Kodak DC4800 3.1MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom
by Kodak
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)   

Viking 128 MB CompactFlash Card (CF128M)
by Viking Components
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $49.99 -- our price: $18.99
(price subject to change: see help)
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Features

• Five year replacement warranty and 30-day money-back guarantee
• Optimized for use in PDAs, MP3 players, or digital cameras
• Write speed guaranteed to exceed 1.2 MB per second (8X) with independent test results exceeding 2.25 MB per second (15X)
• High quality components guarantee steady performance, the utmost durability, and breadth of compatibility
• Individually tested to ensure each product works the first time, everytime

Reviews (200)

Great card, but slow write speed
I've been using this card with my Canon S400 for the past 9 months and am very pleased with it.However, about a month ago, I noticed that the write speed increased from about a second to three-four seconds per image.It's kind of annoying since it was so quick before, but other than that, the card has served me well!

Good value, but watch out for compatibility
Unlike Lexar or Sandisk, Viking does not design or make the components that go into their flash memory cards, instead they use off-the-shelf components (controller and memory core) made by others.This means two things: 1) lower cost (to Viking), and 2) compatibility with devices may not be as robust as Lexar or Sandisk.There have been numerous reports about incompatibility between Viking flash memory and various digital cameras and PDAs.You should do a web search before buying this product.

That said, this Viking CF card should work in most digital cameras or older Pocket PCs that take CF.The rated speed of 8x means this is not suitable for digital SLR's such as the Nikon D70 or Canon EOS Digital Rebel which need higher-speed CF cards (40x or higher).Most consumer, non-SLR digital cameras will find the speed of this card more than adequate.128MB holds about 80-100 5MP, high-quality pictures (depending on the complexity of each picture and the particular camera model).I personally recommend if you have a 4MP or more camera, you should have a 256MB memory card as your primary card, while carrying a 128MB card like this Viking as a spare.

In short, this Viking 128MB CF card is good for the money.Just make sure it's compatible with your digital camera.

Viking vs. Sandisk
First I bought a sandisk and after a month of use got damaged, I tryed to comunicate with them a lot, they have the worst customer service, then i gave up. then i bought this Viking like a year ago, and im still using it. ... Read more

Asin: B00003G1RG
Sales Rank: 773
Subjects:  1. viking memory finder    2. Flash Memory (Flashcard, Flashcards)    3. Compactflash (Compact Flash)   

Canon S800 Photo InkJet Printer
by Canon
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $289.99
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Editorial Review

The Canon S800 color ink-jet printer provides speed and flexibility, requiring no special papers to achieve refined color, precision, and detail for all your photo printing needs. The S800 uses a six-color printing process with individual ink tanks, while a 100-page sheet feeder in a straight paper path supports continuous printing. With both USB and parallel ports, it's a suitable match for your Mac or PC.

Canon's trademarked MicroFine Droplet technology ably provides 49 gradation levels for crisp, clean black-and-white or color prints at 2,400 x 1,200 dpi on a wide variety of media, including plain paper, banner paper, envelopes, glossy photo cards, and more. You can print an 8-by-10-inch color photo on plain paper in under two minutes, and a 4-by-6-inch in about one minute, both in photo quality. When the onscreen message warns you that ink levels are low, just drop in the single color cartridge you need.

Designed as a compact and quiet printer for users seeking high-quality photo printing, the S800 also enables you to transfer photos from your digital camera to your computer through the CompactFlash card reader. The S800 includes printer drivers, a BJ Solution Disk CD-ROM, and PhotoStitch software, plus PhotoRecord for Windows users or ImageBrowser for Mac users. Canon also includes a one-year limited warranty on parts and labor. ... Read more

Features

• Includes great software bundle
• Quality photo inkjet printer
• 2400 by 1200 dpi resolution, 6-color printing
• Features Canon Think Tank System
• Comes with CompactFlash Card reader

Reviews (30)

Nice quality color prints
I have had this now for almost 4 years and it still works perfect. I probably printed over 200 photos already and 100's of business cards without errors.

I had a cannon Multipass that was a piece of crap, way back. I took a chance on this and so far its paying off.

I like the individual ink cartridges!

The Printhead is Dead!
At a time when technology has advanced color printing quality, customer service just has not kept up. Canon, maker of some of the finest optical equipment in the world, has used advanced technology to produce a printer capable of amazing color print quality. The photos glow. Paper selection is critical as is the use of OEM inks. Black & white printing is just not on the same par as the color. This must be a driver issue in that the black rendering on the prints looks great. I contacted Canon on this issue and got the run around. Here is where the enthusiasm gets trampled. I don't use this printer much as I have access to several laser units at work for critical and big jobs. When I do use it, I try to pool a set of color or plain text prints into one lot as this beast really sucks up the ink like an overweight SUV sucks gas. The evaporation rate on the inks is rapid as part of the quick dry feature. Canon does not warn you that idleness is costly. That being said, I have printed approximately 1 ream of paper on this, most either in draft or standard mode, and only around 35% of the pages being full page printouts. I have gone through about twenty 8 x 10 gloss photos, 1 t-shirt transfer and 6 of the new 4 x 6 Photo Paper Plus Glossy. This unit is on its 4th black ink tank, 3rd set of color tanks. The unit sat idle after our recent move to our new home for about 2.5 months. Upon setting up the unit again, I noticed a marked decrease in quality. I followed the deep head cleaning several times, regular cleaning cycle a few times, realigned the heads and adjusted everything per instructions and even installed new ink. The unit will not print anything but the faintest gray when the call is for black bold. The cleaning sucked dry the entire 69.00 ink tank set, installed new, no success. Contacted Canon who informed me to perform several more deep cleanings - sucked down 3 of the 6 tanks in the process and still no better. They are now telling me it is the printhead. But relax, it can be replaced for 100.00. Canon refused to help. So, long story short and lesson learned. Unit sucks down the ink as fast as a drunk at a free beer concert, is rather on the noisy side and has cost me more in ink to print say 500 pages and a few photos than the original cost of the printer. If I add in new tanks and a new printhead, the cost of ownership for this unit would reach 1.00 a page for black printing. This unit, after its very short lifespan, will be replaced with a HP. Canon needs to learn more about customer support and more importantly, customer relations.

Great, but.....
The printer prints some of the finest photos I've ever printed. However, the printhead went out after two years; I replaced it and the new printhead only lasted about 45 days. I can't afford the printheads and labor charges, so I'm thinking of getting another (not S800) as I don't know if the printheads are a common problem. ... Read more

Asin: B00005BCS7
Subjects:  1. Inkjet Printer (Ink Jet Printers, Printing)    2. Photo Printer (Photo Printing)   

Velbon CX-690 Deluxe Heavy-Duty Photographic/Video Tripod
by Hakuba USA, Inc.
Average Customer Review:
Electronics
list price: $79.99 -- our price: $44.99
(price subject to change: see help)
US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

The rugged Velbon CX-690 Deluxe is a full-featured tripod designed for use with all 35mm SLR cameras, digital cameras, and full-size video camcorders. Its key features include a large three-way fluid pan head, right-tilting quick-release platform, level bubble mounted on the body, an impressive full extension height of 63 inches, and a geared center column with preset friction control. The CX-690 is basically a heavy-duty version of the Velbon CX-570 with the same features incorporated into a larger overall body, including thicker legs and increased extension.

The CX-690 is for the serious user who wants extra stability even at extended heights along with easy all-around functioning. It features the biggest version of Velbon's unique three-way pan head combined with a large, bidirectional, right-tilting, quick-release platform (retractable camcorder alignment pin included). The sure-grip pan/tilt control handle is located on the left side to allow free access to the camera's controls from the right. The three-section tubular aluminum legs are equipped with braces, rubber-tipped feet, and big side-lever locks for fast and easy adjustments.

This hefty tripod weighs only 3.9 pounds and folds down to 24.3 inches.

Velbon Tripod has been in the business for 46 years. ... Read more

Features

• Heavy-duty 3-section 27-millimeter tubular aluminum legs
• Large 3-way pan head with left-positioned sure-grip pan/tilt control handle allows easy access to camera controls
• Right-tilting camera platform allows 35mm cameras vertical as well as horizontal composition with more secure seating for heavier cameras
• Pan head incorporates a large bidirectional quick-release camera platform with retractable camcorder alignment pin
• Leveling bubble is mounted on the tripod body for more precise tripod leveling

Reviews (2)

tripod quick release weak
I bought this tripod in February 2005 from Adorama.com. I had to return it because of the quick-release camera platform. The same thing that happened to the previous reviewer, "ez53" (Cumberland, Rhode Island USA), happened to me. It's just too difficult to screw on my Nikon N80 SLR to the platform and it comes loose after I tightened it. I also didn't like the fact that thequick-release platform is right-tilting (I prefer left-tilting).

Overall, the tripod body is good. The side lever locks makes the legs very fast and easy to adjust. Also, there is a bubble level mounted on the body.

I wish I had read the previous review before I bought the tripod. I paid $59.49 from Adorama.com and $14.45 for shipping. The total was $73.94 compared to Amazon.com's $39.88!

Lightweight, but weak link is connection to equip
This is not my primary tripod.It is being used for binoculars while I'm out at the telescope and is probably light enough to carry in a backpack.Seems strudy enough, but it has shortcomings right at the most important link.The quick release shoe is a small plastic piece held into the tripod by a plastic cam.The 1/4"x20 screw that holds binocs (with binoc adapter) or camera or a small telescope is tightened by a tiny plastic knob from underneath the quick release shoe before the shoe is locked onto the tripod head using the cam.This tiny knob is too small to be tightened securely using fingers and you must use a coin, not a screw driver, to tighten it securely.It still comes loose.The lightest most compact, sturdiest tripod is no good if your equipment can't be attached securely and part way through a session swings loose and swivels to one side requireing releasing the shoe and retighteneing the screw. ... ... Read more

Asin: B00004TY7I

Adobe Photoshop 6.0
by Adobe
Average Customer Review:
CD-ROM (15 October, 2000)

US | Canada | United Kingdom | Germany | France

Editorial Review

With each new release of Photoshop, Adobe manages both to satisfy theexpectations of existing users and to pull a few magic features out of its hat.Version 6 is no exception. Powerful vector editing and masking, improved layercontrols, layer styles, incredible typographic control, new Web publishingtools, and a cleaner, more accessible interface are already making version 5.5,itself a groundbreaker, look like ancient history.

Photoshop's new vector features provide even more control when compositingphotographic images. You can use the vector drawing tools simply to createpolygons and custom shapes, but they can also act as layer clippingpaths--vector masks that hide or reveal image areas in underlying layers.

Editable layer effects such as drop shadow and glow were introduced in version 5.5; in version 6, they have been renamed layer styles. New options includesatin, stroke and color, gradient, and pattern overlay. The layer stylesdialogue box provides much more control--bevel and emboss has five styleoptions, as well as adjusters for technique, depth, direction, size, soften,angle, attitude, gloss, contour, highlight mode, opacity--and that's not all ofthem. As the name suggests, layer styles can easily be saved and applied toother layers.

You can enter and edit text directly onto the layer and set style attributesfrom the new tool options bar. Photoshop 6 seems to have benefited from some ofInDesign's superb typographic tools, with character and paragraph palettesproviding precise control. Web imaging tools have been revamped, withlayer-based slicing now available from within Photoshop itself, and a major overhaulof ImageReady introducing weighted optimization, rollover styles, and tweenedanimation.

If you want the best image editing software that money can buy, look no further.--Ken McMahon ... Read more

Features

Reviews (42)

No tech support
There is, apparently, no tech support for this product.It works fine, when it works.Photomerge, the only thing I am interested in, drifts in and out. When it is out there is no help to find out why, or how to get it to work again.I would never buy this product again.

I am extremely computer literate, but this product is impossible.

uummmmm??
I thought that this was one of the greatest softwares I had Bought after Photoshop 5. THat was untill photoshop 7 came out. Personally I would skip the savings and go for the good stuff with Photoshop7. Almost the same as 6 except that there is a history function that allows you to go back as many steps as you need. There are an uncountable amount of new features that are so easy to use I was blown away.

Good product, but not the only one.
This is definitely a good product, but I still like Fireworks better!Why? It's much more user-friendly than Photoshop, and so far there's nothing that I haven't been able to do with Fireworks (Macromedia product). ... Read more

Asin: B00004YNJJ
Subjects:  1. Computer software (programs)    2. Graphics    3. Multimedia    4. Edit (Editing)