Canon PowerShot G2 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $699.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Quite simply, the Canon PowerShot G2 is an elegant, easy-to-use joy of a digital camera that boasts impressive 4-megapixel resolution, a 3x optical zoom, a bright LCD monitor that swivels off to the side of the camera and tilts up and down as needed, and maximum overall creative control in addition to a fully automatic mode. Of course, none of this comes as much of a surprise to anyone familiar with its popular predecessor, the PowerShot G1. Both of these cameras have features and picture-taking modes similar to Canon's EOS cameras, which means they have what Canon calls a "very camera-like feel." Some of the G2's more obvious improvements over the G1 (besides higher resolution) include a champagne gold finish, larger grip for easier handling, improved image and color quality, new photo-effect shooting mode for various effects, including black-and-white and sepia, and a new high-speed selectable three-point autofocus.

The G2's 4-megapixel CCD captures images at user-selectable resolutions of 2,272 x 1,704, 1,600 x 1,200, 1,024 x 768, and 640 x 480. This range allows for detail-rich 8-by-10-inch prints that match the results of film cameras as well as easy-to-upload images for the Web and e-mail. Choose between three varying degrees of JPEG compression or store images in the 10-bit RAW data file format for faster transfer without any image quality loss. Your computer easily translates the RAW files into TIFF files using Canon's included software.

The telescoping, 3x optical zoom lens (34-102mm equivalent on a 35mm camera) with 3.6x digital zoom, offers both automatic and manual focus control. The improved, high-speed, selectable three-point autofocus system allows flexibility in composition over the single focus point of the G1. A distance scale has been added on the LCD monitor for precision focus adjustment that works best for extreme close-ups. Improved circuitry allows the G2 to perform these advanced functions with faster image capture times and longer battery life than the G1.

Like the G1, the G2 has point-and-shoot settings that take the guesswork out of almost all situations, but the manual controls and creative options are where this camera stands out from the competition. Twelve EOS-style shooting modes allow for a wide range of creative possibilities, with manual focus zoom, adjustable aperture priority at 50, 100, 200, and 400 ISO, selectable shutter speed, and six preset white balances--sunny, cloudy, tungsten, etc. Canon has provided four presets for professional results when shooting for maximum depth of field, portraits, landscapes, and night scenes. Other creative controls include the photo-effect mode that allows four possible variations of the normal color saturation: vivid color, standard color, sepia tones, and standard black-and-white.

Two video formats have also been included, allowing for 30 and 120 seconds of moving images with audio. Slow shutter-speed mode allows extended exposures in low-light situations. Autoexposure bracketing allows you to intentionally over- and underexpose two extra shots to help capture the best picture possible. Five different flash modes, including red-eye reduction, handle after-dark challenges. The TTL hot shoe is fully compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlite flashes. The included software package goes beyond standard image processing with a remote capture function that allows complete control and manipulation of the camera functions from your computer keyboard. Canon's Stitch Assist program allows you to combine up to four images into one, seamless, panoramic view.

Exterior design features include the highly versatile LCD monitor from the G1 that needs no improvement; its 270-degree rotation allows all angles of image composition from around corners to self-portraits. Changes in ergonomics, as requested by the users of the G1, include a contoured grip for better one-handed shooting and a more streamlined look. Photographers new to the digital market will find the G2 as easy to use as previous PowerShot models, while professionals will be pleased with the improved selection of creative options for capturing the best possible images.

The G2 comes complete with USB port and cable for connection to PC or Macintosh computers; Canon's digital camera software package for downloading, processing, and organizing your images; a NTSC cable for connecting to a television set; a rechargeable BP-511 lithium-ion battery pack and AC adapter for charging the battery in the camera; a generous 32 MB CompactFlash card; infrared remote control; lens cap; and neck strap. The camera weighs about 14.8 ounces, and its dimensions are 4.8(W) by 3.0(H) by 2.5(D) inches. ... Read more

Features

• 3x optical (plus 3.6x digital) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 32 MB CompactFlash card holds 24 images at default resolution; camera is Microdrive compatible
• Movie mode captures variable amount of video depending upon memory card size
• Uses proprietary lithium-ion rechargeable battery (included); connects with Macs and PCs via USB port
• 4.1 megapixel sensor creates 2,272 x 1,704 images for prints at 8 x 10 and beyond

Reviews (153)

Great all around camera
This was our first digital camera.Very easy to use, useful features, and high quality photos.Definitely a good deal.

great camera, even today
I bought this camera in early 2003 when the camera was to be discontinued and sold around $400. I am mostly a happy user of this camera.

Pros:

1. Excellent lens, very bright (F2.0) which make shooting indoor without flash a possiblity.

2. Good resolution. 4MP is enough even today.

3. Great photography control, more F stops, great range of shutter speed which you won't see in most consumer level digital cameras. This means you can shoot a wide range of objects under many different environment, without compromised quality.

4. Better looking than successors like G3, G5.

Cons:

1. Relatively lousy battery life using the bundled battery

2. Slow startup time. This sometimes becomes intolerable when you want a fast shot.

3. Hard to get CF card out of the camera.

4. ISO 400 speed gives noisy image quality. However this is the issue with most consumer digital cameras.

What we all NEED! Better than it's descendant the G3
I have had this camera for more than a year and I am just now getting to write a review. Which means I have had much time and practice to test this camera.
This camera is very much in the middle and by that I don't mean just ok. It is not to hot and it is not too cold, it is "just right!" It has features and manual controls for those who like to manipulate their shots, but in the same respect if you are used to just snapping a picture with one button and letting the camera do the work, then this camera is for you too! The image quality is great! You can buy accessories and extra lenses for it just like those hot shots with expensive film cameras! I have 3 lenses and two filtering lenses(polarizing and UV filter.) One of my extra lenses is a macro lens which really is wonderful. Which brings me to the point that the camera's macro capabilities are wonderful as is! If you don't know what macro means, I can take a picture of those unsightly pores it gets so close. I have taken some wonderful nature photographs with the macro. I love up-close, detailed pics. This camera has a little bit of everything but not too much it is overwhelming. If you want to use it, it is there and if you don't keep it on automatic! The best part is that there have been two cameras in the "G" line that have been introduced since the G2 but they aren't as good as this one(in my opinion.) So the price has dropped dramatically you can get one for less than 300 if you know where to look.

I just cannot stress enough how much this camera has been in service to me. I never even used a regular film camera before I got this camera because I never had the money to get a really good one. Sure I took the occasional pic with my aunt's point and shoot film camera at Christmas, but that wasn't much fun. When I got this camera I just experimented and took soooooooo many pictures. I am really enjoying photography. I guess the reason I never got interested in photography before was the expense of film and then developing, as well as not being sure the pictures were even any good until you got them back from the drug store. With this camera you just look at the shots and if they stink you delete them and take another shot. No wasted film! IF you don't have a printer at home then you can easily take them to Walgreens or upload them to Walmart's site and get prints from your digi pics. So simple.

I have experimented with many consumer valued digital cameras when I took my photography class last year( which was the reason I bought this camera) and let me tell you, it was the best in the class. We had Kodak and Olympus and so many other brands and they all stunk compared to mine. Olympus C something was pretty comparable but still not as good as my G2. I would recommend this camera to the new aspiring photographer as well as to the family photographer who wants to capture all the good things. I am sure once we become professional photographers we will have a SLR digital camera but for anyone less than a professional who is actually getting paid for their pictures, this is the best quality at the best price. When printed on photo quality paper my digital pictures are as good as if not better than other film photographer's pictures. I have been told my shots are good enough to be in National Geographic! Have fun with this joyful contraption. ... Read more

Asin: B00005Q5U5
Subjects:  1. Digital Camera (Cameras)    2. Photograph (Photography)   

SimpleTech STI-CF/256 256 MB CompactFlash Card
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $83.50 -- our price: $22.79
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

SimpleTech CompactFlash cards allow you to take more pictures with your digital camera, increase the power of your PDA, and enjoy more music with your MP3 player. Compact and lightweight, they easily go where you go. In addition, CompactFlash cards have no moving parts, making them more rugged and dependable than hard drives. ... Read more

Features

• SimpleTech lifetime guarantee
• Highest quality assurance rating available - ISO9001 Certified
• Allows you to take more images, listen to more MP3s, or store more files
• High speed flash card, sustained write speeds of 1.5MB per second (10X)
• Guaranteed compatible with thousands of digital cameras, MP3 players and handheld computers

Reviews (72)

DO NOT BUY FROM AMAZON.COM
Better cards are available from other retailers - just check epinions.com - you will find a whole bunch for $19 or less. Also they deliver, while Amazon does not.The item has label "usually ships in 24 hours", but I have waited 5 (five !) days, and still it was not shipped. Do not buy this card, and check other place than Amazon. The Amazon stinks...

Fantastic card - unbeatable price
I bought this SimpleTech card in early 2003 and have had great results with it.I have shot over 34,000 pictures on it using my Canon PowerShot G3.I use it extensively with my Dell X5 PDA.For the last month, I have been using it in my new Nikon D70 (over 5000 pictures so far from that).I originally paid about $60 for this card.

The card has never failed me.I have given it extreme use.I also have a 256 MB Sandisk card (it failed me once, and I had it replaced under warranty) and a 256 MB Viking card.I had read a review that the Viking card may not be compatible with the G3, so I never used it in that camera.I used the Viking card only in my Canon Powershot S400.However I did use all three cards in my PDA and in the S400.I have used the SimpleTech and the Sandisk both in my D70, as well as a new Sandisk Ultra II 1 GB card.

By comparison, the Sandisk 256 MB card was definitely the slowest when performing the same tasks.It could not keep up with mp3 playback on my PDA.It has noticibly slower write times for photos on my cameras, especially the G3. The SimpleTech and the Viking cards perform about the same as each other.Neither has noticeable slowness on my PDA.Photo write times on the G3 were acceptable with this SimpleTech card.It really did not cause a delay in shooting dut to waiting for pictures to write to the card.

Interestingly, on the D70, this SimpleTech card still keeps up well.The D70 has an advanced buffering system that can hold several (about 12 at normal quality full resolution) images while writing them to the card.This is so much buffer that rarely so I have the need to exceed this many shots in one burst.Thus, when I am using the SimpleTech card, it really does NOT slow down my shooting at all.

By comparison, I do notice that the D70 finishes writing pictures to my ULTRA II card sooner, especially after a burst of several frames.(based on the blinking light that indicates CF card activity)I really never have the need to shoot a continuous burst of frames all the way to a full 256 MB card.

My conclusion is that this 256 MB SimpleTech card is just about the best way to go for CF memory currently.It will cost you less to buy 4 of these (1 GB) than to buy one 1 GB Ultra II card.And then, if you have one of these fail, you will not be out of memory at a crucial time - because you have 3 other cards to use.And you would be able to get a replacement for the failed card later at your convenience.

I highly recommend using multiple smaller cards over single larger cards.256 MB is my size of choice, and this is my choice among inexpensive 256 MB cards.At the current price (around $20 at the writing of this review) you can't go wrong!

Reliable and fast
I have been using this 256MB card for an year now on two of my Canon digital camera and a Casio PDA. It has always been reliable and there is no diminishing in storage capacity. Read and write are slightly faster than my San disk 256MB. ... Read more

Asin: B0000630TO
Subjects:  1. Flash Memory (Flashcard, Flashcards)    2. Compactflash (Compact Flash)   

SimpleTech CompactFlash Reader (Mass Storage Compliant)
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $29.99
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Editorial Review

SimpleTech FlashLink is the perfect tool for quickly and easily transferring data between a PC or Macintosh and your CompactFlash digital media cards. You can move images, MP3 music files, and other data, all with transfer rates up to 30 times faster than you'd get from a standard serial connection. FlashLink requires no external power source and has a sleek, compact design, giving you hassle-free portability.

FlashLink offers true plug-and-play capability with USB technology. Simply insert your digital media card into the FlashLink and it will automatically appear as an additional removable drive, letting you drag and drop files with ease.

This FlashLink reader is mass-storage device compliant, meaning it does not require the installation of driver software when used in Windows 2000, Me, or XP environments. Simply plug the device into the USB port of a PC or Mac and be ready to instantaneously download digital images or data by dragging and dropping the contents to any folder.

The SimpleTech FlashLink is compatible with all brands of digital media cards and gives you a true high-speed USB interface of up to 1.5 MBps, supporting the maximum data transfer rate of the media. An LED indicates power status and activity. ... Read more

Features

• Highest quality assurance rating available - ISO9001 Certified
• Most convenient and yet inexpensive solution to transfer images from your CompactFlash card to your desktop computer
• The flash card reader will appear as an additional hard drive on your computer or laptop
• Simply slide your CompactFlash card into the reader, then plug the reader into the USB port of your computer or laptop
• Fast transfer rates to and from your CompactFlash card and your laptop

Reviews (69)

Another card that's not compatible...
This reader does not work with my PNY 128mb card on Windows 2000.

Doesn't work with all cards...
This reader works with my SanDisk 128mb card, but does not work with my newer Lexar Media 256mb 12x card. Go figure.

versatile
This inexpensive reader has worked great on many computers and provides a great way to transfer digital pictures to various computers without the need to hook up my camera (avoids hassels of carrying wires and possibly the programs to install).Can't beat it! ... Read more

Asin: B0000633DU
Subjects:  1. Memory Card Reader (Readers)   

Flash MX
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (29 March, 2002)
list price: $499.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Since Macromedia launched Flash in 1996, it has grown into the de factostandard for development and delivery of high-impact, visually rich, interactiveWeb content. Flash MX promises a similar generational shift to the oneexperienced when Flash 5's enhanced ActionScript introduced an unprecedenteddegree of interactivity to the Web.

The most exciting new features in this version are those aimed at e-contentdevelopers and programmers. Integration with application servers such asColdFusion MX and Microsoft's .NET and Internet protocols like HTML, WebTV, andWAP make it possible to deliver Flash content to a range of platforms--from PCsto PlayStations to mobile phones.

But Flash MX also offers plenty to those who aren't part of a large team ofdesigners and programmers developing corporate sites. Novice users can takeadvantage of a range of prebuilt, customizable components, including scrollbars, buttons, list and combo boxes, and QuickStart templates for presentations,photo albums, ads, and more, making it possible to achieve great resultsquickly.

The Flash MX interface is now consistent with Dreamweaver and Fireworks. Nestedlayer folders and improved cursor feedback for frame adjustment make thetimeline more manageable, and the context-sensitive properties panel andcollapsing, dockable panels reduce screen clutter considerably. Vector drawingtools, one of Flash's weaknesses, have been largely overlooked, but there is anew Free Transform tool, which combines rotate, scale, and skew options. Video,another Flash weak spot, has fared much better with the inclusion of theSorensen Spark video codec. Users can import a variety of formats, includingMPEG, DV, and QuickTime. In addition, users can animate and script AVI and videoclip objects in the same way as bit maps, even using them on a mask layer.

Flash MX is backwards-compatible with version 5 (meaning users can publishversion 5 SWF files, although MX SWF files require the MX player), removing theonly argument for not upgrading. Those not yet convinced of the merits of Flashneed only look around. --Ken McMahon ... Read more

Reviews (19)

Macro media flash
It is an extremly useful product wihich I would immensly reccomend BUT the price is extremly high so it is impossible for normal people to have.

Not a programmer? Stay away from MX 2004
If you have used previous versions to Flash MX 2004 and are not an actionscript programmer- DO NOT BUY MX 2004.MX 2004 has done away with the "Normal Mode" in the actionscript editor and has replaced it with another screen hogging panel called behaviors.Instead of having a wizard like interface to aid in fast prototyping of sites and such, you will be forced to learn Actionscript.Unless you understand the code structure and syntax of either Java or Actionscript 2.0, prepare to not accomplish much.If you are a programmer, Flash MX2004 should suit you fine.If on the other hand you are a designer that uses MX or even Flash 5 and do not have the time to learn how to program- STAY PUT!Flash MX 2004 is not the designers tool any longer.Because of Flash's prominence, MX 2004 is now a programing interface for creating advanced appliances more than it is a creative tool.

major interface change
Caution: MX2004 is out. Personally I prefer flash 5. It was intuitive and you didn't need two monitors to use it effectively, but I guess Macromedia have to make a buck somehow and are following the Microsoft/Norton software release model. (MX2004 PRO, MX 2004). The only thing the MX2004 software release in 2003 confirms is that MX wasn't that mature. ... Read more

Asin: B000063V0V
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Web Effects    3. Animation animated   

Dreamweaver UltraDev 4.0/Fireworks 4.0 Studio
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (23 December, 2000)
list price: $699.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

Dreamweaver UltraDev is an enhanced version of Macromedia'sleading Web-authoring tool. The standout additional feature is dynamiccontent, which is when pages have live links to databases or othertypes of server-side scripting. Most products of this type requireextensive manual coding, but UltraDev has an extensive library ofbuilt-in scripts, called Server Behaviors, that allow even moderatelysophisticated sites to be built with little or no code. Version 4 lookssimilar to its predecessor, but includes important changes that make itmore complete and easier to use.

One of the best new features is the split code and design view, whichlets you edit either the code or the visual design and see changesinstantly echoed between them. There is also built-in security, so youcan create login procedures and password-protected sites. Finally, theLive Objects wizards automatically create page elements to handlecommon tasks, such as a master/detail page set, or forms to insert andupdate records.

UltraDev supports three kinds of server-side scripting: Active ServerPages, JavaServer Pages, and Cold Fusion. Unfortunately, it does notsupport PHP, which is popular on Linux and Unix servers, althoughbecause UltraDev is extensible, there may be some third-party add-ins.The features for the three models are similar but not identical,although in every case there is excellent database support. Its greatstrength is that you can focus on designing your pages and let UltraDevhandle the data access code. You can even display live data at designtime, making it easier to get exactly the right appearance.

Everything in Dreamweaver is also in UltraDev, so this is the idealpackage for Web authors who need to add dynamic content with a minimumof fuss.

About Fireworks 4:

Fireworks is a dedicated Web graphics application. You can create bothvector and bit-map images, optimize them for Web pages, and addnumerous special effects for export direct to HTML.

The starting point is a familiar range of drawing and painting tools,such as shapes, lines, brushes, pens, and selection tools. In thedefault vector mode they create editable, scalable objects, and inbit-map mode they paint pixels. Fireworks supports layers andmasks--virtual overlaid surfaces that you can edit independently, enablingdesigners to achieve a wide range of effects. For example, you can varyopacity and blending to fine-tune the final appearance. Other Fireworkspanels include color, stroke, fill, and effects. There is also alibrary panel where you can store graphic elements for reuse.

A key feature for Web designers is optimization. Fireworks offersmaximum control over the critical tradeoff between quality and size. Atwo-up and four-up view lets you compare the quality of original andoptimized versions, using techniques such as reducing color depth andremoving unused colors. The software offers strong support for GIF,JPEG, and PNG image formats. Fireworks also lets you create animationthat is exported as an animated GIF. It will also generate JavaScriptto produce image rollovers and, in this new version, pop-up menus.There is great support for hotspots and slices, techniques for mappingor dividing an image to support HTML features. Integration withMacromedia's Dreamweaver 4 is better than ever in version 4 ofFireworks. Dreamweaver UltraDev 4/Fireworks Studio combines the twoproducts at a lower price. You can export to Dreamweaver--or launchFireworks directly from Dreamweaver--edit an image, and save it backwith all Fireworks-specific information preserved. --TimAnderson ... Read more

Reviews (73)

Stupidly Discontinued!
Get Macromedia Dreamweaver 4. They have turned this once great web design package into a hybrid cross of something that looks like Netscape/Flash and called it Dreamweaver MX 2004.

I used Dreamweaver MX 2004 for a month, uninstalled it and went back to Dreamweaver 4. It really is that terrible and the work space is terribly cluttered making it very hard to work within.

Bottom Line -- Get Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 instead if you can find it. Macromedia Dreamweaver 4 is a very good web design package that knocks Dreamweaver MX 2004 for ten. You will simply hate Dreamweaver MX 2004 when you install it on your system. I nearly barfed after a month of using that *new* completely hostile and non-user friendly piece of unstable and slow excuse for a web design software program.

Get this instead ... if you can find it...

Review for Dreamweaver 5
-This review is for Dreamweaver 5- I absolutely love this software. I had Adobe Go Live but I never seemed to take to it like I did with Dreamweaver. Once it was installed within a day, I had made several webpages. As I continued to use it I learned more and more intuitively without needing much guidance from the manual. As a user you can create your webpages visually or in code mode, this makes it a great option for anyone no matter what your skill - it can be adjusted to suit your needs. You can learn and develop your webpage skills as much or as little as you like. You do not need to be intimidated by it's high price. You can learn it and the cost is well worth the output. ...
I don't have to look for anything else, I have hit paydirt with this program! If you are using Front Page or any other visual interface for ease, you know that you are trapped into a forced format, get this program and you will understand the freedom of control without fear!

GREAT
Wonderful program... I use it to write HTML for eBay listings... ... Read more

Asin: B000050XBE
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Programming    3. Development    4. Database (ODBC)    5. Web Effects    6. Animation animated    7. Objects    8. Web Page Editors (Creator)   

Canon PSC-1000 Leather Camera Case for Powershot G1
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $39.99 -- our price: $24.94
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Reviews (8)

Wrong Case
I purchased this case because it was listed as an accessory for the Canon G2.Unfortunately, it doesn't fit the G2, but rather the G1.Don't buy this case for a G2 - you need the PSC-2000!

Gets in the way
Case must be removed to access ports to the camera.Otherwise it does fit the camera, and is made with quality.I end up leaving it off, it just gets in the way.

Restrictively useful
Well maybe it was my fault that I thought this case is going to be a complete camera bag which will hold, not only my camera but also the innumerable cords and wires that come with it. I was kind of hoping for space to keep the wires, the wireless controller, the battery-pack cover and a couple of flash card boxes. As it turned out I was rather disappointed that it just covered the camera to a perfect fit and didn't leave space for anything else. Not having been able to see the product

rates probably top among the disadvantages of shopping on the internet.

Otherwise the case itself is quite nice, it fits the camera and just the top needs to be opened to operate any of the features including the charger and the USB cords.

I haven't felt the other disadvantage of it yet as I haven't bought a lens adapter yet. ... Read more

Asin: B000050MJJ
Sales Rank: 2874
Subjects:  1. Carrying Cases    2. Storage   

Epson Perfection 1650 Photo Flatbed Scanner
Average Customer Review:
Electronics (01 September, 2001)
list price: $199.99
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The simply designed setup and interface of the Epson Perfection 1650 Photo will have you happily scanning away in just a few minutes. The scanner connects to your PC or Macintosh via a USB cable, and its slim design and small footprint show that it was designed with the home office in mind. For digital photographers, the 1650 Photo includes a 35mm film adapter along with Adobe Photoshop Elements for editing and enhancing your digital images.

A serious hobbyist couldn't ask for a better combination of precision and value. Despite the relatively low price, the scanner offers a 16-bit grayscale, 48-bit color, and a maximum resolution of 1,600 x 3,200 dpi--which is more than enough scanning power to glean every sharp detail from family photos.

One-touch buttons allow you to instantly copy, print, or e-mail photos. The built-in zoom feature provides a range of 50 to 200 percent, supplying plenty of options for enlarging or cropping your final prints. A cold cathode ray lamp is used as the light source, a powerful and economical choice that provides hours of efficient lighting. Maximum scan size is 8.5 x 11 inches, large enough for most office documents as well as your favorite vacation shots.

Included in the box is the scanner, film adapter, Adobe Photoshop Elements, and a USB cord, along with Epson Twain and a design software package. The manufacturer's warranty covers parts and labor for a full year. ... Read more

Features

• Fast 10 milliseconds/line scanning speed
• Includes 35mm slide adapter and Adobe Photoshop Elements
• 1,600 x 3,200 dpi resolution, 48-bit color
• USB connection
• Four-button interface

Reviews (38)

Does descreening on magazine pics as well as slides
A great scanner, but it took a little time for me to set it up with the software.Called service at Epson and was so impressed with them.Problem I had with setup was that I had not uninstalled my UMAX software (previous scanner) and there were conflicts.Once I took it off, no problem.Called Epson service later to find out how to use the descreen function in order to scan pics from magazines without getting a moire pattern, but the tech guy said he'd have another more knowledgeable guy call me.The new service tech was top notch and spent (his dime) more than an hour with me on the phone showing me how to set up the scanning for special effects, color adjustments, descreening, and so much more.I recommend you use the "manual" setup rather than the automatic scan setup, and if you have Photoshop you don't need to install their image editing software.Great service.Great scanner.They have a newer one now, model 1660, which I assume is even better.

great quality scans
Bought for scanning several family photo albums onto CDs for members of the family. 800+ pictures later, the 1650-Photo is still buzzing along without any gliches.
Installation was easy, done with clear printed directions (onto a Mac G4 running OS 9.2)
The scanner does a quick pre-scan to produce an image you can see to make whatever adjustments for framing, color, contrast, shadow & highlight levels you desire. If you use the Auto mode instead, the software is so "smart" that it will usually produce results as good as you can do using the adjustments mode.
Once you are satisfied with the pre-scan image, you click on "scan", which the 1650 does in about 4 seconds. Thumbnail images of each scanned photo are displayed, along with the option to type in a name for each.
The picture files can be saved into several file types. If you chose .jpg you can adjust the file size, going small for e-mail use, to large for making paper prints.
I have not yet made any scans of photo negatives, but have of jewelry and maps and they turn out great! An excellent product at a very reasonable price.

Not Compatible with Mac OS X
I purchased the Epson 1650 Photo Flatbed Scanner 6 months ago.The primary reason I was attracted to this particular model was it's ability to scan 35mm slides. NOT.... Although Epson claims it is Mac compatible, Epson neglects to inform the consumer that the scanner IS NOT COMPATIBLE with the Mac OS X operating system.

Epson has been promising me delivery of the necessary drivers (at an additional cost, accompanied by a sales receipt, UPC bar code, and required application form) for 6 months now. In my latest contact with Epson (Oct. 3,2002) I am told they "do not know when the driver will be available".

So in conclusion, you owners of Mac computers - don't consider buying this product if you expect to use it as a scanner ... foranything else? ... it's up to you! ... Read more

Asin: B00005M259
Subjects:  1. Scanner (Flatbed, Flat bed)    2. Scanner (Slide, Photo)