JVC GCA33 VGA Digital Camera, Silver

Rating:
Summary: Cheap digital camera -- you get what you pay for
Review: I bought this digital camera to use for a project at school -- I needed something cheap and easy to use. I didn't want to spend more than $and after looking around on the net concluded that this one was the way to go.
I received it a few days ago and have been trying it out ever since. It took the first useable picture just an hour ago!
While this camera is cute and compact, it seems to me that it takes pictures two ways: far too dark (haven't tested it out in broad daylight as it's raining here) or far too bright. The flash bounces off objects harshly and while there is supposed to be a varibale exposure value that can be set, I found that it basically doesn't make a difference. The menu display is digital but THERE IS NO ON-BOARD PICTURE DISPLAY! I was very disappointed about this!
I will say that for $ it seems to be a good value. It comes in a family-friendly package with extremely simple directions and very few cables or wires. It runs on two AA batteries (included) and stores between 60 (in Fine mode) and 120 (in normal mode -- a bit grainy usually) pictures at once. It doesn't take any discs or cartriges, which can be a good thing or a bad one, depending on your computer-savvy or computer-sloppy nature. The shutter is generally as fast as a 35mm (sometimes there is a little delay).
Included in the package is a TWAIN program to transfer pictures from the camera to your PC and a photo-editing program (and something for making 360 degree photos). I don't know how good they are -- I'm a Photoshop girl myself -- but judging from the TWAIN interface they seem to be quite user-friendly. Also packaged with this camera is a mini-tripod (to use when in the 10-second-delayed-self-timer mode?!). Oh, and while it functions as a webcam you're supposed to use your own software (apparently packaged with Microsoft Netmeeting or something -- I'm not sure, as I have no need for this feature).
All in all, I definitely stick by my statement -- you get what you pay for. It's not a great camera, but a child could use it and that is a plus for anyone who isn't very comfortable with computers. It's about the size of one of those cool APS camperas (with the drop-in film); smaller than a normal 35mm. It comes with a case (with belt loops) and hand strap, so it's portable. Don't expect to take spectacular pictures on it, but if you play around with different lights and angles you should get the hang of it. It is easy to use and definitely is in the "cute" category. Again, be warned that you can't see your pictures before transferring them to the PC, so if there is any doubt, take multiple shots!!!

Rating:
Summary: Cheap digital camera -- you get what you pay for
Review: I bought this digital camera to use for a project at school -- I needed something cheap and easy to use. I didn't want to spend more than $and after looking around on the net concluded that this one was the way to go.
I received it a few days ago and have been trying it out ever since. It took the first useable picture just an hour ago!
While this camera is cute and compact, it seems to me that it takes pictures two ways: far too dark (haven't tested it out in broad daylight as it's raining here) or far too bright. The flash bounces off objects harshly and while there is supposed to be a varibale exposure value that can be set, I found that it basically doesn't make a difference. The menu display is digital but THERE IS NO ON-BOARD PICTURE DISPLAY! I was very disappointed about this!
I will say that for $ it seems to be a good value. It comes in a family-friendly package with extremely simple directions and very few cables or wires. It runs on two AA batteries (included) and stores between 60 (in Fine mode) and 120 (in normal mode -- a bit grainy usually) pictures at once. It doesn't take any discs or cartriges, which can be a good thing or a bad one, depending on your computer-savvy or computer-sloppy nature. The shutter is generally as fast as a 35mm (sometimes there is a little delay).
Included in the package is a TWAIN program to transfer pictures from the camera to your PC and a photo-editing program (and something for making 360 degree photos). I don't know how good they are -- I'm a Photoshop girl myself -- but judging from the TWAIN interface they seem to be quite user-friendly. Also packaged with this camera is a mini-tripod (to use when in the 10-second-delayed-self-timer mode?!). Oh, and while it functions as a webcam you're supposed to use your own software (apparently packaged with Microsoft Netmeeting or something -- I'm not sure, as I have no need for this feature).
All in all, I definitely stick by my statement -- you get what you pay for. It's not a great camera, but a child could use it and that is a plus for anyone who isn't very comfortable with computers. It's about the size of one of those cool APS camperas (with the drop-in film); smaller than a normal 35mm. It comes with a case (with belt loops) and hand strap, so it's portable. Don't expect to take spectacular pictures on it, but if you play around with different lights and angles you should get the hang of it. It is easy to use and definitely is in the "cute" category. Again, be warned that you can't see your pictures before transferring them to the PC, so if there is any doubt, take multiple shots!!!

Rating:
Summary: Great camera for the price!
Review: If you want an inexpensive digital camera and own a PC, this model is for you. No preview of photo until you load on your PC. Then, it's just as functional as the more expensive models. WEBCAM is TONS of fun, especially for the kids. Use with USB port (included), CD-ROM (included), Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000. Worked on Compaq Presario laptop. Self-timer.

Rating:
Summary: Great camera for the price!
Review: If you want an inexpensive digital camera and own a PC, this model is for you. No preview of photo until you load on your PC. Then, it's just as functional as the more expensive models. WEBCAM is TONS of fun, especially for the kids. Use with USB port (included), CD-ROM (included), Windows 98/98SE/Me/2000. Worked on Compaq Presario laptop. Self-timer.