Canon PowerShot S300 2MP Digital ELPH Camera Kit w/3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
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Editorial Review

The PowerShot S300 is Canon's long-awaited follow-up to the wildly popular S100. Not content to rest on their laurels, Canon has spent the time to address some of the shortcomings in the original Digital Elph camera.

The biggest new feature is the 3x optical zoom. While only a small step up from the original 2x, the new zoom requires a slightly enlarged body. Also added is a movie mode. The new movie mode allows up to 30 seconds of footage to be recorded at a resolution of 160 x 120. You can also record at 320 x 240 or 640 x 480 resolution, but the recording time shortens correspondingly.

The diminutive 1.5-inch color LCD screen remains small. However, the control scheme is slightly modified to incorporate the camera's new capabilities--a wheel now controls the camera mode and has a power button in its center. The S300 includes several white-balance presets, exposure compensation of +/- 2 EV in 1/3 EV increments, and a black-and-white mode. Essentially, the S300 is a classy digital point-and-shoot with enough features and control for most hobbyists. ... Read more

Features

• 3x optical plus 2.5x digital zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 8 MB CompactFlash memory card holds 12 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• Uses NB-1L rechargeable lithium-ion battery, included; movie mode can record up to 30 seconds of 160 x 120 footage
• 2.1 megapixel sensor creates 1600 x 1200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10

Reviews (91)

Great work horse before you reach for your slr.
Good camera, easy to use, handy.Limited flash, and don't try to use an aux flash.The unit flashes 2x, to determine the correct exposure, thus firing an aux flash, and when the exposure flash is firing, the aux isn't.Anyone found a solution?

Great camera, easy to use!
This camera is great! It is compact and easy to use.It has a rechargeable battery which lasts quite a while on a charge too. Takes about an hour to recharge. Doesn't have a battery meter though, only tells you when you are just about to run out.All in all a great camera, perfect to throw in your pocket on the go!

great compact camera, can't go wrong
I love this camera, every pictures I took are just perfect.it's very light and very compact camera so that you can bring it with you anywhere. The software is also easy to use. Can't go wrong. ... Read more

Asin: B00005ATZN
Subjects:  1. S 100    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

Kodak DC4800 3.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $549.99
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Editorial Review

The DC4800 is Kodak's first 3-megapixel consumer digital camera. In terms of design, it's something of a departure from Kodak's earlier digital models and more of a return to the look and feel of a traditional film camera.In its default setting, the camera is as easy to use as a point-and-shoot, but numerous manual controls are available for the more advanced user.

Like most other 3-megapixel cameras, the Kodak features a 3x optical zoom lens plus a 2x digital zoom. Images are stored as JPEG or TIFF files on standard Type I CompactFlash cards, and the camera is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and AC adapter (included). USB output makes image transfers quick, and a video-out plug lets you view your images on your TV. The 4800 has several unusual features that help to set it apart from the rest of the 3-megapixel pack. For example, Kodak has included dedicated controls on the top of the camera to adjust the aperture and exposure compensation, rather than forcing users to wade through a sea of menus to access these frequently used settings.In addition, the camera offers better-than-usual control of white balance and color saturation.

The camera ships with a neck strap, lens cap, 16 MB CompactFlash card, lithium-ion rechargeable battery, AC adapter, USB cable, video cable, user's guide, and software CD. Kodak includes a 1-year warranty. ... Read more

Features

• 3x optical plus 2x digital zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 16 MB CompactFlash card holds 20 images at default resolution
• Connects to Macs and PCs via USB port
• Rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery and AC adapter included
• 3.1 megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create prints at 8 x 10 inches and beyond

Reviews (99)

great first gen 3MP camera, but it is old now...
I've had this camera for about 3 years now.

Picture quality:
- takes great pictures outdoors, and indoor pictures with adequate lighting.
- flash is not adequate.pictures with flash are horrible.they come out all blurry - the shutter speed isn't fast enough/CCD not good enough (when using auto settings)

Use:
- I like having the ability to change the f-stop setting on the fly with the knob on top of the camera.Sure beats using the menus.
- The battery lasts a long time, but it's always good to have a spare, especially if you use LCD alot.

Construction:
- Solid.
- I've fallen on this thing while skiing (back of case is cracked) and took it with me when I accidentally fell into Lake Tahoe (camera was submerged), but amazingly it still works.

Summary:
I've taken thousands of pictures with the camera.Certainly got good use out of it over the past 3 years.
However, newer cameras have better flash capability and record in video.My friends have the Canon SXXX series.They are 1/2 the size of the Kodak, and perform much better.

A good 3.1 megapixel camera, but...
I've had this camera about 18 months. The only thing that I find lacking in this camera is its ability to take indoor flash pictures. Even using the +/- exposure compensater the pics come out under exposed, especially if the subject is more than 5 feet from the lens. Other features work well. I decided to stop fooling with this camera and went for the Canon S50, wow what a difference. Goodbye Kodak, hello Canon.

Keeps breaking...and breaking...
First time it died was just within the one-year warranty, and it died again a year later.I'm sending this $500.00 paperweight to Kodak's Vice President for Customer Relations with a nice note. ... Read more

Asin: B00004W3YX
Subjects:  1. DC 4800    2. Digital Camera (Cameras)    3. Photograph (Photography)   

Polaroid i-zone Convertible Pocket Instant Camera w/ Changeable Faceplates
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $24.99
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Editorial Review

Polaroid's updated version of the i-zone instant camera lets you personalize your camera with several fun, colorful faceplates that you can change on a whim to fit your mood, match your outfit, or match your favorite color. And because this camera has front and top changeable faceplates, you can mix-and-match the colors and patterns. It comes with two sets of color changeable faceplates that clip easily into place.

This i-zone isn't just the old version with colorful faceplates, however. Polaroid has also redesigned the entire body with a sleeker, more aerodynamic shape and feel; the smaller body fits into a pocket or bag easier than ever. But the new look does not affect the easy-to-use features of the original i-zone camera. It is still focus-free, with a built-in flash and simple film loading. The three settings, indoors (with flash), outdoor/sunny, and outdoor/cloudy allow you to pick the best mode for your scene or subject, adding to your creative control.

Capture lots of fun moments with instant pictures the size of a postage stamp, using either sticky or nonsticky film, then let your creativity go wild. Decorate notebooks, folders, invitations, anything you can think of! The more unique, the better. These mini-pictures are ideal for sharing and trading with your friends. The possibilities are endless, so be sure to stock up on plenty of extra film. ... Read more

Features

• Sticky or nonsticky film available
• Comes with two sets of switchable color faceplates
• Sleek new aerodynamic i-zone design
• Personalize with sticky film pictures and colored faceplates
• Focus-free with built-in flash and simple film loading

Reviews (14)

Fun camera for all ages!
I read all the reviews and don't know why people don't think this is a fun camera! I'm a mom with little kids, I have a digital camera, an SLR, a point-n-shoot, a camcorder and now this I-zone - it's just plain fun to have. Oh, and I scrapbook too. This design is sleeker & easier to use than the original model - not so many parts poking out. I spent [money] for the camera at [a local discount store] & 3 pack of regular film is less than [money] there too ([money] more for sticky film.)So for instant photos - that price can't be beat.I used them as party favors at my 4 year old daughter's party - it was a hit! I can see us using it at school or any kid function. Photos are clear, note: instructions say it works best with photos taken 2 to 4 ft away from subject...with the small size of the photo you want it for close-ups anyway.I completely agree with the other reviews from "Neat little camera-April '03 and Fun!!!-Feb '02"I've found accessories (tiny photo album w/clip-on and magnet frames shaped like water splashes, photo key chains)on clearance at Ritz Camera and Wolf Camera stores...more items to go with this cool camera.I recommend getting it & just having some fun!

Neat little camera
I bought this camera to take pictures of my toddler.The size of the pictures makes them great for scrapbooking, especially with the sticky film.I also bought this camera for my niece.I think it is great fun to have the instant satisfaction in a compact little photo.The photo quality is pretty good, but I'm still experimenting with indoor photos verses outdoor photos.One feature that I think is great is the flash.You set the flash, and once you take the picture the camera turns off.This is a great way to save the battery.I read some comments that the film is expensive, but at around 5.00 a box you get 12 pics that you don't have to get developed.Seems like a good deal to me.

Not Worth It
The Polaroid i-zone camera was definately not worth the money I spent on it. The pictures are so tiny you can barely make out what's in them, plus the film is sooo expensive. If your willing to spend all your money on film then I guess it's an okay camera, but it's not even that much fun to use. ... Read more

Asin: B00005AKPB
Subjects:  1. instant (camera) cameras    2. Izone eyezone eye    3. Photograph Photography    4. Camera (Cameras)    5. Instant    6. izone   

FREE Online Photo Software + 25 Free Prints, by Ofoto
Average Customer Review:
Electronics

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Editorial Review

OfotoNow for Amazon.com is a dual-purpose software package, offering both photo-editing and uploading tools for digital camera users. As an image editor, it provides a basic set of essential photo-enhancing tools to help make the most of the photos you take. In addition, the uploading features make it quick and easy to transfer digital pictures to an Amazon Photo Services account.

OfotoNow allows users to visually select their favorite digital pictures from any source (digital camera, hard drive, floppy or CD), view the pictures one at a time, look at collections of pictures all at once, or view them in a slide show. The software also makes it easy to zoom, rotate, trim, remove red eye, and instantly improve image brightness and contrast.

OfotoNow also lets users quickly upload any number of photos into an online account with Amazon Photo Services. Users can then organize their photos into secure online albums and share them with their friends and family, as well as order high-quality photographic prints on premium Kodak paper.

Become a new member of Amazon Photo Services through this OfotoNow software and receive 25 free 4-by-6-inch prints. Members can also earn up to 100 more free prints through the Ofoto Tell-a-Friend program.

For a limited time, new members who upload at least 25 images and order their 25 free prints can earn a $25 Amazon gift certificate. This offer expires on June 30, 2001, is limited to one gift certificate per customer, and is valid for new members only. ... Read more

Features

• Join Amazon Photo Services through this software and receive 25 FREE 4 x 6" prints. Plus, earn a $25 Amazon gift certificate. (see details below)
• OfotoNow for Amazon.com software enables you to easily view, edit and upload photos from your digital camera
• Zoom, view thumbnails, or run a photo slideshow of the images on your computer
• Trim, crop, rotate, and remove red-eye; instantly fix brightness and contrast
• Upload multiple photos directly into secure online photo albums

Reviews (33)

Not worth your time and definitely not your money
Snapfish.com is a superior value. Don't waste your time or money with ofoto. Snapfish has much lower prices and they also print on kodak paper.

good deal/good service
The free $ dollar gift certificate was a good deal.Over all ofoto.com's prints seem a tad better than ....The interface and ease of use was about the same.The only thing I did not like was Ofoto's PC software did not save the current set of images as you worked on them.I had a few cases where I did not finish cropping images and quit the program or it crashed and I had to go back in and start over....

Not bad at all
Overall, the service was easy to install, easy to use, and the prints ended up looking great. Plus, having the photos available on the web is cool - it makes it easy to share them with family and friends, plus have them order their own reprints. It's also easy to order wallet-size photos.

Things to watch out for -1 - Don't use another imaging program to rotate your photo; you'll get a horizontal print even if you expect a vertical print 2 - On-screen proportions are different than photo proportions; make sure you get the cropped image that you want.

Hey, this free! Check it out. It's not like there's any risk! ... Read more

Asin: B000056BSQ
Subjects:  1. Free    2. Film (Films)   

The Art of Wedding Photography: Professional Techniques with Style
by Bambi Cantrell Skip Cohen
Average Customer Review:
Paperback (01 October, 2000)
list price: $29.95 -- our price: $18.87
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (27)

Traditional and behind the times
This book's almost 5 years old now, and it's showing its age. Almost every photo in the book is taken with a medium format camera, 35mm cameras are rarely mentioned, and digital cameras aren't mentioned at all. To do things the way this book recommends you need an assistant and at least $15,000 worth of gear, minumum. You can extrapolate to work out how to do some of these things by yourself, but it's not mentioned. There are a lot of great inspirational photos in the book, with camera settings and instructions on how to reproduce them, often with your assistant helping with lighting.

The book's squarely aimed at very traditional American weddings, but mentions other cultures in passing. Virtually no mention is made of the photojournalism style, the phrase is mentioned, but that's all.

If you've never done a wedding, this book will give you one useful viewpoint, but it's not a single book that will teach you how to take photos at a wedding. Some important topics, such as hwo to take photos of the actual ceremony, are touched on but not in the depth that I would have liked.

If you want to take traditional pictures, this book, along with others to compliment it, is for you.

Wedding photos is about getting the feelings !
This book is really about the ART OF WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY. It's pro-driven, so you won't find that much on things like how to set up your camera or lights. But it explains in details how the authors get the feelings in the weddings, where they are and how to catch them. It's a GREAT book with wonderful insights and explendid photos (also with technical information like film type, f/stop, shutter speed, etc for each photo). Also very good opinions on how to set your business if you want to be a wedding photo pro. Thank you Bambi, it's really a wonderful book.

The Best out there
I am a professional wedding photographer.This was the first book I purchased when I started my business about 4 years ago--I can't believe my luck!I have since been through about 20 other books and none of them has measured up to The Art of Wedding Photography.It is the only book that I actually throw in my own camera gear bag to this day and take to weddings when I need inspiration.

She gives technical hints with specifics.I based my initial pro equipment (roughly) purchases on the suggestions in this book.She also gives hints on using your intuition and being an active observer.The section on bridal shows, although short, gave me a direction for my first few shows.I recommend that you read and re-read this book many times.Even after 4 years I still pick through this dog-eared copy and get new insight every time. ... Read more

Isbn: 0817433252
Sales Rank: 6507
Subjects:  1. Business methods    2. Photo Techniques    3. Photography    4. Portraiture    5. Subjects & Themes - Portraits    6. Techniques - General    7. Wedding photography    8. Art, Architecture & Photography    9. Weddings