Digital Cameras Ratings

If you own fine 35mm and/or large-format cameras, and have toyed with the idea of trying digital, read on at your own risk. You may — like me — never pick up your Leica M4P or Canon F1 or Mamiya 645 systems again.

Let me tell you the only negative about this camera first: The color correction of the CCD under low tungsten illumination and fluorescent lighting resembles Ektachrome 400, circa 1970.

That’s it. That’s the only defect.

You’re going to love this camera. Many reviewers wish for a 3.3 megapixel chip, vs. the 2.1 mp chip in this 2100. The recent introduction of cameras with the same image stabilized 10x lens/2.1 mp CCD system from Canon and Sony suggests some rethinking among the manufacturers of these cameras. Simply put, the ability to fill frames with image trumps the cameras with 3.3mp CCDs and smaller zoom ranges. To accommodate those 3.3 mp CCDs, one needs a larger buffer memory…which means a longer write-time…which means either a slower-shooting camera or a greater battery drain, or both, to match the frame-to-frame shooting capability of this lens/CCD/buffer combination. It also means your storage media demands will escalate dramaticaly, as will your needs for imaging media. Add the image stabilization feature, which has some kind of gyro motor running all the time, and you’d end up with unacceptable battery drain, if your had a 3.3 mp CCD.

This camera offers two displays — one the traditional 1.8 inch “TV” display, and the other, an SLR-like eye-level display. At first, you’ll be disappointed in the graininess of the eye-level display. And yet, you will be surprised at the speed with which you’ll accommodate that.

The camera offers a 35mm lover’s range of creative control, plus features you’d never dream of finding in an SLR or rangefinder. You can select the ASA of the CCD’s sensitivity — 100 to 400 ASA. You can select white balance, although it’s not great under low-light-level tungsten or fluorescent, as noted. You can — now get this — choose black-and-white or…SEPIA toned imaging. The latter is a magnificent trip back to the 1950s and 60s.

But nothing matches this lens. It’s the equivalent of a 38-380mm zoom lens. The image stabilization means that, if you carefully brace yourself, you will easily — and I mean EASILY — shoot 380mm hand-held shots at under 1/20th of a second. It’s a razor-sharp lens.

The image compression algorithm in this camera works extremely well. The standard “HQ” mode generates images of around 400k size, which means you get a whopping 128 images on a 64mb Smartmedia card. You can switch to the SHQ mode and get 45 images on a 64mb card, but for most images, you can’t see the difference in an 8×10 print. The write-to-buffer/write-to-Smartmedia time increases, limiting your frame-to-frame shooting speed.

If you half-depress the shutter release, locking the focus and exposure, you can capture great sports action shots. If you put the camera in a manual mode, you can shoot almost one shot a second in the HQ mode.

Flash reach is astounding. I have easily shot perfectly exposed images in dark rooms at 30+ feet. Recycle time can be iffy — I minimize it with a Digipower external battery pack that plugs into the AC adapter jack — but the flash mode seems to generate more data, which takes more time to write to the buffer and then to the Smartmedia, which slows the shot-to-shot time.

You can get through about 150 frames with a single charged set of 4 NiMH 1600ma batteries — I can’t imagine going anywhere with fewer than a single well-charged extra set. The camera will kill a fresh set of alkaline AAs in about 10-12 shots — the deep drain of a digital camera is totally incompatible with this kind of service.

The camera is light, well-balanced. Its controls fall under the fingers neatly. Viewfinder controls work well, but I could argue that controls for the manual focusing could be better placed under the left fingers, rather than under the right eye, forcing you to focus with the right thumb.

I purchased a C-2040 for my 14-year-old daughter’s middle school graduation, and with those two cameras, our family is now fully digital.

Stop looking for a new digital camera — you’ve found it.

You will be tempted to use the different controls and shooting modes. The iESP (”P”) setting works so well, for most shooting, you’ll leave it there.

The only kind of shooting you might wish for a 3.3 mp CCD is for scenics — digital cameras don’t handle fine detail as well as 35mm film. I’d prefer a metal camera to a plastic one, like the the $2000 Olympus E-10. But I tried that camera, and it’s S-L-O-W by comparison to the C-2100, and lacks both the zoom range and the imaging stabilizing features of the C-2100.

For frame-filling portraits, there simply isn’t a better camera.

Product Description
Who do you wish you could get closer to? Your soccer star kids? A family of squirrels? Just sling the Olympus C-2100 Ultra Zoom over your shoulder, and away you go. The C-2100 Ultra Zoom features a 10x optical zoom (equivalent to 38 – 380mm) and 2.7x digital zoom, to bring you the equivalent of 1080 mm closer to the action. Optical stabilization ensures your pictures are sharp and jitter-free. And 2.1 million megapixels make for exceptionally clear 8″x 10″enlargements. Take a look at the C-2100 Ultra Zoom. If you’re looking for perfection in a full-featured zoom camera, you won ‘t get any closer.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus C-2100 2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom

This is my second digital camera.My first was the Olympus 340R which is still near perfect after 3 years of use.I do a lot of outdoor photography and needed something with zoom capability.
The pixels wasn’t that big of a concern because the 1.3 mp of the 340R was suiting me just fine.I run my 19″ montitor’s resloution at 1600×1200 and the picture fills up the screen with awesome quality.

The zoom on this camera is amazing.It can take a picture of 8 pt text on paper from across the room (11 feet) and you can read it clearly.It’s also pretty amazing how lighting is composed.Without the flash on, it still compensates for a lot of light.I was able to zoom across the neighborhood for about 1500 feet at night and still get a good picture of cars coming down a hill.

With my old camera I found that digital zoom is pretty much worthless unless you print straight from the card. If you need the extra zoom, you can do it on your computer.I tested this out:I took a 27X zoomed picture and a 10X optical zoom of the exact same object.On my computer I enlarged the optical zoom photo 300%. The detail was exactly the same in both photos.When you only use optical zoom, you also get more overall picture.What I mean my this is that you get more frame area to crop out if you need to, abling you to center the object easier.

One feature that no one has mentioned yet is the ability to record 4 seconds of audio with each photo.I find this really cool to mark my GPS location points.I mark the position on my GPS, take the picture, and then record what GPS waypoint the picture is of.The 4 second audio is only 32K on the card, so you won’t even notice loss of space.You can even go back and re-record or add audio to pictures already taken.
When you play back the photos while connected to a TV, the audio plays with each photo.

The stability is somewhat of an issue when zommed in, but I also found the “action” mode to elimate any bluring.

A lot have mentioned the “lens cap of doom”.It doesn’t pop off the lense, it’s held by a thumb spring. (mabe the older ones did just snap onto the lense, but my new one doesn’t) It also comes with a retaining cord so it’s no going anywhere.The camera didn’t have a specific place to attach the lens cap cord, so I wove it into the neck strap.It’s long enough that it doesn’t stop the lens from pertruding out when turned on and you forget to take the lens cap off.

Viewing taken photos on the LCD is very quick.My 340R would take about 3 seconds to load each photo in to the LCD.The C-700 is almost immediate, and you can zoom in 3X and pan freely around the photo. After taking a picture, you can also view the last shot immediately and delete it if you want.To do this, press the LCD button [] twice quickly.I use feature this a lot because I like to show people the photo/video right away.

The last feature I absolutely love is the USB connection.I have a FlashPath (floppy disk reader) for my old camera, which won’t be getting much use anymore.The USB is pretty much as fast a reading from a hard drive.A 4 meg video clip starts playing immediately straight from the camera.

Product Description
The 2.1-megapixel Olympus C-700 Ultra Zoom digital camera boasts anoutstanding 10x optical zoom lens (plus 2.7x digital zoom-equivalent to38-1,026mm) and an ultracompact size (4.2 by 3 by 3 inches). Theimpressive aspherical glass lens gives you excellent detail and sharp,clear pictures, plus the size of the camera makes it easy to bring alongwherever you go. The C-700 also offers rapid succession firing–just over half a second per shot, and QuickTime movie mode for short video clips.Additional features include multipattern TTL autofocus, built-in flash,diopter adjustment, 1.5-inch color LCD monitor, self-timer with 12-seconddelay, auto exposure bracketing (three or five images), auto white balance, andspecial image effects such as sepia mode and black and white.

The C-700 stores images on removable SmartMedia cards. The camera can beoperated in several modes: in programmed auto mode, the camera doeseverything for you. In aperture- and shutter-priority modes, you get to setthe aperture or priority, and the camera does the rest. In manual mode, youhave control over all camera functions, with shutter speeds as long as 16seconds. Images can be downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB storageclass connectivity, which means it can be connected to any USB-basedWindows Me/2000 and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without installing anysoftware. The C-700 also ships with two CR-3V long-life disposable lithiumbatteries (four AA batteries can also be used), an 8 MB SmartMedia card,lens cap, strap, retainer cord, and software.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Olympus Camedia C700 2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom

Kodak’s entry into the digital camera market was later than its rivals, the Japanese camera companies, such as Nikkon and Canon.However, with the release of the Easy Share Z740 5-Megapixel camera, Kodak establishes itself as a real competitor.

This is my first digital camera and I am quite pleased with it.I have been taking pictures with a SLR film Canon camera for over 25 years and was reluctant to go digital, as I had a great set-up (lenses and accessories) with the film format.Even so, it is readily apparent that film photography will soon be ancient history and digital photography will certainly become the future of picture taking.

The Easy Share is a very easy camera to learn.I spent about 45 minutes reading the manual with the camera in my lap exploring all the buttons, options, and settings.From that point on it was a cinch to take great pictures, as the camera is so easy to use.For those who want a simple point and shoot camera, the automatic setting will give you the simplicity you desire.For those who want more control over the camera settings, such as F-stop and shutter speed, there are settings for these as well.For this reason, the Easyshare Z740 is a great camera for general use.It has a very nice flash that pops up when you need it.The flash also has features that you can control if desired.

I bought the Easy Share because I read in reviews it was a good quality camera, and primarily for the 10-power optical zoom lens.The 10x lens is a good quality glass lens that gives sharp shots.I love the versitiliy it gives the photographer!Most digital cameras have 3x optical zoom lenses and then utilize a 5-10 power digital zoom.The Kodak Easy Share has a 3x digital zoom making the total zoom a 30 power combo.However, if you have any experience at all with digital zooms you quickly realize that they produce an inferior grainy (and usually blurry) image.However, because the Easy Share has a 10 power optical zoom, one rarely needs to go beyond this and use the digital zoom.Beware of cameras that proclaim their 20x or 30x digital zooms and the image will greatly disappoint you!

With a 512 MB flash (memory card), the camera will take about 350 pictures before having to download the pics to a computer for storage or printing.The transfer process is so easy.My wife, who is a computer illiterate can even manage this task.The software (computer) program that comes with the camera is very adequate and reliable.

The lithium battery for the camera is charged easily by simply plugging the camera into a pod that comes with the camera.There is a jack on the bottom of the camera that plugs into the pod and charges the battery without having to remove it from the camera each time, a feature that is very simple and handy.

The camera itself is much smaller than a standard 35 mm film camera so it goes anywhere with you.The controls are well-placed and easy to use.After a session or two of practice shooting, you will be able to operate the controls like a pro.

Finally, there is of course a color LCD screen that shows you the picture you just shot.There are additional controls that allow you to scroll through all your pictures, delete those you don’t want, and save those you want to keep.Again, it is all very easy to learn.Coming from a film camera background, I found this editing feature to be the best aspect of digital photography, for there is no guessing as to whether you got the shot or not – it is right there on the screen in living color!If you don’t like the exposure or cropping, simply take another one!In digital photography, there is no “wasting film”!

All in all, this is a solid digital camera that will please anyone interested in getting into digital photography.The price is very competitive considering the extensive options that Kodak packaged into this deal.If you are just getting into digital photography or are looking to upgrade to a higher megapixel camera, the Easy share will not disappoint you. I highly recommend it.

Jim Konedog Koenig

Product Description
Bring your artistic aspirations to life with the Z740 Zoom Digital Camera and Printer Dock Series 3. Capture amazingly close details with ease and control thanks to a 10X optical zoom lens and advanced manual and custom controls. Then dock your camera to print spectacular KODAK pictures in seconds, with just one touch.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kodak Easyshare Z740 5MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom & Kodak Printer Dock (Series 3)

Good value when bought thru Amazon. The camera is very small, but full featured. Full auto still shots produce great photos, yet if you prefer, it allows aperture/shutter speed priority for more control. The buttons, switches and controls are placed where they are easy to find without looking and the on-screen display lets you see what you will get. I recommend this camera.

Product Description
The 6.1-megapixel camera offers aspiring photographers exceptional performance and greater photographic control through its professional-quality SCHENIDER-KREUZNACH VARIOGON 10X optical zoom lens, helping capture detail from afar and flattering portraits.One touch to real KODAK Pictures in seconds. Dock your KODAK EASYSHARE Digital Camera, press print, and create great-looking, borderless pictures up to 4  6 in. (10  15 cm) .

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kodak EasyShare Z650 6MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom and EasyShare Printer Dock (Series 3)

We bought an “entry level” camera three years ago and were ready to upgrade.

I did some research on digital SLR’s but then decided I’m no where near a professional photographer and just needed something to take great pictures of my children and other “normal” events.

I found this Kodak and I’m glad I did!I was going to buy the Z740 after reading the Amazon reviews but ended up with the Z710 for the 7.1 MP.

I see someone else’s review that the screen was grainy (I found that not to be true).I haven’t printed any pictures yet but have moved them to my computer and they are fantastic.

The camera’s optional settings (sports, kids, etc..) are fantastic.I did find that I had to change the flash while on sports last night at my son’s basketball game because the gym was a little dark.

Which brings me to an AMAZING quality of this camera.There is a night setting which allows you to take pictures in dark conditions.I tried it out while driving home and it was amazing.What was STARTLING was that I tried to take a picture of our all black dog in our completely dark bedroom (ABSOLUTELY NO LIGHTS ON IN THE ROOM OR ANYWHERE IN THE BACK OF THE HOUSE WHERE THE ROOM IS).The results were fantastic (once I was able to find her in that darkness!!).It was as if you were taking the picture in absolutely perfect conditions.

I will have to get used to not zooming in so much with the 10x optical zoom because I’m not used to having digital zoom also on a camera.Take your picture as close as you can without making it fuzzy and then zoom in and crop with the settings on the camera or with the software that is included.

The camera looks much more expensive than it is.I played with it for hours last night and the battery has not died (did have that problem with other cameras…battery lasting only minutes/hours).Display is fantastic; features are fantastic.Unlike other cameras, the monitor display is crystal clear in all conditions (well, not the total dark room but that’s to be expected…and, it is very clear once the flash goes off and you see your image for a moment before it is saved).

THIS CAMERA IS ABSOLUTELY WORTH THE MONEY!You won’t be disappointed.If you’re looking to take really great pictures with an amazing piece of equipment, you won’t go wrong buying the Z710!

Edit in June 2007:Just came back from a field trip on the Maid of the Mist at Niagara Falls.Wait until you see these pictures!This camera is simply spectacular.I thought I loved the pictures indoors at basketball games.Then, the love just got bigger when the pictures are outside.Great colors!The LCD is a bit hard to see in bright sunlight but rest assured, you’re getting the shot!

Product Description
Looking for a powerful zoom camera that’s simple to use? The KODAK EASYSHARE Z710 Zoom Digital Camera is for you!PRODUCT FEATURES:10X Schneider-Kreuznach Variogon Optical Zoom Lens;7.1 MP camera for prints up to 30  40 in;KODAK Color Science Chip;Picture enhancing features;18 scene and 3 color modes;PASM.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Kodak EasyShare Z710 7.1MP Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom