Amazon.com Product Description

With its compact, lightweight, and sleek design, you can take the Olympus Tracker binocular anywhere and still enjoy the great view. With a magnification of 8x to 16x and an objective lens diameter of 25mm, faraway images will be in sharp detail with brilliant clarity. The lens itself is made from special optical material to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays, while the full multicoating keeps maintains brightness and contrast.

The BaK-4 prisms have a high refractive index for complete edge-to-edge clarity. The center knob is in perfect placement for your fingers to comfortably adjust the focus. The built-in dioptric correction adjusts for individual eyesight so everyone can use the binocular to its full potential. The Tracker also has eyecups that twist up and down, allowing each user to personalize the binocular to their comfort, while the long eye relief is a necessary feature for eyeglass wearers. ... Read more

Features

• 8x to 16x magnification and 25mm objective lens
• Field of view: 79 to 51 meters (at 1,000 yards)
• High-index prisms for a bright, crisp image
• Compact and lightweight for portability
• Twisting eyecups for personal comfort; central focus knob and dioptric correction

Features

• Fully coated optics
• 16MB of internal memory
• Optimum imaging range from 49' to infinity
• Capture up to 60 seconds of video with internal memory
• Minimum interpupilary distance is 57mm

Reviews (5)

Stay away
The first camera died the day after Christmas. The second lasted four months longer, but only because we didn't use it in the interim. The problem was the same in both cases: for no apparent reason, the camera fails to turn on.

Gave it as a Christmas present didn't work
Not good a waste of money it didn't work. No power went to the camera so it did not work. Son in Law took it on Vacation useless.

Capture View
Instructions very poor. For exam ple, instr. do not tell you that batteries must be in camera and camera must be "on" in order to download to PC. Also not told that if you take batteries out ,will lose any pictures still in camera. Maybe this is elemenetary to a camera buff but not to a novice like myself.

Battery contacts in battery compartment not well designed or installed. Hard to make contact to activate camera.One spring terminal was "bent" when I got camera and had to be straightened to get battery in. Sometimes batteries will make contact and sometimes not.

Judging by the few pictures that I have been able to view, picture quality seems to be good, however.

I'd like a replacement but not sure how to expediently accomplish this.

An item to avoid
The Meade CaptureView has two features that should annoy most of us. First of all, it is powered by two AA batteries, but claims to be unable to prevent the batteries from discharging and harming the device if the batteries are left in while the device is off.

Secondly, its USB interface is apparently a version of the USB mass storage standard altered to prevent it from working with anything but Microsoft operating systems. For a company one often associates with scientific interests, active discrimination against users of Mac and unix seems unwarranted.

Poorly designed but a great idea awaiting improvement
I pre-ordered this binocular/camera gizmo a few months before it was available, anxious for its release. I got it a few months late, but here are my thoughts. While it's certainly a great idea spotting that unusual bird and snapping a close up photo of it. Unfortunately this particular product is one of those made by the same people who design tippy, shallow beverage holders for cars. Just a little more thinking on the part of the designer would lead to a drink holder that will hold a beverage upright in a moving vehicle. Similar problems with the Meade binocular here. For example: the camera runs by batteries which the instructions recommend you remove each time after you use the camera. Better design would include an on-off switch. Would you buy a battery operated radio if you had to remove the battery after each use?
I returned this product for refund, though I do look forward to future revisions. :) ... Read more

Features

• Time is kept accurate automatically by synching up with the US Atomic Clock's radio signals
• Changeable front cover - grey or blue
• Mounts to the wall or sits on a desk
• Calendar
• Crescendo Alarm

Reviews (1)

Great gift! Innovation and Quality
I've been looking for a unique gift for my father-in-law who has everything and this photo frame with indoor/outdoor temperature was perfect. The remote sensor works up to 100 feet and goes through wood/brick/stone/everything! The clock is an atomic clock which automatically sets itself to a signal broadcast from Colorado that is always accurate. Finally, the frame comes with two faceplates grey and blue that are easy to change and fit well into any room. I liked it so much that I bought another one for myself. ... Read more

Features

• Recommended Use:Hunting
• Reputation for top value and are great for target shooters, hunters, wildlife observers and birders
• 20-60x zoom provides higher magnification for more detailed viewing
• Light Wieght
• Tri-pod Mounting

Amazon.com Review

Following up on their S40, Canon's Powershot S45 offers the same aesthetically pleasing metallic chassis with the powerful innards to go along with it. With a 4 megapixel CCD, images taken with the S45 were deeply detailed and could be easily printed out at 8 by 11 and larger without any loss of resolution.

Although the 3x optical zoom is average for mid-range cameras and above, it still let us get in a bit closer to our subjects when snapping shots. Improving on the S40, the S45 now captures video clips--complete with audio--of up to three minutes in length (although you'll probably want a larger storage card than the 32 MB CF card the S45 ships with). There are also easy-to-use video playback and editing controls on the camera itself.

A unique design, the metal lens cover of the S45 serves as the on/off switch--slide it open and the camera turns on, slide it closed and it powers down, with the lens folding out or back into the frame of the body respectively. You can't put any accessory lenses onto the S45 because of this design, but you'll also never try to take any pictures with the lens cap on.

The rechargeable batteries lasted for well over 200 shots before needing to be plugged in. And that's with the LCD on--Canon promises a life of over 500 without the LCD. Speaking of, the bright and large 1.8-inch LCD took up nearly half of the back of the S45 and followed the lens quickly while using it for framing shots.

While it weighs a solid 11 ounces, the 4.4-inch by 2.3-inch by 1.7-inch camera is compact enough to slide into a pocket, making it easier to take on day trips than bulkier Powershot models. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Enhanced movie mode
• Compact design
• Well priced

Cons:

• No accessory lenses
• Average optical zoom

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for photo-quality prints up to 11 x 14 inches
• 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds approximately 27 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses proprietary NB-2L lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)

Reviews (55)

Beware that sliding door!
The Canon PowerShot S45 was a terrific small digital camera when it was introduced, but the digital camera market advances quickly and this model has been surpassed by Canon's own S50 (5 megapixel in the same body only in high-tech black). Serious photographers seekng a digital would turn to Canon's EOS Digital Rebel. This is a good camera if you want lots of features in a small package without paying a lot of money.

Features begin with the generous maximum 4 megapixel image size (you can make them smaller to conserve space on the CompactFlash card). Several modes are available to you such as Sports (high shutter-speed and high resolution shots), Portrait, Night, etc. You can put it in complete Idiot Mode (okay, Automatic mode) and let it select your shutter speed and aperture, or you can pick one or the other and let the camera pick the missing one, or you can go full into Manual mode and pick both. There's even a Movie mode, complete with sound (although the product info above suggests this is new to the S45, this was available on its precursors the S30 and S40). These video clips are 320 x 200 pixels.

This small camera fits in a purse or shirt pocket easily and won't get in the way if you're shouldering it in a case (not included). But you pay a price for the small size: the optical zoom is limited to 3x. And unfortuately, the S50, like all the PowerShot S family, starts out at a focal length of 11mm, which is a very wide-angle view. Even at 3X optical zoom you will only come in to 55mm, often not as close as you'd need. There is a digital zoom, but so what? Crop your picture in software later rather than play with that silly feature. But getting back to the range, I found it insufficient for shooting across a large room. If you work closer in this won't be a problem, but 55mm is not a good focal length for shooting children, who stop what they're doing when they notice you right next to them.

The sliding door that covers the lens (and turns on the camera) seems flimsy and can cause problems. My 3YO niece got ahold of my S40's (exact same body as the S45) and ripped the door off. I was able to reattach it but now it's a loose tooth, waiting to fall off again. Even under warranty, my choice was to send it back to Canon for 12 weeks or live with it. I couldn't live without the camera, so I kept it, loose sliding door and all. I've just learned not to lend it to people who can't baby it; a good push and that door is off the camera again.

One of the S45's limitations is a slow shutter response. I can't tell you how many shots I've missed using it; I frame it lovingly, I see the perfect moment, I shoot... but no score. The people have moved on, the sun has set, the universe suffers heat-death, and finally the shutter clicks. If you want a fast shutter then you must have a digital SLR, as almost all the compact-style digital cameras such as this one have the delayed shutter issue. Another note of annoyance on the PowerShot S family: they come with a wrist strap but no shoulder strap. I don't know what use a wrist strip is for a camera; if I'm not using it then I want my hands free. I bought a generic shoulder strap but it wasn't a great fit. At least Canon should offer one as an extra-cost accessory.

I still give this camera 4 stars for putting so many features in such a small package. The pictures are reasonably good, and at this size you can crop plenty out and still print good 4x6 inch images. The PowerShot S45 comes with software, but you'll probably want to buy your own image editing package, such as Photoshop Elements. The one provided is fairly limited. Useful software includes PhotoStitch, which allows you to make your own panaramic style images from a series of linked shots. The included 32 MB CompactFlash card is also too small for typical use, so plan on buying a bigger card. Also plan on buying a second battery.

Compact & well built camera takes great pictures!
After extensive research, I decided on this camera as a replacement for my older 2 megapixel Olympus 2040. I have been very impressed with it so far - it seems very well built (sturdy), is small enough to fit in my coat pocket, and takes great pictures. The telescoping lens extends and retracts very quickly making it easy to take a picture on a moment's notice - this was a problem with my old camera - it was too slow.

When researching the camera, I was trying to find one that took "AA" batteries since they are much cheaper (NiMH). However, the Canon NB-2L battery isn't too expensive if purchased from a third party retailer (I got a generic one for [$$]). Also, the included charger is very small and portable with built in retractable AC plug - it's lightweight and easy to throw in a bag and take with you.

The camera records the orientation that each photo is shot with in the EXIF header, and if you use the bundled Canon software to download the photos, it auto-rotates them for you. This is very handy. Unfortunately, it doesn't work if you use other software such as iPhoto or Image Capture.

The mode dial is very handy - it has enough settings on it (ie, automatic, manual, shutter priority, aperture priority, night shot, portrait, movie mode, etc.) that you can quickly flip to the one you want. My old camera required the use of menu systems to set most of these modes - the dial is much faster.

The camera features a stitch mode which allows you to stitch together multiple pictures to form a panorama. When in this mode, the camera shows you the last picture you took (offset to the side) allowing you to roughly overlap 1/3 of the next picture with the previous one. Using the included stitch software, I was able to easily make a Quicktime VR movie - pretty cool. You can also make panoramas with this mode, and unlike some manufacturers (Olympus), this works with any brand of CF card, it doesn't have to be the manufacturer supplied one.

The only drawback I've found for this camera is the lack of a USB auto-mounter feature ("Mass Storage Device") which many other cameras have. This feature allows you to just plug in the USB cable to your computer and have the camera auto-mount on your desktop like any other removable disk. I wish Canon would include this feature since it enables you to completely bypass software for the import process. This is something I can live without though - the other features make up for it.

Overall, a great camera which I would highly recommend!

Poor Quality
My S45 has broke twice in the 6 months I have had it. I am very disapionted. I've always bought Canon but will look somewhere else next time! Very poor quality.

Good camera - except for red eye
Happy with the features, functions, and performance of the camera in all except one area. The red eye reduction function is useless. I'm aware of the physical reasons behind red eye, and undertand it can never be completely eliminated. But most of the photos I've taken of friends and family are absolutely terrible when it comes to red eye. I had a compact Pentax zoom 35mm before this, and the red eye reduction with that camera was outstanding. Cannot undertand how many outstanding reviews I read about this camera with any mention of it's weakness in this area. If you ever plan on photographing someone's face, look for another camera.

Get one before they're gone!
I'd been waiting for the five megapixel version of the digital Elph, but when the first reviews of that camera came out, I was a little disappointed. It seems that Canon is having a bit of a problem cramming so many pixels on such a small sensor, resulting in noisy images.

What does this mean? It means that the four megapixel cameras are taking better looking photographs with smaller file sizes.

I decided to get the S45 over the S400 after a little research. The S400 will probably suit most users fine, but if you want to have manual control while still retaining a reasonable camera size, the S45 is great. The S45 also has the capability to shoot in RAW mode and the S400 does not. This allows you to store images in an uncompressed state, with all the data from the sensor intact. I wanted a camera that I could grow into, not a camera that I would completely master in an afternoon. Right now I'm using it in auto mode and experimenting with the many manual capabilities.

Downsides? While the camera is small, it doesn't fit comfortably in your pocket. If this is really important, buy the S400. After all, you won't get a shot if the camera isn't with you. I don't mind carrying a camera, so it's no big deal.

I bought this a few weeks ago when Amazon was closing them out at less than 300 bucks. They're gone, but still can be found elsewhere. ... Read more

Features

• Slim body and foldable design
• High-index BaK-4 roof prisms
• UV protection
• Center focus knob
• Built-in dioptric correction adjusts to each user's eyesight

Amazon.com Product Description

The Nikon Action series 10-22x50 Zoom XL binocular features quick and smooth central focusing. The precision-aligned, sharp, multicoated optics provide bright, clear images, and aspherical lenses help to eliminate distortion. This full-size binocular weighs 33.5 ounces and measures 7.6 inches long and 7.2 inches wide.

More features:

• Field of view at 1,000 feet: 198 feet at 10x
• Magnification: 10-22x
• BaK4 high-index prisms
• All-metal chassis and lens fittings housed in a polycarbonate body shell
• Diopter control allows easy compensation for common left eye-right eye vision imbalance
• Ergonomically shaped body that's rubber coated for easy grip
• Tripod adaptable

Features

• Quick central focusing
• Sharp multicoated optics for superb contrast and vivid color
• BaK4 high index prisms
• Diopter adjustment for strain-free viewing
• 10 to 22 x magnification

Amazon.com Product Description

Designed specifically for use with Sony's DCR-TRV820 Printing Camcorder, these small sheets of shiny sticker paper measure just 3-1/2" X 2-1/4"-perfect for printing out instant scrapbook-ready memories for friends and family. The paper is slightly glossy self-sticking paper connected to a thin backdrop, providing an extra edge to grasp slippery sheets firmly. Also included in the package are two ink ribbons that bring your pictures to life in deep, vivid color. Sony guarantees the products to be free of defect for 90 days after purchase. ... Read more

Features

• Water, fade, and smudge resistant inks
• Includes 2 types of sticker paper and 2 ink ribbons
• Acid-free formulation for durable results
• Inks won't bleed through pages
• For use with Sony DCR-TRV820

Features

• Fully coated optics
• Field of View: 290 ft. at 1000 yds.
• Ideal for hiking, travel and distant scenery
• Black rubber cover for durability

Reviews (1)

Pleasantly surprised
After a sour learning experience with highly-rated (by a stock tout in the WSJ!) Meade compact binoc, I was recently impressed with the quality and design of two samples of the 8X version of this model. For the price, the center sharpness and high eyepoint are impressive, the focusing is close-tolerance and smooth, and the image symmetry and collimation seem good. All of these qualities were notably absent from the touted model. While the 8x32 binocs are imperfect in edge sharpness and resistance to flare, they are entirely satisfactory, especially as gifts. ... Read more

Features

• The effect can be seen through the viewfinder and changed by rotating the filter
• Filter factor varies between 2.3 and 2.8, according to how the filter is rotated and its orientation to the sun
• Best results with SLR cameras
• Designed for wide angle lenses specifying a 72mm filter thread size
• Filter does not feature a front thread

Features

• 10x magnification
• Large 42mm lenses with 11.09 relative brightness
• Green Predator lenses with CAT coating for ultimate visibility
• Rugged green rubber armoring for shock protection and water resistance
• Long 20-millimeter eye relief and wrap-around rubber eyecups for ultimate comfort

Reviews (1)

Steiner Safari 8x22
I have used a top end Leica glass in the past, and needed something light and small in addition. This one is perfect, delivers a crisp & clear image. An amazing binocular for the money. ... Read more

Features

• Neutral density filters like the HAKUBA SUPND4-43 are used to slow shutter speeds with fast films, to decrease depth of field, and to lower the effective ISO of high speed film
• Neutral density filters are often overlooked by beginning photographers, despite multiple uses
• The ND filter can be used to lengthen exposure time, creating effects such as white foaming water in landscape photos that seems almost in motion
• The 4X filter factor used with the SUPND4-43 means, quite simply, that four times as much light is needed for exposure when the filter is mounted
• For use with lenses featuring 43MM filter threads

Features

• Recommended use: all-purpose big-game hunting (deer, antelope, elk, etc.), varmint hunting (wood chucks, prairie dogs, coyotes)
• Matte black finish
• Objective lens
• Mil Dot reticle
• One-piece hammer-forged Titanium tube

Features

• Versatile, all-purpose binoculars feature an impressive 500 ft. field-of-view
• Rubber-armored housing absorbs shock and protects them from bumps and bruises
• Zip focus system allows you to move through the entire focus range in less than a half-turn
• Magnification: 7x
• Objective lens: 35mm

Features

• Ideal for bird watching, boating, outdoor/nature, and hunting
• Waterproof, fogproof, and fully multi-coated lens
• BAK-4 prisms and long eye relief
• Magnification: 10x
• Objective lens: 26mm

Amazon.com Product Description

The Vivitar V3825 4-megapixel digital camera offers high-resolution imagery and simplicity of operation. Its 3x optical power zoom lens ranges from 7-20mm (equivalent to a film camera’s 34-97mm) and is complemented with a macro function. Optical zoom is supplemented with 2x digital zoom capability. In addition to outstanding digital still images, the V3825 also has a burst mode allowing for the capture of sequential images in rapid succession.

Images can be reviewed on the 1.6-inch color LCD and the five different resolution modes allow you to send images through e-mail or you can upload them to the Web. The camera can also capture up to 60 seconds of video using AVI format, and can provide live video up to 15 fps using your PC and its USB port.

Photos are stored on SmartMedia memory cards. The built-in flash has red-eye reduction to eliminate those unwanted photo blemishes. The camera comes with editing software for your PC and is powered by four AA alkaline batteries ... Read more

Features

• 4.0 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical plus 2x digital (6x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Expandable via Secure Digital memory cards
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Powered by 4 AA batteries--rechargeables recommended

Reviews (4)

Vivi Cam 3825
I have just bought this camera for my daughter at a Super Walmart on sale for $160.00. Brand new & still wrapped in box.
Have yet to try it but it makes me feel better that I saved almost $90.00. Will let you know how it works.
Alicia

acceptable results for price
I looked around a bit before I made my choice with the 3825. One of the places I looked was vivitar.com where I inspected the sample pictures taken with this camera. I was impressed with their results and a little confused with the one review that complained about "grainy" pictures.
There's a bit of a learning curve involved with this unit regarding making changes for indoor shooting and also being able to view the LCD when outdoors, but both can be accomplished with mastery of the manual.
I guess what hooked me on the 3825 was the discounted price of $198.00. The camera originally listed for $367.00.
The specs on this page are (or were) incorrect about the power requirements. It takes 2 AA cells.

I did encounter grainy output when using the digital zoom outdoors, although the output through the optical zoom is excellent.
I didn't realise that the pictures in digital cameras default to JPEG files. This results in colors derived from a somewhat limited spectrum. Not that this will make a difference for the average "point and shoot" enthuasist. But for closeup work where one requires an _exact_ match (like a glass lampshade) one will experience a subtle difference. I supppose all cameras in this price range save their output in this format and if one needs _exact_ color replication one must either use film or a higher end digital camera.
Notwithstanding my last comment I enjoy using the 3825 and look forward to many years of faithful service from it.

Grainy results
Bought this for my son. Most common functions were intuitive but we still needed to read the manual a lot. However, the pics were very grainy. My old 2MP Fuji Finepix had better resolution. We returned the Vivitar for a Samsung Digimax 360 (3.2 MP) which we like much better.

BE CAREFUL
REVISION!!!! I have received the camera and it is very nice. Do NOT believe the advertising - it DOES include a 16mB memory card and it only needs 2 AA batteries, NOT 4! It is a nice camera and well worth the new price! ... Read more

Features

• The Hoya 58mm Sepia Filter screws onto the end of any 58mm filter size SLR lens
• This filter lends a warm, nostalgic effect to photographs that might otherwise appear rather ordinary
• Sepia tones are infused across the entire image, making it appear to have been taken many years ago, and discolored with age

Amazon.com Review

You have to love a digital camera with a high level of zoom. Hewlett-Packard's Photosmart 850 offers 8x optical zoom in its relatively compact (for the optical length) lens. The camera itself, however, weighs over a pound. The camera also goes right into its 7x digital after you hit the end of the optical range, letting you seamlessly get closer to the action.

Unfortunately, the autofocus didn't always show us a crisp image on the LCD--the photos would show up sharply, but it was difficult to decide where exactly to line up the shot.

Other than minor issues with the zoom, we're enamored with the 850. Its 4.1-megapixel resolution results in deeply detailed images, while its 2-inch LCD displayed photos more brightly and in much higher quality than other digital camera LCDs. And the camera can record video (complete with audio) in clips of 288 x 216 pixel resolution and up to 60 seconds long. You can even record audio with your still photos to give them more life.

You'll want to spend some extra cash to upgrade the camera, however, as it only ships with a 16 MB Secure Digital media card. The optional docking station makes it easier to transfer images to your PC and also includes rechargeable batteries (the camera comes with four disposable AA batteries).

If you have a compatible HP printer, you can also print directly from the camera--no need to pass images through your PC. Although, if you do send your pictures to your computer, you can use HP's suite of tools, including HP's Instant Share, which lets you automatically send pictures to an e-mail recipient or the Web.

With its depth of resolution, high level of zoom, and versatility, the HP Photosmart 850 is a camera worth considering. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• 8x optical zoom
• Audio with still images
• 60-second video clips

Cons:

• Not as portable as some
• Focus issues

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at sizes up to 11 x 14 inches
• Autofocus lens with 8x optical plus 7x digital (56x total) zoom
• Included 16 MB SD card stores 15 images at default settings
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port; powered by 4 AA batteries (disposables included)
• Movie mode records video and audio for up to 60 seconds

Reviews (43)

New at digital but not 35mm photography! Lots of info!
I have been using 35mm cameras for 35 years taking pictures of the family, flowers, animals and landscapes so I think I know something about photo taking. I am a digital virgin though!
I shopped around before I purchased the HP-850. I was looking for a 35mm like camera with shutter (time exposures) and F-stop control, lots of zoom, macro ability, flash options (red eye & fill flash), good focusing abilities (low light and spot/averaging options), an easy to use inexpensive battery type and a reasonable price. All were there in the HP-850.
I recently used the camera on a trip to Hawaii where I tried all of it's options except the different white light options.
By purchasing a 110 Power Adapter cord from e-bay I was able to play with the many camera options and controls on my couch to learn the camera. I was also able to view the results and not use any battery power while doing all this.
I found the manual to be just fine. Naturally you have to be versed in 35mm camera use and wording to understand options and how to use them but that wouild be true with any camera.
The NIMH rechargable batteries lasted a long time (100+) photos. I used the power adapter each night to edit the days pictures so I really only used battery power to take photos. I did do some "on the spot" editing.
What I liked, and I liked a lot:
The powerfull zoom and the viewfinder indication (red box) when you transitioned into digital zoom.
The ability of the camera to take indoor pictures without a flash - it's amazing. Night time exposures were a lot of fun. With the amazing cameras natural bility to use natural light 1 - 3 seconds was plenty of shutter delay in all cases.
The flash red eye reduction and fill flash worked great but do take a few seconds to set up. I'm getting faster!
When Editing - the 4x enlarging option allows you to check focus detail over the whole picture. Also the second thought "are you sure" option before erasing a photo is great.

The view finder does not work until you get your face about 2 inches from the camera. This saves battery power.
The shutter can easily be partially depressed for focusing. You do noy easily set off the shutter.
I found the view screen great as a view finder when taking delayed shutter and time exposure photos.
The camera is light and fits my hand very nicely. The controls are easy to access and work. You do not need a tooth pick or pen. Once you learn the options and programs they make sense and are easy to use (I have not figured out the 4 white light options yet well enought to comment on them.
Shop around for a bag. Don't forget to make room for extra batteries and an extra memory disk.
I purchased a battery charger and two sets of NIMH rechargable batteries. I have not regretted it a minute.
What I did not like:
The camera takes some getting used to but then it may be me getting used to digital photography.
The view finder goes black and there is about a 1 - 1/2 (noticable) second delay before the camera takes the pictuer. This makes taking pictures of moving objects (ex = waved breaking or hitting a rock, standing wildlife - they seem to move constantly, people walking or swinging a golf club)a real challenge since you are never really sure what you are going to get and you have to anticipate. Of course you can always review and erase/try again. It also makes long distance shots using a lot of zoom very hard without a camera support of some kind.
My wife, who has problems with a point and shoot, had problems with the focus in low light (set at central area of view finder). She does not understand the need to aim the camera onto the focal point of the photo and 1/2 press the shutter button to set focus. She is smart so it would probably help if I spent some time a explained it to her.
The 16mb disk that comes with the camera is basically worthless as are the four batteries they provide.
When asking others (waiters, bus boys) to use the camera the view finder going black, the shutter delay (1 second about) and 1/2 shutter button focus really throws them. I usually had them take 3 pictures then edited for the best. It helped to tell them what to expect first off and of course thier patience and ability to listen/learn are factors.

great features for less price
I bought this camera for it's 8X optical zoom. This one produces good quality pictures and the video capturing is okay. Probably you need to avoid zooming while capturing video clips. It's definitely not for people who are looking for point and shoot camera. It takes a while to get used to shutter speed. The digital zoom is an added feature but not exciting. The camera comes with 16mb SD card , it should be upgraded to either 128mb or 256mb cards. This one eats batteries hence rechargeble batteries are must. The additional accesories needed are AC adapter and S-Video cable. Other than price of the camera you need to spend about 100-150 USD to get it complete. Still it's worth the expenses compared to other branded camera's with simillar features.

Take your time.
I've had this camera now for over a year and it is awesome. First of all to the people complaining about the battery life, you must have a faulty unit because my batteries last forever. I am always taking pictures and very rarely have to change batteries. I spent 4 days in Vegas and the Grand Canyon last year and took over 600 pictures and never even had to replace the batteries and that was also with constantly looking at the pictures on the screen and downloading them to my laptop without using a power adaptor. The pictures I have taken are awesome but you need to take the time to learn the camera options. For example you need to learn when to use the flash or change the shutter speed to get good shots. Its not complicated but most people don't bother to do this and then complain about poor pictures. Its your own fault. I even had a professional photographist complement pictures I have taken with this camera. The zoom is awesome. I have taken pictures of things over 1500 feet away and they look crystal clear. If you take your time and learn to use the many features of the camera you will be extremely happy with the results.

Complete tease!Takes spectacular photos; operates deplorably
This camera when it works takes spectacular photographs. Superior quality. However, this camera's reliability in terms of operation is awful. It burns through batteries as if they were candy. I always have had to have extra batteries on hand. More significantly, the camera refuses to turn on at times (even with fresh batteries). It also refuses to retract its lenses when turned off sometimes as well. I am completely frustrated with this camera. It now refuses to work at all despite seemingly operating correctly. The quality of this product surprised me given my previous complete satisfaction with other HP products.

New digital photographer
This is my first digital camera. I've had the camera for approximately 8 months. I have used it on two vacations and for family photo opportunities. So far I am very pleased with the camera and it's many functions. I could go on about all the good things but you, reading this, expect those things.
I have four things that I am having trouble adapting to after using a 35mm film camera for years.
1 - The screen going black and the delay in the shutter action really makes it difficult or almost impossible to take action shots. Even taking a standing animal or bird becomes hard because they move unpredictably. You can anticipate, and I'm getting better at that, but to visually follow a subject and take action pictures is impossible.
2 - The lense is super untill you get to the digital only point and then things get grainy. I now never use the digital section of the lense.
3 - It would really be nice to be able to manually focus. You can't.
4 - I would really like to put a polarizing lense on the camera but this is not easy to do and keep the "camera off" dimensions of the camera. Maybe HP has an adapter that will allow me to do this but "Camera World" in Portland did not know of any. ... Read more