Product Description

Quality performance. Precision detail.

With the image quality of a dedicated film scanner, plus the flexibility of a flatbed scanner all in one affordable product, the Epson Perfection® 4990 Photo delivers a total digital scanning solution.

This powerful performer scans multiple slides simultaneously, as well as negatives and photos. And, with its built-in transparency unit, it accommodates film up to 8" x 10". Housed in a sleek outer case with an illuminated scan progress indicator, this scanner delivers intricate detail, due to an astounding 4800 x 9600 dpi resolution, 48-bit color depth, and 4.0 Dmax. And, it easily restores faded or damaged film and photos with Epson Easy Photo Fix™ and DIGITAL ICE™ Technology.

Features:

• Scan images with precision quality and detail
• Get high-quality scans from negatives and transparencies
• Automatically correct an image when scanning damaged film and photos
• Speed through every scan
• Epson Premium software bundle

Features

• Adobe Photoshop Elements, LaserSoft Imaging SilverFast SE 6
• USB 2.0 and FireWire interfaces, PC and Mac compatible
• 4,800 x 9,600 dpi resolution, 4.0 Dmax, 48-bit color, 16-bit grayscale
• Adapters for slides, film strips, medium format, and 4-by-5 film
• Epson Easy Photo Fix and Digital Ice technology

Reviews (1)

RIGHT from the start
Seldom have I been so pleased with a purchase!

UNLIKE the Microtek scanner I previously owned that gave me nothing but aggravation from the git-go, I loaded the software, plugged the Epson 4990 in with the included USB cable and, using Photoshop as the platform, IMMEDIATELY scanned an 8 x 10 page of medium format negatives successfully.Eyeballing the colors, I did not think ANY correction was needed.I had NO PROBLEMS loading the software or with anything else.

I subsequently read the CD contained instructions and found that I had failed to use the 8 x 10 transparent media placement guide.It worked ANYWAY!

This scanner is particularly suited for "serious" amateur and professional photographers.It comes with negative holders for 35mm, 120 and 4 x 5 sheet film.In addition, as noted above, it will also scan the whole 8 x 10 inch area so you can do proof sheets from your transparent negative file pages.

I also scanned a music CD cover and liner, using Photoshop to convert the liner to black and white, and a 4 x 6 color photo.The scanner worked perfectly on all.The resolution of the four to six point type of the CD liner was crisp.This was a scan as a reflective image and NOT using OCR software.

I have only had it for a week and will update this review once I've tried its OCR capabilities. ... Read more

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 11-by-15-inch enlargements
• 10x optical zoom; 3.6 digital zoom
• Captures video clips with sound; 1.5-inch TFT LCD screen; PictBridge compatible
• Store images on xD Picture Cards (16 MB xD card included)
• Powered by 4 AA-size batteries (alkaline included; rechargeable Ni-MH recommended)

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 touch-panel viewscreen * ... 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 touch-panel viewscreen

Reviews (3)

I LOVE IT SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH
This camera is by far the best sony camera on the whole market! All of its features work awesomely and i bought it here at Amazon. Just because the price is lower doesnt mean the product is cheap! If you like video taping things a whole lot then this camera is for YOU! This is comming from a teen who loves to take pics and edit videos and i love it!

Nice camcorder
I have never used/purchased a mini camcorder before.This one was very easy to setup and understand.The video quality seems to be very good.I have not used the camera/photo option yet. The DVD played on my DVD player without any problem.The touch screen menu is super easy to use. I don't plan on editing my video's, or downloading them onto my PC, so I went with this model.Pretty much, using a DVD-R, it's load, record, finalize.That's it.Then pop it into your DVD player to watch.I guess the limitation is only 30 minutes of recording time on the DVD, but that's plenty for me.Cost of the DVD-R's is about $3.00 each, so that is bearable for me as well.I played around with a DVD-RW.Rewriting the disk was easy, and the VR mode allows you to do some editing if you need to.I would have purchased this item on Amazon, but didn't because I was unsure if I'd be happy with it, so I purchased from a local retailer for about $50 more than I could of from Amazon. I paid $570 for it at the retailer.

All and all, I am very pleased with my purchase thus far.I did however order an extra battery and battery charger through Amazon saving myself about $20 from what it would of cost me at the store.

Again, I am not an expert on camcorders, nor have I used anything comparable before, so for me, I have nothing to complain about by comparison.Some of the limited reviews available on the Internet say that this is still a developing technology, and may be worthwhile reading if you already own a mini camcorder, or are looking for something that may be a bit more flexible, or has more features, or better resolution. I can only say this camcorder works exceptionally well for my needs.

Easy to learn
My 8 year old learned to use this within 5 minutes. It has a touch screen with easy to find controls.Pop the mini DVD in--format--record--finalize--and play on DVD player.This model does not have a USB connection to your computer or a remote. It is really designed for minimal editing--tape and go.Buy an extra battery and lots of mini DVDs as they only last 30 minutes. ... Read more

Product Description

5.1-megapixel effective recording * 3X optical Zoom-Nikkor ED lens (4X digital/12X total zoom) * 35mm equivalent lens focal length: 38-114mm * approximately 13.5 MB of built-in memory (holds about 5 images at highest quality setting) * 2" color LCD * ... Read more

Features

• Macro shooting as close as 1.6 inches
• Powered by a Lithium-ion battery (included); stores images on SD memory cards
• 5.0-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
• 3x optical zoom through a quality Zoom-Nikkor lens (zoom is equivalent to 38-114mm in a 35mm camera)
• 2.0-inch LCD display; exclusive Nikon In-Camera Red-Eye Fix

Reviews (6)

What else can be said? This is an excellent camera.
I just recently purchased the 5900 a couple of weeks ago, and have been extremely pleased with the quality, features and ease of use that this camera brings. I used to own a Coolpix 4300 and it too gave me great shots. But one thing that the 5900 improves on besides the in-camera red-eye sensor, is the fact that I no longer have to contend with a camera lens cover. When you hold this camera, you know you have a sophisticated piece of equipment. It doesn't feel like some cheap toy you picked up from the toy store. For it's size, it has nice balance. Quite simply the best camera for the buck. If there was one thing I would improve on, it would be to add better photo editing software.

First Digital Camera
So after a weekend Cinco de Mayo party where everyone attending owned and was operating a digital camera, I figured it was time to join the revolution.After some research, I decided to go with this camera for the price, and the reviews that I had read in digital camera forums across the net.I am not an expert on digital cameras, nor will I even attempt to elaborate on shutter speed or anything of the sort.What I do know is that this 5.1MP camera captures incredibly vivid pictures, which when viewed on my camera for the first time last night solidified my decision to purchase this fine piece of electronics ingenuity.The video capture mode is also amazing, except I'm going to have to figure how to run them smoothly on my comp, but that could just take some simple editing.Size of the camera is amazing, and it literally fits in your back pocket( it may be slightly larger in construction vs. the canon SD series, but for the prices its unbeatable).I recommend this camera highly, and I'm pleased to add another 5 star rating to this wonderful camera.

Impressed so far
I have been researching/shopping for my first digital camera for a little while now. My first camera was Nikon 6006 and after 14 years is still producing amazing pictures. That probabaly played a role in my leaning towards Coolpix. I have been using 5900 for 4 days now. So far this is what I know
-Easy to shoot (without a tripod)
-I don't like reading manuals and so far didn't have to
-Bought a 1 GB Ultra 2 SD card from Costco(89), easy to install and format (not as fast as I thought it would be)
-Good quality movie capture (not the audio part), although that is not what I intend to use it for
-Not overly impressed with digital zoom, optical works as it is suppose to

Haven't decided on a printer yet. If you plan to buy one of the Epson printer, buy it with the camera or else you would not be able to use the advertised rebate. (Read the fine print on back page of rebate form.) From what little I have read so far, I am not leaning towards Epson. I will report back in a few weeks after I have used the photo software and made some prints.

Pleased, but not entirely thrilled. sample photos link here
Here's a link to some 3MP and 1 5MP random pics I took.Click on the dog to view more.
http://www.pbase.com/digitaltim/nikon_5900_pics


Overall I'm very happy with this camera.

I'm not crazy about the lack of sharpness, but I think it might be from motion blur. Some shots are fairly clear, but I'm often deleting fuzzy pics. I have a couple digital olympus cameras that are 2X the size, but much clearer. The 640 X 480 30fps videos w/ sound are great, especially considering its a compact camera - no complaints in the videos. The sound in the video is better than I expected, not perfect -->adequate. (my latest camcorder is a canon zr-85, which I'm weighing my opinions against in the video department) The cam lightens videos when needed. It's useful for candle or dimly lit rooms.

The camera feels solid, its fun to use, and easy. For me its a nice point and shoot.

Its tough to say whether or not I'd buy this again. The pics are good, not excellent. I think alot of the sharpness problems would be fixed with a tripod.I'm really happy with the video quality from this camera, but I'd look at other cams before deciding.

Excellent quality:price ratio!
This is my first digital camera. Before this I owned a Pentax and a Canon SLR and a Canon ELPH APS camera. I was pretty set on getting a Canon, but after doing a lot of online research and visiting many camera stores, I decided on the Nikon CoolPix 5900 - and I'm glad I did.

As far as I can tell this camera beats every other in its price range on advanced features. I won't go over them here, you can look at the product description for a list of them, then go to the page for the Canon SD300 (or any other brand) and compair. Also note that the SD400, Canon's 5MP camera, is actually priced at $399 and the 4MP SD300 is at $349, though you can currently get discounts on both. More importantly, the standard image quality is on-par with Canon and Sony (the only real competition in this range if you ask me), and when you throw in in-camera red-eye removal and D-Lighting it goes a step beyond. I know there are many other quality companies making cameras in this price range, but after reviewing actual prints from just about every one, it became aparent that Canon and Nikon in particular always looked noticably better in my opinion.

Also of note are the quality Nikkor ED optics, sturdy and light aluminum body, 2" LCD with a stunningly (really) high refresh rate and an excellen user interface, 640x480 movie mode at 30FPS with sound and surprisingly long battery life.

I highly recommend this product to anyone looking into getting a digital camera or looking to replace their aging one. ... Read more

Features

• The ultra-sleek, ultra-slim Canon PowerShot SD300 delivers 4.0 megapixels of resolution--enough to make photo-quality 11-by-15-inch enlargements
• New large 2.0-inch LCD screen for easy image preview and playback
• First in the PowerShot line to use a DIGIC II Image Processor for even faster processing speed, excellent image quality, and crisp vibrant colors
• New Scene Modes including Digital Macro Mode to widen shooting capabilities
• Print/Share button for effortless one-touch direct printing and downloads

Amazon.com Product Description

Put the power of advanced photography in your hands with the Canon PowerShot S1 IS ultra-zoom digital camera. With its super-long Zoom, amazing stability and true Movie Mode, the PowerShot S1 IS brings a new dimension to the PowerShot line. Equipped with a host of top-quality features, this stylishly compact camera lets you create stills and movies like you've never done before.

10x Optical 38-380mm Zoom with exclusive Optical Image Stabilizer
Close, closer, closest: the high-speed Zoom Motor moves you in at top speed in near silence. So the high-resolution, super long 10x Optical 38-380mm Zoom Lens (35mm equivalent) with Canon’s exclusive optical Image Stabilizer can let you capture the action with an intensity you've never seen before. Canon's shift-type optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, which significantly reduces the effects of camera shake--an important feature for high-magnification lenses. Tiny movement detection gyros and a correcting lens element counteract the effects of lens shake to deliver sharper final images. The resulting compensation is the equivalent of between 2 and 3 extra stops, which means the camera can be used at slower shutter speeds without a tripod without any detectable increase in image blur.

.	38mm	380mm
.	Image Stabilizer off	Image Stabilizer on

Optics and Resolution
The PowerShot S1 IS features a maximum resolution of 3.2 megapixels, or 2048 x 1536 pixel images--enough for prints up to 11 x 14 inches. It also has 1600 x 1200, 1024 x 768, and 640 x 480 resolution modes. The camera features a 10x, f/2.8 - f/3.1, 38-380mm (35mm equivalent) optical zoom lens.The zoom is driven by a tiny ultrasonic motor (USM), which uses ultrasonic frequency vibrations to drive a tiny rotor that is powerful and highly responsive. In digital still modes it drives the zoom at maximum speed, while in video mode it slows for a smooth effect and runs virtually silent, avoiding interference with video sound recording.

Vari-Angle LCD with enhanced resolution

1.5" LCD Monitor with two brightness levels:Shoot from any angle with the PowerShot S1 IS's rotating Vari-Angle LCD Monitor. The Monitor's enhanced resolution also allows you to clearly preview and review your stills and movies to make shooting fun and easy.

Take camcorder-quality movies right from the camera
30 frames-per-second VGA Video with Sound: The PowerShot S1 IS has a greatly enhanced Movie Mode that lets you shoot up to sixty minutes of DV-Quality VGA video with superior sound quality. Plus, you can zoom in the Movie Mode -- and even edit your movies -- right on the camera's LCD screen.

Instant Computer Connection
Picture Transfer Protocol for Win XP and Mac OS: Just connect the PowerShot S1 IS into the USB connection of your Windows XP or Macintosh OS computer. PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) allows the computer and camera to communicate instantly and to start the picture download process. There's no need to install a special driver!

Advanced Digital Imaging Technology

Canon's exclusive DIGIC Imaging Processor revolutionizes how you shoot digital by allowing the camera to process images faster and improving the accuracy of the autofocus. DIGIC also reduces the effects on noise in your images. iSAPS Technology is an entirely new scene-recognition technology developed for digital cameras by Canon. Using an internal database of thousands of different photos, iSAPS works with the fast DIGIC Imaging Processor to improve focus speed and accuracy, as well as exposure and white balance.

The components of photographic space that are precision captured by DIGIC

What's in the Box

A. PowerShot S1 IS B. Lens Cap C. Neck Strap NS-DC3 D. 4 AA-Type Alkaline Batteries E. Compact Flash Card CF-32 F. Interface Cable IFC-400PCU G. AV Cable AVC-DC300 H. Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM I. ArcSoft Camera Suite CD-ROM

... Read more

Features

• 3.2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 10-by-14-inch enlargements
• Canon 10x optical zoom with image stabilizer; 3x digital zoom
• Vari-angle LCD screen; DV-quality Movie Mode; PictBridge compatible
• Store images on Compact Flash Type I or II memory cards (32 MB card included)
• Powered by 4 AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended)

Reviews (28)

Canon Powershot S1 IS Good Family Camera and Beyond
Hi everbody,

First of all, I was fortunate enough to get this camera from Adorama Cameras for $374.00 plus shipping. Must have been some sort of introductory special on Amazon. Got the camera about a week after ordering. Let me say that this is my 4th digital camera and I regard this as the best I have had so far. I have owned both Olympus and Minolta digital cameras prior to buying the Canon S1 IS. I want to say that Canon definitely thought out the ergonomics and the feel of this camera. It feels very comfortable and sturdy (I'm right handed. It is clear that they did not skimp on workmanship I love the smoothness of the 10x Optical zoom (that's reason I wanted a good long zoom camera)and there was no blurriness thanks to the Image Stabiliser. I recommend if you are taking shots and you are zooming in at 3X or greater on the optical zoom, engage the IS. I don't recommend using digital zoom on any digital camera, it is always easier using photo editing software to crop your photos. I tried the camera at a couple of family outings and I was definitely impressed. I was a bit concerned about it being only 3.2MP but the pictures I took looked better than my sister's 4MP Kodak camera. The auto mode works fairly well and the LCD certainly shows good detail in bright sunlight but be warned, have the display set at full brightness especially if you are using the EVF outside. There are only 2 display brightness settings. The photos I took had good contrast and very vibrant colors. There was some very slight purple fringing on some shots I took with the optical zoom at maximum. You may need to adjust the exposure setting if you are trying to photograph a subject that is on a background that doesn't contrast well. I also found that you definitely need rechargeable AA batteries, especially if you are running the LCD screen and if you are running the camera in movie mode. That reminds me, the movie mode is incredible but you need at least a 1GB card to record anything substantial at 30 fps. I recommend if you can afford it, get the 4GB microdrive. I have heard that you can take the microdrive out of the Muvo2 4GB player and use it in the camera since the S1 accepts CompactFlash Type II cards if you know how to do it right. With so many different modes, this camera will definitely grow with you. I wished that Canon had put a flash hot shoe on this camera but I can understand them not trying to create a light stripped down version of the EOS Rebel. Indoors, the flash is above average compared to other digital long zooms but could still be better, it will illuminate your subject. The camera AF did slow down somewhat in very dim lighting, make sure to run it in night scene mode, not auto. The extra long exposure lag definitely improves the shots and just to be fair, the low light performance was certainly superior to other digital cameras I have owned. I do like the fact that Canon included a nice get started quickly template but the manual could be better organized. For most people, I would say using it in auto is fine but if you like to tinker, the full manual mode is a lot of fun. All in all, a good buy despite the fact that Canon should have also included a AF assist lamp which surprised me somewhat since they put them on most every camera they make. Well, that just leaves room for improvement I guess. Now, I gotta get back to shooting some more pictures. Auf Wiedersehen!

Great 10X Zoom Camera
After considerable research I purchased the Canon S1 IS camera from Amazon about a month ago along with the Lexar 12X 256MB Compact Flash memory. It arrived even before Amazon said it would! This is my first digital camera and so far I am very pleased with it. I wanted a camera that would take good travel pictures and images of grandchildren who often don't like cameras near them. I expect to print the better pictures as either 4x6 or 5x7 and occasionally 8x10s. At first I was reluctant to consider 3.2MP cameras but my research showed that a figure of merit for a digital camera should actually be proportional to MP times the optical zoom factor squared. This gives a heavy weighting to optical zoom (it's related to picture area) and it also means that you can avoid considerable cropping and wasting of MP. That's why people are often surprised that this camera does so well against its higher MP competition. It's also adequate for printing my size pictures. Unfortunately, most hand held 10X cameras used at maximum zoom also need to have a shutter speed of 1/400th of a second to avoid picture bluring caused by camera shake so that you can use this 10X feature only in bright sunlight, unless you support the camera. The Canon S1's image stabilization system allows hand held pictures with much slower shutter speeds so it is useful more often. I always leave it on and I've taken sharp pictures of ducks, birds, and, oh yes, our grandchildren at a playground. Our daughter, who is a professional photographer, has even commented on the quality of these candid shots, something she did not do with my film camera with lower power zoom. Independently, I also purchased a lightweight RipVan100 battery charger that can operate at overseas voltages and I carry around an extra set of charged NIMH AA batteries, just in case, although I've yet to need them. Of course, in a pinch, I can always use universally available AA batteries, another feature of this camera.

This camera, like all 10X zooms, uses an electronic viewfinder. I find that it is hard to see well in bright sunlight (especially if I'm wearing sunglasses), even at maximum brightness setting. Its resolution is also poor and the images often seem overexposed - but, and this is important, the images don't shake at 10X with the IS on! and the actual pictures are correctly exposed. The swiveling LCD screen grows on you and you can take pictures looking down at the camera at waist level. The grandchildren may not even realize you are actually taking their picture, adding to the candid effect. I haven't found the lack of an autofocusing lamp to be a problem in dim light and you can always set the manual focus to about 8 feet (no zoom used) and everything from 4 feet to infinitity will be sharp. (I got this tidbit from my research).

After it was announced but before it was readily available the camera received so-so reviews but the recent user reviews from those who actually own and use one have been highly favorable and I agree with them. It's well made, not too heavy, and the basics can be learned quickly. Advanced users can find many features to investigate and I'm still learning how to use some of the exposure and focus lock modes for special cases. I think that using the Auto mode (or the Program P mode) with IS on will work for most people, most of the time. And, as an added bonus, you can even take movies (9 minutes/1GB at best quality) if you have a large memory. I'm glad I discovered this "fun" camera.

The One For Me
I have done quite a bit of research on digital cameras, and have read many reviews. The fact is, that there is no perfect digital camera, and people are going to find little things they don't like about all of them. I purchased the S1 IS about a week or so ago, and this is one great camera. Some people say the lense cap falls off... well... it's suppose to... keep it attached to the camera so it don't get lost and put it back on when you put it in the case. Some people say the battery life is bad... well... get some rechargable 2300 ma batteries and a charger... and keep a couple sets charged... one set will last for hours... and... if you are in a jam you can get AA batteries anywhere. Some people say the display is hard to see in bright sunlight or in low light... well... I have not seen one that is not. Some people say that the pictures are not sharp... well... try setting it in auto until you learn how to use the many great settings... I printed 8 1/2 x 11's that where as sharp as a tack. There was a problem with memory erros, but if you download the firmware update, and follow the instructions, it will resolve the problem. I personally did not have that problem, but I updated my firmware anyway. The fact is...This is one heck of a great camera. The zoom is outstanding, you can print up to 8 1/2 x 11's with good quality, the stabelization is great, and if you want to learn the manual settings, they are great too. I would still reccomend a tripod for shots with shutter speeds greater than 1 second. The software is everything you need to organize, enhance, and print your pics. If you are looking for the perfect digital camera... you will never find it. If you are looking for the best digital camera in the $400 to $500 dollar price range, I would recommend the S1 IS above all others in the same price range.

From a Web Developer
Being a grad student, I am very picky when it comes to spending a larger amount of money on a piece of hardware technology. I probably did research (try cnet's site) for 2 months before finally deciding on a purchase. I compared heavily against similar cameras like the Sony DSC-V1, DSC-F717, S50, Kodak DX6490, Nikon Coolpix 4300 and a few others.

Deciding Factors:
10x opt zoom & IS
Manual control abilities
Swivel LCD
body style
CF memory
AA batteries
Price & Canon name brand

After purchase:
This camera is awesome. The zoom works great, especially with the IS technology. The manual controls are extremely easy to use. Combined with the comfortable body style i do most things with one hand. Think of holding a gaming controller. I'm very surprised at how much I use the swivel LCD (ie hold against a steady place and view easily). The cheapest memory and ease of AA batteries make this a camera to use for an extended amount of time. Indoor, low-lighting situations are hard on auto mode, otherwise I'm very happy.

The camera is not bad, but not as good as I expected
I need a new digital camera to replace my Nikon Coolpix 755 purchased 3 years ago. The Nikon is pretty good, but it¡¯s too slow. I like wide zoom and the budget is <$500. So I don¡¯t have too many choices. At last, 2 cameras left in my list: Canon Powershot S1 IS and Fuji S-5000.

I am familiar with Fuji S-5000. It¡¯s a nice camera. However, I selected Canon, because: 1. It has IS; 2. It uses Compact Flash, same as Nikon; 3. Canon makes some great SLRs. If I could choose again, I would buy the Fuji.

The Canon Powershot S1 IS is not bad at all. But it¡¯s not as good as I expected. Even though I knew that the camera¡¯s auto focus is not good under low light conditions, I was still disappointed when I tried to take some picture in my house in a bright sunny afternoon. The auto focus is really poor under those conditions. Furthermore, the response time is longer than the Fuji S-5000. Another bonus of S-5000 is that it has a ring in the box. We can attach a UV filter on the ring, so not to worry about the lens. ... Read more

Product Description

5.1-megapixel recording * Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens * 3X optical zoom (2X digital/6X total zoom) * 35mm equivalent lens focal length: 38-114mm * 2-1/2" color LCD * MPEG Movie VX with audio * ... Read more

Features

• Stores images on Memory Stick Duo media; captures VGA audio-video clips (length limited only by media)
• 5.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
• Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens with 3x optical zoom; 2.5-inch LCD display
• Amazing compact design--camera is 3/8 inch thin at its narrowest and 5/8 inch at its thickest
• Powered by rechargeable InfoLithium battery (included); comes with Cybershot Station for easy connection to computer or TV

Reviews (3)

Perfect second camera for hobbyists
I've already been the happy owner of a Sony DSC-F828 "big" camera for over a year, and still consider it perfect for my serious photographic needs.

However, precisely _because_ it is so big, it can be very inconvenient to bring along, and also very intimidating to potential picture subjects.

Enter the new Sony DSC-T7. I didn't realize just how _much_ smaller, or more precisely, how much thinner it is than all other digital cameras until I saw it in person. It not only fits in a shirt pocket, it fits in a shirt pocket _along_with_ a Treo or an iPod. Because its 3x zoom lens is folded, it does not protrude at all when taking pictures, meaning most subjects won't even realize a camera is pointed at them, let alone that it is zoomed in and high resolution. This greatly easy getting natural expressions in informal photos.

Next, the specifications of the T7 are better than those of othersimilar Sony cameras such as the T1 and T33 in ways I care about, such as doubling the number of pixels in the 2.5" LCD screen, including an auto-focus assist lamp, and USB 2.0 support without needing driver software when used with Windows XP.

One of my pet peeves about digital cameras is that they are not protected from the elements. The T7 helps this in two ways. First, its on/off switch is a solid lens cover. Second, the camera fits easily in the smallest size zip-loc sandwich bag, and can easily be operated while in the bag, providing serious dust and splash protection.

One further protection is needed, but easily handled. The LCD needs protection, which I provided by covering it with a sheet of screen protector plastic left over from an old PDA.

As you might expect from such a thin device, battery life is somewhat limited (about an hour of continuous use, set up for maximum brightness, continuous focus adjustment, and automatic flash. For that reason, I bought a spare battery, and since the charger is bigger than the camera, suggest other buyers do the same.

Similarly, plan on getting more memory immediately. The supplied 32M is good for only 14 pictures at top resolution. I settled for 512M, the largest I could actually buy at time of purchase, but would recommend the new 1GB size if available to you as you buy. The memory door appears a bit flimsy, so it seems best not to need to open it too often.

I bought this for my point and shoot wife to take on a week-long trip, and thereafter to have it with us whenever a shot might present itself, but not surely enough to carry the large camera, or in situations where keeping the large camera clean and dry might be an issue.

If you too are a serious hobbyist, do be aware of unavoidable limitations: 1) 5MP is good, but not as good as the 7MP of a few also (barely) pocketable cameras. I decided smaller size outweighed higher resolution, but you may feel differently. 2) F4 is 2 full stops dimmer than the F2 of my other camera, which matters quite a bit when the light is low, as does 3) the ASA maximum of 400, rather than 800. There's also 4) no place to attach a filter. For a second camera, these are all perfectly acceptable compromises, in my opinion.

Highly recommended as a second camera for hobbyists, or as a first camera for folks who want a very convenient and very high quality point and shoot camera.

Excellent Performance Within Class
The DSC-T7 camera from Sony takes the concept of portability to a whole new level. Remember the Motorola brick phones of the early 1990's? Well, that's how most of the other cameras currently on the market will leave you feeling once you've held the DSC-T7. This smallness however comes at a price; people used to larger cameras may take some time to get comfortable using this camera. I use a Canon EOS-20D for more serious photography, and switching to this camera for casual use almost makes me distracted due to its smallness. My wife however loves it.

Pictures have the typical Sony look to them: crisp, sure and accurate. Coloring is almost dead-on correct; however Sony's in-camera post processing gives images a dynamic boost which, while looking very good, may look slightly unnatural to some pros. But then again, there are uses and there are cameras. For a travel camera and casual shooting, there is simply no match for the DSC-T7. On the other hand, no one will use it in a studio for professional photography, which is OK as well.

I only wish that Sony were offering a carrying case as standard issue with this camera; it is a pity that they had decided to carry it as a separate item. It would be a shame to drop the DSC-T7 and have nicks and scratches on it. At least our box did not come with it, and here's hoping that Sony will at one point decide to include the soft case as a standard accessory with every camera.

Recommended: 5 out of 5 stars.

Product is great, but Amazon does NOT equal to
In fact, Amazon's prices on electronics are generally pretty expensive, such as in this case. Right now, there are numerous Internet stores out there that offer this same camera for only around (...). Even after accounting for shipping price, the total would only be around . (...)That's some (...) cheaper than what Amazon sells for. Yet, Amazon is advertising itself as "Amazon.com equals low prices"?? Give me a break! It even pretends to care about being competitive in pricing by providing a link that asks customers to tell them of lower prices elsewhere. But even after you inform them of substantially lower prices elsewhere, there is rarely any reaction on Amazon's part. So this "low prices" thing that Amazon constantly displays is actually a charade. Don't let Amazon.com rip you off!!! ... Read more

Features

• 512 MB capacity
• User selectable mechanical write protect switch on the exterior card casing
• Works with all SD enabled devices
• Low battery consumption to maximize battery life in small portable devices
• Operating shock rating of 2,000Gs, equivalent to a 10-foot drop to the floor

Reviews (18)

Very Fast, Highly Compatible Memory Card
I purchased the SanDisk 512MB Secure Digital Card for use in my MP3 player (Rio Cali-256). I had never before seen a Secure Digital card and was surprised at how small the card is.

I opened the package, inserted the card into my MP3 player, and presto. Instant recognition. No need to format the card.
I started downloading my music files onto it, and noticed the speed was equivalent to the memory onboard my player. As a result, I now have an additional 120 mp3 files on my player!

I'd give the product five stars, but the memory size did not appear to my MP3 player as 512MB. It was slightly less than this - not too much less, but when I buy 512 MB, I certainly want all 512.

BAD quality! stay away!
I bought this (Sandisk 512 MB Secure Digital) in February and gave it to my mom as a gift in May. She used it in her digital camera and took pictures with it for her college reunion. Afterwards, the card displayed "Corrupt Data" and the pictures were lost! Do NOT buy this card, if you do not believe me, do a search for this card and you will see similar testimonials!
The grief and sadness this card has caused me is not worth its cheaper price!
user be warned!

by the way, the one i have is made in china, i have read these ones are the WORST

The BEST deal from Amazon yet...
I placed my order on the 10th & got it 4 days later.
That was not what I expected. I wasn't scheduled to get till the 20th - 23rd.
Talk about speedy delivery.
Oh & the card works GREAT! Can't beat a 512MB SanDisk Card for $74.00.
I will sure be using Amazon again!

Great Card. No Problems at all.
I use the Sandisk 512 SD card in my HP 2215 IPAQ. I have never had a problem with it and it gives me plenty of space to store all of the music that I enjoy. I would love to get a 1 GB card but I want to wait for the prices to come down a little more. This card is fast but I would still like it to be faster. I'm not sure if it is the card slowing down the process or the USB connection to my IPAQ. I was thinking about buying the Sandisk ULTRA SD card to see if there is a speed difference.

Horrible memory card for PDAs
Well after purchasing my second Sandisk product (the other was the 512K CF card) I will never buy another Sandisk product again, don't care if it is cheaper. I know you other PDA owners know what I am talking about. For digital cameras I don't know, it may or may not work fine. But I've used the Sandisk cards in my Dell Axim and Compaq Ipaq and have had the same problems. When transferring large amounts of data >15MBs the files do not write properly. Half of my mp3s that I tranfer do not play. In addition if you transfer data that is greater than the available amount on the card it will frequently erase all data on the card!!!!!!!

BEWARE, stay away if you are going to use this in your PDA. I've found no problems using Viking (1 CF card), MicroTech (1 CF) and Kingston ( 2 SD cards) products. ... Read more

Features

• Maximum 3,200 x 6,400 dpi resolution
• Sharp 48-bit color, 16-bit grayscale
• Supports medium format and 35mm transparencies or negatives
• Batch scanning of up to 12 35mm negatives
• High speed preview in about 2 seconds; USB 2.0

Product Description

The GZ-MC500 Digital Media Camera is a proud member of the JVC Everio family -camcorders that record onto a hard disk. Like the older single-CCD Everio camcorders, the GZ-MC500 records 60 minutes of DVD-quality video or thousands of photo-quality stills to a Microdrive™ removable hard disk. With this Everio, JVC combines these benefits with 3-CCD/5-megapixel performance. ... Read more

Features

• Easy printing with "PictBridge" and DPOF support
• Microdrive / CompactFlash card and SD dual card type II slots for extra data storage and transfer
• Megabrid engine assures optimum quality for both video and still images
• User-friendly GUI for easy operation and setting
• Thumbnail picture for easy and quick viewing

Product Description

5.1-megapixel recording * Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar lens * 3X optical zoom (2X digital/6X total zoom) * 35mm equivalent lens focal length: 38-114mm * Real Imaging Processor for high-quality images and faster camera response * 2-1/2" color LCD * JPEG options: resolution up to 2592 x 1944; 2592 x 1728; 2048 x 1536; 1280 x 960; 640 x 480 * ... Read more

Features

• Compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media; includes 32 MB card
• Powered by lithium-ion battery (NP-FR1); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0
• 5.1 MP CCD captures enough detail for photo-quality 13 x 17-inch prints
• 3x optical, 2x digital zoom; Carl Zeiss optics; super-sized 2.5-inch Clear Photo Hybrid LCD
• Docking station (included) keeps batteries charged and enables easy computer, printer, and TV connectivity

Reviews (5)

Highly recommended
I bought this Sony camera at an Apple store a few weeks ago. It was expensive but I think it's worth it.

Pros:
-Lightweight: I bought this camera mainly for concert photography. It's light enough to carry around with you wherever you go.
-Excellent picture quality
-Great features: I love how there are so many settings to choose from. You can play around to see what works well for your shots.

Cons:
-No hole for tripod: This probably isn't an issue for many people. You should know it's not compatible with a tripod though. Then again, this is such a small camera. Why would the average person want to use it with a tripod? It's supposed to be an on-the-go type of camera.
-Battery: A full charge only lasts for approximately 85 minutes so it's a good idea to buy a spare battery if you're going to use this on long day trips. The spare battery is very expensive though.

Sony T33
This is a nice unit to carry in the shirt pocket. I hate the lack of an optical view, the LCD is NOT convenient for point and shoot type photos. Especially out-doors. This is a special purpose camera and is very good for posed in-door or nature shots. Also, in the practical use of this unit, it is best to crank it down to the 3.2 pxl mode, or other lower res. The close shots at 5 pxl are phenomenal, every detail of a product label for example is perfectly reproduced. Good toy, but I like my DSC-P73 for every day use.

Surprisingly nice
I own the DSC-F828 (8 megapixel) Sony...and do a lot of varied work, usually taking it everywhere.But it's a bit slow out of the bag sometimes, for a simple snapshot.Therefore I purchased this camera (the T-3 Euro version) as an adjunct to the big brother.

Frankly, 5 Megapixel appears a bit less sharp now that I'm used to 8 Megapixel ....and the lens CAN be a tiny bit soft focus in low light.Yes, there's relativly few manual adjustments, too.

Flash is not bad, works well as a fill in sunlight, a bit harsh indoors.But then I shot a lot of no-flash, as slow as an 1/8, handheld.It works well.Nice colors, too,

However, this little devil powers up FAST as I draw it from the Sony leather belt holster.Red Eye reduction, 3x zoom, *HUGE* view screen (really impressive for showing off to your friends what you just shot...), neat carry strap.

This thing is really HANDY....not as your ONLY camera but as the all-day, EVERY-DAY camera.It fits on your belt in as little space as a cell phone with the abilty to shoot all day long....

I bought a travel charger & spare battery (these can charge while I shoot), extra memory (came with a 32mb - I bought a 128, then a 256.You buy a 512.), and the nice Sony leather belt case.Look for a USB memory stick reader, like the wonderful SanDisk MobileMate MS (the size, literally, of a USB flash drive, i.e. keyring-able), and you're ready.

You can afford this.Think about it.Super small, excellent quality, out of the way...but ALWAYS there.Get it.Or, let me put it another way, "Can you afford less?".

PSWhat I REALLY like about this camera is that my big 828 scares the pants off my subjects because it's seen (to them) as "professional", yet no one runs away when I pull this little guy out.You can see the differences in their attitude right away.

I get more intimate pictures, with minimal quality loss, using this camera far more frequently, now, than the 828.

Superb Compact Camera - The Shape of things to come
I bought this camera about a month ago and have been truly impressed.I know a bit about digital cameras having owned a few over the years and this camera presses all the right buttons for me.The camera is small, about the size and weight of a pack of playing cards, smaller even.The styling is great and the build quality is top notch.The camera has many features normally found on larger format cameras.The video quality is superb and nearly does away with the need for a camcorder for those holiday videos, works best out doors and in daylight.There is no set limit to video length except for the capacity of the memory card. A 1 Gig card holds about 13min of highest quality video, long enough for any take I can think of.The general picture quality is very good for a compact and the prints I've made to A4 paper are spot on.It is fast to start up and "reload".The LCD screen quality is the best I've seen on a compact.The macro/magnifying mode is a revelation, allowing for some "microscope" type close-ups.The interface is intuitive and user friendly.In conclusion this camera is perfect for the average user who needs a highly portable quality digital camera.Recommended upgrade would be a 512mb or 1Gig memory card for that high quality video.

Photos not very sharp
For as expensive as this camera is, the photo quality is not superb.The pictures come out a little bit soft--not quite as sharp as a Canon's. ... Read more

Product Description

Experience the power and speed of the Epson Stylus® Photo R800. Print brilliant archival quality glossy and matte photos! The world's first printer with 1.5- picoliter ink droplets and up to 5760 x 1440 optimized dpi, this revolutionary performer gives new meaning to quality and detail. And, it provides eight individual cartridges, including matte black ink and a unique gloss optimizer, for professional results every time - no matter what the paper type.Durable Epson UltraChrome Hi-Gloss pigment inks deliver long-lasting portraits, landscapes and more on virtually any media, including ink jet printable CD/DVDs and 4" and 8.3" 13" roll paper. It also prints borderless photos in convenient, frame-ready sizes. And, with innovative PRINT Image Matching II technology, you'll get brilliant prints automatically from popular digital cameras.The Epson Stylus Photo R800 offers groundbreaking quality and performance, for perfect prints made to last. With Epson Software Film Factory Epson Print CD software, and premium ICC Profiles, all included in the box, this affordable ink jet offers a complete photographic solution for many creative projects. Whisper-quiet operation and fast built-in connectivity make it an ideal fit for any home or studio, while high-speed performance makes it the perfect printer for quickly creating show-stopping high-gloss prints. ... Read more

Features

• USB 2.0 and FireWire interfaces; PC and Mac compatible
• Up to 5,760 x 1,440 optimized dpi resolution
• 4-by-6-inch photos as fast as 42 seconds, 11-by-14 as fast as 1 minute 51 seconds
• Prints directly onto inkjet-printable CDs and DVDs
• Supports poster prints up to 13 by 44 inches

Reviews (3)

Amazing to say the least!
I bought my R1800 two weeks ago and it's fabulous! I've been doing quite a bit of photo retouching in PhotoShop and was anxious to see some of my work in large format. The resulting output totally exceeded my expectations! I was also surprised at the speed at which such fine output was generated. I was somewhat concerned about the cost of maintaining an 8-color system as the cost of replacement cartridges ranges between $12.99 and $14.99, but I've done quite a bit of printing and the color levels have barely budged (and I use the setting for the highest print quality). This is truly a great printer for digital photographers, scrapbookers, and PhotoShop enthusiasts like me. It's an incredible piece of equipment.

printer arrived dead
I ordered the eagerly awaited R1800 on first day of availability from Amazon.When shipped, item arrived dead.Printer carriage did not move into position, soink cartridges could not be loaded. Defective printer was returned to Amazon (which promptly credited the return, including postage).

On this single anecdotal incident, I do not fault either Epson or Amazon. Stuff happens.Perhaps damage in shipping.I merely provide this information for consumer information, in case other buyers have the same problem.

My star rating is nominal, since unit received did not function at all

Beats any lab prints
The Epson R1800 is built like a tank.Upon first inspection out of the box, you will be suprised at it's size.Set-up out of the box was a breeze.About 10 minutes of unwrapping everything and software installation and I was ready to print.

The first prints came out amazing.I used to work in a one hour photo lab with a Noritsu QSS-3011, basically the Cadallic of mini-lab printers.The best of the best.I am college student majoring in photography so quality is #1 to me.I would always print my pictures at the lab and fine tune each print so I would get the best.With this printer, I get nearly the EXACT SAME QUALITY.Which is nothing short of amazing considering we are talking about a lab machine that is in the costs of tens of thousands of dollars.The prints that I have printed from the R1800 rival the quality of that from the Nortisu lab printer.

The 8 inks provide a cost effective method instead of replacing one expensive color tank when just one color runs out.You can just replace whatever color you run out of.

The R1800 prints bordless sizes up to 13" in width.It can print panoramics from 4" to 13" from rolls of paper. Imgaine having a 13" by 44" panoramic on your wall!With the R1800, it's just that easy.

The R1800 can also print on CD's, which is a neat feature, but one that I probably won't use too much until I get ready to graduate and create portfolio CD's with my work on them.

5,760 x 1,440 optimized dpi resolution is what makes these prints so amazingly crisp in quality.

The speed of the printer is pretty impressive too.11x14's in under 3 minutes?4x6's in under 45 seconds?Yes please!

I believe the best paper I've used with R1800 is Epson's Premium Luster paper.It's semi glossy with a sheer luster to it that makes the color and contrast hold of the paper look amazing.

If you are even an amatuer photographer and care about the quality of your printers and are in the market for an at home studio printer, you cannot go wrong with the R1800.I would reccommend nothing else. ... Read more

Product Description

3.3-megapixel CCD * digital photo mode with built-in flash * digital photo resolution options: 2016 x 1512; 1600 x 1200; 640 x 480 * compatible with Memory Stick Duo or Memory Stick PRO® Duo (16MB Memory Stick Duo supplied) * 2-11/16" widescreen color touch-panel LCD * ... Read more

Features

• Professional quality Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar T* lens
• 2.7-inches wide touch panel SwivelScreen LCD display
• Direct your own personal movies with the DCR-HC90 MiniDV Handycam camcorder from Sony
• 1/3-inch advanced HAD CCD imager with 3.3 megapixel still image capabilities
• 10x optical zoom lens with 120x digital zoom

Reviews (3)

High Quality, 100% Accessible, INCREDIBLE RESULTS!
When I was first looking for a new video camera to make my films on, I wasnt even looking at MiniDV. I was actually looking at the $3,000.000 Canon professional DV camera. After hours of searching online, I finally found a video camera that I didnt even expect to buy. The DCR HC90. And, man, am I glad that I bought it! I was really looking for something sleek and professional, with exceptional quality. So I knew that I had to go with Sony. I read previous reviews for this camera, and I was wondering how such amazing quality could come out of something so small. And I didnt even totally realize how small the camera was until I recieved it. I have relatively large hands and the camera is the size of my palm! The camera has a very durable and sleek look to it. If this were a cell phone, it would be like Motorolla's RAZR v3 phone. It is so tiny and compact! The supersteady shot is AMAZING! I was thinking I was going to need a dolly for the set of my new movie, but it turns out that I didnt need one, because the steady shot is so perfect, it naturally looks like I'm panning and dollying. IT'S SO PERFECT! The LCD screen gives off ABSOLUTELY CRYSTAL CLEAR PICTURE! And its in TRUE 1.85:1 Widescreen! Which is very helpful for me, considering I am making professional films to send out to big time festivals. The special lens, which does auto focus for you, is absolutely INCREDIBLE! When I hooked my camera up to my TV (which isnt even a hi-def tv), I was blown away with how crystal clear the picture was, and how perfect the focus was. When I was watching the video footage I filmed for my new feature, my friends walked in, and asked me what DVD I was watching because the quality is so unbelievably perfect! All of the features are listed on the camera's LCD touch screen, which impressed many of my cast and crew on the set of my film. (I reccomend a screen protector, just because you are going to constantly touch the screen.) The touch screen is 100% perfect with no flaws! It even has little cartoons that show you what the camera will do! Absolutely stunning! I also bought the compatible 4 channel wide stereo microphone. THE AUDIO IS CRYSTAL CLEAR! YOU COULD LITERALLY HEAR A PIN DROP! The compatiblity between the microphone and camera is exceptional! The camera lets you choose what type of audio you want to record, and records it in its original, pristine condition. It sounds EXACTLY like if you were back at your filming location. And looks exactly like you ARE THERE!
This camera does EXTREMELY well with computer hookups for digital editing. My previous camera lost alot of quality in the camera to computer transfer, and with the HC90, I dont lose one speck of color, or one beat of sound! ITS ABSOLUTELY STUNNING! THIS CAMERA IS A MUST BUY FOR ANYONE LOOKING FOR A HIGH QUALITY, EXTREMEMLY EASY TO USE, AND REWARDING VIDEO CAMERA! My new film actually looks like it was filmed on 35mm, and it is impressing many people when I pull out the camera, they are blown away with the exceptional quality of this little camera!
WORTH EVERY PENNY!

Camcorder Works Like a Dream
I picked this little gem up at the Sony store less than a month ago. They had all their camcorder models lined up on the shelf and the HC90 stood out like a Beauty Queen on a Catwalk. The overall design is an aesthetic masterpiece and fits ever-so perfectly in the palm of one's hand. It is super light weight and you can carry it around effortlessly for hours (it is compact enough to fit in your trouser pocket). All the basic controls are easily accessible to thumb and fingers, and it couldn't be easier to operate.
This is my first camcorder so I was under the impression that I would have some intensive study of the included manual ahead of me. I was mistaken. All I had to do was skim the first few pages and I was off and running (albeit in Easy Mode).
I have read some critical reviews of Sony camcorders bemoaning their compatibility with third party components, such as PC's. Nothing further could be from the truth! I own a Mac Powerbook. I took a few snaps in Picture Mode and the USB cable loaded them seamlessly into iPhoto. I picked up a cheap 4 to 6 pin Firewire cable at RadioShack, connected the device to my Powerbook and iMovie instantly downloaded the widescreen video footage without any prompting. And it was the same ease of operation in connecting it to my TV, my VCR and my DVD player. I can honestly say that I have never encountered a piece of high technology that operated with such ease and joyful simplicity. I have already shot hours of video without further consulting of the manual and the included software disc remains in its sealed envelope. This little gem seems almost organic in its construction and operation.
At 3.3 MP, the still photos are quite excellent and the panoramic option is a real cool feature. The video is superb. I live out in the forest and I can only describe the image quality as true to life. The built in microphone is excellent. When I reviewed some footage shot out in the swamp it was as though the bull frogs were singing right in my living room! The only drawback is that it amplifies anything stronger than a light breeze, but I found that this can be minimized by closing the LCD display and taking advantage of the camcorders sleek exterior design.
The battery life can also prove irksome if you like extended shootings.But for a modest investment you can purchase a battery with twice the life.
Do I like my new DCR-HC90 Camcorder? No! I absolutely LOVE it!!!It is so portable and easy to use that you can just take it everywhere without even thinking about it, and it attracts looks of admiration and envy wherever it goes.
The one I bought was the last one in stock. The salesman whom attended to me said the model was selling like hot cakes, and even though it was the priciest item on display, they were literaly flying off the shelves into the eager hands of happy customers. It is easy to see why.I have a Canon G6, a fine device in its own right. Since I acquired my HC90, it is more or less collecting cobwebs in a forgotten corner of my cabin.

Great, HI Res., 16:9Camcorder
I did quite a bit of homework before purchasing the HC-90. I wanted High quality DV in a 16:9 format. I own a 42" Sony LCD HDTV and I wanted sharp, high quality performance.

Other factors for me: Solid build (exterior), and good quality parts (interior). Firewire, size, ease of use, MiniDv, and price.

Things that I got but didn't expect:

size- When the package arrived, I was surprised at the size of the box it came in. It is small. When I opened the box, I was even more surprised at the size of the camera. I was expecting something compact but this little camera is small. I own a JVC MiniDV camera and it is about twice the size and 4 times as heavy. I wanted a small camera but thought that I would have to sacrifice some functionality for size. Well, I didn't. I don't think that I would want a smaller camera or it would start becoming difficult to push the correct buttons without looking around the camera first.

Still shots- I have read some comments that this camera doesn't take quality still pictures. I didn't buy it for that but this camera takes really nice photographs and in 16:9 format so it is just like having a wide angle lens. If you email your images or make DVD slide shows, this camera can take some quality shots. I have email some of the pictures to family and I had to resize them all to make them a lot smaller in dimension and subsequently, the images became sharper and details stood out. The flash works just as well as any other still digital camera I have owned. More than adequate for emailing or sharing on the web. I will be leaving my Olympus still camera behind on family outings because the HC-90 can take its place.

Motor function- I was simply amazed at the motor and function of the motorized parts in this camera. This thing is fast. Really fast. My JVC is a 3 year old piece of clunky crap compared to the HC-90. When you are playing back a movie and want to scan forward quickly, there is no waiting around for it to change gears, it does it instantly. The push button LCD is very responsive and the camera will take commands without clunking and whining. It rewinds very quickly. It sounds solid and it performs. I am most pleased with this surprise.

Things I expected (the good)

The video quality- So far it has been awesome. As I said earlier, I own a 42" Sony Widescreen and to see the entire screen filled with video is a delight for me. The colors are rich and the details are fine enough to satisfy me. The camera seems to handle 16:9 perfectly. My wife was astonished at the quality when she first saw it. I used the camera in low light mainly. Dimly lit rooms with lamps. The steady shot works great, giving a flowing look to video when you are walking around. The colors remained bright in low lit areas and in the sun, colors are rich. I messed around with some of the features and they all look good. My wife is a point and shoot person and I taught her to push the easy mode button and she was off. No teaching her how to use it. Common sense is all you need.

Dumping DV to my MAC G4 PowerBook- I plugged it in via firewire, IMovie picked up the camera instantly and I began dumping DV as well as editing. That was all there was to it. I haven't even looked at the software that Sony sent. IMovie also recognized the 16:9 ratio and set up my project accordingly. Quick Time and the Sorenson 3 codec had to be fed the aspect ratio manually. I have to figure out pixel sizes with a calculator. I plugged in the USB cable to the camera and my MAC and the MAC mounted the volume and imported my images flawlessly. I also did the same with my WINXP PC. Just plugged in the USB cable and Voila. It showed up as a new drive in My Computer.

I also used the HC90 for ICHAT on my MAC laptop. The guy on the other end said he got great video from me. The chat session was between Hawaii and Ireland.

Build Quality - Awesome. There is NO creaking (like my JVC). The camera is ergonomically great for my hands and my wife also agrees. All of the buttons are in the right place. The touch panel LCD is wonderful for me. It is solid and I don't worry about it ripping off when opening it and when you close it, it makes a satisfying thud like it was meant to be slammed shut in a hurry. The top loading of the tapes is great. No need to lay the camera on its side or anything like that. I can change the tape while the camera is plugged in to fire wire and the power simultaneously. The camera is very light but built very, very well. I am totally pleased with the build quality. It feels like a Sony. The zoom button is light or easy to manipulate but it can either zoom slowly or very quickly. It is quite sensitive and took a little getting used to. My old JVC felt like it was going to crumble in my hand and the mechanisms seemed so fragile but this camera feels like it can be handled with less apprehension.

Things that could be an issue but not as of yet.

The pry open plastic doors for cable plug in access - To charge the battery, you have to pry open one of the plastic covers to access the inputs. I can understand that these covers protect the jacks from dirt, etc. Some have said that they may easily become detached in the future. I beg to differ. My JVC has the same type of protective covers and I have not broken them off in 3 years. I was always prying on them because I am always plugging firewire, etc in to the ports. They never broke and most likely never will. I think the hinge is that annoying plasic that never breaks no matter how much you flex it. The more you use the covers, the more plyable they becaome and easier to access. The sony covers are good quality and I doubt these will ever be an issue. It is somewhat inconvienient to charge the camera because you have to open the cover first. The stand alone chargers are not that expensive and I purchased a spare battery so it might be worth getting the charger.

Memory Stick Pro - I spent a bunch of money for a Memory stick original for my Sony Still camera and it will not work in this DV Camcorder. The little one that they sent in not adequate. Looks like I will have to buy another one soon. I wish I did not.

Lens cover - This camera has a shutter that opens when you turn the power on so that you don't have to fiddle with lens covers. I absolutely love this feature but, dirt, sand, crap can collect in that area even though the lens will be protected. There are threads there for lenses and filters. There should have been a plain glass lens there to occupy and protect that area from the elements. I will most likely get a cheap filter to screw in there and protect the fine threads.

All in all, I love this little camera and I am sure that my family will enjoy it for years to come. Between this, my 12" MAC PowerBook, my 42" Sony HDTV, and living in Hawaii, I think I have what I need for ample amounts of fun.

... Read more

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 13-by-17-inch enlargements
• 10x optical zoom Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens; includes EasyShare Camera Dock 6000 for easy recharging and picture transfer
• 2.2-inch high-resolution LCD display screen; 0.4 second click-to-capture time; 16 programmed scene modes
• Store images in 32 MB of internal memory or on optional Secure Digital (SD) memory cards
• Powered by Kodak EasyShare Li-Ion rechargeable battery (included with charger)

Features

• High speed data transfer
• Secure transfer of copyright protected content
• Real-time recording of high resolution images and video
• Approximately 1/3 the size of a Memory Stick card
• Measurements -0.8 x 1.2 x 0.06

Product Description

3 separate CCD sensors for red, green, and blue * 640,000 effective pixels per sensor for video * 710,000 effective pixels per sensor for photos * variable-speed 10X Leica® Dicomar® optical zoom lens (digital zoom to 700X) * manual focus ring * records video on tiny Mini DV tapes * digital photo mode * 3.1-megapixel photo capture with Quad-Density Pixel Distribution * SD memory card slot * microphone input * Optical Image Stabilizer * ... Read more

Features

• Leica Dicomar lens
• 3.1 Mega Still picture recording
• 2.5 inches diagonal LCD
• USB 2.0 hi-speed port
• 3CCD camera system

Reviews (2)

Highly Recommended
Perhaps the biggest failure of this product is the lack of documentation on how well this camcorder operates with Macintosh.Using a 4pin to 6pin Firewire cable (not included), this camera easily connects to Macs making an easy tranfer into iMovie for editing. In fact, I couldn't find any mention of how to use Firewire with this camcorder.
This camcorder is extremely small and I was concerned about how well I would like the small controls. I was very surprised at how easy the controls were to use.
Picture quality is very good, even in low light conditions. In-door shooting will usually require the whitebalance to be manually set because in auto mode lighting is yellow, but it is as easy as clicking a menu item.
It also makes transfering from VHS to miniDV easy with the enclosed cables.
I'm giving 4 stars due to the documentation.

MotionDV socks
Excellent camcorder with a lot of feartures. Bravo to Panasonic hardware engineers. However, I spent entire weekend in trying to connect camcorder to Motion DV. Instructions in English are made from direct computer translation from Japanese, so it is very hard. French version a little better. No a clear expalnation between USB and IEEE connection options. As the result, you will do a false step in installation, then you will be not able to desinstall Motion DV, you will need to manipulate your registry files and so on. Finally I gave up and installed Premiere LE from my last camcorder whichwas working immediately with all features.
... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

High speed, sharp resolution, and economical ink refills: Could you ask for more in a home printer? The Canon PIXMA ip4000 is designed with over 1,800 nozzles that produce tiny 2-picoliter droplets, resulting in finely detailed images that are worthy to save in your family album. Pigment-based inks insure colors will stay true, and the prints are resistant to water, fading, and smudges.

This printer can connect directly to select digital cameras. Learn more about PictBridge.

With resolutions up to 600 x 600 dpi black and 4,800 x 1,200 dpi color, your office documents or school reports will look as beautiful as your photos. Built-in two-sided printing reduces your paper costs and allows you truly professional design options. Top speeds of 25 ppm black and 17 ppm color (draft mode) will have your pages in hand in just a few seconds; a borderless 4-by-6-inch photo can take as little as 36 seconds--as fast as those old instant cameras, but with better quality. Thanks to the PictBridge-compatible direct print port, you can connect your digital camera and churn out photos while bypassing your computer system.

The ip4000 is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems, and