|
Strengths: Small size, good video quality, mp3 playback, decent picture quality, lots of accessories included, very good software package, good TV playback of videos/pictures, many control functions.
Weaknesses: Flash is not adequate, user's manual could be better, mp3 playback is noisy, voice recording is noisy, delay in PC camera operation mode, small LCD.
Summary: This camera was on sale at CircuitCity and they had a rebate for $30 on top of it. The final cost included taxes was supposed to be less than $52 to me so I gave it a try. It's both good and bad. The good thing is that you get many devices in one. The bad is that the quality of everything is not top notch. My Kodak V550 is hundreds of times better in picture/video mode.
Picture camera: the flash is of poor quality and not strong enough. The pictures are good but no matter how you look at it it is a 3 MP camera only. Works much better outside where there is lots of sunlight. It does have a zoom mode during playback and it is very useful. It also has far/near settings on the lense. Don't expect good results for any object at less than 12" away from the camera. The normal zoom mode is OK for up to 2X though it can go to 4X. It's only digital, not optical. You can also control the exposure (+1.6 to -1.6) on this little thing.
Video camera: Very good for its size. Fast storing with a regular 1GB SD card, files come up with the .asx extension. It is of web quality and works better outside. Inside you need adequate lighting. Two hours of video are possible, but battery life will be less than that.
MP3 playback: noisy at low volume. The noise is reduced when the LCD is OFF, but it's still there. The volume control is digital and a bit jerky. It does have 3-D mode with two settings and Bass mode with two settings. For the money I paid it is a decent player but don't buy it just for this.
Voice recorder: I have heard better. Some change in your voice will occur at playback. Decent for note taking though.
PC camera: better than many I have seen. The software allows for extensive control of the quality/colors. It is USB 1.1 and hence there is some delay in real time but I can live with it.
Accessories: small good quality carry case, cheap plastic tripod, very nice wrist strap (you do need it for best results during filming), 2 AA alcaline batteries, USB cable, Video/Audio cable for TV (the LCD goes OFF when used in this mode), user's manual with the basics but it could be a little better in describing some characteristics that make the camera function better.
Software: complete package for picture editing and printing, very good package to make your own video CDs.
Now put all the above together and then ask, does it worth $50? You bet it does. If you want a 5 MP camera go get one. If you want a real top quality DV recorder go pay $1000 and get one. If you want a nice little device that can deliver everything in acceptable but not excellent quality go buy this one. It makes a nice gift too !!!
 100% of People (8/8) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
 There are no comments for this review. Post a comment.
| 
Report this as 
