased one, I find from consultation with Pretec that it is limited to a max of 32Mb smart media card - hardly sufficient for many peoples needs today. In addition this is not mentioned on the Amazon description - in fact the implication is that it can support 64Mb cards.

A product I wish I had not bought!

Works just fine
With some of the negative reviews, I thought I'd add one for the positive. It works just fine. I'm using a 32M Smartmedia card from my digital camera. I can easily view images taken with my digital camera as well as using the Smartmedia for extra storage. The form factor isn't a big deal to me. So what if it sticks out an inch or so. If you want smaller, then go buy compactflash and sacrifice the ability to swap media. The only real negative was the lack of documentation.

Information I've picked up elsewhere
I didn't buy one of these, but I've seen similar adapters elsewhere on the internet. Descriptions say that they only work with 8mb, 16mb and 32mb SmartMedia cards.

Compact Flash cards have their own built-in controller, while SmartMedia cards don't, so the best I can figure is that this is basically a card controller (with a serious design deficiency).

worked as expected
This product worked as expected. It fit easily into the compact flash slot of my IPAQ 3650. It does stick out almost 1 inch. It isn't anything you would want to leave in place. However it is easy to slip it in and copy my pictures from an Olympus 8 mb flash media card. I remove it when I am done. It saved me from having to get another digital camera because of card incompatibility. ... Read more