Features

• 2-megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• Autofocus lens with 3x optical/2x digital (6x total) zoom
• Stores images on floppy discs or Memory Sticks (not included)
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port or via floppy drive
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery(included)

Reviews (8)

Very good but on limited use
I use this camera for work and it works very well. The only problem I have had with it is after a few months of taking 30 to 40 pictures a day it won't read a disk. I comes up with a formating error. I have had to send it out for repairs twice already. Other then that the picture quality and options are very nice.

Excellent Mavica Camera by Sony
If all you want is a straight forward and simple Digital Camera with Beautiful colors, Great ease in operation and high resolution get this before they will be gone
I got mine after using my older Sony Mavica MVC-FD88 for the last 3 years.
my older mavica costed much more and served me right and it has a 16 x Zoom with 1.3 Mega Pixel and MPEG with sound only on Floppies...
but Sony improve alot with this MVCFD200
First, they got a Floppy Disk Drive that accept all 3.5" disks which is great for uploading to older PC's with no USB etc.
and the new Memory stick with a USB to PC is unreal improvement
not to mention the feature of uploading and downloading between
all these formats!!!
the Memory stick that I use is 128 MB and it lets me take hundreds of high quality photos like no other Digital camera that I tried including "other" cameras with 4 Mega Pixel !!!
this is simply a great camera with some extra features like the MPEG (no sound)and 6x Zoom and Digital effects.
to me, these features are only extras and not importent as I have a Digital Camcorder in order to make high quality movies...
Sony always make the best cameras and that is a fact.

Sony...
Quite heavy but a good one. If you don't have problems carrying it with you then use it! Make sure to buy the Memory Stick because it is much better than relying on a floppy alone.

Some Good Features
I've used the Mavica 7 and 75 for years in my work (real estate). The features most useful were Zoom (10x optical), aperture (1.8 would do low light pictures) and the floppy disk convenience. The major draw back for me was poor printed photos. I thought the 200 was an opportunity to keep the good features and correct the poor resolution and add the alternate storage capability etc. I am not sure why but Sony reduced the zoom to 3x and changed the aperture. Unfortunately I'm returning my 200.

Many, maybe too many, features
I received this camera for my birthday. And after much waiting for shipping, it met my built up excitement. It takes great outdoor pictures and the flash is great in close nearly pitch-dark situations. Oddly enough, regular indoors pictures don't always turn out great, but who cares, just delete them. I strongly recommend getting addition equipment, a spare battery and at least 64Mb or Memory Stick. I've got a 128 which holds nearly 200 pictures at 2MP. The spare battery is nice, in that the one that comes with the camera has about 90 minutes of picture taking. The built-in macro zoom feature is a personal favorite because it does wonders to flowers. Kind of wish the optical zoom was stronger, maybe like x6 optical, x12 digital. I have yet to take full advantage of the Memory Stick to disk transfer feature, although I've done it a couple of times. Oh, but don't buy this camera for it's mpeg ablity, because it really doesn't have any. (I mean it does, but it's so poor that it's not worth talking about.) If Sony comes out with a FD Mavica with 3MP or more, I would strongly recommend it. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 38-170mm (4.5x) high-performance zoom lens
• Fully automatic operation with intelligent variable-power flash
• Ultracompact body with all-weather durability against water splashed from any direction
• Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass lens element
• Quartz date and time imprinting

Reviews (17)

Far Exceeds My Expectations
Bought this camera to replace one I had actually worn out! I run a lot of film through a camera in a year. This point and shoot camera gave me sharp pictures with good color on 400ASA film, indoors with flash. The flash was effective to 17 feet away. I put 200 ASA film in and shot pictures both indoors and out. Results were more than satisfactory. I plan to take this camera to Italy with me instead of my SLR. The zoom is smooth, and the image in the viewfinder is very close to actual picture. I love it! Worth every penny!

Olympus Zoom 170
I have owned quite a few cameras in my life, and feel this is one of the best I have come across. The zoom is excellent, and so far, only two rolls of film used, I have had zero failures. The buttons are a little bit small, and I just need to get used to that, the zoom is easy to use. The feel of the camera is good, despite its small size, it fits well in the hand. The point and shoot era is here, and all the years of my using a Nikon 35mm slr seem to be over. This is just too simple and easy. To go back to the changing lenses, carrying all the baggage, etc hardly seems worth the effort if the end result is as good or better.

Great Camera with excellent zoom
This is simply a great camera. I have used it for over 2 years. I bought it at buy.com when it was newly released. We bought it primarily for the zoom. The zoom is simply excellent. This is one of the best point and shoot i have used. I have used Canon and Minolta before. The controls are all conveniontly placed and the zoom works great. I have never missed a picture.

Best in its class.
Simple point and shoot. Awsome zoom. Pictures are consistenly sharp and clear. I'd recommend it, specially for travel when a digital camera just doesn't have enough memory to hold so many pics.

Great camera - my 2nd Stylus
Love it! I had my first Olympus Stylus for YEARS. After dropping my first camera way too many times (over many many years), I finally had to replace it. I was sticking with the Olympus Stylus. Like the first one, this camera also takes great pictures - especially close up people-pictures. I always use 200 film and get great results every time. Call me lucky. I don't need all this zoom power though and find I don't use it. Probably a little too much zoom for a hand-held camera, but the photos I take with this camera are very nice. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Canon EOS Rebel 2000 is an affordable, lightweight, andfull-featured automatic 35mm SLR for both beginning and advancedamateur photographers. It offers a host of special modes for specificshooting situations, including full auto, manual, night scene,portrait, landscape, and more. It also has shutter-speed priority andaperture priority modes--although most users will inevitably leave thecamera in full auto mode a majority of the time and the cameraperforms very well that way. Just remember that the empty rectanglesymbol on the mode dial is for full auto.

Some other basic features include an impressive seven-point autofocussystem, LCD panel with extensive information display, three exposuremetering modes (evaluative, partial, and centerweighted), autoexposure bracketing, a multiple exposure function, and depth-of-fieldpreview. The autofocus system is incredibly responsive, and includesseven focusing points that can be set individually for super creativeshooting. In other words, using the LCD panel as a guide, you can setthe camera to automatically focus on the far right focus point (or anyof the other points) so your main subject doesn't have to be in themiddle of the frame to be in focus in a snap.

In fact, most settings can be adjusted in creative ways on the Rebel2000, like the exposure level, which can be set to overexpose orunderexpose up to two full stops for tricky lighting situations whereyou might want to fool the camera's metering system. It also has asmall, built-in pop-up flash, plus a hot shoe for an additional flashunit. Overall, we found this camera to be smartly designed with anattractive look and a comfortable feel. ... Read more

Features

• Autofocus 35mm SLR with full manual options
• 28 to 80mm zoom lens included
• Retractable built-in flash
• 7-point autofocus system
• 35-zone exposure sensor

Amazon.com Product Description

The sleek, compact Elph Z3 from Canon slips easily into a purse or pocket, and its stylish, futuristic design and advanced features make this APS camera a must-have for gadget lovers.

With all the attention Canon's Digital Elph series has been receiving, it's easy to forget that the first Elph models were film cameras. This latest-generation model has much in common with its predecessors, including a chrome-and-aluminum body, diminutive dimensions, and use of the Advanced Photo System (APS) format.

Refinements for this model include a longer, lower shape--less like a deck of cards and more like a cell phone--and a backlit status LCD that emits a cool blue glow at the push of a button. Several other features were revised to improve photo quality, including a redesigned lens and a newly developed passive autofocus system. Additional features include a 2.3x zoom, spot metering, self-timer, and a five-mode flash with red-eye reduction.

A lithium CR123A battery provides power, and the camera uses APS film, a format jointly developed by five leading photo companies in 1996. The APS format is designed to take advantage of a number of technological advances developed in the decades since the introduction of 35mm film. Here are the main advantages to the APS format:

• Size and convenience: An APS cartridge is smaller than 35mm, and the film is completely enclosed, which simplifies film loading.
• Midroll rewind: Many cameras let you switch film midroll, allowing you to shoot in both color and black and white. Each roll has an indicator on top that lets you know if the film inside is unused, partially exposed, totally exposed, or developed. After developing, the negatives remain inside the cartridge for protection and long-term storage.
• Three print sizes: Most APS cameras let you choose from three proportions for your prints--"classic," which is a 3:2 ratio like 35mm; "HDTV," which is a 16:9 wide-screen format, and "panoramic," which is a long 3:1 print.
• Magnetic information storage: The film is coated with a magnetic layer much like a videotape. This layer can store information from the camera that can be used during developing and printing to make the best possible prints. This also means that photo time and date information can be printed on the back of each picture instead of the front.

The two biggest drawbacks to the format are size and availability. The negative is approximately half the size of 35mm, so each photo has less detail than an equivalent 35mm negative. This can result in pictures that look grainy, especially when enlarged. Though the format is popular, it's still relatively new, so the film can be harder to find than 35mm film and developing may be slightly more expensive. ... Read more

Features

• APS-format ultracompact point-and-shoot
• 23.5-54mm 2.3x zoom lens with autofocus
• 5-mode flash with red-eye reduction
• Automatic film loading, advance, and rewind
• Features date imprinting and self-timer

Amazon.com Product Description

You'd be hard-pressed to find a digital camera that captures better images than those from the Olympus E-20N. The camera pairs a 5-megapixel sensor with a high-quality custom-designed 4x zoom lens for photos with clarity that rivals film.

First, a note about naming conventions: this camera is also known as the E-20 and the E-20P. The N in E-20N signifies that this is an NTSC (North American) model. European versions are called E-20P because their video-out feature is designed to work with PAL televisions. The models are otherwise identical.

Design and Optics
The E-20N looks and feels like a high-quality professional film SLR. It's hefty, weighing in at 37 ounces, due both to the glass in the lens and the camera's cast-aluminum body. Unlike other digital cameras in its class, the lens on the E-20N is not removable, which is both a good thing and a bad thing. Digital SLRs from other manufacturers typically include just the camera body, and adding a quality lens is a substantial additional expense. Olympus asserts that having removable lenses exposes the sensor to dust, but digital SLRs from Nikon, Canon, and Fuji all use removable lenses, and dust isn't a widely reported problem with those models. Olympus also states that using a lens specifically designed for a digital camera produces sharper images than using a lens designed for a 35mm SLR. This makes sense, since the imaging sensor in a digital camera is smaller than a 35mm negative.

The lens on the E-20N contains aspheric elements, ED elements, and a Gauss-type lens group--features designed to maximize image quality, and typically found only on high-end lenses. In 35mm terms, the lens zooms from 35-140mm, with a maximum aperture of f2.0 to f2.4, depending on how much zoom is used. If you're looking for even more flexibility, add-on lenses ranging from 28mm to 420mm are available.

To compose your photos, either use the swivel-mounted 1.8-inch LCD on the back of the camera or look through the traditional-style ground-glass viewfinder. Most digital SLRs use a mirror to send light to either the viewfinder or the CCD sensor, but the Olympus uses a beam-splitter--basically a prism--to illuminate the viewfinder and the sensor simultaneously. The LCD monitor also sits on a hinge, letting you tilt it up 90 degrees, or down 20 degrees, so you can take pictures from unusual camera angles while still accurately framing the scene.

The 5-megapixel CCD sensor on the E-20N is one of the highest-resolution sensors currently available and captures images with filmlike detail. Like most CCDs, this unit retains a design limitation handed down from the device's origins in television cameras: it is an interlaced chip, which means the camera reads information from the CCD twice--once for all pixels in the sensor's even rows, and again for all the odd rows. The camera then merges these two sets of data into a single image. This technology limits the top shutter speed in 5-megapixel mode to 1/640th of a second--reasonably quick, but not fast enough for high-speed photography. To get around this limitation, Olympus has added a progressive-scan feature to the camera. In simple terms, this mode only reads information from half of the pixels on the sensor (and limits your photos to 2.5 megapixels), but increases your shutter speed to a screaming 1/18,000th of a second, increasing the camera's flexibility tremendously.

More Features
Shooting options on the E-20N include all of the typical modes you'd expect to see on a high-end consumer digital camera: program, aperture priority, shutter priority, and manual shooting modes. Other user-controlled settings include exposure compensation, metering mode, ISO setting, flash, white balance, and focus. Users can leave white balance on auto, select from a number of kelvin temperatures, or manually create a preset. The built-in flash features red-eye reduction, auto, fill-in, and off modes. External flashes can connect to the E-20N through the hot-shoe on top of the camera. Exposure compensation can be set from -3 to +3 EV in one-third EV increments. The ISO can be set to 80, 160, or 320. Also, an autobracketing feature takes three pictures, one over exposed and one under exposed, and allows you to set the exposure compensation up to one EV step in either direction, in one-third EV step increments. A histogram function lets you view exposure information after you capture an image, giving you instant feedback about how to improve your picture-taking skills. A large internal buffer allows the E-20N to take up to take up to four shots in sequence at three frames per second, even when set to record images as uncompressed TIFFs.

Power
The E-20N uses four AA or two CR-V3 lithium batteries--a set of the lithium batteries is included. These batteries have a long life, but they aren't rechargeable, so they're not a good long-term solution unless you're an extremely occasional photographer. We strongly recommend using a set of rechargeable nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Storage and Transfer
Unlike most other digital cameras, the E-20N uses both SmartMedia and CompactFlash (Type I and II, including the IBM Microdrive) for storage, and can use both simultaneously. The camera has slots for both types of cards, and a menu setting lets you toggle between the slots for storage. The included 32 MB SmartMedia card holds 11 pictures at full resolution with normal compression or two pictures in uncompressed TIFF mode. The card can be erased and reused over and over, but if you plan to take more than 11 photos on an outing, then you'll want a higher-capacity card--a 256 MB CompactFlash card, for example, holds around 80 photos at default settings.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The kit includes the camera, lens hood, lens cap, video, and USB cables, strap, lithium disposable batteries, wireless remote control, 32 MB SmartMedia card, basic manual, and software on CD, including Adobe PhotoShop Elements. Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but to make the most of your camera, we strongly recommend a higher-capacity memory card, rechargeable batteries, and a carrying case. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.

Conclusion
For serious 35mm SLR users considering a digital camera, the E-20N is a natural choice. The camera feels extremely solid, and controls are logically arranged. Thanks to the high-resolution sensor and fine lens, picture quality is excellent. Admittedly, there are still some areas where the E-20N can't keep up with a film camera, but unless you're a sports or news photographer who needs to blast through a roll of film in five seconds, or someone who requires an unusual lens, this Olympus should offer the features and performance you need. --Shane Burnett

Pros:

• 5-megapixel sensor captures filmlike detail
• Features, appearance, and performance are all similar to a 35mm SLR
• Dual memory card slots let you choose your format--or load both slots for more capacity

Cons:

• Though the lens is of extremely high quality, competitors' models feature detachable lenses
• Rechargeable batteries and more memory are necessities for long-term use

Features

• 5.2 megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 and beyond
• 4x optical zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 32 MB SmartMedia card holds 7 images at default resolution
• Compatible with SmartMedia and Type I and II CompactFlash
• Uses 2 disposable lithium batteries (included) or 4 AA batteries; auto-connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

Reviews (17)

This Is A Camera Not A Toy
What an amazing machine this is. After suffering through the flimsy plastic trinket cameras with little or no real optical quality, I finally own a truly versatile digital camera. The E-20 (as with the E10) offers extraordinary flexibility in digital photography. Prior to my recent purchase I spent at least a year and a half researching and waiting for this last pixel jump. The E-20 offers all of the flexibility of a high-level SLR which is missing on most other digital cameras.

Good Points:

-The feel... It has enough weight for good stability, and it fits your hand very nicely.
-Excellent lens with the ability to add extenders, filters, what-have-you.
-Super Image Quality
-Good bundled software (Adobe PhotoShop Elements and Camedia)
-Image control
-SmartMedia, CompactFlash, AND Microdrive compliant with the ability to use more than one card type at a time (you can switch between the cards).
-True SLR (some competitors offer interchangeable optics, but still have you look through a viewfinder. What's with that? I want to see what I'm taking.).
-Great accessories! (I can't wait to get the lithium polymer attachment)

Drawbacks
-I'll have to get a better strap
-Flexibility & control vs. ease of use trade-off... there are roughly 30 buttons to learn (but most of us will want that kind of control).
-It doesn't come with a case... even a cheapie
-I need to buy stock in a battery company
-Remembering to turn it off whenever I open the media bay or change power source

This is probably not the camera you would buy for your instamatic dependent Aunt Sally or Uncle Jimmy-Bob, but if push came to shove you could always tell them to just put the big knob on "P" (Program) and snap away.

When you pick your camera, don't go by statistics alone (or reviews alone for that matter). You've got to get out there and see how the camera feels in your hands. If you've a history with good quality 35mm SLR's you are going to love the E-20.

Excellent VeriPic compatible camera
We tested this camera for compatibility with VeriPic. We put it through its paces in all the modes including adjusting manual white balance, IS, PS and Noise Reduction mode, sharpness filter, all combinations of the 5 resolutions and 3 compression modes. The camera performed flawlessly and what amazed us is the camera was very frugal on the batteries. Once set of charged 1600 mah NiMH AA batteries actually got us through 350 pictures! This was a very pleasant supprise. The technical specs also don't mention another gem...There is a large RAM buffer that allows you to take up to 5 FULL mode resolution (5 MegaPixel) photos one after another without waiting for the photos to write to the Compact Flash card! This means you can take photos quickly without having the normal digital camera wait between photos that other cameras have. (The manual lists a 60 ms wait between shutter press and photo capture. This is almost too small to notice and the user will think this camera responds like a 35 mm SLR). The photos look great in FULL resolution JPeg at 1:2.7 compression. Don't use the two TIFF modes because you'll run out of memory card soon and there is no noticable quality difference between the TIFF and JPeg mode so you might as well use JPeg and save some memory. Additionally this camera is VeriPic compatible! That means it is suitable for professional insurance or evidence photography work. We would have given this camera 5 stars instead of 4 except for two things we didn't like about it. The camera is a bit too heavy and hard to lug around unlike the direct competitor (Minolta Dimage 7 which is significantly lighter) and the second drawback is that it is significantly higher price than the Dimage 7. Otherwise it is a great camera!

Olympus E-20N
I love this camera! This camera is the most like a TTL SL Reflex 35mm camera I've ever seen in a digital camera. The only drawback is how it seems to "go to sleep" between shots, if the shots are not within a few seconds of each other, and then the camera is hard to "wake up." Of course, I am still learning how to use the camera, especially with the built-in flash, and the Olympus dedicated flash. And as far as I am concerned, as a user of Canon and Nikon cameras for many years, I bought this camera because I know that Olympus has made great cameras for as long as I can remember, and the 5 megapixel print quality from its images is excellent.

OLYMPUS BUILDS GREAT PROFESIONAL SLR
I OWN AN E10 , E20 AND E1 . THEY ALL PRODUCE THE FINEST IMAGES I'VE EVER PRODUCED I'VE WORKED IN A STUDIO FOR 30 YEARS AND USED MANY CAMERAS INCLUDING AS LARGE 11 X 14 VUE CAMERAS . THE IMAGE QUALITY OF THESE CAMERAS IS HARD TO BEAT-THIS IS A GOOD CHOICE FOR ANYONE WHO IS WILLING TO READ THE MANUAL.-- THE OPTICS ARE THE ( BEST ) I'VE EVER HAD.INCLUDING NIKON OR CANON.IF I HAD TO PICK ONE IT WOULD BE THE E1 BECAUSE OF THE CHOICE OF OPTICS BUT FOR ALL AROUND WORK ITS A DRAW.

Best Buy at twice the price.
At least that is what I paid for the camera. I do most of my shots in camera raw which gives me aproximately 26 pictures on a 256 mg card. Excelent camera for use with Photoshop CS. Flash is weak for any type of professional use. Optics are excellent. The camera gives you the option to point and shoot or have complete control of all aspects of the picture. Untill the price comes down below 10K for a good digital back for my 2 1/4 in cameras, this is a top choice to use. The only thing better today is the E-1 which was not out when I purchased this camera. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Canon ELPH LT 260 is extremely light and compact for those whotravel frequently and need a camera that doesn't take up space. It is stylishlydesigned and includes many performance features to assure sharp, clearlyfocused pictures. The ELPH LT 260 features a high-quality 26-52mm lens. Its six- element, six-group design includes an aspherical element that produces clearimages with natural color. At the touch of a button, the electronic drive zoomsthe lens from wide-angle to telephoto in approximately two seconds.

The five- mode, built-in retractable flash gives you control over a wide range of low- light shooting conditions. Flash features include auto, auto with red-eyereduction, slow synch for night portraits, and off. There's also a real-timeshutter that responds almost instantly to enable shooting of action shots. Allthe features you've come to expect from an APS camera are included. There's achoice of three print formats, drop-in cartridge loading, captioning, and indexprints. Captions include "I Love You," "Thank You," "Season's Greetings," "HappyBirthday," "Congratulations," and date/time imprinting. The ELPH LT 260 fits inyour pocket and comes with a fully retractable lens and lens cover so you don'thave to worry about damaging the lens while moving from place to place. Toconserve the battery, the lens automatically retracts if the camera is leftunused for four minutes. Accessories include a wrist strap, soft case, 3-voltlithium battery, and an APS film cartridge ISO 200 with 15 exposures. ... Read more

Features

• Compact and ultralight Advanced Photo System camera
• 2x zoom brings you close to the action
• Stylish design; bright and clear viewfinder
• Fully automatic operation
• 4-mode built-in red-eye reduction flash

Reviews (28)

The best camera for casual photographers
I'm consistantly amazed at what Canon can pack into such a small package. I took a Canon Elph Jr. with me to Rome in the fall of 1999, and the pictures it took are spectacular. This camera has the 2x zoom feature, but otherwise it's very similar. The APS photosystem is easy to use, and the index prints and negatives that stay in the canister are godsends for those of us who are less organized than some. I was particularly struck by the clarity of the photos, the richness of the colours, and the ease of use of the camera. While the 24mm APS format is smaller than the 35mm standard film, the resolution is still excellent. Far better than any digital camera under $1000. One of the most useful characteristics is the tiny size. No one believes this is a film camera when I show it to them. And because it fits anywhere, I take it with me in my napsack and shoot photos of anything I find interesting. (I think my friends have come to curse this feature!) Paired with a $100 flatbed scanner to scan photos for your web page, or to send via email, I think the Elphs offer a far better bargain than any digital camera or film camera available today.

Maybe mine is defective.
I received the camera as a gift. Though the camera is light weight and compact, I was dissapointed to find that the Camera features did not perform as marketed to the consumer. The focus is less than adequate,if you could see through it you may be able to catch a fair picture. The feature for red eye, I would have to ask "is there really such a function?" The majorty of pictures which contain humans, dogs, cats, ect reflect red eye. And if your thinking of using this camera for a active event that may require a bit more rapid advance, be prepared to have photos that are overlapped, that is if the camera even advances the film that you pay more money to purchase and develop. If you are one that has your photos enlarged,(when you get a satisfactory shot) I hope you will not require anything bigger than a 5" x 7", as the film required for this camera can not produce enlargements bigger than the standard 5"x7". So forget making that panoramic picture into a larger size. Needless to say, I am one very dis-satisfied consumer.

Great camera!
I purchased this camera about a year ago and I have not had a single problem since! I took the camera to Japan and NYC, the pictures came out far better than anything I've seen before with a film camera. The colors were brillant and detailed, it felt like I was still there. The only problem is that some pictures came out with red eyes, however that was not a problem for me because they fix that at the place I take them to so I never even see the red eye. The battery lasted a year under heavy use, the longest I've ever had before. The controls are easy to use and really come in handy. For the price, this camera is definitely a gem!

Canon Elph 260LT
I would suggest this camera to anyone who wants a reasonable camera that takes wonderful pictures. I got this camera as a gift a few years ago, and have yet to take a picture that does not turn out perfect. (I do however suggest always using 400 speed film.) I have bought a few of this camera for gifts, and plan do buy more for this Christmas season. I have also talked other friends and relatives into buying this for their use! This is a great camera for a great value!

Excellent camera
I bought this camera for my hiking trip in New Zealand earlier this year. I was extremely pleased with it. It's small and convenient, and the pictures it took came out breathtaking! The flash is quite strong: this camera took great night pictures, even where other cameras failed! I also took pictures from airplains, through the glass, and most photos came out very good. Some (not all!) panoramic pictures aren't as sharp as one would ideally hope, but it also depended on how much I zoomed in. For those of you who are unsure whether the zoom feature is necessary, believe me, it is! The camera is very small, stylish and light, and everyone thinks it's a digital. Changing film was a breeze. I used this camera in some rugged conditions in the mountains, and it withstood the test. I wouldn't recommend using it when it rains, though; I don't think it's waterproof. The only thing I wasn't happy about was the fact that the cord attached to the camera was too short to put aroung my neck. This inconvenience can be easily overcome, though. (Also, I recommend using Kodak APS film and developing it at Kodak, using Perfect Touch.) All in all, a great camera, highly recommended, especially for scenic trips where you need to use the Panoramic viewer: you will be amazed at the quality of the pictures! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Quite simply, the Canon PowerShot G2 is an elegant, easy-to-use joy of a digital camera that boasts impressive 4-megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom, a bright LCD monitor that swivels off to the side of the camera and tilts up and down as needed, and maximum overall creative control in addition to a fully automatic mode. Of course, none of this comes as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with its popular predecessor, the PowerShot G1. Both of these cameras have features and picture-taking modes similar to Canon's EOS cameras, which means they have what Canon calls a "very camera-like feel." Some of the G2's more obvious improvements over the G1 (besides higher resolution) include a champagne gold finish, larger grip for easier handling, improved image and color quality, new photo-effect shooting mode for various effects, including black-and-white and sepia, and a new high-speed selectable three-point autofocus.

The G2's 4-megapixel CCD captures images at user-selectable resolutions of 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,024 x 768, and 640 x 480. This range allows for detail-rich 8-by-10-inch prints that match the results of film cameras as well as easy-to-upload images for the Web and e-mail. Choose between three varying degrees of JPEG compression or store images in the 10-bit RAW data file format for faster transfer without any image quality loss. Your computer easily translates the RAW files into TIFF files using Canon's included software.

The telescoping, 3x optical zoom lens (34-102mm equivalent on a 35mm camera) with 3.6x digital zoom, offers both automatic and manual focus control. The improved, high-speed, selectable three-point autofocus system allows flexibility in composition over the single focus point of the G1. A distance scale has been added on the LCD monitor for precision focus adjustment that works best for extreme close-ups. Improved circuitry allows the G2 to perform these advanced functions with faster image capture times and longer battery life than the G1.

Like the G1, the G2 has point-and-shoot settings that take the guesswork out of almost all situations, but the manual controls and creative options are where this camera stands out from the competition. Twelve EOS-style shooting modes allow for a wide range of creative possibilities, with manual focus zoom, adjustable aperture priority at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO, selectable shutter speed, and six preset white balances--sunny, cloudy, tungsten, etc. Canon has provided four presets for professional results when shooting for maximum depth of field, portraits, landscapes, and night scenes. Other creative controls include the photo-effect mode that allows four possible variations of the normal color saturation: vivid color, standard color, sepia tones, and standard black-and-white.

Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. Autoexposure bracketing allows you to intentionally over- and underexpose two extra shots to help capture the best picture possible. Five different flash modes, including red-eye reduction, handle after-dark challenges. The TTL hot shoe is fully compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes. The included software package goes beyond standard image processing with a remote capture function that allows complete control and manipulation of the camera functions from your computer keyboard. Canon's Stitch Assist program allows you to combine up to four images into one, seamless, panoramic view.

Exterior design features include the highly versatile LCD monitor from the G1 that needs no improvement; its 270-degree rotation allows all angles of image composition from around corners to self-portraits. Changes in ergonomics, as requested by the users of the G1, include a contoured grip for better one-handed shooting and a more streamlined look. Photographers new to the digital market will find the G2 as easy to use as previous PowerShot models, while professionals will be pleased with the improved selection of creative options for capturing the best possible images.

The G2 comes complete with USB port and cable for connection to PC or Macintosh computers; Canon's digital camera software package for downloading, processing, and organizing your images; a NTSC cable for connecting to a television set; a rechargeable BP-511 lithium-ion battery pack and AC adapter for charging the battery in the camera; a generous 32 MB CompactFlash card; infrared remote control; lens cap; and neck strap. The camera weighs about 14.8 ounces, and its dimensions are 4.8(W) by 3.0(H) by 2.5(D) inches. ... Read more

Features

• 4.1 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond
• 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds 24 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
• Movie mode captures variable amount of video depending upon memory card size
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

Reviews (150)

Canon G2 -The BEST digital camera for under $1000US! Period!
The Canon PowerShot G2 is a digital camera consumer's dream come true, and a nightmare for other digital camera manufacturers.

Make a list of features you'd expect and not expect to find from a "prosumer" digital camera, and chances are you'll find them on the G2. This is a little camera that was designed to act a lot bigger than many other digital cameras in its class.

You only have to pick up a G2 to realize that there's a lot more to it than meets the eye; this camera's significantly heavier and feels sturdier than any other camera in its class! The extra weight means better camera stabilization. The G2's sturdiness inspires confidence and makes the camera feel like a photographic tool, not an electronic gizmo.

From the tilt-and-swivel LCD, the magnification loupe for manual focusing, dedicated and fully functional flash hot-shoe, evaluative metering, IR autofocous assist mechanism, ISO 50, RAW image format, etc., etc., this camera has it all!.

Many photographers will argue that the real measures of any camera lie in the controls and results. The G2 doesn't disappoint in either of these respects. Although you'll have to familiarize yourself with the camera's controls initially, you'll soon find them very intuitive and actually use them more often than not.

The quality of images captured with the G2 is nothing short of superb! You'll get clean, detailed, very high-resolution photographs with the G2, especially if you use the camera's RAW mode at ISO 50.

The Canon PowerShot G2 is still a point-and-shoot digital camera. Anyone who's ever used an SLR will miss the optical viewfinder, true manual focus, and lens selection not available in the G2. However, this can be said for any other digital camera in the G2's class. In every other respect, the G2 rises above its inherent limitations and really challenges its competition to try and keep up!

Beyond the camera itself, Canon has really done the consumer proud by offering most every accessory that you would want included at no extra charge, i.e. an remote control unit, high-capacity rechargeable Lithium Ion battery, and remote capture software.

If you're in the market for a capable digital camera at a reasonable price, thank Canon for making the choice really very simple.

Positives:
- extensive feature set
- excellent build and design
- superb results, especially in RAW mode at ISO 50
- Excellent lens produces very little distortion and chromatic aberrations
- extremely reasonable price
- All the accessories that should come standard do come standard.

Negatives:
- Certain exposure adjustments, i.e. flash compensation, aren't available in full manual mode.
- The fact that the G2 isn't an SLR.
- Not much else.

One of the Best on the Market
After months of exhaustive searching, I finally decided to purchase the Canon Powershot G2 (it's a wonderfully re-designed upgrade to the Powershot G1). The clarity of the images that this camera takes is spectacular. Combine that with the list of outstanding features that aren't included on any other digital camera: ISO 50, RAW image capture, a flip out LCD screen (which is much more handy than you would think), an infrared remote for long exposures and self-portraits, and easy menu functions -- this camera is without equal in it's price range.

It's definitely not for the beginner, but, if you're familiar with photography, you'll be able to take sharp, beautiful pictures with this camera. Skin tones are perfect and the built in flash with exposure compensation does a good job for portraits. And, if you're considering a Sony, this camera uses the more inexpensive Compact Flash memory storage system. Compact Flash memory cards are cheaper than the Sony Memory Stick and are compatible with more peripherals than Memory Stick.

All in all, if it's in your price range, you will be very pleased with the Canon Powershot G2.

The Digital Camera with the je ne sais quoi!
There is something about this camera, and its hard to say what exactly, that makes it a joy to use and its owners fiercely loyal. I bought the black body in a kit that came with a sporty real leather wrap-around case and a 96Mb compact flash card to go along with the 32Mb card the camera body came with. This was a great deal at only about fifty dollars over the normal camera price.

To begin with, the camera looks and handles like a classic camera, which is what none of the other 4 or 5 megapixel cameras can boast, with the exception of the Leica Digilux 1. It has heft and controls which please the eyes and fingers of dyed in the wool 35mm photographers like myself.

Secondly, it delivers on image quality. Check the stats from the photography magazines and online camera reviews. The G2 comes out on top every time in its category, period. Sharpness, color accuracy, and contrast are all excellent.

Thirdly, Canon delivers superb software with their product. Zoombrowser EX is a well thought-out program that allows the user to group, sort, modify, print or show slides of images with ease. It also coordinates well with Adobe Photoshop (a full version of which Canon also supplies!).

Lastly, there are the little things that make a photographer happy if they are present in a digital camera and sad if they are absent. Happily they are all present in the G2: long, long battery life; excellently sharp and fast autofocus; accurate evaluative metering; manual override of autofocus; manual exposure control; the ability to add filters and other lenses (close-up, wide angle and tele); the truly wonderful swiveling LCD screen; and the ability to attach an accessory flash.

Is this camera perfect? Of course not, but I think it is the closest thing to an instant classic the digital world has come up with and will still be used by its happy adherents when its contemporaries have hit the ash can long ago.

I am a faithful Nikon 35mm camera buff (using the F5 and N80 bodies extensively), but I crossed the line on this one baby! Check out all the reviews of its competitors. None of them compare.

What we all NEED! Better than it's descendant the G3
I have had this camera for more than a year and I am just now getting to write a review. Which means I have had much time and practice to test this camera.
This camera is very much in the middle and by that I don't mean just ok. It is not to hot and it is not too cold, it is "just right!" It has features and manual controls for those who like to manipulate their shots, but in the same respect if you are used to just snapping a picture with one button and letting the camera do the work, then this camera is for you too! The image quality is great! You can buy accessories and extra lenses for it just like those hot shots with expensive film cameras! I have 3 lenses and two filtering lenses(polarizing and UV filter.) One of my extra lenses is a macro lens which really is wonderful. Which brings me to the point that the camera's macro capabilities are wonderful as is! If you don't know what macro means, I can take a picture of those unsightly pores it gets so close. I have taken some wonderful nature photographs with the macro. I love up-close, detailed pics. This camera has a little bit of everything but not too much it is overwhelming. If you want to use it, it is there and if you don't keep it on automatic! The best part is that there have been two cameras in the "G" line that have been introduced since the G2 but they aren't as good as this one(in my opinion.) So the price has dropped dramatically you can get one for less than 300 if you know where to look.

I just cannot stress enough how much this camera has been in service to me. I never even used a regular film camera before I got this camera because I never had the money to get a really good one. Sure I took the occasional pic with my aunt's point and shoot film camera at Christmas, but that wasn't much fun. When I got this camera I just experimented and took soooooooo many pictures. I am really enjoying photography. I guess the reason I never got interested in photography before was the expense of film and then developing, as well as not being sure the pictures were even any good until you got them back from the drug store. With this camera you just look at the shots and if they stink you delete them and take another shot. No wasted film! IF you don't have a printer at home then you can easily take them to Walgreens or upload them to Walmart's site and get prints from your digi pics. So simple.

I have experimented with many consumer valued digital cameras when I took my photography class last year( which was the reason I bought this camera) and let me tell you, it was the best in the class. We had Kodak and Olympus and so many other brands and they all stunk compared to mine. Olympus C something was pretty comparable but still not as good as my G2. I would recommend this camera to the new aspiring photographer as well as to the family photographer who wants to capture all the good things. I am sure once we become professional photographers we will have a SLR digital camera but for anyone less than a professional who is actually getting paid for their pictures, this is the best quality at the best price. When printed on photo quality paper my digital pictures are as good as if not better than other film photographer's pictures. I have been told my shots are good enough to be in National Geographic! Have fun with this joyful contraption.

excellent photo qualtiy with this Canon GS2
I have had my canon for almost a year now, and I just want all to know who are looking for a camera, that there are a lot of cameras out there that you will not be satisfied with if you are looking for excellent photo quality.. this camera creates beautiful pictures, and they are easy to load on the computer with included software, and when I order prints, they look like they were done professionaly. this camera is not for someone who wants a camera you can slide in your pocket, it is an amatuers camera and is made for good quality picture taking, it can be attached to a tripod, and is intened for light duty amatuer photos, however, if you dont mind the weight of it, it is great for all your picture taking needs, and it really isnt that heavy, just not as slender as the little pocket cameras, same with the G3 by canon, anyway defientely an A+ on this one. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sleek and expertly designed, the Olympus IS-50 35mm camera provides all the manual controls you need to give photos that personal touch; or, you can sit back and let the automatic functions take over effortlessly. The powerful wide-angle 4.3x zoom lens provides you the range of perspectives you need without having to lug around various lenses.

The advanced flash system has variable power to provide the right amount of light for different conditions, and you can also set the flash to red-eye reduction, fill, and manual off. The predictive autofocus system keeps the subject sharp and clear. Shoot in different exposure modes like landscape, night scene, portrait, and stop action for the ideal look. You can easily keep track of these settings with the large LCD panel.

Film operation is a cinch with fully automatic film load, advance, and rewind. The 12-second self-timer is useful for shooting self-portraits and group photos. You can also imprint the date and time onto photos for record-keeping purposes. Given its ergonomic design, the IS-50 is easy to hold and carry around for any purpose. ... Read more

Features

• 35mm autofocus camera
• Wide angle 4.3x zoom lens
• Variable power twin autoflash system
• Multiple exposure modes
• Date and time imprinting

Reviews (14)

Couldnt be more pleased
I bought this camera wanting some control and great zoom with, at least moderate picture quality. What turned me on most was the fact that I didnt have to buy and carry around another lens to get "closer" to the object I wanted to capture. I havent owned many SLR cameras but, I have to say this is easily the best camera I have ever owned. I thought for the price, I would just be getting a mediocre camera with marginal picture quality at best, but I was pleasently mistaken. This camera takes great pictures with incredible detail. If you do not know anything about apurature, and how to generally opperate an SLR camera this is the camera you should seriously look into. It is fully automatic. It will sellect the best settings for the light and focus for you with only a push of a button. If your a control freak, dont worry, you have that option as well. You can sellect a manual setting that will give you total control. The zoom is unbelievable, and the camera is well balanced. For the price, you cant beat it! Ive really enjoyed taking pictures with this camera. Enjoy!

Professional quality, with the ease of point and shoot!
That "inner voice" told me that this was the camera I wanted. I checked it out in the stores. I liked the way it looked, I liked the way it felt. The fact that it was a 35mm SLR, and a good zoom was a must.
I checked prices on this camera EVERYWHERE. You will not find a better deal on this camera than here at Amazon.com!
So the incredible price sealed the deal.
It is so easy to use. It has an automatic feature that does it all for you, right down to the focus. Or all the settings for a professional.
BUT! I got my first pictures back today, and WOW!!!! The color is brilliant, the images sharp! We took pictures at the zoo, and they look like they came out of a magazine!
The only drawback is the size. It's a little heavy and bulky, but preserving my precious children's faces in such a quality photo.... I don't mind! I couldn't reccomend a better camera

Fun starter camera
Although all the gadgets were a little overwhelming at first their instruction manual is very helpful and helped me not only with the camera but a little general photography. It would have been nice to get some batteries with it but if that's the only gripe I've got I'm pretty impressed.

Excellent Beginner SLR
I recently went on a trip to England, and wanted a camera that was of higher quality. I chose the SLR style because I wanted what I saw in the viewfinder to be what the final product looked like. I chose this camera specifically because it has an integrated zoom lense (up to 120mm) and multiple automatic features. I have found this camera to be excellent in nearly every aspect.

PROS:
1.Fantastic image quality. Olympus lenses seem to be of superior quality to some other major brands I've tried.
2. Quick selection of auto features (night, landscape, high speed, etc.)
3. LONG battery life
4. Quick rewind and loading of 35mm. film

CONS:
1. Built in lens means no way to change lense (No going to a telephoto or macro lense.) What you see is what you get.

Great Camera
The pictures taken with this camera are GREAT!!!!!! The pictures look so real. I love it!! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sporting a similar design to previous Olympus D-series digicams, the D-550 Zoom features a 3-megapixel CCD, 2.8x optical zoom, and a 3.6x digital zoom. With its familiar film-camera style and high-resolution imagery, the D-550 is a great choice for vacation photos as well as family snapshots.

Optics and Resolution
The DS-550's 3-megapixel sensor captures ample detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For a serious amateur photographer, 3 megapixels is a great resolution, providing enough detail to perform some cropping and still have crisp prints.

The all-glass autofocus Olympus lens has a 2.8x zoom range that's equivalent to a 36-100mm zoom lens on a 35mm camera. For technophiles, its aperture ranges from f2.9 to f4.4 depending on the zoom setting, with a normal focal range from 2.6 feet to infinity. There's also a 3.6x digital zoom, but remember that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly.

To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.8-inch LCD display (also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.

More Features
A sliding clamshell lens cover simultaneously protects the D-550's lens and provides a simple way to turn the camera on and off, and the all-plastic body feels both lightweight and durable. While the D-550 offers automatic settings for point-and-shooters and beginning photographers, there are several manual features for more adventurous photographers, including macro mode, adjustable white-balance settings, exposure compensation, and the ability to shoot black-and-white and sepia images.

Power
Power is provided by four AA batteries (alkalines are included). We recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips at resolutions of either 320 x 240 pixels (up to 33 seconds per movie) or 160 x 120 pixels (up to 148 seconds per movie). The limited duration and resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on SmartMedia memory cards. The included 16 MB card holds approximately 21 images at the camera's default settings. SmartMedia cards are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 21 images per outing (or plan to use the video feature much), then you'll want a bigger card. A 64 MB card will store well over 100 pictures. With most cameras, the brand of memory card you use is irrelevant, but genuine Olympus cards have a panorama feature not found on cards from other manufacturers. This feature makes it easier to stitch together a series of pictures you've taken into a single panoramic photo, and may justify the slightly higher price of the card if it's a feature you plan to use frequently.

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Size
At 4.6 by 2.6 by 2 inches and 8.5 ounces, the D-550 is fairly thin and small, making it easy to bring along on outings--but it won't easily fit in your shirt pocket.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the camera, 16 MB SmartMedia card, four AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, video cable, carrying strap, and software on CD.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a set of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries, and a higher-capacity SmartMedia memory card. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page. ... Read more

Features

• 3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create prints up to 11 x 14
• 2.8x optical plus 3.6x digital (10x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 16 MB Smartmedia card stores 21 images at default settings
• Movie mode captures up to 33 seconds of video with no audio
• Uses 2 CR-V3 lithium batteries or 4 AA batteries (rechargeables recommended); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

Reviews (57)

Wished I had this when I was in Europe!!!
Olympus has a great reputation with their 35mm and now that reputation is passed on to their digital cameras.
The camera feels very sturdy except for the shutter door which I do agree needs a new design.
However after the initial akwardness of the shutter door, it doesn't become much of a big deal. You just get used to it.

What's great is that the pictures turn out ABSOLUTELY WONDERFULL if you choose
the HQ (high quality) or SQ function which takes up a bit of memory. Therefore I highly recommend getting
a 128MB smart media card which lets you take 173 photos and short 30 seconds movie clips (no sound)!
Also I do recommend getting the rechargeable battery and adaptor because the LCD eats up all your battery juice.

I do recommend this camera if you are thinking of getting a digital camera that is reliable and affordable.
It has a lot of potential and features that you can explore but I'm a point-and-shoot type of person.

For me, the perfect digital camera
I've tried out many different digital cameras over the last three or four years, from Kodak to Olympus to Canon to odd ones like HP. I've tried cameras that cost anything from $150 to $1000. So, when it came time for me to give up my never-used 35mm Canon SLR, I knew exactly which digital camera I wanted to replace it with.

A few years back, I tried out a friend's Olympus Camedia camera with the same body as this one. It was only in the 2-megapixel range, as opposed to the 3 megapixels of this model, but I was always really impressed with the quality of picture it took. For a point and shoot digital camera, the shots were just amazing.

So I didn't have to look very far before I found this camera, the Camedia D-550. And it's certainly lived up to the expectations I'd developed from using the friend's camera.

In my opinion, this is what really makes this camera stand out from its competition:

' It looks and feels like a camera. Some digital cameras go out of their way to be all futuristic and oddly shaped, which I find annoying. I want to be able to hold a camera with my hands, not my fingertips.

' The design of the navigation software is excellent. I've used cameras that go to the extremes of interface design, and I've hated it. I used a Kodak camera once that used menus and control panels that were so big and colorful, it was like it was designed by Fisher-Price. Sure, it looked friendlier to use at first, but when I actually tried to find anything, like how to change the size of my pictures, it was too big and clunky. On the other extreme, some companies make cameras that use a completely bare and technical interface that's impossible to understand. With the Camedia D-550, all of your important tools are no more than two button presses away, thanks to the intuitive design of the interface. If you want to switch to Macro mode, you just turn the camera on and press "Up" twice. If you want to change the size of the pictures you're taking, you just hit the menu button and press left on the wheel that pops up, and you'll see a nice list. Not too invasive, not too technical.

' Streamlined features. A few years ago, it became popular to pack as many different things into a camera as you possibly could. Sound recorders! Movie cameras! PDAs! Cell phones! Put everything you'd ever want in one device! I thought this was a terrible idea. If you want a video camera, get a video camera. A still camera can't possibly hold more than a tiny clip, so why even bother? While this Camedia D-550 does come with the ability to take video clips, it doesn't assume that video will be your primary use of the camera like other models sometimes do. The feature is there, but you can easily ignore it.

' Rugged body design. Olympus sells a similar Camedia to this in features and price, but a different body. I borrowed one for a weekend, and was constantly having trouble with the lens that stuck out of the camera body. The lens cap would fall off all the time, and I just wasn't careful enough with it. When I had my 35mm SLR, I just put a UV filter over the glass of the real lens, and didn't worry about scratching it, but you couldn't do that with the other Camedia lens. With the D-550, you avoid the problem entirely. When you turn the camera off, the lens retracts into the body of the camera, and is covered by the sliding panel that's part of the camera body. It's a brilliant design that keeps the lens safe, and the speed of the lens movement is quick enough that it's not annoying. I love that my camera is so tough. Though I haven't dropped it yet, I have the feeling it would survive a drop just fine.

' And, of course, the image quality. Even with plain old point-and-shoot simplicity, the colors are vivid and sharp, the exposure is just right, and the low-light pictures are just incredible, which is important to me as a hater of flashbulbs. The other day, a bird fell down our chimney and got trapped in the upper grill of our fireplace, beyond where we could see. So I stuck the camera up into the fireplace and had someone point a dim flashlight where we thought the bird was, and I got a pretty decent picture of it! The bird ended up getting out of the fireplace and flying out the window just fine, by the way. :-) The macro feature is pretty cool, too. My desktop picture on my computer is a photo of an ant I took with my D-550. People are really impressed that the ant takes up 3 inches on my screen.

When you consider all the excellent features this camera has, then realize that it's much less expensive than similar cameras, it seems like a no-brainer. I would have easily paid twice what I did for the D-550, and still felt like I was getting a great deal. This camera is going to last me a long, long time, and I'm loving every minute of it.

Save your $$$$$
Photo's are good, but software ain't.

I've owned the Camedia 550 for a little over a year. I am very disapointed in the software that you HAVE to use with this camera. I upgraded to the "professional" edition, but it's still bad. It does not alow you to back up your photo's onto CD. (Floppy Disk Only, which is worthless). Also I have pixels dying on my viewing screen.
It is difficult to manuver through the options on the camera. Also uses a Smart Media Card, which the new ones do not use, and very few new camera do use, so I'll be stuck with $200 bucks worth of Smart Media Cards when I decide to chuck this thing.

Money Well Spent
I bought this camera a year ago; it has served me well in many different environments and in both nighttime and blazing sun conditions. Downloads are swift with either the 3.5 inch flash path floppy or USB. Picture quality is great at low compression settings, higher settings are even better. I use a 64 MB memory card and that is more than adequate for my needs. Battery life is impressive: one charge was good for a 2 week vacation, and that included at least one hour of time viewing pictures with relatives on the built-in screen. Easy to use. Documentation is a bit on the slim side, but sufficient, with the exception of instructions on taking a panoramic picture. Apparently, that info is on the CD. We've taken 1,200 pics or so, no problems.

great camera
I bought this camera 18 months ago, and it takes GREAT pictures. I have taken thousands of pictures with this camera with no problem. The two only drwabacks to this camera is its size and it takes a second or two to save the picture to the card, but that's the way it is.
On the other hand, the reason why it is so big is because it uses regular batteries=cheap! However, battery life is great.
Would recommend this camera to anyone who needs a digital camera. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Stay ahead of the digital curve with the Sony DSC-F707. Showcasing superb functionality and some of the most advanced technology currently available, the DSC-F707 combines a 5.24-megapixel CCD, a swivel Carl Zeiss lens, hologram AF laser focus assist, and Sony's NightShot technology, which enables you to shoot infrared photos.

Optics and Resolution
The Sony DSC-F707 features a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar lens with 5x optical and 2x digital zoom (for a 10x total), an f2.0 maximum aperture, and a focal range of 9.7-48.5mm (equivalent to 38-190mm). It contains a 5.0-megapixel (effective) CCD, or 5.2-million gross pixels.

More Features
The DSC-F707 uses Sony's NightShot technology, the same feature seen on Sony's camcorders, which uses infrared illumination and an infrared filter to take photos in complete darkness. The night-framing system provides infrared light as a composition assist, and utilizes hologram AF focusing and preflash exposure metering for consistently great shots even in low- or zero-light conditions.

Picture quality is enhanced with clear-color NR (noise reduction) that reduces color noise and slow-shutter NR that captures and subtracts CCD noise from long time exposures.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the DSC-F707 produces color digital videos in multiple creative formats, including 320 x 240 (high quality), 320 x 240 (normal), and 160 x 112. You can fill up the Memory Stick with digital video, but you are limited to 15-second movies with 320 x 240 mode. Another movielike feature is called ClipMotion, which will take 10 images and put them into an animated GIF.

The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony's proprietary memory-card format. The included 16 MB stick holds approximately 11 images at the camera's standard 5-megapixel setting (2,560 x 1,920 pixels). Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 11 images per outing, then you'll want a bigger card. A 128 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing around 70 images.

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera--your computer should automatically recognize the camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may also have a built-in Memory Stick reader, which makes transferring as easy as reading a floppy disk.

Power
The DSC-F707 uses a proprietary rechargeable Infolithium battery (model M).

Size
The DSC-F707 measures 4.75 by 2.75 by 6 inches and weighs 25.06 ounces with battery, Memory Stick, lens cap, and shoulder strap attached.

Other features include:

• Through-the-lens (TTL) preflash metering and red-eye reduction, cold-shoe and accessory terminal for HVL-F1000
• Twilight, portrait, and landscape mode autoexposure
• Multipattern measuring exposure system
• 46-step shutter priority (30 sec to 1/1,000 sec)
• 13-step aperture priority (f2.0 to f8.0)
• Full manual exposure
• High-speed scan autofocus
• Manual focus ring with LCD magnifier

Contents and Recommended Accessories
This package includes the DSC-F707 digital camera, Infolithium M battery, AC adaptor/in-camera charger, AV output cable, USB cable, shoulder strap, lens cap, 16 MB Memory Stick, printed manual, and CD-ROM featuring MGI PhotoSuite and drivers. ... Read more

Features

• 5-megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 inches and beyond
• Carl Zeiss autofocus lens with 5x optical/2x digital (10x total) zoom
• Included 16 MB Memory Stick holds 11 images at default settings
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery(included)

Reviews (79)

A great amateur purchase
I bought this camera a year ago as an upgrade from the P70 because I wanted something with manual focus and a higher resolution. I've been extremely satisfied with the picture quality, although a slightly faster lens would have made taking indoor pictures easier without the flash. The image quality is astounding; everyone around me is amazed at what this camera can produce. 5MP is plenty for producing decently-sized prints.

The camera works well with every computer I've plugged it into on a range of operating systems (Mac OS 8-X, Windows 98-XP,RedHat Linux 7.x) and shows up as a mounted filesystem that I can easily drag a drop to/from. I don't use the included software to edit images, preferring ImageMagick for quick edits or photoshop for more complicated work.

I would certainly reccomend this camera for anyone looking for capability beyond the basic point-and-shoot models. The manual focus and exposure settings are simple and relatively intuitive, and more complicated things like white balancing are properly available.

I would reccomend this camera for anyone looking for a digital camera, but still wanting to retain some of the flexibility of a SLR film camera.

Excellent Investment in Digital Photography
Frankly, this IS an investment...you spending $1000+ for this camera plus some needed accessories. Few people will ever shoot 5 Mega Pixels (MP) shots every time, but serious (and serious amateur) photographers will certainly appreciate being able to produce stunning detail when the need arises. Look at images shot on your friends' 2 or 3 MP cameras...this level of quality is amazing...but you WILL want to exceed this occasionally, and (...) is the price you pay to get the technology NOW. A 5 MP head shot will allow you to EASILY discern individual hairs on life-size prints (as in 11x14)...it's truely amazing.

I looked at the Minolta Dimage 7...the auto focus zooms past the subject and back...it seems irritatiingly "loose", for lack of a better term. The Sony is a bit crisper in it's approach to auto focus, though not perfect.

Low-light shots are a challenge, but the viewfinder does have a tremendous amount of information available, including exposure "F" stops, shutter speed, low light warnings, etc. The true genius is that you can essentially operate the camera in a manual mode, quickly overriding the meter to compensate for the light in any situation...backlight, contrasty light, reflections, etc.

If you ever used a 35mm in manual in the old days (when you really had to KNOW photography), you'll love the control available. And younger photographers will find a whole new world in being able to make this camera do what most digitals will still not do...take the unusual shot.

The camera is well balanced, and rather sturdy. You will get used to the shooting position...give it time. My biggest complaint is that the zoom selection switch operates "backwards" to my taste. Intuitively, I want to zoom "in" pressing the "out" button (!)...

You have an adequate built-in pop-up flash...PLUS a PC connection for external flash AND a flash shoe! Slavery, anyone?

The memory stick is a bit of a hassle, but extremely convenient once you get over the struggle. Buy a small USB reader to use at work or home...I use the "Zio". And buy the 128 MB memory stick...nothing smaller.

There were early problems with "White Balance", as recently as Nov 01. Current cameras should be shipping with the factory fix, but Sony, to it's shame, STILL has no information on it's website detailing same, even though it required early owners to send the camera for a "free" repair. Not exactly good thinking for a $1000 camera.

The images are good, but I do have to compensate a bit in low-light. Based on shooting several thousand "test" shots with another camera, I'm happy with this one. It does the job and can satisfy both consumer and professional. Note that I do not plan to replace this camera for several years. Why? Because printer technology has not caught up to the resolution of the camera (at least for the home user) and no one really needs much more in a camera. Five Mega Pixels will generate a poster-size image with very nice quality...you won't be doing it often, but you'll be glad you did when you do.

I like it, and I shopped hard to ensure the most features with the best price. As with all electronics, find a cheap extended warranty. (...) . Cameras DO break.

Shop carefully for a CASE to put it in...the unique shape requires some thinking. I have 3. One for everything including cords and cables, one for the camera plus memory sticks, and a Sony brand "ever-ready" case. Depends on how long you're out and how fast you want to access the camera..at what level of protection. Think.

You'll want an extra battery. Perhaps a travel charger, otherwise you charge the battery by plugging the CAMERA in the wall (!)...thanks Sony. :-(

Buy a UV filter (58mm) to protect the lens.

This camera is expensive, and generally reliable - it's a Sony. Many features I have not detailed, and it has a superb 10x OPTICAL zoom (and a 2x digital). If you are thinking digital and want to not have to trade-up for a while, I suggest the Sony DSC-F707. If you love photography, do not buy a smaller CCD chip than 5 MP...even if you buy another brand. But I certainly recommend the Sony DSC-F707 camera for people to whom the image is important.

Awesome camera
This is my first camera i ever purchased. It's great! I haven't had any complaints. It shoots great pics, the zoom is phenomenal, and the features are great. Its a quality camera

Awesome Camera!
This Sony takes some awesome photos! I have printed a lot and they are always sharp & clear, this cam has a ton of features and is every bit worth the asking price, so go ahead and plunk down the cash, you won't be dissapointed!

Superb camera for the Money
Like most people about to buy a digital camera, I did a lot of research. A lot. When it came down to making a decision about price vs. value, I kept coming back to the 707. It really came down to the incredibly high resolution, the Zeiss lens and the EFT veiwfinder which although not the ideal, it's damn good for an EFT. It also has a very functional diopter adjuster which makes the viewfinder the best in its class. I've been using the camera for about a year now and it's NEVER run our of power. I work at a graphic design firm and my co workers are blown away by my 11x14 prints made from this camera. I still don't see anything that can touch the quality of this camera for the $. You just can't go wrong. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

With its full auto mode, the user-friendly Sharp VL-AH151U Hi8 camcorder enables you to simply point and shoot to capture hours of fun video memories. It also features a picture-in-picture mode, 3-inch LCD, optical and digital zoom capabilities, and digital image stabilization.

Lens
With an optical zoom magnification of 16x, the VL-AH151U also has a digital zoom--which works by electronically enhancing the optical image--that can magnify the picture up to 400 times. The digital image stabilization system keeps the picture steady and solid throughout zooms and camera shakes.

Other Features
With its 270-degree variable angle, you can hold the VL-AH151U in a variety of angles to record over people and objects or close to the ground. You can even record yourself by rotating the view screen 180 degrees. The VL-AH151U also features several digital effects (black and white, sepia, NEG) that can be viewed without affecting the original recording.

Sharp's advanced circuitry allows recording down to less than 1 lux (the light of one candle about one yard away from the subject) and eliminates complex lighting arrangements and harsh floodlight glare. The backlight-compensation feature also adjusts only the dark parts of a shot to optimal brightness levels, and leaves the bright sections untouched, so they don't become glaringly washed out.

Contents
This package comes with the VL-AH151U camcorder, one rechargeable NiMH battery, one lithium-ion battery, AC adapter, remote control (and batteries), AV dubbing cables, wrist strap, and lens cap. ... Read more

Features

• Hi8 camcorder
• 16x optical, 400x digital, zoom with digital image stabilization
• 3-inch color LCD
• Viewcam body style for easy shooting
• Features various picture effects and picture in picture mode

Reviews (6)

Great Service!
As a first time buyer I was a little scepticle. I e-mailed once about the tracking of my package because I'd gotten it for my wife for her birthday. Within the next day I had gotten a response with tracking info and all! The package came in right on time for her birthday. Thanks for the great service! The sharp camera works Great!
God Bless!!

SUPERB!
Works like a charm. Love it, take it everywhere and video are crisp and clear.

horrible service
I contacted this seller 15 times via emails and phones and he/she never responded. I guess s/he is dead or something. The camera I recieved was totally different than the one I pictured. I would never ever buy from this person again in my life.
thanks

Great value at a great price.
This little gem has all the right stuff. Auto focus with great clarity, a small price tag and a great size for carrying. I can't wait to take it to Disney World!

Brendon says :
If you are on a budget to buy a camcorder then this is the one! I saw the new Panasoinic E- wear which was my first choice but it ... , it doesnt even have ZOOM! It does almost nothing only shoot pictures and download Mp3 . But the SHARP camcorder does alot of things and it is at a good price and it is a good size because i wouldn't buy a big bulky size camcorder !......WHO WANTS THAT!? This has a LCD screen and has picture in Picture and it has ZOOM which is the most important thing in taking pictures from far away or film something far away. ... Read more

Features

• 2-megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• Autofocus lens with 3x optical/4x digital (12x total) zoom
• Included 8 MB CompactFlash card holds 15 images at default settings
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery(included)

Reviews (86)

A friendly camera that looks cool
Nikon Coolpix 2500 is a great compact camera. I wanted to buy a camera that can work in an easy to use automatic mode for point & click situations like parties, casual travel; and also provides manual mode for experimenting & control. My choice was mainly between Coolpix 2500, Coolpix 995 & Canon Elph Series. I just fell for the cool styling of 2500 and the ability to carry it in my shirt pocket.

I just took it out to Australia for a week long trip. It has performed well under different lighting conditions. All I needed to do was change the "SCENE".The camera allows me to identify the type of scene I am going to photograph. It has a bunch of "SCENE" that I can select from. Some of them are - Beach, Landscape, Party, Portrait, Night Landscape, Backlight to name a few. I was also able to take night shots of the Opera house & the Harbor Bridge in the "night landscape" mode. They came out pretty well. I was happy to see the result in about 2 seconds - the duration of the exposure. Pictures taken in bright daylight like that on a beach also came of well. What disappointed was the photgraphs that I took at a night Bar-be-Q party. In most photographs, the people close to the camera looked bright and those away by more than 7-8 feet away from the camera looked dark. Another "scene" that I found useful was "Close Up". I wanted to note down a recepie from a local magazine. Instead of taking notes I just photographed the page in the "Close Up" mode. Now, I do not have to write them down ! I just read the recepie off the picture stored on my computer. It is not much of a "Manual" camera. So if you want to control everything, I recommend look else where.

I found the controls easy to use. There are a bunch of on-screen menu items, buttons & knobs. They are well layed out and are intitutive to use. Let me add - I am a techie. I can handle complexity. I had my first picture in about 10 minutes opening the box and charging the batteries. It took me about 1 hour to understand all the controls & install the software.

You got to buy a memory card unless you intend to save your pictures in a very basic picture format (like 640 X??). I bought a 128 MB card. It stores about 140 pictures in best quality mode (called "FINE"). The camera can be put on a tripod. That is a big plus for night photography. It is very easy to put my fingers on the lens. So I have to worry about it all the time, specially while opening or closing the lens. A price for this cool design!

In a nutshell I find Nikon Coolpix 2500 a fun, easy to use camera for easy going photography.

Compact and Powerful, a good combination
I researched several cameras, including the Canon PowerShot and greater and lesser Nikon Coolpix, before deciding on the Coolpix 2500.

Things I like about it:

1. The size is great. I carry it in my purse or around my neck at all times. You can't get the shot unless the camera is with you! This is one camera you CAN have with you all the time. The swivel lens helps make it more compact because there are no protruding parts once you close the lens, no lens cap to worry about, and the lens is totally protected. I slide mine in an inexpensive zippered makeup bag and throw the strap around my neck. Wha-la! - instant [inexpensive] camera bag.

2. The quality of the pictures is amazing! The resolution is fantastic, much better than I needed or expected. It does a good job in low light situations too, which was something I was looking for.

3. Scene modes: These are very useful for someone like me who wants to be creative and get good shots, but doesn't have the time or patience to figure out the correct shutter speed and what-not.

I don't have any negatives that are bad enough that I would take the camera back, but just so you know...

Things I don't like:

1. People have complained that the flash is too bright. For this reason, I usually rely on natural lighting when photographing people. Fortunately, the camera is usually able to handle this. You have to hold it steady because the shutter speed is slower. I'm usually able to get one that is clear if I snap several. The nice thing is that it is digital, so you can see what you are getting, and retake if necessary.

2. Buy a 128 MB or at least 64 MB memery card the same day you buy the camera. I have not even messed with the starter card they give you. Way too small.

3. This is just an oddity, not really a problem. When you are in close-up mode, the lens is constantly refocusing and/or resetting the lighting, not quite sure. Consequently, it makes a lot of clicking and buzzing sounds. Not so great if you are trying to sneak up on a butterfly or something. Hasn't really bothered me, except that I thought my camera was broken. I decided it wasn't when my replacement camera did the same thing.

4. If you can afford it, buy a second battery. It lasts a decent amount of time, but it would be nice to have an extra.

So, these are minor problems, with solutions. I'm very pleased with the camera. It's great to have a digital. My photographic skills have improved just by buying this camera because 1. I can take as many pictures as I want, without worrying about wasting film 2. I can re-take until I get the shot. 3. I always have it with me, so I rarely miss that awesome photo-op. 4. It's a Nikon!

Could be better
I wanted an easy to use digital camera for vacation pics, hobby use etc. This is my first digital camera. Picked this one after much reserach, and due to some sale pricing I found.

Things I like:
1. Camera looks good and is very compact.
2. Swivel lens has a few uses. (not very significant.)
3. The price of the camera is fairly low for the features.
4. Takes good outdoor and closeup photos.
5. Controls and menus are OK. More than enough options for me & comparatively easy to use.
6. Comes with a battery charger.

Things I don't like.
1. On / Off slider switch can easily get switched on by mistake.
2. The swivel lens is awkward, but is a little better than dealing with a lens cap.
3. Terrible red-eye when using flash. The flash is directly adjacent to the lens due to the swivel lens design. Therefore, red-eye is very bad, even when using the flash in the red-eye reduction mode.
4. The Nikon software (NikonView 6) did not work for me (using a Mac OS 9.0). Caused freezes and several functions did not work. I ended up deleting the Nikon software after many days of trying to work with it and fix it. Not sure I got it all deleted. Still some ongoing computer issues stemming from the Nikon software.

Overall, if you are going to be using your camera for indoor shots of people or animals using flash, I would not suggest this camera unless you like red eyes.
Also, if your computer is a Mac, the Nikon software may give you problems.
If I were doing it over, I would take a closer look at the Canon digital cameras, but they probably have their own list of shortcomings.

Loooove
I absolutely adored this camera! It was my first digital camera, and I took over 2,000 picures with it during the time it lasted, however it has now died completely (won't turn on most of the time and when it does the screen reads "Error") and I have only had it for about a year and a half. So, now I have to look for a new camera.

Terrible design.....
I agree, it looks really cool. Everything on this camera is perfect OTHER than the flash. It is less than 1/8th an inch from the lense, this cameras only major downside. When you take a picture everything up close is white and everything behiend that is black. Trying to take a picture of somthing that might be a little reflective? Too bad! I tried to take some pictures of a plastic computer case, and the flash created a lovely white glare on it, obscuring everything but the background, which was turned a lovely shade of black. Turn the flash off you say? Well, then the pictures get even blurrier. Yes, the pictures are always blurry. I am yet to get a good, non blurry picture from this camera. The camera figures "Well the flash is off so I should keep the shutter open for a half of a second". Most pictures from this camera make it look like a huge earthquake is in progress. Avoid this camera at all costs! I give Nikon some credit for trying to give this camera a cool look, but they could have moved the flash! Have they ever heard of product testers?? ... Read more

Amazon.com Review

The Sony DSC-P9 builds on the success of earlier models from Sony, such as the DSC-P1 and DSC-P5. The DSC-P9 adds a high-performance 4-megapixel CCD and combines it with an excellent quality 3x optical zoom lens. The chief selling point of the DSC-P9 has to be its diminutive size--this really is among the smallest, feature-rich digital cameras on the market--at just 4.4 by 2 by 1.4 inches.

The metal body not only looks great but also gives the reassurance that the camera is robust and can be carried anywhere. Controls are straightforward and include a mode dial, a zoom toggle, and menu navigation buttons. Access to the Memory Stick and battery are from a single compartment door on the side of the camera. Input-output jacks are the fairly standard power, USB, and AV out.

The 3x optical zoom lens tucks neatly into the body of the camera when not in use and includes an automatic lens protector. In use, the zoom moves from wide to full telephoto in less than three seconds, although it is a little noisier than expected, especially as compared to the notably quiet transport on the Kodak DX4900.

The Sony menu navigation, which is fairly consistent across the range, is extremely easy to use. In capture mode, there are options to set exposure compensation, manual focus, white balance, spot metering, ISO, image size from 2,272 x 1,704 down to 640 x 480, compression levels, flash levels, and picture effects. There is also a scene selection mode that offers presets for twilight, night portrait, and landscape. While useful, this is extremely limited when compared to some other digital cameras, such as the easy-to-use Nikon Coolpix 2500 or the endlessly configurable Casio QV-4000.

The image quality is what you would expect of a 4-megapixel camera--plenty of detail and scope for cropping to get just the right composition. When using the automatic settings, the images were not as sharp as expected, although this can be compensated for using the in-camera sharpening. Both exposure and white balance were generally accurate, but it would have been nice to see the ability to take a manual white-balance reading like on the Nikon 2500. To its credit, the DSC-P9 has a powerful autofocus illuminator that greatly aids focusing in poor light conditions.

One feature we feel should be included in a camera of this quality is an orientation sensor that automatically rotates images when stored to match the photographs as taken. Despite this we would still recommend the DSC-P9 as being one of the sexiest high-resolution cameras available. --Nick Baxter ... Read more

Features

• 4-megapixel sensor captures 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at sizes up to 11 x 14 inches
• 3x optical plus 2x digital (6x total) autofocus zoom lens
• Included 16 MB Memory Stick holds approximately 15 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses rechargeable lithium-ion battery (included)

Reviews (36)

it does not like dark, does not like flashes
i bought this camera a few days ago.
my co-worker loved this camera, and told me to buy this one repeatedly, since it's such a good camera. so, i did. and, i was disappointed immediately, when i took first few photos. i took so many pictures indoor, trying to find out what was wrong. it didn't seem to focus right in dark with flash light. pictures come out fuzzy, blurry.... :<
so, i returned it after a few days try... got Sony Dsc-S85.
DSC-S85 worked much better, taking much better pictures at the same price. if you like to carry a camera in your pocket all day long, DSC-P9 may be way to go, but, if you want better picture, clearer picture... get DSC S85... its twice more functions and it is twice clearer imo... i am very happy with DSC S85 even though it's heavier. DSC P9 didn't cut it for me.

Love this camera but...
I love this camera, size and picture quality wise. I did a lot of research and I chose this over the Nikon or Canon because I wanted an underwater housing for it and one wasn't available for those at the time. ... I have tried to get one from Sony but have been unable to do so because I live outside the US. The quality of the pictures is great and I often crop and blow up sections and the quality is still great, although I don't have other brands to compare to. My main problem with the camera is that so few of the features that I want to change from picture to picture are available manually (i.e. on the menu screen)e.g. high, normal or low level flash; Center focus or multipoint focus etc; portrait, macro or landscape mode; twilight, full-sun or shade, most of these features cannot be manually set by the dial on the trot. While scanning through menu features on the screen you miss your picture moment. There is loads of space on the manual dial for these features to be added on the next model of this camera and then I would give it 5 stars. I think if you change settings often another camera might be better. I didn't think that so many basic settings would be unavailable by manual dial. I am still trying to get the underwater housing.

I would now add that I was finally able to get the underwater housing from Amazon and love it. I am finding the lack of quick change from flash: (off, on, auto, red-eye, low, normal, high) a particular irritant especially since, as I have now realised that low light pictures are not that great. Outdoor pictures however, are superb, especially pictures in and around water, which given where we live are the majority of my photos. Red-eye is turned off and on from the setup menu, a major pain and so I rarely, if ever use it and choose to correct red-eye by software. Low, normal and high flash levels are turned off by the menu, again a pain! I think they should all have been alterable using the flash on, off, auto button on the back of the camera. I am still working on finetuning the manual controls to get better indoor/low-light shots. I hope the new DSCP-10 has improved on these things.
Unlike another reviewer, I have been able to take excellent macro photos of orchids and butterflies, I'd say as close as about 10 inches.

Sony Cameras Have Fatal Flaw
Although the camera is fine, the memory card format represents a fatal flaw that prospective buyers should consider. The memory cards are prone to format errors (Format Error 13-01) which can cause you to lose your photos. We have 8 memory sticks and have had problems with all but 3 of them. I recommend that any one considering a Sony camera purchase do a Google Search using search terms: Sony format error "13-01" to discover what disgruntled Sony owners are saying about this problem.

Battery Issues
I had my camera about a year when it stopped charging fully. It is supposed to get 120mins on a full battery and only got 20. After trying two new batteries I called Sony to be advised that they would look at it for a cost of $180!!! It would have cost me around $200 with shipping! The only people allowed to service Sonys are Sony. You can't bring it someplace else. Kind of like a Volvo in that respect. Moral of the story, when buying a camera make sure it is something that your local camera store can fix.

Excellent pictures but not in low-light
This camera is top notch in many ways.
I gave it only 4 stars because of one thing: low-light shots.
Someone wrote that if you set the flash power manually to highest, it produces good low-light pictures. Unfortunately it's not true. I wish it would be. This camera is worse in low-light shots than the competition. Believe me.
It's your decision: if you can handle this, buy it, because otherwise it takes excellent pictures in normal lightning conditions. If low-light, night and indoor shots (with poor back-light) is important for you, look at the Canon S45 or S400 instead. ... Read more

Features

• 38mm-90mm (2.5x) zoom lens ensures sharp, clear pictures
• Macro/Close Up focuses to wihin 12 inches
• Real image zoom viewfinder for easier viewing
• Built-in 10 second self timer
• 5-mode built-in flash

Reviews (9)

fuzzy pictures
I have to say right up front this camera takes fuzzy pictures! we cannot figure out why! If we eliminate using the zoom that reduces the fuzzy pictures but we still get 2 or 3 in the roll. I recently took a picture of my daughter smiling for the first time and was so excited about gettting the film developed. Of course, there were 2 pictures fuzzy and one was the pic of my daughter smiling. I was mortified. I do not recommend this camera at all and am shopping for a new one. I did look up on the internet and not often but i did find another person with the same problem. I would have taken the camera back but it did not start this problem until 4 or 5 months into use!

Good, Economical Camera
If you still want a film camera and don't want to break the bank, this camera is a perfect candidate. Probably the best feature of this Nikon camera that even Nikon's literature won't tell you is the design. No I'm not talking about the way it looks, but rather where things are located. For once a camera maker has located the flash in correct proximity to the lense! Compare this camera to the others when you are in the store (or even online for that matter). The flash is located farther away from the lense than on pretty much all the other makes and models I've looked at. Why is this important you ask? This is one of the few cameras I tried in my quest for a new camera that did not produce garish red-eye. I didn't even need to use the mostly gimmicky red-eye reducing feature to get good pictures. I maybe get one picture per roll that exibits noticeable red-eye... and my house has poor lighting to boot. If the flash on a camera is located far enough away from the lense you don't have the red-eye problem so prevalent in the increasingly tiny cameras you see nowadays. Kudos Nikon! You got it right! Watch... they'll discontinue this design next week or something. Also, the majority of pictures I took were very clear, exhibiting as much, and in some photos, more detail than some of the more expensive, feature laden cameras I tried. I tried Pentax, Olympus, and Canon's new U line. The only issue I have with this camera is the shutter speed (1/200th of a second). If your subject moves quickly, which kids often do... expect some blurred photos. But all the portrait-type shots I took, where the subject was still, were very clear and detailed. Photos taken between 4 to 8 feet were excellent. Photos taken further away or using the zoom extended to max are good, but I wouldn't say excellent, they do appear a little grainy and sometimes out of focus, but I noticed graininess when using the zoom on ALL the little point-n-shoots I tried. Also when using this camera, there is a little circle in the viewfinder used to lock the focus on the subject. This is very accurate, or shall I say touchy, because you need to place the circle EXACTLY on what you want to be in focus. If you place the circle on the subject's shirt, the shirt may be crystal clear, but the person's face a tad out of focus. This is a perfect camera for taking head-n-shoulder group or individual portrait shots. For the price you pay for this, it takes very capable pictures and you don't have to stress about red-eye, mainly because it is built right. I would give this camera 4 stars because of the slower shutter speed, but because it's one of the few cameras I've come across where the lense and flash are laid out correctly, combined with the value pricing, I give it 5 stars.

Kevin
This camera is a great buy. The timer function is great for when you want everyone in the picture and there is no stranger around to take it. I have taken many family pictures this way. All pictures seem to turn out great despite our lack of photography knowledge. I liked ours so much, I bought one for my mom and she finally gave up her disposable camera addiction. The result is that she too gets great pictures. Some cameras have too many bells and whistles and some not enough...this one is just right.

Viewfinder Not Worth a Second Look
I purchased this product online without a test drive. My bad!! The viewfinder is in an awkward location and causes painful eye strain when shooting multiple times. Picture quality is poor. I am shopping for a replacement.....

Don't believe the description
I bought this camera on line relying on the description which stated that the battery was included. I had some events which I wanted to take pictures of immediately and felt that having the battery included would allow me to take immediate pictures, and also felt that not having to buy a new battery (or two) would increase the value of this purchase. When I received the camera it did not have a battery, I did report it to the customer service but its been two weeks with no satisfaction. It seems like a good camera, but I'm returning it as "missing a part." ... Read more

Features

• Pictures available for immediate preview on 1.8-inch LCD screen
• Choose the number of prints you want as soon as you take them
• 2.6x zoom lens
• Advanced Flash System
• Panorama mode, midroll change, auto film advance

Reviews (43)

So much fun to use!

Before using this camera, I pictured myself madly fiddling with a bunch of buttons after taking each photo. This just wasn't the case - it took virtually no time to preview each print and make the choices for it. Granted, it's a very small color screen, so you can't judge details or sharpness of the photo. But you can judge the angle and overall effect of the photo you just took. You can then choose, in a matter of seconds, what size you'd prefer it to be and how many prints you'd like developed (0-9).

This camera is a great size, large enough to be comfortable in your hand. I like that the lens cover is hard, attractive and opens with ease. I'd never used APS before, and I love being able to drop in the film and go. The camera takes two batteries, which load quickly.

I had read about the difficulty of finding a developer to process this film correctly. The top two online developers will not process the number of prints you choose when you expose the film. The head of the film processing at our local [store] had never developed preview film, but he was eager to try it out. Sure enough, he printed the number of prints we wanted and the sizes we chose.

I will be carrying this camera on our trip to Scotland, mainly for the preview function. I'll never have to order reprints again - choosing negatives, filling out forms. And no wasted prints! My favorite feature is the ability to print the date and time on the back of each photo. There will be no need to keep a film log as we go.

I have withheld one star from the rating because of the actual picture quality. Though the pictures have great color, those taken with the flash are a bit too harsh. The quality just isn't as clean and professional as those taken with my Olympus Stylus Epic 80. But the preview feature is so convenient and easy to use that I am willing to lose a slight bit of quality. For those who are not willing, I have a feeling we'll be seeing more of this technology.

The Best Non-Digital Bang for the Buck
I've owned this gem for about six months and taken a few hundred pictures with it since then. I'm glad I bought it. Here's the scoop.

Pro:
1. It allows you to take 4 x 6, 4 x 7, or 4 x 11.5 sized pictures with a touch of a button. Even more impressively, though, you can CHANGE THE PRINT SIZE after you've already taken the picture! So, you take it in one format, examine it through the large display on back, and then can accept that format, change it to a different format, or delete the picture. It's a great feature when you're out shooting scenes or landscapes, and you want to compare how the picture will look in each style.

2. With the right film (400 and above), this camera has taken solid pictures for me. I've had several folks tell me the quality is professional looking. This was one reason why I chose this camera over a digital camera -- the picture sharpness. For those of you considering digital cameras, remember that all but the most advanced of them won't have the tight pixelization of this cheaper APS camera.

3. The battery is long lasting. I'm on my 400th picture or so and the battery is going strong.

4. This camera uses drop and shoot APS film. APS film, unlike 35 MM, allows for the digitization of your pictures direct from your local processor. I've developed every roll with print pictures and a CD-ROM. I can keep the pictures in an album and e-mail some images from the CD to friends and family far away. The Kodak software (Free with the cd) allows you to manipulate the images, make desktop pictures, and other fun stuff. Also, APS processing gets you a neat one-page sheet with the negatives numbered and shown in miniature in case you want to order reprints.

5. The LCD preview, obviously, makes this camera stand out. It's a clear picture (mostly -- see below), and it is 100% accurate in predicting the size and clarity of the final photo.

6. Advanced features -- the camera has some advanced flash features (low light, portrait mode, etc.) that prove useful in some circumstances. More impressive, though, is that the camera has an auto-flash mode that 'knows' when to use the special features.

Neutral
1. The zoom lens isn't as powerful as some other APS cameras, but it does its job. Basically, it allows me to get slighly closer than my eye can see, but you're not going to see a basketball player's eyes if you're shooting from the upper level of the arena. For that, you'd need at 35MM camera with a zoom lens. But, if you're using this camera for ordinary landscapes and close-ups, the lack of a strong telescopic lens doesn't make much of a difference.

Cons:
1. The flash is rather weak, and if you're doing a lot of nightime photography, even with fast film, you'd want to get a 35 MM camera that can accomodate a wider range of flashes and lenses. I've had several good scenes not turn out so well, because I overestimated the reach of the flash.

2. The LCD screen is great with photos in daylight or dusk, but does less well with photos in the dark. I've had a few photos look completely blacked out on the screen but then actually come out looking *okay* when they came back from the lab. But, unless a whole bunch of your photos are taken at night, this shouldn't be too much of a problem.

Overall:
For what you're paying, you're getting a great APS camera with some digital features that takes great pictures, allows you to correct your mistakes, and preview your work. Unless you're a professional photographer, it's hard to beat. I'd definitely buy mine again.

I just cannot find this cameera anywhere
Why can I notfind this camera anywhere

Best Camera I Have Owned!
I purchased this particular camera July 2003. Thus far I have taken 7 rolls of film with this camera. First off I found loading the film to be the easiest I have encountered. You just drop the film in, shut the door and the film sets itself. All of the features in this camera allows the photographer to take GREAT pictures. Every picture I took, using this camera, looked as though a professional had taken them. To get familiar with all of the features I purposely took pictures that utilized each feature. Again every picture came out GREAT! Close ups of people did not have the red-eye due to the Flip Flash feature. Photos I took of objects far away seemed a lot closer due to the Infinity feature. Photos I took at night looked as though they were taken in the day light due to the Night View feature. The 3 picture sizes also produced fabulous pictures. The Preview screen, on the back of the camera, came in handy for viewing the picture right away to make sure I got the shot I was after. I also like that I can set the date, time and event to print on the photo. I love this camera so much that I am trying to find one for several members of my family.

What I've Been Looking For!
I absolutely love this camera! I was considering a digital camera but wasn't impressed with the clarity of the pictures, and yet I really wanted to send pictures to family via e-mail. This camera gives me the best of both worlds and for a lot less money!
My husband and I have three children and I also am a licensed day care provider and I take a LOT of pictures on a weekly basis. Two of my day care parents are already considering buying this camera after seeing the pictures it takes, and how easy it is to handle.
Being able to see the picture after you take it is wonderful! If someone steps in front of you, you can tell right away and don't have to waste money getting a picture developed you know you don't want. On the other hand, the pictures that you see that you know Grandma and Grandpa are going to want a copy of, you order a few extras of just that picture!
I also do a lot of scrapbooking, and this camera is a life saver! When I have all three boys in a picture, I can get three of just that one for each of their scrap books.
I have gone through four rolls of film with this camera, and I haven't had one picture that had even a hint of red eye in it. I just can't say enough about this camera! I absolutely love it! I was crushed when my other camera "died" on me and I had to get a different one. I've gotten over it! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Sony's affordable DSC-P51 combines a 2-megapixel sensor, 2x zoom lens, and AA battery power in a pocket-sized package. If you're shopping for a family point-and-shoot that's easy to use, versatile, and small enough to take anywhere, the P51 is a great choice.

Optics and Resolution
The DSC-P51's 2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail for sharp prints at sizes up to 8 by 10 inches. For the typical family photographer, 2 megapixels is a great balance between price and performance. If you want a camera with even more resolution, you'll need to step up to a 3- or 4-megapixel model like the DSC-P71 or DSC-P9.

The autofocus lens features both a 2x optical zoom and a 3x digital zoom. Remember, however, that digital zoom tends to reduce the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's a good idea to use it sparingly. In low-light situations (a particular weakness for many digital cameras), a focus-assist lamp sends out a small patterned beam to help the camera accurately determine distance, and special circuitry automatically reduces the "static" that typically plagues nighttime digital shots.

To compose your images, either use the traditional camera viewfinder or the 1.6-inch LCD display (which is also used to review the shots you've taken). Having both types of viewfinders offers the best of both worlds: if you're used to using a film camera or want to conserve battery life, use the viewfinder. If you want to see exactly the picture you'll be capturing, use the LCD display.

More Features
Though the P51 is designed for point-and-shoot simplicity, there are several options for more adventurous photographers, including manual focus with macro, adjustable ISO and white-balance settings, exposure compensation, and the ability to shoot black-and-white, sepia, solarized, and negative images.

Power
The P51 uses two AA batteries--a pair of high-capacity nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) rechargeables and charger are included. The benefit to using standard AA batteries instead of a custom proprietary battery is that AA batteries are widely available, so missing a once-in-a-lifetime shot due to dead batteries won't be an issue. The downside is that a digital camera will kill a set of alkaline batteries extremely quickly, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display. To ensure you'll be ready for action, we recommend getting a second pair of batteries so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Movie Mode
In movie mode, the camera captures silent video clips. Most digital cameras' movie modes are limited to 15- or 30-second clips, but in EX mode, the P51 can keep shooting until you've filled the memory card. The limited resolution of your movies guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Memory Sticks, Sony's proprietary memory-card format. The included 16 MB stick holds approximately 24 images at the camera's default settings. Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take more than 24 images per outing, then you'll want a bigger card. A 128 MB stick is a great size for this camera, storing around 200 images. To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive. If you own a Sony desktop or laptop, your computer may already have a built-in Memory Stick reader.

Size
At 5 by 2.4 by 1.75 inches and 10.4 ounces fully loaded, the P51 is a very compact and portable digital camera.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DSC-P51 camera, two rechargeable NH-AA-D1 rechargeable batteries, BC-CS1 charger, video and USB cables, wrist strap, 16 MB Memory Stick, and software on CD.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we recommend these accessories to make the most of your camera: a carrying case, a spare set of NiMH rechargeable size AA batteries, and a higher-capacity memory stick. Compatible accessories for this camera are listed near the top of this page.

... Read more

Features

• 2-megapixel sensor captures 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
• Autofocus lens with 2x optical zoom and 3x digital zoom
• Includes MSA-16A 16MB Memory Stick® media
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses 2 AA batteries (rechargeables included)

Reviews (50)

You can't do any better than this one
Very easy to use, takes great pictures and has a nice quality feel.I found battery life to be very good,I have heard of other cameras only capable of 20-30 shots before batteries were gone.I just used this camera on vacation ,took 50+ shots in 1 day {I was using a 128mb memerory stick,highly recommend} and the batteries never got below the 50 % range.I would also recommend the acc. kit for this camera , you get a very nice case and 2 extra batteries and a charger that charges in 2 hours instead of 14 hours.Over all, very impressed with this camera.You can't go wrong with this quality Sony product.

Decent price for a decent camera
This camera is the best in its class. Sony includes many features that set it apart from other brands, including easy to use menus, power saving feature, and size. The battery life is excellent; I was able to take just under 200 pictures on one charge. Normal batties can be used, but won't last longer than 15 or 20 minutes. At highest quality, you can get 30 pictures on the supplied 16MB memory stick. Pictures come out very well, although a macro setting would be nice to have. Multi burst and video are also handy features to have. Overall, this camera is a very good value for the money. You can get by with the included accessories, but other camera accessories can be expensive.

Pros:
* Comes with battery
* Comes with charger
* Comes with 16 MB memory stick
* Menus are simple and easy to use
* Includes USB cable
* Effects and camera settings (shutter time, white balance, etc) should satisfy the average person

Cons:
* Batteries must be charged to retrieve data from camera with USB cable
* 13 hour charge time with included battery charger
* NiMH batterys, while cheaper than LiIon batteries, have memory effect (They're only $...though and are supposed to last at least a year under normal conditions)

Note: Don't leave the the batteries in below freezing temperatures, as it will shorten the battery life.

Good camera- until it stops working
I really loved this camera- until the screen recently went black and all pictures came out black as well. I wanted to get another Sony because of the ease of use and decent pics I got (don't like my dad's Olympus camera, have to use the manual just to figure out how to turn it on). However, I read the reviews and found out I had the same problem as many other people. I looked up reviews for other Sony models, and they had problems as well. Guess I won't be getting another Sony.

for those with black screen problem
I also have had the black screen experience but I've found that you can temporarily correct the problem most of the time:
Reseting the camera by pressing the button located at the bottom
Striking the camera against your hand
For my camera, I think the problem resides in some bad connections.

Do not buy SONY cameras
LSD display went black! I think this will happen with all Sony cameras! I have 2 cameras Sony DSC-P51 and Sony DSC-P72 and both cameras LSD display went black!
One after 6 mns and 2nd one after 11 mns. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The Sony DCR-TRV27 is a solid MiniDV camera with a load of functions, including that of a 1-megapixel digital still camera. Demanding video enthusiasts will find their needs satisfied with a 10x optical zoom, manual focus ring, a night-shooting function, and a large 3.5-inch LCD screen.

Lens
The lens is a famous, high-quality Carl Zeiss construction with a single 1/4.7-inch CCD capturing the image, enabling the camera to produce 520 lines of resolution. The SteadyShot function stabilizes the picture and reduces camera shake. Use the infrared NightShot for shooting at night or in dark settings. The TRV27 also sports a 10x optical zoom, which is enough for most purposes. Turn on the digital zoom, which electronically magnifies the optical image, and reach up to 120 times.

Digital Stills
Digital stills can be stored on a Memory Stick, which works independently from the DV tape system. The camera performs with 1-megapixel resolution, making it capable of sharp images that are up to 1,152 x 864 pixels in size. The camera can also shoot in MPEG movie mode, storing 320 x 240 videos onto the memory stick. MPEG movie lengths range from five seconds to the length allowed by the capacity of your Memory Stick.

Inputs and Outputs
The TRV27 is equipped with the standard DV IEEE 1394 port (also known as FireWire) for a super-fast, lossless connection to a PC or other DV machines. The USB connection is used to transfer digital photos and MPEG movies. The traditional S-video and RCA connections are also present for direct viewing on a television or VHS dubbing.

The DCR-TRV27 comes with one 8 MB Memory Stick. Memory Sticks are reusable, but if you tend to take a lot of digital images, then you'll want a bigger card.

MiniDV Format
MiniDV digital technology delivers clear, sharp video with over 500 lines of horizontal resolution--far superior to the 240 lines of resolution offered by 8mm camcorders. You'll also get minimal color noise interference for a more stable picture.

You'll also get excellent sound quality, recorded in either 12-bit or 16-bit audio recording modes.

• 16-bit audio includes on set of stereo audio tracks to produce CD-quality sound.
• 12-bit audio utilizes two sets of audio tracks so you can easily add background music or commentary into your videos while maintaining the existing soundtrack.

This is all delivered on a cassette that's 1/12th the size of a standard VHS tape. A MiniDV tape offers digital recording time of two full hours--20 times the capacity of a CD. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with image stabilization
• 3.5-inch color LCD monitor; color EVF
• Records still photos onto tape or included Memory Stick media
• Analog-to-digital conversion with pass-through analog inputs

Reviews (27)

Little Giant
After reading many reviews and shoping at several stores, I took home my new Sony Handycam. ( DCR-TRV27 )
Don't let the compact size of this little giant fool you!
The power and fetures found in the TRV27 are many you might pay more money for in other cameras. The image quality was great!
I used it to record live music with very nice sound & video.
Low light video was brighter than stills in same light.
I found the controls laid out well and easy to use.
The manual that came with it was good for basic operation, but when geting onto some of the advanced operations it was some times confusing. My bigest dislike about the camera is loading tapes is done from the bottom of the camera. If you have it mouted on a tripod, you must remove it for tape loading. Overal I love the camera and would recomend it to anyone.

Sony DCR TRV27
Excellent camcorder!

Was looking for TRV30 which went out of production and came across this one.

Pros: 1) clear and vibrant video picture (video 690K pixels and still 1 mega pixels CCD)
2) Fast focusing when using zoom in auto mode
3) simple to use knobs and buttons
4) Value for price
5) still photo fairly good with 1 megapixel rating
6) video looks great on TV (at least in Sony Wega TV) than the LCD screen (May be I have reduce the brightness of screen)

Cons:
1) 10x optical and 120x digital zoom slightly less than the competion JVC, Panasonic, Canon
2) Battery life is short with LCD usage
3) No memory stick holder/case supplied
4) No flashlight/ video light (have to buy separately)

Will recommend for anyone who wants good decent video with high resolution and money to spend.

Excellent value
I've used the DCR-TRV27 for almost a year and a half now. Excellent image quality, light weight, great battery life, data flows through FireWire to computer very well.

Down sides: Sony's web site doesn't even acknowledge they ever made this camera; searching on its model number will not produce any results. So if you lost the manual, the best source to get it in .pdf form is Amazon! Also, the zoom is a little over-sensitive.

These are minor quibbles though. For the money, this camera is a bargain.

Versatile and High Quality
I bought this unit for Christmas 2003. After one year, the device is still flawless.

The features are more than enough to satisfy the recreational videographer. I usually use the automatic settings (auto focus, auto brightness, etc.) whenever I can, but I'm glad the device has so many options, if I find myself in a situation where I need them.

The 9-point auto focus is spectacular. While most camcorders use a single point to focus, this unit has a group of 9 points or boxes it uses to determine the optimum focus for the shot. It's really amazing, and almost instantaneous.

I love the small size, and the 3.5" LCD screen is much better than the 2.5". When taking video of people, especially kids, they love it when I flip the screen toward them, so they can see themselves. To them, it's like they are on TV. They tend to be more expressive. When I do this, I just look throught the viwfinder to keep the subject in frame.

It's rugged. My wife dropped it at Disney World 9 months ago. It scratched the case a bit, but otherwise the unit wasn't phased.

I've made a few CD-ROM-based videos on my computer. The Sony TRV27 easily transfers video to the computer through the Firewire connection. The USB connection also works, but the compressed image quality is far worse the the pure Firewire transfer.

It's nice to have the capabilities to shoot digital stils. However, the 640x480 1 megapixel image is too low-res for printing phoro-lab quality prints on a photo inkjet printer.

I think of the digital camera feature as a quite a bit above most cell phone cameras, and quite a bit below most 3+ megapixel cameras.

Battery life is great. I have not yet bought a spare, and haven't needed it. If I shot more video, I would probably get one of the larger batteries, which would, however, make the unit a little heavier.

All in all, this is an excellent product. I'm sure the newest models are even better. Sony costs a bit more than some of the other brands, but when it comes to camcorders, you can't beat 'em.

Not satisfactory
I bought this camcorder 11 months ago. Used it 7-8 times. Now the tape is getting stuck. It is difficult to get through with Sony customer support and when I get in, they said parts are under warranty , but labour is not. It costs usd 220 to repair it. Picture under low light is not good. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Effortlessly take photographs of sweeping mountain ranges and close-ups of flowers with Nikon's 130 35mm camera. Weighing only 6.7 ounces, the compact 130 gives you a wide range of shooting options with its 3.4x (38-130mm) zoom lens. The passive autofocus system lets you effortlessly take sharp photos without taking you out of the moment. The built-in, pop-up flash illuminates clearly with five modes of operation, and the red-eye reduction feature always comes in handy. The viewfinder has easy frame marks to help you center your image properly, and the diopter adjustment makes viewing easy for every user.

The panorama mode creates wide photos for that special creative touch. Film operation is fully automatic, including film loading, frame advance, rewind, and midroll rewind to make operations a snap. With the built-in quartz date function you can print the time and date onto the pictures you take. Also, the 10-second self-timer is perfect for those group photos. The sliding cover prevents damage to the lens when you are not using it. ... Read more

Features

• The world’s smallest and lightest 35mm compact camera with sliding lens cover and 3.4x zoom
• 38mm-130mm (3.4x) Nikon Zoom lens, featuring exclusive Nikon ED glass lens technology for incredibly sharp photographs
• Up to 628-step, wide-area passive Autofocus system ensures focusing accuracy for great pictures
• Real-image zoom viewfinder with diopter adjustment for easier viewing
• Built-in Pop-up flash features 5-mode operation; quartz date allows you to imprint the date/time

Reviews (11)

Update on this camera
Ok, I took this camera to Key West and Mexico and found that the quality of my photos were "OK" meaning they weren't exceptional like my old Nikon Zoom Touch. The pictures weren't as clear as Nikon quality is. Even though I had used the HD Kodak film. I'm still on my regular role of Kodak 400 film, so I will update again. Usually with high end cameras you get high quality photos and crisp pictures but not with Kodak HD film in this camera. The pictures were grainy and not sharp quality, but... it might be the film I used on my trip so you'll have to wait for and update.

Very fuzzy closeups!!!
I bought this camera for my daughter for her baby shower and am very disappointed. It is not up to par for the Nikon name. Point and shoot quality very nice, BUT any close shots taken were very fuzzy!!! Not good when shooting pictures of a newborn baby! Every roll developed had poor quality pictures of her.

Not Satisfied
My Canon Sure Shot was the best camera I ever had. After a few years, the flash wouldnt recharge. I purchased the Nikon based on the new lenses claiming high clearity. I havent seen the clearity. Delays from the focus feature is another disappointment. If given the choice again, I would purchase the Canon Sure Shot and pay the difference.

Great, compact, point and shoot
I tried the Pentax 130, the Canon 115u, an Olympus Stylus 120 all with the same result... a trip back to the store with a camera to return. The Pentax took great pictures, but had horrendous red-eye issues. The Canon had red-eye issues and the pictures seemed dark and underexposed. The Olympus Stylus was nice, did not have red-eye problems, but too many of the photos came out fuzzy and seemed slightly out of focus. And to be fair I developed the photos from all of the above at the same place. Since I liked the Olympus, but wasn't pleased with the results, I bought the Nikon Lite Touch 130, which has a similar body style to the Olympus with the sliding front cover and pop-up flash. The pictures I took with the Nikon Lite Touch 130 were very clear and in focus, had minimal to no red-eye, and were the most color-accurate of any of the cameras I tried. The photos I took with the zoom also turned out great. Note: using zoom over about 90mm on distant subjects will probably produce somewhat grainier photos unless you use a tripod and at least 800 speed film. The main reason I like a higher zoom is so you can zoom in on a subject which is fairly close and in focus, while at the same time achieving a blurred background effect. Also, to be fair all these little point and shoot cameras have a fairly long delay before the picture is taken for two reasons: ONE - It takes a moment for the camera to focus on the subject, and TWO - if you use the red eye reducer at all, it takes another moment for the red eye reducer to activate before the picture snaps. I am a perfectionist and know what I want to see. I'm finally seeing it with this camera. The Nikon Lite Touch line is a little more spendy than comparable brands, but well worth the money in my opinion. I would highly recommend any of the Nikon line, particularily the Lite Touch 130 and Lite Touch 150, for their superb optics, focusing cababilities, and accurate color matching.

Great Shots!
As I have always trusted Nikon. This is the best camera that I have owned since my other Nikon Zoom Touch 400 got to big to carry around. I hated to give up my old camera but this one was the smallest and less bukier camera that I have. I even had to hunt down a Nikon case for it, since no one on the web had the right case for this model. I also searched for the remote that was optional and it wasn't cheap ($25) so I said, "don't really need it". I am a litte concerned about the way cameras are being designed, I don't like the sliding cover as you know things wear out in time. So I am keeping my old camera for back up. Because the sliding cover shuts it on/off, what happens when it wears out. It's hard to find a dependable camera out there with the features and quality that are supposed to be in the camera. I love Nikon but I think the quality of camera is being ignored. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

From its professional Carl Zeiss lens to the 3.5-inch LCD, and everything in between, the DCR-TRV50 screams quality. It is unequivocally Sony's top consumer model, and well worth the expense.

Imaging System
The foundation of any camcorder is the imaging system: the lens and CCD. The lens is a Carl Zeiss Vario-Sonnar. While less expensive models may have a larger zoom, the truth is that the larger the optical zoom, the larger the chance that any lens defects will show up in the video you are shooting. A 10x zoom is a good tradeoff in terms of image quality and zoom length. Additionally, Super SteadyShot technology helps keep your video from suffering from the common malady known as handshake, an unavoidable consequence of high zoom levels. Super SteadyShot essentially means image stabilization. There are varying types of image stabilization, but the Super SteadyShot variety moves the internal mechanisms of the camcorder to compensate for any camera movements. Finally, the lens on the TRV50 also has a manual focus ring--a step better and more immediate than the clunky interface most often used in digital camcorders with a manual focus.

The CCD in the TRV50 is of enough resolution to capture 1,360 x 1,020 digital stills onto the included 8 MB Memory Stick--about a 1.38-megapixel image. That resolution is currently tops in the digital-camcorder world (the digital still resolution of camcorders hasn't risen nearly as fast as that of digital cameras), and is good for prints up to about 6 by 9 inches. As far as video is concerned, Sony claims the high-resolution CCD translates into a video resolution of around 530 horizontal lines.

LCD
LCDs are probably the best way to frame your shots on a camcorder, and that usually means the larger the screen the better. At 3.5 inches, the argument could be made that the TRV50 offers the best, just based on size. The only downside? The larger the screen the larger the battery drain. This isn't that serious an issue, as there are many other factors in battery life besides LCD size.

Inputs/Outputs
Two items jump out as features that should be included on all camcorders: a headphone jack and a mic input. Not only do most camcorders have poor built-in microphones, but also they are often situated too near the tape mechanism, meaning you get the annoying throbbing sound of the tape pulled through the heads. Additionally, a headphone jack takes some of the guesswork out of your audio sources. For example, if you're recording a child's presentation, you'd most likely want to make sure you can hear the child.

Of course, the TRV50 also has a slew of other ports, including the standard IEEE 1394, which is used to transfer footage to a computer digitally. Other important ports include S-video, a special AV port, and USB for transferring stills and use with the USB-streaming mode. Additionally, the analog ports (S-video, special AV), allow you to archive your analog footage. Sony has taken the extra step of making the ports pass-through, which means you can plug an IEEE 1394 cable into your computer and archive directly to that without going through the extra step of recording to a tape first.

Special Features
USB streaming essentially allows you to use your camcorder as a Webcam, broadcasting 320 x 240 video at 30 fps. It's a fun feature that should allow you to get even more use from an already loaded machine.

Finally, Sony also added an MPEG movie mode; essentially, this allows you to record movie clips onto a Memory Stick. While the quality won't replace MiniDV anytime soon, it's easier to shoot short MPEG movies and e-mail them than it is to edit your DV footage to a manageable length, render it into a format that's easy on the bandwidth, and send it off.

Included with the DCR-TRV50 are a power adapter, InfoLithium battery, remote control, stereo AV cable, lens cap, shoulder strap, 8 MB Memory Stick, USB cable, and a software CD-ROM. ... Read more

Features

• MiniDV camcorder
• 10x optical, 120x digital, zoom with Super SteadyShot image stabilization
• 3.5-inch color LCD and color EVF
• Records 1.3 megapixel stills onto included 8 MB Memory Stick
• USB streaming turns your camcorder into a webcam

Reviews (4)

great machine
This is a very nice camcorder with the best video imaging available in a single-chip camcorder. Video pictures are crystal clear, digital images are the best of any consumer level camcorder anywhere, and the manual switches on the camcorder put you in control of important functions. i must say this is better than any other camcorder. buying this camcorder is not overkilling. if you want good quality go for this. but if you think this is expensive then you have choice. you can go for trv27. but remember you cann't compare TRV50 with TRV27 becoz the features are different. TRV50 is latest....for this century.

real handycam
Sony's MiniDV DCR-TRV50 is their upgrade to the popular DCR-TRV30. The camcorder is a standard form factor, with many neat features and good still quality. The DCR-TRV50 carries a street price around [$$$].

The Sony DCR-TRV50 has a 1/4 in. 1.5 Mega Pixel HAD CCD. The effective video pixels used is 970K while the still is 1,390K, but more about the still performance later. The DCR-TRV50 has a 10x optical, 120x digital zoom while the horizontal resolution is rated at 530 lines, the top for the MiniDV format.

An upgrade of the DCR-TRV50 over the DCR-TRV30 is the addition of a touch panel LCD screen. The LCD is 3.5 in. and 246K pixels. The camcorder also has a color viewfinder. When you first hear of the touch screen feature you?re likely to think it?s frivolous, but it?s actually quite useful. Using the touch screen LCD you can adjust the focus and the exposure. If you have an area that is under or over exposed or an area that you want to put in focus all you have to do is touch on it an the camcorder adjusts automatically. This is a great intermediate between automatic and manual control. It gives the inexperienced user a way of tackling the camcorder controls which can be very daunting. Sharp was the first company to add a touch screen LCD but I think Sony has really taken this option and flown with it. It?s a really great feature, especially for those less experienced camcorder users.

all neat
if you are planning to buy a good handycam go for trv50. if you are planning to buy trv950 or sony vx2000 please have a look this camera too. i bought this camera last month....it is really nice. picture quality is excellent. still mode is wondeful and touch screen is very useful. the only gimik is bluetooth technology, but other features are just fantastic...you cann compare trv50 with trv950 only.the difference is only 1ccd and 3 ccd. but otherwise you will not feel much difference. i recomend this handycam to semi professionls too.

Feel like professional
I bought Sony DCRTRV50 MiniDV Digital Camcorder last week. i can say that this is the camera of my dream. this is my second handycam. before this i used sony trv120. even i have tried sony trv900 too (trv900 was good). but trv50 is very cool. nice features. very good video quality. if you want to buy a handycam in mid range (i prefer not very expensive like trv900/950 or vx2000) this the machine you will love. compact size, looks good, video quality is just like professional and still is far better than my 1.3 mega pixel fuji camera. sound quality is really nice. just check the trv50 in stores, i'm sure you would love to buy this camera for this price. i must say this is the camera for 21st century. a new generation handycam. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

The 3-megapixel Olympus C-720 Ultra Zoom digital camera boasts an outstanding 8x optical zoom lens (plus 3.0x digital zoom--equivalent to 40-320mm in 35mm camera) and an ultracompact size (4.2 by 3 by 3 inches). The impressive aspherical glass lens gives you excellent detail and sharp, clear pictures, plus the size of the camera makes it easy to bring along wherever you go.

The C-720 offers rapid-succession firing--just over half a second per shot--and QuickTime movie mode for short video clips. Additional features include multipattern TTL autofocus, built-in flash, diopter adjustment, 1.5-inch color LCD monitor, self-timer with 12-second delay, autoexposure bracketing (three or five images), auto white balance, and special image effects such as sepia mode and black and white.

The C-720 stores images on removable SmartMedia cards. The camera can be operated in several modes: in programmed auto mode the camera does everything for you. In aperture- and shutter-priority modes, you get to set the aperture or priority, and the camera does the rest. In manual mode, you have control over all camera functions, with shutter speeds as long as 16 seconds.

Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage class connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software. The C-720 also ships with two CR-3V long-life disposable lithium batteries (four AA batteries can also be used), a 16 MB SmartMedia card, lens cap, strap, retainer cord, USB and A/V cables, and software. ... Read more

Features

• 3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create prints up to 11 x 14
• Autofocus lens with 8x optical zoom and 3x digital zoom (for 24x total zoom)
• Included 16 MB SmartMedia card holds 21 images at high quality setting
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses 2 CR-V3 lithium batteries (included) or 4 AA batteries

Reviews (40)

Excellent camera... wonderful zoom and great battery life
This is my 4th digital camera and they have certainly improved. I chose the 720 because of it's 8X zoom lens and small size, plus the use of standard sized batteries. I took it on a two week canoe trip in Ontario and it performed great. The photos are crisp and sharp. Even with the maximum zoom, the focus was sharp, although I did use a mono-pod for stability. I was particularly impressed with the battery life. Based on my older cameras, I took 6 sets of batteries for the two week trip.... but I ended up only using two sets: one set of NiMH rechargables and one set of lithium batteries was all it took for two weeks and over 600 photos, including lots of previewing with the LCD display.
I also found the LCD viewfinder more acceptable than I had first expected. It is a bit grainy and takes some getting used to, but it was brighter than most reviews have implied and it was great to be able to see 'exactly' what was going to be in the picture since it is 'through the lens'.

Overall, I am very pleased with the camera. Very impressive.

Grrreat Camera!
This camera is so cool. It is lightweight and just so great. It has a wonderful optical lens that gets far away objects in fine focus. It's digital zoom comes out surprisingly crystal clear. Plus, the multi adjustable exposure is a pleasure to use. You can set the camera to take manual shutter speed or manual exposure or both. You can set the overall lighting for the scene from dark to light. You can also take movies for 16 seconds! You can take self photos-timed, snaps shot on its own. There are several sizes of photos you can take. There are screw threads on the lens so you can also purchase a separate adapter and use filters such as polarization and UV or wide angle lenses (check out Ebay and search "Olympus 720 filter"). You can take time exposures for blurred water flowing or car lights streaming past. You can check out the back of the camera on the sharp active matrix LCD screen and look at the photo you just took and delete ones you don't like. You can watch the movies on the LCD screen. You can use smartmedia cards (check out "Viking" at Amazon) to save photos/movies ...for the maximum size 128 meg card which saves about 50 photos at the largest size or about 650 at 640x480. I think the greatest thing about this camera is the lens. You can zoom in to objects that are VERY far away and have them in sharp focus. I took photos of deer recently this way. It's simple to download the photos with the USB cable. The software that comes with the camera is really cool. You can upgrade ... by purchasing a number online that links right from the software that comes with the camera. The upgrade software is absolutely outstanding. The free stitch mode in the upgrade software is especially cool since it really does an outstanding job of stitching photos-this upgrade software is NOT A BURN..-it's really worth it-compare to other software like this online. Plus, the camera comes with a 16meg card to save photos right away. It comes with a CD of the software. It comes with a lens cap and strap to connect to the lens cap and another strap to connect to the camera. It comes with lithium duracell batteries. It comes with a USB connector cord. It comes with a cord to connect to your TV (stereo cable port) to watch your photos on your TV! You can even set the camera to do a slide show of your photos on the TV. You can watch the movies from your camera on the TV. May I recommend purchasing a 12' extension stereo cord for the TV cable from Radio Shack so you can sit at the sofa and watch your piks on the TV. I really, can honestly say.. that this is an outstanding product. I read the whole manual and tried all the different examples to get all out of this camera possible. It's really fun! Give it a try-you can't go wrong. It's a wonderful family camera or even great for a profesional. It's a blast-I love that I got it.

A great camera at a great price, but not for action shots
I own this camera and am very pleased with it. I have some photography experience but this is my first digital camera, so in choosing a camera my goals were to find one that is as close to a traditional 35 mm film camera, but digital. This camera acheives that goal. The main drawback to this camera is that it is difficult to take action photos. I'll get to that, but first a few pros:

- Of course, the powerful optical zoom and optical lens, (combined with digital zoom gives you almost 30x zoom).
- For having an optical lens, this camera is really compact! It is easily held in one hand.
- Full automatic controls of shutter speed and aperture, but also the option of full manual (as well as shutter speed priority or aperture priority) should you want to do something creative. Though it does not have unlimited exposure time; you can't go past about one minute.

And a few cons:

- The necessary accessories will drive the price up. It only comes with a 4 MB memory card, and much more is needed (I recommend at least 64 MB, probably 128 MB). Also, rechargeable batteries are recommended, as well as a carrying case.
- Though it uses double-A's, most rechargeable double-A's don't last long. I often end up buying regular double-A's in the end anyway.
- Like other digital cameras, the camera must be powered up before taking photos but you don't want to leave it on at all times in order to save batteries. However, if you have a sudden photo opportunity it does take a minute for the camera to power up. The camera will go into sleep mode to save batteries and it "wakes up" a little faster, but still somewhat slowly. This is a minor drawback.
- And the biggest drawback, for me, is the difficulty in taking action shots. It is difficult for two reasons:

1) The auto-focus is slow. By the time the camera focuses and shoots, your photo opportunity easily may have passed. It does have manual focus but it is much slower! You have to use the up/down and left/right arrows on the back of the camera to focus. First, this is an inconvenient location especially if you are using the viewfinder instead of the viewscreen. And, the buttons are digitally controlled; each press of the button requires a short processing time. If you think you can manually focus on the fly with this camera while shooting sports photography, forget it! So, unless you are in a situation where you can focus manually once and take all of your photos at that focal length, you will have to rely on the moderately slow auto-focus.

2) After each photo, the image freezes to show you the picture you just took. This is a nice feature on most any digital camera nowadays, but since you can't turn it off it can really interfere if you are trying to take several photos back-to-back. The viewscreen does this, but so does the viewfinder, so there is no avoiding it. The only option, if you want to take quick back to back photos, is to turn on the "rapid-shooting" which will take 2 or more photos every time you press the button. Fortunately it's digital so you aren't wasting film!

All of that said, I will mention that I have managed to take some decent sports photographs. The drawbacks are a nuisance but can be worked around in ways like those that I have mentioned.

I recommend this camera to anyone that is looking for a digital camera at a very affordable price that will provide many of the benefits of a traditional 35 mm film-based camera. It is good for beginners as well as amateur photographers, but if you're planning to do action photography I recommend sticking to the 35 mm, or finding a different (though surely more expensive) digital camera.

Bottom line: it is hard, if not impossible, to beat this camera for this price.

I noticed someone reviewed it as not for beginners.....
And they are SO Right, it has so many whistles and horns, I cant figure out how to use it. The instruction book is as long as a novel. I have never used a digital camera, so I can guarantee that this one is HARD to understand.
Once you figure out the important needs of the camera, the one part that is easy is getting the pictures on the computer. That is camera/computer friendly, and easy to understand.
I noticed that all pictures have red eyes, and what I don't like the most, is I love taking pictures spontaneously, you can not take moving pictures at all, and that is a big downfall when you have kids and cats or dogs. Anything moving comes out blurry every-time. It is not the camera for those that like to be on the go, or like to take pictures as they happen. Its more for the mountain and tree type families, that take pictures of still objects.

This is not a camera for beginners
This is my first digital camera and I did a lot of research before buying it. I bought it mainly for the 8x optical zoom and because of a retailer who recommended Olympus' lenses. The flaws of this camera were said by other reviewers - things like slow focus and blurry pictures. You CAN take good pictures with this camera, but it just takes a LONG time to learn for beginners (and after a lot of mistakes). And if you need somebody else to take pictures for you, it will be plenty of headaches. The paper manual that comes with the camera is the most user-UNfriendly manual I've ever seen - it assumes the user knows a lot about cameras. In conclusion, this camera is NOT for anyone who wants ease of use. ... Read more