Digital camera

[Larommi]

I started a post of hardware you thought you needed but never used http://forums.windrivers.com/cgi-bin...ML/000612.html Well, I am thinking I want to add a camera to the list. I am looking to spend between 250-350 bucks U.S. any suggestions? The goal is to have a camera that has a USB interface or cards that I can get a USB reader for so I can use my laptop for something. I was thinking of loading photo software on it and taking it with me when I go on a trip and bring the camera. I don't want alot of bells and whistles, just a decent picture.

Thanks in advance!

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You spend your whole life believing that you're on the right track,
only to discover that you're on the wrong train.

[StevePorter]

I recently bought a UMAX AstraCam 1800 for $180, less $30 for a rebate. I also bought an additional 32MB Smart Card for about $50, although it comes with a 4MB Smart Card. The camera takes three different resolutions of pictures, all very clear and sharp (a recent great review by PC Magazine is what led me to buy this camera): Economy (640x480), High Quality (1280x960; high compression), and Super High Quality (1280x960; low compression). With the 32MB memory card (quickly swapped through a door in the camera's side), you can take 400 Economy pictures, 160 High Quality, or 80 Super High Quality Images. The two, standard AA batteries are easily changed through a small hatch in the camera's bottom. The camera has three flash settings: auto, forced, or off.

This camera doesn't have an LCD display or zoom features, but just takes a good, clear picture. The settings display in back is uncluttered and easy to understand. The only drawback I've found is that the camera's annunciator isn't very loud when a picture is taken.

That's my limited experience...

Oops, I forgot to mention that it uses a USB interface. UMAX provides imaging software that seems to work well, but I just dump the pictures straight into Paint Shop Pro. I'm running everything under Windows 2000.

[This message has been edited by StevePorter (edited January 12, 2001).]

[Green Iguana]

I have a Hewlett Packard HP C30 that I have been using for the past two years. Excellent picture quality and easy to use. Have taken almost 2000 pictures and have only replaced the 4 AA batteries three times. The only thing I don't care for is the serial interface. I have been wanting a camera with a USB interface for some time, so I just bought the HP C315 which is the HP C30's predecessor and has a list price of $299.

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It's a dog eat dog world out there, and there isn't enough dog to go around. So get as much dog as you can, before all the dogs gone.

[klenard]

I have an HP C200xi and it is a pretty good camera. It uses the SanDisk Flash Cards and can take 3 different resolutions of pictures. It does have a serial connection, but for $25 US you can get a SanDisk USB Flash Card reader . I have seen the reader at Target and some other places for cheap. I picked up the camera for $225 US and have had no problems with it.

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Some days you are the dog, some days you are the Hydrant.



[This message has been edited by klenard (edited January 12, 2001).]

[Larommi]

Thanks for the replies so far. I was looking for something that had a LCD on it so I could dump pictures I did not want but for the price of a 32mb card that really does not become that important anymore. Any more replies would be appreciated.

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You spend your whole life believing that you're on the right track,
only to discover that you're on the wrong train.

[IT Len]

Digtal art graphics and image enhancement and interpretation is what I do on the side... Question. Do you already have a preferred photo program? I've got some great suggestions. [Check back soon]

[Green Iguana]

All the Hewlett Packard cameras have an LCD.

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It's a dog eat dog world out there, and there isn't enough dog to go around. So get as much dog as you can, before all the dogs gone.

[SiCkNuT]

Just don't buy an IXLA.. I bought one and it's S$%T!! It cost jack all so I can't whinge, but just don't buy one!

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[ i N S A N i T Y 2 0 0 0 ]

[furlong47]

At Target I sell a lot of the HP models. I'm fairly sure there is one for $299 and one for $399. (I haven't been at work for awhile so don't quote me) Both use the media cards (which you can get up to I think 48 or 96 Megs if you want) and have the LCD screen with the option to ditch bad pictures

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"640 K ought to be enough for anybody."
--Bill Gates, 1981

Amateur Radio Callsign KB3FHH

[This message has been edited by furlong47 (edited January 13, 2001).]