 Digital Camera Review • best models for your money
By Tony Alunni
I reviewed four digital cameras that fall into the
category, more bang for the buck for the beginner. I’m not ready to turn in my Nikon 35mm, but with these cameras I
can add to my picture-taking possibilities. Unique characteristics separate each camera, but lack of power supply is shared
by all. Get an extra set of NiMH rechargeable batteries because alkaline batteries drain even quicker. Remember that technology
is fun and so should your picture-taking experience be.
The Argus DC-3300 1.3 mega pixel digital camera
sports a 1.5-inch color LCD display, 32MB of built-in memory and a SmartMedia expansion slot (card not included) for added
storage. This lightweight gadget is capable of storing up to 250 still images, five minutes of video or four hours of voice
recording. Other features include 3x digital zoom, Internet ready, direct-to-TV connection cable as well as a USB connection
to a PC (no Macintosh compatible). If you’re looking for an all-in-one camera to have fun with and you don’t require
high image quality, this is the gadget for you. Beware though; it eats up 4 ”AAA” batteries (not included) fast.
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The Fujifilm FinePix 30i is truly a pocket-sized
2.0 mega pixel digital camera crammed with multifunctional features. This gadget doubles as an MP3 player allowing storage
of up to 160 minutes of music on the optional 128MB SmartMedia card. Capture up to 20-second movie clips, including sound,
and easily download via USB and view it on your computer using Quicktime. This camera also records up to 4.5 hours of audio
saved in WAV format so it can be heard across the Internet. The FinePix 30i includes a 16 MB SmartMedia card, two NiMH rechargeable
batteries, battery charger, shoulder strap, USB cable, headphone with remote controller and software for both Macintosh and
Windows users. I found it to be a cool little camera that can be taken anywhere and up and running quickly.
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The Nikon Coolpix 2000 is another 2.0 mega pixel digital camera
that is compact and lightweight and it fits nicely into your pocket. Included are a strap, 8MB Type I CompactFlash card, video
cable, USB cable, four “AA” alkaline batteries, and a Coolpix CD-ROM with all the software. Five easy-to-use scene
modes make you look like a pro, along with a 3x optical zoom and a 2.5x digital zoom to enhance your subject’s details.
The One-Touch Upload to your computer makes it easy to distribute your pictures to all your friends and family via the Internet.
This digicam has good resolution, low noise and excellent color reproduction with a fast startup time, but slow operational
speed.
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The Canon PowerShot A200 is a 2.0
mega pixel digital camera that sports an ultra-bright f2.8 autofocus lens with a 4x digital zoom. Features include selectable
ISO sensitivity (ISO 50 - 400), highlighted AiAF focus points, movie clip capturing at 20 fps, an AF assist beam and nine
combinations of image size/quality. Powered by two “AA” batteries, it stores its images on a Type I Compact Flash
card and has direct print capabilities eliminating the PC middleman. Colors are as vibrant and sharp in detail as any other
2.0 mega pixel.
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INsider September Technology Issue
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