Rating: 
Summary: Major Problems
Review: My relatively new camera suddenly shut off (with lens still extended) while I was shooting, and won't turn back on even with new batteries or adapter. Still covered under parts warranty (but not labor). The service center said this is a fairly common problem with this camera. I have to pay like $30 to have shipped back and forth from service center and fixed under an additional $80 flat rate--over $100 to fix! Secondly, the software is not fully compatible with Windows 2000 or 98. The software is missing a USB driver: usbntmap.sys for Win 2000. According to on-line groups and Microsoft, this is also a common problem, and I found that it's not worth the hassle to try to fix. Sharp's software glitches can necessitate use of a (fortunately cheap) card reader to transfer photos to your computer. Sharp customer service claims that it's Microsoft's fault; however, the problem is unique to this camera model and appears to be Sharp's deficiency. Thirdly, the camera is very slow, it takes awhile to power it up and take photo. I had to get used to removing the lens cap before powering up, and, press the shutter button well before target enters the moment I want captured due to shutter lag. Subject often moved on or blurred by time of actual image capture. Viewfinder is not aligned very well with lens. Also sucks up battery juice really quickly. I have to remember to always carry 4 AA (rechargeable) battery spares when using this camera. I thought I was getting a good deal at first, with its nice Canon zoom lens, 3.2 MP, lovely LCD, many accessories, and pro-features. But after it stopped working and all the hassle I go thru hauling around the spare batteries and camera (no neck strap), and investing in a memory card and rechargable battery kit, I am thinking about calling it a loss of $200. I feel that it may better to invest in a more recognized manufacturer of digital still cameras (i.e., Canon, HP)-- apparently this is only 1 of 2 models that Sharp produced before giving up on the digital still camera market (but maintaining its devotion to camcorders).
Rating: 
Summary: My friend asked me if I owned a "Nikon or Olympus" LOL
Review: This is my first digital camera and I did a lot of shopping. I bought one and I am very happy with the results. I took some pics with the macro mode of some of my orchids sent them to my friends and they didn't believe those pics were taken by an amateur me--they were that good! Another friend commented on the clarity/color and asked me if my camera is a "Nikon or Olympus" so that says a lot about this Sharp model. Strong points: Color (I can't tell the diff. between the real thing and the picture), clarity, menus (easy and logical once you realize they are not that complicated), and the size is good. Any smaller and it would probably slip out of my hands. Great bang for the buck.
Rating: 
Summary: Excellent
Review: You may struggle to find one of these since Sharp have discontinued it. Well worth the 2 c-notes from Outpost however.The 16Mb card is OK for snaps, holding over 100 pictures at 1Meg resolution but only 12 at the highest setting so I'd suggest a 128Meg card (or even two - it only accepts up to 128Mb). Also, like most Digital Camera's it eats batteries (4xAA's) so you will have to purchase rechargeables. All in all with this camera it's possible to get great performans and an extra 128Megs of storage and rechargeables.charger for three hundred which is excellent considering the costs of competing camera's. What I like most about the aesthetics is that it looks like a real camera and not a toy which even some of the better brands seem to do. This camera is heavier than most which again, I feel is a strong point. I had considered the Fuji 3800 until I picked it up in a store and found it to be rather 'plasticky'
| 
