Nikon Coolpix 5700 5MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $899.90
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Building on the success of the amateur range of Coolpix cameras, Nikon has introduced the Coolpix 5700 in an attempt to bridge the gap between the amateur and professional markets. This time around Nikon has gone for a semicompact feel, combining an almost palm-size unit with a powerful features one would expect to find on a high-specification midrange digital camera.

The swiveling, swing-out screen on the Coolpix 5700 makes it easier to frame self-portrait, overhead, and floor-level shots.

The Coolpix 5700 comes equipped with an automatic pop-up flash, plus a hot-shoe for additional flash units. The bundled NikonView 5 browser software makes it simple to download, organize, and print images. The package includes a lens cap, camera strap, 16 MB CompactFlash card, AV cable, USB cable, rechargeable lithium-ion battery, and battery charger. It is compatible with CompactFlash memory cards (Type I or II), as well as IBM Microdrives.

The 5700 allows the use of the viewfinder or the LCD monitor (which rotates through 180 degrees after it's opened out) for framing a picture, providing full freedom of movement and allowing you to capture a picture at any angle--no matter how obtuse. Zoom capability has been increased on the 5700, and the camera features an impressive 8x optical zoom, the results from which are good at all levels and distances. Supporting a maximum resolution of 2,560 x 1,920 (4.91 megapixels), an ISO range of 100 to 800, and a top shutter speed of 1/4,000, this camera is definitely a good all-rounder, providing you with great flexibility under different conditions.

The 5700 performs admirably, producing results way above expectation. Color balance is good, and the overall results are of a very high quality. We did have a middling complaint about its size, which actually feels a bit on the small size. With an extra couple of centimeters added to the bodywork, the 5700 would have felt much easier to handle and control in everyday usage. The position of the camera strap attachment also seems awkward, being as it is located on the upper right quadrant of the lens housing, making it sometimes difficult to gain a good grip when in use.

These criticisms aside, the Coolpix 5700 is bound to be another sure-fire hit for Nikon, balancing the huge 5-megapixel image size against a competitive pricepoint. For those not yet ready to move up to the professional level of 35mm digital SLRs such as the Nikon D100, the Coolpix 5700 proves to be a worthy alternative. --Elly Russell

Pros:

• Palm-sized 5-megapixel camera with a powerful feature set
• Includes sizeable 16 MB memory card--can accept IBM Microdrives
• 8x optical zoom

Cons:

• Could be slightly larger for easier handling

... Read more

Features

• 5.0 megapixel sensor creates 2,560 x 1,920 images for prints at 11 x 14 and beyond
• 8x optical zoom and 4 x digital zoom for 32x total; provides an equivalent zoom range of 35mm-280mm in 35mm photography
• Includes 16 MB CompactFlash card; MicroDrive compatible
• Connects with PCs and Macs via USB port
• Uses 1 rechargeable Li-ion EN-EL1 battery (included)

Reviews (108)

Save your money-buy the real thing
If you are looking for an entry level professional camera, save up and buy an SLR. I have had this camera for a little over a month and am ready to throw it out the window.

AUTO FOCUS PROBLEMS
The thing can't take a picture that's in focus.At one to one, out of the 958 pictures I've taken, none of them are sharp.It simply can't do it.Many subjects it can't focus at all.Its impossible to judge from the tiny monitor the true sharpness of the photo. Its not uncommon to review a batch of photos on the computer and find that half of them are completely fuzzy.

The auto focus is also extremely slow.It can take several seconds for the camera find its mark.

MANUAL FOCUS IS A JOKE
The manual focus is awkward to use.Although, that's prety much irellevant because the camera's monitor does not have enough resolution to use it.Its been suggested to me that I try bracketing the focus.Except, the point of bracketing is not to be aimlessly wasting memory, hoping that one of the shots is good.

TIGHTEST APERATURE IS 8.7

I thought I could deal with this because most of the work I do is in moderate to low light.That was a mistake.This compounds the previously mentioned Auto Focus issues.

HIGH RESOLUTION
The difference from a 35mm film scan is astounding.Its amazing to pull up a 6X9 at 300 ppi with no noise or grain.

EASY TO USE
The camera is set up like the 35mm SLR I've used for years to and have found it easy to navigate.The buttons on the side can be touched accidentally causing some minor annoyance.

CONCLUSION
If you are a casual user, this camera may be just fine for you.The focusing issues become pronounced when you are trying to achieve a specific aestetic.Perfect focus may not be that important to you eighter, especially if you print mostly to 4x6 or 5x7.Looking atthe other ratings, many people love this camera.However, the serious amateur or entry level proffesional should not waste their time and money on this camera.

For the pictures
I've had my Nikon 5700 for about nine months now. I started out with it as a complete novice, got shutter lucky, and found some beautiful shots in the camera. Over the past months I've moved from a completely automatic point-and-shoot snapper to all-manual settings. I've picked up some knowledge about the basics of photography along the way, and the ability to pop the card and see the results of a setting instantly really shortened the learning curve.

First and foremost, this camera takes absolutely beautiful photographs. Colors are bright and vibrant, and details are rendered beautifully even when printing at large sizes - you can get a 13x19" enlargement to print at about 140 dpi on an inkjet, resulting in a very "painterly" image somewhere between photograph and painting. I decided at the outset to shoot only in camera RAW mode, and so what I've gotten out of the camera is exactly what went in. If you need to re-touch in Photoshop, this is the ONLY way to do it. You can correct a surprising number of mistakes (white balance, exposure, brightness, contrast, saturation) in RAW prior to bashing the image to smithereens with Photoshop editing tools - they only work on processed, "rendered" images.

Downsides are well id'd in the reviews, but I think you can get around most of them. Battery consumption climbs closer and closer to the top of the list of negatives as you move from automated to manual operation. Tip: use manual focus. I've found that assigning manual focus to the function button on the top makes focusing easier than punching for the button on the lens barrel. There isn't anything you can do about slow memory card writes, and we're not likely to see any firmware updates to accept the faster WA cards out on the market.

I've added some filters and lenses to my rig. A good tripod is essential, and the AA battery pack, with a 15-minute charger, makes everything a lot more fun. Note that if you add Nikon lenses, you are permanently out of luck for filters - there are NO filters for the Nikon lenses and adapters that fit this camera. Luckily, there are very acceptable third-party lenses and adapters that will take UV and/or polarizing filters.

I'm no pro, don't even consider myself a photographer yet, but the folks who work with my wife don't know that. It's because of the pictures - they're gorgeous.

The more time and effort you invest in this camera, the more you'll get out of it.

slow focus, slow memory, but looks nice & it's nikon
been very disappointed with the camera. i've used to travel to 12 different countries and the pic quality is good but way too slow to capture any large files other than normal and zooms so slow that itis painful. but i am selling mine if you want to buy one. ... Read more

Asin: B000069092
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

HP PhotoSmart 850 4MP Digital Camera w/ 8x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $499.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

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

Cons:

• Not as portable as some
• Focus issues

... Read more

Features

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

Reviews (44)

why pay 300? get it for FREE
nice camera that you can get here http://www.cameras4free.com/default.aspx?r=345693 thanks for read

Re: a customer's review
There is a firmware upgrade for the carema which fixes ALL of these problems.

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

Asin: B00006LK1Q
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)    3. Hewlett-Packard    4. (HP)    5. (Hewlet Packart)   

Canon PowerShot G2 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

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

• 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
• 4.1 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond

Reviews (153)

Great all around camera
This was our first digital camera.Very easy to use, useful features, and high quality photos.Definitely a good deal.

great camera, even today
I bought this camera in early 2003 when the camera was to be discontinued and sold around $400. I am mostly a happy user of this camera.

Pros:

1. Excellent lens, very bright (F2.0) which make shooting indoor without flash a possiblity.

2. Good resolution. 4MP is enough even today.

3. Great photography control, more F stops, great range of shutter speed which you won't see in most consumer level digital cameras. This means you can shoot a wide range of objects under many different environment, without compromised quality.

4. Better looking than successors like G3, G5.

Cons:

1. Relatively lousy battery life using the bundled battery

2. Slow startup time. This sometimes becomes intolerable when you want a fast shot.

3. Hard to get CF card out of the camera.

4. ISO 400 speed gives noisy image quality. However this is the issue with most consumer digital cameras.

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. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Q5U5
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon PowerShot G34MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Few digital camera lines have been as successfully branded as Canon's Powershot. And the best known in that line was the powerful and fun to use G2. Now, Canon's following it up with their G3, which has the same four megapixels of resolution but now offers an improved 4X optical zoom and other updated features.

With a revamped body, the G3 feels a bit more comfortable in the hands. A mid-sized camera, you'll notice it hanging around your neck, but its 14.5 ounce frame won't weigh you down terribly. With a high-speed CompactFlash card, the G3 can take video clips of up to three minutes complete with sound.

You'll want to consider an upgrade to one of those cards, as the G3 ships with only a 32 MB standard CF card--not bad for bundled memory, but you'll be happier with more storage room. Images taken at the highest resolution quickly filled up the 32 MB card, but were highly detailed as well as bright with realistic colors.

The G3 features the same large, bright 1.8-inch LCD as its predecessor, making it easy to frame your shot in anything except direct sunlight. Like earlier G models, the LCD flips out and can be rotated around completely, letting you view it from any angle.

This works well with the G3's two options for self-timing, 2 and 10 seconds, so you can see what you're doing from the target viewpoint. And the G3's above-industry-standard 4x optical zoom lets you get in closer than the G2's 3x zoom as well.

Compatible with Canon's Direct Print feature, you can output images from the G3 directly to any of Canon's Direct Print line of printers. The G3 is a great choice for a 4 megapixel, 4x optical zoom camera with a wealth of features. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• 4 megapixels and 4x optical zoom
• Three minute video clips with sound
• Well designed

Cons:

• Only 32 MB CF card

... Read more

Features

• 4.0 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond
• 4x optical plus 3.6x digital(for 14x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds 54 images at Large/Normal resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)

Reviews (71)

Malfunctions,poor cust. service, insulting Upgrade Program
Initially a nice camera. However, while I was stationed in Iraq the camera suffered from an E24 error while it was with my wife in Germany. I chose not to take the camera to Iraq out of fear that it would be damaged. Instead, to my suprise, it was damaged in Germany for no apparant reason, atleast not one due to poor handling. My wife mailed the camera to the Canon repair shop in the States. They returned the camera in working order. The repairs were completed free of charge since it was in the time period of the one year warranty. On the day I returend from Iraq (6 months later after the first repair) a friend took a photo of us at the reception ceremony. The camera relapsed into the same state as before - an E24 error. The LCD screen would not display any data. The camera therefore completely shut itself off, a feature that was later explained to me by a Canon representative that is used to protect the camera from further damage. I spoke with a repair representative about what appears to me to be an easy fix. I was told that since my warranty had expired I would have to pay a minimum of $187 to a maximum of $500 for the repairs. Keep in mind this was told to me prior to any Canon technician ever even looked at the camera. I asked if that would still be the charge if it was a fix as simple as a loose screw and they told me that was an accurate assumption. I then asked if I would be required to pay if it was found that the problem was related to the initial repair having not been done properly while under warranty, again they responded that I would. They then informed me of an "Upgrade Program". They told me I could send them my G3, and pay them an additional $300, and in return I would receive a REFURBISHED G5! Not a new one, REFURBISHED! If I were to accept that offer I would end up paying $950 for a refurbished Canon G5 ($300 + the original $650 for the G3). I was insulted to say the least. I'm willing to bet that those refurbished G5's are part of a program that they have for an upgrade to the G6 for the G5 users that have the same issue as I. What a scam! What a pathetic customer service department! What an insult to an American soldier that just returned from a 13 month deployment in Iraq! Oh yeah, the company is Japanese, they don't care anyway;)

But by the way, I do own another Canon Powershot A20, 2.1 MP. I've owned it for over 3 years and it has been a great camera. I believe Canon is the best brand out there. But as for their repair assistance, customer service, and warranty policy - they are simply an insult!

Tim
An unhappy American soldier...

This is a great camera!
I bought my G3 in September of 2003 after my SLR took a dump 3 weeks before my baby was due.I have NEVER been disappointed.Granted, if I had the money, I would have gone for something better, but this was the BEST I could have gotten for my money.Some reviewers have commented on the camera not being worth the price - you must not have shopped around!I found mine, brand new, for $460 from a reputable online camera store.

My pictures turn out great most of the time.I agree with the slow focus time, but you can't get everything with a prosumer camera.I love the neverending list of options this camera offers (from flash output to f-stops to white balance, etc. etc.).

When I have the money saved up I'll be buying the Canon digital rebel, but until then I am very satisfied with my G3.

Good, with definite limitations.
I've had my G3 for about 10 months now, and I've taken thousands of pictures with it.The positives:
- Takes great, clear pictures under ideal conditions; often with better results than my 35mm Canon SLR!
- Easy uploads to my PC.
- Accepts my external Canon flash.
- Excellent battery life.(I've people complain about battery life with other digital cameras, but this really is a strong point for the G3.)
- The unique LCD that flips over is "cool" (and easy to protect from scratches).

- Has lots of shooting modes for a non-pro camera.
The negatives:
- The lens cap is a poor design; it falls off very easily (at least Canon provides a cord so it doesn't get lost).
- Focus is slow except under ideal lighting conditions.
- Focus is unreliable; I've learned to take 3 shots at a time, hoping that at least one of them will be in sharp focus.
- Photo quality gets noticeably worse (more "noise") as soon as you increase the exposure "speed" above the slowest setting (ASA 50).
- The design is relatively bulky and heavy for a non-SLR camera, and the controls are not ergonomically correct.
- The RAW picture format option is useless with this camera because Canon's software gives you virtually no useful options for correcting/modifying photos in RAW format.To do anything useful you have to take the time to convert your photos to JPG anyway.I gave up on RAW after the first couple of tries and have stuck with JPG format since then.
In summary... I expected a lot at this price level, and the G3 really is a great camera for family snapshots, scenery and documents.However, it is a poor camera for low-light conditions or action photography. ... Read more

Asin: B00006LU7J
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon PowerShot S45 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics (14 December, 2002)
list price: $599.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

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

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

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

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

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

Pros:

• Enhanced movie mode
• Compact design
• Well priced

Cons:

• No accessory lenses
• Average optical zoom

... Read more

Features

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

Reviews (58)

We tested the durability
We are a clutzy family and this camera has been dropped multiple times onto concrete or asphalt pavement.The camera is covered in dents and scratches.The shutter cover barely slides closed because it's so bent, but THE CAMERA STILL WORKS PERFECTLY.We've had it for about 2 years.Of course I wouldn't guarantee the same luck to others.Best wishes!

For snapshooters only!
I use this camera mainly to shoot small art objects, since I'm an art dealer.

On average the quality of photos you can take with this camera is pretty good considering the price. It has a good array of advanced options as well, like RAW format, that later you can convert to a 11MB TIFF file (on average, for 8 bits) or a 22MB TIFF (on average, for 16 bits). Tiff's are uncompressed files, and are the best option if you want to use Photoshop to manipulate your shots.

Very well built metallic case. I drop it from 4 feet twice and not even a dent occurred. Well done Canon!

The custom option in the shooting menu is also very welcome. You can store all your shooting parameter, like aperture, speed, colour balance, bracketing options, ISO and etc. Very handy!

In good light conditions the quality of photos is excellent for a 4 Mpixels camera. Both colour balance and sharpness are excellent. Better stick to ISO 50 or 100 or you will get above average noise though.

So far so good. But ...

Below average flash. If you use it outdoors as a fill in flash be prepared to get your main subject washed out and overexposed. If you use it indoors, on a birthday party for instance, the flash is not powerful enough even for small ambients. Be prepared to get underexposed photos with excess noise when you blow them up. But I have to be fair, if you take snapshots only, you would not notice it probably.

And now about the software that comes bundled with the camera. Remember that in digital photography the software to manipulate your shots is almost as important as the camera itself. And that's the point were the S45 fails to my requirements.

The File Viewer Utility does what it should do, but will present to you an interface that would be outdated when Windows 3.1 was the king. Zoom Browser has a better interface but is a jack of all trades and master of none sort of software, not integrated at all with the rest of the bunch. But I could live with both and still rate this camera well.

But then there is Remote Capture, which was one of the reasons I bought this camera. As I take pictures of small art objects, light control is top priority and the possibility of connecting the camera to a computer using this software and get a bigger image with all the control options of the camera was really appealing. Forget it! Remote Capture is a prehistoric, poorly designed, not properly tested and buggy piece of software. I do not understand how a company with the reputation like Canon supplies this sort of software with one of their products. I am sure it is only damaging the confidence the customers have in the brand.

Remote Capture is ridiculous. You can not save your shooting preferences, so every time you connect the camera you are back to the auto everything default. When you connect the camera, Remote Capture takes total control control, bypassing the camera controls, but without presenting the information that you usually get on the camera's LCD. There is no on-line information of speed, aperture, the focusing area marks, the auto-focus options, nothing! To know if a photo will come out in focus is a lottery. You can only trust in your visual perception from what you see on your monitor.

There are so many limitations that I would need too much space to describe. So I will only mention one more: Remote Capture freezes very easily (and I am using XP-Pro!), mainly if you use it in conjunction with a photo manipulation software, like Photoshop or PhotoImpact.

Final conclusion: This camera is adequate and a good value for money if you are a casual snapshooter. For this purpose I would rate it as 4 stars camera. But for semi-professional use I can only rate it 3 stars at the most.

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

Asin: B00007F8UQ
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Canon PowerShot S30 3MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $599.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Canon's 3-megapixel S30 hits the marketing sweet spot between features and ease of use, making it ideal for a wide range of photographers. It offers point-and-shoot simplicity while still providing advanced settings for more experienced photographers. Features like video capture, stitched panoramas, and continuous shooting offer a huge bonus in terms of fun and versatility for photographers at all levels of experience.

Getting started with the S30 couldn't have been simpler. We just slid open the lens cover and started shooting. Setting the camera to automatic mode, we were able to take vivid photos with accurate colors and outstanding detail. The 3x optical zoom--10x if you factor in the digital enhancement--made all the difference in our outdoor photos, letting us frame our shots perfectly.

A quick look at the options dial of the S30 shows that its capabilities extend well beyond quick snapshots. Even novices can take advantage of the camera's video mode, which can capture short videos. Though nowhere near camcorder quality, these videos are perfect for putting on a Web page or sending via e-mail, and the built-in microphone records sound for videos or notations on individual photos.

A bit more complicated is the photo-stitch mode, which lets you take panorama photos by lining up multiple pictures to cover vast areas and then stitching them together into a grand panorama on your PC. The handy continuous-photo mode enables you to shoot up to three images per second, ideal for capturing sporting events or wildlife.

The camera comes with only a 16 MB CompactFlash card, and you'll definitely want to purchase an additional memory card as a 16 MB card only holds approximately 16 3-megapixel images. Beyond that quibble, there's not much fault to be found with the Canon S30. It combines the ease-of-use novices require with the advanced features serious photographers expect.

Pros:

• 3-megapixel resolution
• 3x optical and 3.2x digital zoom
• Captures short videos with sound
• Excellent picture quality both indoors and out

Cons:

• Only comes with 16 MB of CompactFlash memory

... Read more

Features

• 3-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical plus 3.2x digital (for 9.6x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 16 MB CompactFlash card holds 16 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses proprietary NB-2L lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included)

Reviews (151)

Prone to failure after the warrentee expires.
I agree with the reviews by Simplicissimus & "curious", it was a great camera until it died.Mine had a critical failure just over one month past the warrentee running out.I paid $150 to have it "repaired." What I got back was a refurb with a different serial number.That lasted less than a year and half before it died.Given the price when I bought it, this camera has already cost me close to $800.The repair price that Canon charges will buy a new camera of the same functionality, with full warrentee.They offer an "upgrade" to a newer model, for $220, but that is a refurb with only a six month warrentee.I would prefer that Canon built a quality product that would last at least two years. I would settle for them at least standing behind their products when they die under normal use.

GREAT UNTIL IT DIED
For the first 15 months of ownership, I was sure I made the right choice for my first digital camera . Many great pictures, especially available-light stuff, lots of flexibility, rock solid (OK, hefty) feel. Then one day I turned it on to review pictures taken at a wedding the weekend before and nothing happened. No error message, no reaction to replacement with a fresh-charged battery, stone dead. I returned it to Canon Service even though it was a few months off-warranty. They repaired it and returned it very quickly, about two weeks turnaround. I would have called it perfect service except there was no explanation as to what the problem was, what they did to remedy it, and the fact that my MINT S30 was returned with two almost identical, obvious new scratches on top and bottom (clamshell vise?) Now I feel like it is a ticking time bomb that could die again at any time and have migrated back to film and my more dependable 1970s-vintage Rollei 35S.

E18 error
This was my first introduction to digital photography.Wouldn't you know, just out of the warranty period, the camera stops working.I test the battery just before my daughter's soccer game, then hop in the car.Get to the game and....the thing won't work.The lens will not come out.I now own a piece of junk.I think the retractable lens adds needless complexity to the camera.I will look for something simpler mechanically in the future.Maybe it's back to film cameras for me.I'm tired of 60 dollar ink cartridges anyway. ... Read more

Asin: B00005QFZF
Subjects:  1. S 10    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

Viking CF256M 256 MB CompactFlash Card
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $74.99 -- our price: $25.17
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Features

• Five year replacement warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
• Optimized for use in PDAs, MP3 players, or digital cameras
• Write speed guaranteed to exceed 1.2 MB per second (8X) with independent test results exceeding 2.25 MB per second (15X)
• High quality components guarantee steady performance, the utmost durability, and breadth of compatibility
• Individually tested to ensure each product works the first time, everytime

Reviews (204)

Never had any problems
I have several of these, and I've never had any problems with any of them.I've used them in my Canon camera and my Nex1a MP3 player; both work fine, and are interchangeable.

FOR NOW BETTER THAN OTHERS FOR COOLPIX 3100
I HAVE A NIKON COOLPIX 3100 WHICH IS QUITE SLOWWRITING PICTURES TO THE COMPACT FLASH (CF) CARD, LEADING TOA CONSIDERABLE DELAY FOR THE NEXT SHOT.
BEFORE THIS VIKING I OFTEN USED OTHER BRANDS OF 256 MBCF CARDS : LEXAR 12X ANDSIMPLE TECH AND SOMETIMES 64MB SAN DISK CF CARD .
A RELATIVE MADE ME A GIFT AND IN FACT I WAS ONLY THINKING TO USE IT AS A STEP CARD FOR BACK UPS,
IREALLY BECAMESURPRISED.
I HAD ITONLY FOR A SHORT TIME, BUTTIME ENOUGH TO BE CONVINCED THAT FORMY NIKON COOLPIX 3100 SEENS TO BE PRETTY FASTER THAN OTHERS IN WRITING IMAGES.
PRICE SEENS TO BE VERY GOOD.
DONT KNOW ABOUTPERFORMANCE IN OTHER BRANDS AND MODELS.

Awsome
This card is really good, and because i have a slow camera, this card is still super fast. definately recomnended. and not a bad deal either! ... Read more

Asin: B00005AC8J
Sales Rank: 44
Subjects:  1. Flash Memory (Flashcard, Flashcards)    2. Compactflash (Compact Flash)   

Lexar Media 256 MB USB 12X High-Speed CompactFlash Card (CF256-12-251)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $79.99 -- our price: $35.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Lexar Media's high-speed digital film helps your camera capture images faster, so you spend more time taking pictures and less time waiting on your camera. Lexar's CompactFlash cards are individually speed rated so you know the minimum capability of the card. Lexar uses the same rating system used by the CD-ROM industry, where a data transfer rate of 1x equals 150 kilobytes per second (KBps). The higher the speed rating, the faster your camera will be able to write images to the memory card.

For professional shooters who need immediate confirmation they've captured the shot or who want to identify accurate exposure levels or bracketing range, Lexar's patented 12X speed (1.8 MBps) transfer rate makes the card ideal for fast-paced applications such as photojournalism, sports, and fashion. And Lexar's solid-state design provides reliability in harsh shooting environments, mandated by professionals throughout the world.

The Digital Film Compliance seal assures you that your Lexar Media digital film is 100 percent compatible with your CompactFlash digital camera. It can also be used in all other digital devices that support the CompactFlash format, such as PDAs, video recorders, and MP3 players. All Lexar Media CompactFlash cards meet the CompactFlash Association's specifications and are marked with the CF+ symbol. ... Read more

Features

• 100% guaranteed compatible with any CompactFlash digital camera
• Lifetime limited warranty
• Capture images faster, so you spend more time taking pictures and less time waiting on your camera
• 12x speed (1.8 MB/second transfer speed)
• 256 MB capacity

Reviews (43)

Great flash card, great company!
Not only is this a great flash card, the company is great to deal with. On our recent vacation, I accidently deleted all our pictures. I thought they were lost! A friend suggested we try to find someone to try and recover the lost pictures. After several inquires I was directed to send the disk back to the manufacturer with a description of what happened. I called a service rep at Lexar and he said if I sent it to them they would give it a try. To my surprise, they were able to recover the lost pictures and returned my flashcard at no cost. Thanks again to Lexar, you've earned a loyal customer.

A Very Good Memory Card!
I have 4 Canon cameras that use Compact Flash. I decided that I wanted to have a backup card for each camera and I bought 4 of these particular cards for that purpose. CF cards are resonably priced nowadays. This particular card (times 4) has worked very well for me so far and I have not had a single issue regarding it. Based on that I 'have' to give it a 5 star rating.

Excellent Card for the price! But beware speed!
This card is great, especially given the price. But beware the 12x- I don't think that many cameras actually take advantage of the speed increase! Maybe with card readers it will download faster, but it certainly hasn't made it possible for me to make more pictures faster on my Canon 10D. But then again this card is an Excellent buy the the cash... it'll be money well spent!

... Read more

Asin: B00005U0HU
Subjects:  1. Flash Memory (Flashcard, Flashcards)    2. Compactflash (Compact Flash)    3. CPU Upgrade Card (Cards, Upgrades)   

Picture It! Digital Image Pro 7
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (08 August, 2002)
list price: $109.00
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Digital photo hobbyists finally have a high-quality photo retouching software alternative to Adobe Photoshop. With a user-friendly, streamlined interface, Microsoft Picture It Digital Pro 7 lets you easily apply filters for special effects, utilize sophisticated editing tools, create simple photo albums, and send e-cards of your photos through MSN.

Digital Image Pro 7 provides 3,000 photo projects, 150 filters, and 5,000 images for creating professional photo projects, such as business cards, photo albums, calendars, flyers, and postcards. Filters such as Antique, Black and White, Distort, and Watercolor add instant visual effects to photos. Easily add flash to a photo, remove red-eye, reduce backlighting, and adjust levels to control shadows, midtones, and highlights. Additionally, enhanced Adobe Photoshop plug-in filter support allows users to further enhance their digital photos.

Digital Image Pro 7 leverages existing Office-type user interface elements such as the new file browser, which makes working with your photos much easier without cluttering the screen with excessive navigation elements. The improved user interface makes it easier to capture photos from a digital camera, a picture CD, a scanner, a hard drive, or the Web. You can also precisely edit and save several photos at once using advanced tools like photo batch processing. Our favorite feature of Digital Image Pro 7 is its seamless integration with MSN Photos. You can store and share your photos and order photo reprints, frames, cards, posters, and gifts, all from within Digital Image Pro.

If you need a software package for more sophisticated photo editing, Adobe Photoshop may be the way to go, but for the non-techie photo hobbyist, Digital Image Pro 7 provides powerful base-level features through an extremely simple user interface. --Rich Ting ... Read more

Features

Reviews (19)

A Decent Product, But Not As Good As Adobe Photoshop
For the amateur photographer, Picture It! Digital Image Pro 7 will be a very useful tool.You can adjust resolution, crop and rotate, and add effects to photos quickly and easily.However, for those looking for a more powerful tool for professional-level projects you would be better off picking up a copy of Adobe Photoshop.

For the money, this isn't a bad deal.Just don't expect miracles.Recommended for the casual/amateur user.

Picture It! Digital Image Pro 7
Not as good as I had expected this product to be. I am no longer using it.Did not meet my expectations in the digital camera, saving photos/albums, and printing arena for my Dell computer and HP photosmart printer.

Easy to use
I stepped up from PictureIt! 2001 wand was very pleased with the improved integration of the processes.Making cards, photo albums, business cards is muchmore intuitive.Very good compatibility with my camera, printer, and scanner.Probably not enough tools for pros, but for casual users who want to sit down and get things done it's wonderful!! ... Read more

Asin: B0000696IT
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Graphics    3. Multimedia    4. Edit (Editing)   

SimpleTech CompactFlash Reader (Mass Storage Compliant)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $29.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

SimpleTech FlashLink is the perfect tool for quickly and easily transferring data between a PC or Macintosh and your CompactFlash digital media cards. You can move images, MP3 music files, and other data, all with transfer rates up to 30 times faster than you'd get from a standard serial connection. FlashLink requires no external power source and has a sleek, compact design, giving you hassle-free portability.

FlashLink offers true plug-and-play capability with USB technology. Simply insert your digital media card into the FlashLink and it will automatically appear as an additional removable drive, letting you drag and drop files with ease.

This FlashLink reader is mass-storage device compliant, meaning it does not require the installation of driver software when used in Windows 2000, Me, or XP environments. Simply plug the device into the USB port of a PC or Mac and be ready to instantaneously download digital images or data by dragging and dropping the contents to any folder.

The SimpleTech FlashLink is compatible with all brands of digital media cards and gives you a true high-speed USB interface of up to 1.5 MBps, supporting the maximum data transfer rate of the media. An LED indicates power status and activity. ... Read more

Features

• Highest quality assurance rating available - ISO9001 Certified
• Most convenient and yet inexpensive solution to transfer images from your CompactFlash card to your desktop computer
• The flash card reader will appear as an additional hard drive on your computer or laptop
• Simply slide your CompactFlash card into the reader, then plug the reader into the USB port of your computer or laptop
• Fast transfer rates to and from your CompactFlash card and your laptop

Reviews (69)

Another card that's not compatible...
This reader does not work with my PNY 128mb card on Windows 2000.

Doesn't work with all cards...
This reader works with my SanDisk 128mb card, but does not work with my newer Lexar Media 256mb 12x card. Go figure.

versatile
This inexpensive reader has worked great on many computers and provides a great way to transfer digital pictures to various computers without the need to hook up my camera (avoids hassels of carrying wires and possibly the programs to install).Can't beat it! ... Read more

Asin: B0000633DU
Subjects:  1. Memory Card Reader (Readers)