Fujifilm A210 3.2 MP Digital Camera w/3x Optical Zoom
by Fujifilm
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $179.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The compact, affordable FujiFilm FinePix A210 is a great go-anywhere snapshot digital camera that can also create prints up to 11 x 14 inches. It features a 3.2-megapixel sensor, 3x optical zoom, easy-to-operate automated controls, and movie mode.

Optics and Resolution
With its 3.2-megapixel resolution, you can capture 2048 x 1536 pixel images for photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality 11 x 14 enlargements. It also offers 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480 resolution modes. The Fujinon 3x optical zoom is equivalent to 36-108mm in 35mm photography. The A210 also includes a 3.2x digital zoom.

Movie Mode
The FinePix A210 captures 320 x 240 pixel video for up to 60 seconds, or 160 x 120 pixel video for up to 240 seconds (4 minutes). It does not include audio.

More Features

• 1.5-inch LCD monitor and a real-image optical viewfinder
• Built-in, pop-up flash with auto, red-eye reduction, forced flash, suppressed flash, and slow synchro modes
• White balance modes: automatic, manual (fine, shade), fluorescent (daylight, warm white, and cool white), incandescent, and custom
• 10-second self timer

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on XD memory cards, and a 16 MB card is included. When shooting images at 3 MP, the 16 MB card will store approximately 19 images; at 2 MP, you can store approximately 25 images. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1, 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.

Optional Cradle
The FinePix A210 is also compatible with the optional CP-FXA10 Picture Cradle, which makes it easy to download images to your PC or charge NiMH rechargeable batteries. It can also act as a video platform when connected to your TV.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by 2 AA batteries; alkaline batteries are included, but rechargeable NiMH batteries are recommended. It measures 3.9 by 2.6 by 2.1 inches and weighs 6.2 ounces (excluding batteries and media).

What's In The Box
This package includes the FinePix A210 digital camera, 16 MB XD memory card, 2 AA alkaline batteries, USB and A/V cables, wrist strap, and cradle adapter. The included CD-ROM features FinePix View 4 imaging software, Image Mixer VCD for FinePix, QuickTime 5, and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• 1.5-inch LCD monitor; built-in pop-up flash; movie mode without audio
• Store images on xD memory cards (16 MB card included)
• Powered by 2 AA batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended)
• 3.2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 10-by-14-inch enlargements
• Fujinon 3x optical zoom; 3.2x digital zoom

Reviews (45)

Good but not like the Fujifilm 2400
I was given the Fujifilm 2400 as a baby shower gift in 2001. I knew that my beloved Nikon FM was just too slow to keep up with all the baby pictures I wanted to take. The colors & definition was awesome. But the MP's weren't there for great enlargements. So when my husband suggested I upgrade & he use my 2400 I went for it. I liked the Fujifilm enough to go with another one. I got the A210 and was disappointed. The colors & definition just aren't there. I've had it over a year & have yet to have a photo that I want to enlarge more than a 5x7. I find myself using the older 2400 when it's nearby. I do still carry the A210 in my purse all the time & use it very often. But I keep window-shopping for an upgrade. Another Fujifilm?? I'm not sure. I'll keep reading the reviews.

dissapointing, but still a bargain
I initially bought an EXTREMELY cheap digital from Wal-Mart for $20 (i know, it was stupid), so I saw this at Best Buy for $125, which seemed like a very good deal for a camera with 3.2 Megapixels.

Well, i still kind of stand by that, its hard to beat that price for so many MP's, but that doesnt really mean you should buy it.

this camera does not come with a charger or rechargeable batteries. I knew this when i bought it, but didn't think it would be to bad....wrong, it takes 2AA at a time, and with normal use (an hour or so every couple of days) it goes through about 4 or 6 a WEEK! if you like taking photos all the time, but can't afford a pro camera, dont buy this, the flash is decent (although it takes a while between taking pictues) but when it is off, it is TERRIBLE in even the slightest darkness.

I recently upgraded to an Olympus Stylus 410 4.0 Megapixels, and am SOOOO much happier with it, it comes with a charger!!!

the "cradle"....don't start thinking that this is any sort of dock or something, its more of a "stand" really, it's a cheap plastic square to set the camera in/on, and doesnt really serve any use.

if you need a cheap camera, decent pictures, and rarely take pictures, get this, for everyone else, dont bother.0

My 2nd digital camera and I love it.
This camera takes great pictures for a cheaper digital camera. I sell items on ebay and my pictures come out great. Check out my pictures on ebay. My user name is monte.ssMy last camera was an Olympus and it left white spots on a lot of my pictures. This one does not and takes very good pictures even close up. It is also very easy to use and understand. The video movies are good but I wish they had sound with them. The battery life is very good and this camera only takes two standard size AA batteries compared two the four my Olympus took. The camera seems very durable as well and I do not get concerned when my family (younger kids) uses it for fear of them damaging it. I am very happy with this camera. ... Read more

Asin: B00009VSG6
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Kodak Easyshare DX6340 3.1MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
by Kodak
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $329.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Snap a picture with the Kodak EasyShare DX6340 and you'll be impressed at how easy it is to capture vivid imagery and memories that will last a lifetime. The EasyShare DX6340 features a 3.1-megapixel sensor, 4x optical zoom, large 1.8-inch LCD monitor, and Kodak's exclusive on-camera Share button. Transferring photos to your PC and sharing them is even easier with the optional EasyShare Dock 6000 and Printer Dock 6000.

Optics and Resolution
The EasyShare DX6340 delivers a fast click-to-capture performance and focuses easily in low-light conditions. It features a professional-quality Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon lens that offers a 4x optical zoom and 3.5x digital zoom (for a 14x total). With its 3.1-megapixel resolution (2,032 x 1,524 pixels), you'll be able to make print enlargements up to 11 by 14 inches.

Optional Docks
The Kodak EasyShare Dock 6000 includes a USB port for fast and easy transfer of pictures from camera to computer, and offers a two-position tilt feature for improved viewing of images from the camera's LCD. It also comes with a rechargeable battery pack, and the Kodak DX6340 can be stored in the dock any time so that it will always be charged and ready to go.

In addition to the transfer and battery charge features of the Dock 6000, the Printer Dock 6000 adds the ability to print 4-by-6-inch photos directly from your camera. You can also hook it up to your TV for a slide-show presentation.

Storage and Transfer
Images can be stored on either the 16 MB internal memory or on optional Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the EasyShare DX6340 is capable of recording continuous video with audio.

More Features
Preview your shots with more brightness and clarity with the EasyShare DX6340's 1.8-inch indoor-outdoor display, which is viewable even in direct sunlight. The Share button on the back of the EasyShare DX6340 enables you to tag pictures right on the camera for automatic printing or e-mailing, after transferring to your PC. You can even store up to 32 e-mail addresses in the camera.

Other features include:

• Selectable aperture priority, shutter priority, and exposure compensation as well as options for ISO, color, and white balance.
• On-camera auto rotation of images so you'll never have to look at a picture sideways.
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction, auto, fill, and off modes.

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by a CR-V3 lithium battery (included; rechargeable batteries are recommended). It measures 4.3 by 2.5 by 1.5 inches and weighs 7.8 ounces. This package includes the EasyShare DX6340 digital camera, battery and battery charger, USB and AV cables, wrist strap, and Kodak EasyShare CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• Compatible with MMC memory cards
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery not included
• 3.1 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• Professional-quality Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon 4x optical lens plus 3.5x digital (14x total zoom) with autofocus

Reviews (85)

Great - but only when it works
When I first bought the DX6340 last summer, I found the camera easy to use and I was pleased with the picture quality.But as time went by, I have found that actually taking pictures with this camera hasn't been easy.Its been in for repairs two times - and had two CPU's and circuit boards replaced.Its heading in for its third repair this week.Within days of it arriving home from the repair shop, it has stopped working again.Its incredibly infuriating because I've lost holiday and birthday photos which I can't replace.They look great on the LCD, but after they're downloaded its evident that the photos are horribly distorted.Alternatively, the camera stops allowing me to download pictures entirely. Its a shame since I've had great success with Kodak products in the past.Recommendation - avoid this camera like the plague.

Second worst purchase of my life
(The first worst was the Printer Dock 6000 to go with the unit)

Within a week of purchasing this camera a year ago, the shutter stopped opening and closing... So, since it was within 30 days the point of purchase exchanged it for a new one.They said, no problem, they've seen a lot of that with this unit.

Sooo it came as no surprise two weeks later when the shutter on the new unit stopped functioning.... And as the other reviewers say, Kodak warranty repairs are a joke.

So, *everytime* we go to take a picture, we have to *manually* open and close the shutter -- that's right, pry it open with our fingers... Each time dirtying and scratching the lense a little more.I wish to heck we had never purchased this camera or the (nonfunctional) printer dock.Such a shame, we had a great experience with a previous Kodak digital camera.After this experience, I will never purchase another Kodak product as long as I live...

Very Pleased!
I bought this particular camera, along with the printer dock, abouta month ago. It is my first digital camera purchase. We are on a tight budget and only allowed ourselves a small amount, considering the price of digital cameras with 3+ MP and any kind of optical zoom. I found this one, new, at a great deal that couldn't be passed up, and after reading some very positive reviews, I grabbed it! And I'm so glad I did!

The camera is extremely user friendly. It's really hard to make a mistake or take bad pictures. The manual and software are very simple to use. The manual explains things in short steps so you can remember how to put each feature to use. No wondering if you're doing it right. And the software is pretty much self explainatory. I love that I only have to push one button to download my pictures. Pictures themselves are gorgeous and colors come through so clearly! I think the video quality is great considering it's coming from a little digital camera. And I'm very glad I went with a camera with audio. I have 2 very active subjects (my 2 young daughters) and I have loved sharing pictures and video with family (including 1 grandmother) out of state. We were actually suprised at how many pictures we could take with only the 16 MB of internal memory. We did buy a memory card, but it's nice to know we have a good bit of extra if needed. And we have yet to run low on battery life because we use the printer dock to recharge. We use the LCD screen often, and still, the battery life has been good.

The printer dock itself makes impressive prints. I was really worried about poor quality, but I haven't been disappointed with it yet. It's small and doesn't take up a lot of space. Very portable if we needed it to be. And, again, a very user friendly machine.

I am so very glad we found and purchased this camera. It's a great starter and I'm extremely pleased with it so far. ... Read more

Asin: B000087L9H
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Minolta Dimage Z1 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom
by Minolta
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $499.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Ergonomically designed, SLR-styled, and packed with powerful automatic and manual controls, the Minolta Dimage Z1 is a great choice for advanced photographers. It features an amazing 10x optical zoom, 3.2-megapixel resolution, and a 30 frame-per-second movie mode with sound.

Optics and Resolution
The Dimage Z1 features a 3.2-megapixel resolution that produces images up to 2048 x 1536 pixels for photo-quality prints up to 8 x 10 inches and medium-quality enlargements up to 11 x 14 inches. Other resolution modes include 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480. The 10x optical zoom has a focal range of 5.8-58mm (equivalent to 38-380mm in 35mm photography). It also has a 4x digital zoom.

Movie Mode
With the Dimage Z1, you can capture TV-quality video (comparable to S-VHS) with sound. You can select from three resolution modes: 640 x 480 (VGA), 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. Video can be captures at 30 frames per second (fps) for flicker-free movies, or at 15 fps to maximize recording time. The length of your captured video is limited only by your memory card capacity.

More Features
Turn on the power, and you can take your first shot in approx. 2 seconds. Shutter release time lag is only 0.06 seconds, and shot intervals are 1.2 seconds. The DiMAGE Z1 also boasts the fastest autofocusing in its class. At 10x zoom, the Rapid AF, which employs video AF for accuracy and a passive sensor specifically to boost speed, has your subject in focus in approximately 0.4 seconds, and is even faster at wider angles.

• 1.6-inch LCD screen with anti-reflection coating
• Built-in flash with Autoflash, Autoflash with red-eye reduction, Fill-flash, and Slow-Sync modes
• Hot shoe for adding external flash
• Capture an entire sequence of 1.3 megapixel images at 10 frames per second
• White balance modes: Automatic, Preset (Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash), Custom
• Color modes: Natural Color, Vivid Color, Black and White, Sepia

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Secure Digital (SD) or MultiMedia (MMC) memory cards; an 16 MB SD card is included. When shooting in Standard 3.2-megapixel mode, you can store 17 images on the included memory card. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB 1.1, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Power and Size
The camera is powered by two AA batteries (alkalines included, rechargeable NiMH batteries recommended). It measures 4.31 x 3.05 x 3.15 inches and weighs 10.8 ounces (excluding battery).

What's In The Box
This package includes the Dimage Z1 digital camera, 16 MB Secure Digital memory card, four AA alkaline batteries, USB and AV cables, lens cap, accessory shoe cap, neck strap, and CD-ROM with Dimage Viewer software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• Includes 16 MB Secure Digital card; also compatible with MMC cards
• Unique SLR-style; fast f2.8 - f3.5 lens allowing fast shutter speeds for sport or natural-light photography; 2-second start-up time
• Powered by 4 AA batteries (alkalines included); connects with Macs and PCs via USB 1.1
• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 8 x 10 prints and medium-quality prints up to 11 x 14
• 10x optical plus 4x digital zoom (for 40x total)

Reviews (38)

Great with a tripod
My pictures turn out pretty well with a tripod but I don't always have the time and space to use one. I wanted a camera that I could take pictures of my son with and a well meaning relative got this for me and one for my sister in law. I keep trying to get it to work but everything turns out blury. My sister in law gave hers back because she cannot get it to take clear pictures and I have been holding on to mine simply for the zoom. All in all, the Z1 is great for landscapes (if you're using a tripod) but bad for taking pictures of almost everything else.

will not focus with flash
I have had the camera for 11 months now.I like how easy it is to download pictures.It takes great pictures during the day BUT ... in a dark situation, when I have to use the flash the camera almost always focuses incorrectly.Even though it shows you with a red line where it is focusing, with the flash it does a poor job of really focusing where it says it is focusing.Plus, you think the picture is in focus because on the LCD screen it looks like it is in focus, but once you print the picture it is not in focus.Like I said, I have not had any focus problems when I am not using the flash.I'm not sure how to fix this problem.

GREAT LITTLE CAMERA!!
I'VE OWNED THE DIMAGE Z1 FOR A YEAR NOW AND I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT! IT TAKES GREAT ACTION SHOTSANDI REALLY LIKE THE "VIVID" COLOR OPTION AND SOFT FOCUS FEATURE. IT FOCUSES QUICKLY AND BATTERY LIFE IS GREAT...A GIANT STEP UP FROM MY FIRST DIGITAL, THE DIMAGE 5. I DO FIND FOCUSING IN THE MACRO MODE A BIT DIFFICULT AT TIMES, AND THE FLASH CAPABILITY IS LIMITED, BUT STILL A GREAT LITTLE CAMERA FOR THE PRICE. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT. ... Read more

Asin: B0000BYODE
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Nikon Coolpix 3100 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
by Nikon
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The Nikon Coolpix 3100 is a great choice for digital photography beginners, offering a compact size, 3.2-megapixel resolution, 3x optical zoom, and a bevy of automated scene controls that are customizeable.

One of the most impressive features of the Nikon 3100 is its size. From the online pictures we originally viewed, we imagined it to be large and a bit clunky. And while it’s a bit chunkier than other sleeker cameras, the 3100 is surprisingly small. Plus, the rounded ergonomic hand grip rested comfortably and securely in our hand.

The Nikon 3100 offersa whopping 14 scene modes that automatically set the camera’s white balance, exposure, and focusing point for different situations. The easy-to-learn software system features large icons and text to guide you through your choices. And some of the modes even provide an "assist" feature, with outlines of figures or landscapes to help line up the shot.

We had fun playing around with the scene modes and snapping pictures that made the most out of the shooting environment. However, we felt we lost some spontaneity if we relied too much on switching through the modes.

The 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor captures bright images that can be printed up to 11 x 14 inches. The movie mode captures smooth video up to 640 x 480 pixels for 20 seconds (or a more jaggy 40-second, 320 x 240-pixel videos), but it doesn’t offer any sound.

The Nikon 3100 is an affordable choice for a point-and-shoot camera that offers sharp, bright images and brings a lot of flexibility to the party. It comes with a starter 16 MB memory card and alkaline batteries, and we recommend a higher-capacity Compactflash card and rechargeable AA-size NiMH batteries.--Agen G.N. Schmitz

Pros:

• Compact size, comfortable in the hand
• Customizeable scene modes
• 3.2-megapixel resolution for prints up to 11 x 14 inches

Cons:

• Scene modes can be a bit too customizeable, and distract you from the shot

... Read more

Features

• One-touch upload to PC; 14 scene modes
• Includes 16 MB Starter CompactFlash card
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• 3.2 megapixel sensor captures enough detail for prints up to 11 x 14
• 3x optical zoom, 4x digital zoom (12x total)

Reviews (65)

It doesn't hold up
I've had this camera a year and a half.I got it right after it came on the market and at that time the reviews were all good. I was really pleased with it except for the way it eats batteries.In cold weather I can only get two photos on recharged batteries, and where I live it is cold much of the year. I liked the small size and The picture quality was really great. Everyone admired the photos I took with this camera.But the on-off control has broken and fallen off.And no wonder; the fault was with a very cheesy thin plastic part that broke because it couldn't take the wear and tear of being turned on and off.For what it cost, I should have had much more use from it.The other downsides to this camera were that I had to buy as extras all the cords, transformer, case, memory cardsand other accessories needed to make it functional.Nothing came with it except a small 8mb memory card.Now I'm stuck with a couple hundred dollars worth of accessories that are all useless with another camera.If I had it to do over again, I would not buy this camera.

Great quality images.. not so sure about other things though
I've had this camera for a few months, and I bought it online as a refurbished item. I don't know if this is because it was a refurbished item, or if it's an actual issue with the cameras itself but this camera recently just died. I've tried a couple different batteries, and still no luck. It did this before, but it started working again after I left it alone for about a week.

But as others have said, this camera does have GREAT image quality. However, it does take a while to save the image and the autozoom is dreadfully slow. It might be worth the money, I can't really say.. but from my experience, no. The battery life is horrible.

I'd say the size of the camera, quality images, and numerous features are the only good things about this camera.

jealous user
arrrgh!!! i'm so jealous of you people who get to buy this great little camera for this price. i bought this for about $100 more when it 1st came out (maybe 2 or 2 1/2 years ago). but i think it's still worth it. i only know how to work 2 of the knob settings, yet i still love it.
the life of a "stored recharged battery is short and unpredictable, but after reading "mermaid 2663's" reveiw, i'll take her advise and charge them the day before use.
the pictures come out great. i've taken pictures of pictures and the outcome is pretty good.
i got the perfect little nikon case on e-bay for $7.
sometimes i wonder if it's now obsolete, but
i still get compliments on my camera and pictures. ... Read more

Asin: B00008J6VW
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

Konica Minolta Dimage S414 4MP Digital Camera w/ 4x Optical Zoom
by Konica Minolta
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The new Minolta Dimage S414 combines high-quality images with automatic features that are ideal for novice users as well as more advanced photo enthusiasts. The stylish Dimage S414 offers a 4-megapixel resolution for prints beyond 11 by 14 inches, a 4x optical zoom, built-in flash, video recording capability, and Compact Flash card compatibility.

Optics and Resolution
The Minolta Dimage S414's high-precision electro-optical system is built around a 4.1-megapixel interline primary-color CCD with 4 million effective pixels. The built-in Minolta GT lens is a versatile apochromatic 4x zoom with anomalous dispersion (AD) glass for color accuracy and dual aspherical elements which, combined with a 2.2x digital zoom, provides an 8.8x total zoom. The optical zoom lens range is from 7.15-28.6mm, equivalent to 35-140mm in 35mm photography; with the addition of digital zoom, range is equivalent to 35-308mm in 35mm.

With Minolta's Focus Area Selection feature, photographers can move the focusing point to single out a specific subject from a number of objects at varying distances. The Dimage S414 can also be manually focused for more creative control and features multisegment and spot metering. Multisegment metering uses 270 segments to determine exposure. Three exposure modes are available: program, aperture priority, and manual.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on CompactFlash memory cards. The included 16 MB card can store approximately 11 images at the highest standard setting (2,272 x 1,704). Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storage-class connectivity, which means the camera can be connected to any USB-based Windows Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing any software.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Dimage S414 is capable of recording up to 60 seconds of video with sound at 15 frames per second and at 320 x 240 pixels.

More Features
The 1.8-inch LCD monitor displays active camera settings, exposure information, and warnings. The Dimage S414 also offers the addition of grid and scale displays for improved composition. The Digital Subject Programs feature optimizes camera's exposure, white balance, and image-processing controls for specific scenes and subject, and includes six settings: macro, portrait, landscape, night portrait, text, and text and macro (for small text and line art).

Other features include:

• Continuous recording ofstill images at a rate of approximately 1.6 frames per second
• Five color mode options: natural color, vivid color, black and white, sepia, and solarization
• Four preset white-balance settings: daylight, cloudy, tungsten, and fluorescent
• Real-time histogram shows the luminance distribution of the image before it is captured
• 10-second self-timer

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by four AA batteries (alkalines included; rechargeable NiMH batteries recommended). It measures 4.5 by 2.5 by 2.3 inches and weighs 11.8 ounces. This package includes the Dimage S414 digital camera, four AA alkaline batteries, 16 MB CompactFlash card, USB and AV cables, neck strap, lens cap, and Dimage Software and Viewer CD-ROM and USB drivers for Windows and Mac. ... Read more

Features

• 4.0 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality prints up to 11 x 14 and medium-quality poster-size prints
• 4x optical plus 2.2x digital (8.8x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Capture interval time of 0.8 seconds and continuous advance speed of 1.3 frames per second
• Included 16 MB CompactFlash memory card holds 11 images at 2272 x 1704 HQ setting
• Powered by 4 AA batteries (alkalines included); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port

Reviews (80)

Bad Camera..Too Bulky.
I bought this camera just a month ago and I didn't have any major problems with it apart from it's huge size and weight. But in this little time, it's LCD has stopped working!!The camera would start but the LCD wont. Just imagine you buy a new camera and in just a month's time,it stops working.Now I need to ship it to Minolta's Service Center and will have to bear a lot of Shipping charges. And I have a lot of precious occasions upcoming and will be missing them without my camera.Also it drains the batteries like hell.With 4 batteries, actually the camera should be able to work for longer duration but it's the other way.Moreover it's too slow in focusing. After such a bad experience, I would not recommend anybody to buy this camera.

A professional's review, in a nutshell.
I won't repeat what dozens of other reviewers have said. I'm a professional photographer of fifteen years, and I look at things as they are..not as what people thought they should be.

1. This is a point and shoot. You will not get professional results from a point and shoot, whether it's 1 megapixel or 10 megapixels. The CCD sensor does not make the photo, the LENS makes the photo.

2. Autofucus on a point and shoot digital will always be substandard to an SLR. Smaller lens, less light, more "hunt and peck" for focusing. You can always cheat and use "landscape" mode.

3. Battery life is great; just get a set of 2500mAh rechargeables, and you are good for days!

4. 8x10's from this camera are decent; good enough to please your grandma, anyway. If you want fabulous 8x10's, you need to either stick with film, or get a digital SLR.

5. Of course there are deviations in color cast and noise at higher resolutions. If you want to see even MORE of this, get a 6or 8 megapixel point and shoot camera!

6. Finally, if you are a consumer who wants a great little digital camera to take family photos on vacations, picnics, and visits to relatives, you can't go wrong with this camera. If you want professional results, why are you looking at a point and shoot, anyway?

Think about it. ;)

Depends on what you want to use it for
I had this camera for about a year before I decided to sell it. It's fairly simple to use but even after figuring it out there just seems to be too many submenus to go through just to change one setting. So if you need to change the setting to capture the picture you want at the right moment, you better have fast hands/fingers. Battery life is pretty typical.. not very good. For me, the camera is pretty large for being considered a point-and-shoot (I believe it is, but not sure) and not an SLR, but it really depends on what you consider small/large. It comes with a neck strap that connects to both ends of the camera, so that may say something about the size. It's not very portable and it can feel quite heavy after it's been hanging from your neck for awhile. Also, having a pop-off/-on lens cover can cause you to become a bit clumsy when you're in a rush to take a picture or to re-cover it. Again, it depends on what you plan to use the camera for. In my case, it wasn't quite what I wanted in the end. However, I can't say that I had any complaints about the quality of the pictures. ... Read more

Asin: B00008I8OP
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)