Reviews about Cameras & Camcorders

irvleen says "not a good experience in buying an SX 10" about Canon - SX10 or SX20

irvleen — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:20:52 GMT

On Nov. 16, 2009 I purchased a display model camera--the Canon SX 10--at your Garden City, N.Y. store for $244.93 plus tax [clearance price]. It was the last one available. The batteries in the camera were dead so I could not test it. When I got home and inserted new batteries, a message appeared on the LCD screen----"LENS ERROR". The camera did not function. I called Canon customer service and was told the camera could be repaired under the warranty but only if it had not been abused or dropped while it was on display. I had no intention of having it repaired even at no cost so soon after I bought it. Furthermore, Canon would probably charge since the camera was obviously damaged while on display.

I plan to be back in the Garden City store on Monday, Nov.23rd, to return the camera. I feel this was a waste of my time since it could have been avoided if the camera was tested by your personnel prior to a sale. Certainly live batteries should at least be available to test the product....

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jospinks says "Excellent quality and easy to use." about Canon - DVD Camcorder

jospinks — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 02:12:18 GMT

I've had my Canon DC 210 for several months and have always been astounded by the great quality of the videos. Recently I vacationed in Niagara Falls where this compact digital video camera really showed me what it is capable of. Videos of the falls day and night were oustanding. Its ability to capture good quality videos in reduced lighting is amazing, given that this is not an expensive camera. Several times I had opportunity to test out the 35x optical zoom and the 1000x digital zoom. While the digital zoom leaves a lot to be desired, as do all digital zooms, the Canon was far better than any other I've seen. The video camera gave me videos that will make this vacation remain fresh and alive for many years to come. The mini-dvd memory consistantly gives me as much as 55 minutes of video, in spite of the fact that the instruction manual says not to expect more than 30 to 35 minutes. The rechargable battery has always been more than enough to record a full mini-dvd...

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cheebert says "Instant ID pictures" about Polaroid Digital Instant Mobile Photo Printer, PoGo

cheebert — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:53:40 GMT

I remember those old Polaroid instant pictures where you waved it around in the air after you peeled off the backing...being very careful not to get the goo on your cloths. Well this isn't it, and a product that has enterprise applications in addition to kid fun.

It's basically a 2" x 3" color printer that can be hooked up via bluetooth or USB. I should caution you in that you MUST have a device that has a full bluetooth printer profile on it, and NOT all phones can use it. (check the compatibility list first at http://www.polaroid.com/Products/Polaroid+PoGo/Compatibility/Compatibility/1390 )

I use a mac and it's great...I've just been setting up templates in Photoshop and drop in pictures of my students, and a 2D color bar code with a link to their info page. (www.microsoft.com/tag) The "send" the file via bluetooth to the Pogo...it's magnificent and even exposed to lots of sunlight and abused horribly, they've been lasting about a year before I have to change it. I think they'll last...

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cheebert says "Robot Camera" about Canon - PowerShot A550 digital camera

cheebert — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 21:51:42 GMT

While not for the beginner, you can add a free open source piece of software called CHDK to the SD Flash card on this camera and add a whole new realm of features normally only found on very expensive DSLR cameras used for scientific inquiry.

http://chdk.wikia.com/wiki/CHDK

I've been using it to take time lapse (intervelometry) photos of rare plant species to study their growth, pollinators, and grazers (who eats them). You can also to motion sensing and tailor the sensitivity so that motion only in certain areas of the screen will trigger it.

While this "how to video" on you tube is a bit condescending, it's a very good step by step on how to setup CHDK on most of the point and shoot Canon Cameras.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXlL3iPuNKQ

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MeyMey says "Fujifilm Worth ... Less" about Fujifilm - 7.1MP Digital Camera with 10.0X Optical Zoom, FinePix

MeyMey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 10:36:45 GMT

I recently bought Fujifilm 7.1 camera, because I dropped my Sony and cracked the lens which was not the greatest camera nor the most expensive. I need something Quick and Cheap... sons football game was in 3 days.I purchased it online thinking the price was right and shipping in 1 day was good also. No problems with Sears and the delivery date. I got the camera and it has some nice features but... When I took pictures of my sons football game..... Garbage!! Blurry even though they where standing still, I even put it on fast motiondurring the game and out of 30 pictures 5 came out. I thought I need to play around with it more but, I ve now had it for 2 months and no matter what I do it does not have crisp, clean pictures... I guess you get what you pay for Cheap and Quick!

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klaud says "It's ok for the price you pay!" about kodak c180

klaud — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 22:53:44 GMT

I was worried about the Kodak C180 camera when I read others comment. When I place in the batterers and the 1GB memory card then hold down the off/on button until the camera turn on,I had no trouble.The only trouble I had was waiting for something to not work,but if you glance the manual first, and then place in the batteries,then your memory card and hold down the on button, it will turn on.Then I upload my pictures and video to my computer,waiting for something to not work,and there were no trouble.The price I paid for this camera ,overall, I rate this camera , excellent.

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ballybawn says "Bought 2 touchscreen Vivitar digital cameras & neither worked" about Vivitar V8025S

ballybawn — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:47:50 GMT

I was hoping to purchase two inexpensive digital cameras for my children. I'd owned Vivitar cameras in the past, so I felt confident I'd get the value for the money. I'd seen point and shoot digital cameras in other stores, some for as low as $30. This Vivitar was $70...I thought it would be better than the $30 model. I was totally disappointed that both cameras would not work, even after charging over night. I called technical services for assistance, but there was nothing the representative could offer to help.

An SD card was required, but was not provided. I purchased a new SD card, but it was difficult to insert it. It fit so snuggly that I had to use pliers to remove it.

Can't tell you about the picture quality, as I was never able to get the camera to turn on.

I do not recommend this product.

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shc-zach says "The Flip Ultra camcorders are so easy to use!" about Pure Digital - Flip Ultra 2.0 in. LCD Screen 4GB Memory Camcorder

shc-zach — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:28:22 GMT

I heard nothing but positive things about the Flip Camcorder series, so after doing some comparison shopping on the Flip website, I decided to buy the Flip Ultra 2.0.

I bought the Flip Ultra for my wife as an anniversary present in hopes that she would continue to document my son's growth. He is now 21 months old and in the past 5 months, I think that we have 50+ videos of him.

The camera is SO easy to use: one button to records, another to zoom, one to delete, etc. And, the uploading of videos is even easier: just pop out the USB connection and plug into your laptop or desktop (PC or Mac). Finally, it is easy to upload videos to your social networks, to a personal Flip page, attach to e-mail, etc. It is all SO EASY... and the quality of the Ultra, which is non-HD, is great.

There are also a bunch of options for this line in terms of HD vs. non-HD; color schemes; memory size; etc. You can even customize your camera's exterior.

Inexpensive, lightweight, small, easy-to-use! What...

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AverageJoe says "Not a point and shoot" about Nikon D40 w/18-55mm lens Digital SLR Outfit

AverageJoe — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:43:55 GMT

The Nikon D40 is my first DSLR. It takes some time to get use to it. I bought mine two years ago. It overexposes the pictures in the Auto mode setting. I sent photos to Nikon and they basically denied this. I even pointed out that there are Nikon sites that say several Nikon DSLR's overexpose their pictures and that you have to use Program mode to compensate for this.

So, I shoot from Program mode. It appears that the exposure table is different from the exposure table when shooting from Auto mode. I can set the Program settings to match the Auto settings, yet I get a better picture in Program mode. I did play around with the more recent Nikon D40 and Auto mode doesn't seem as overexposed as my camera, however, I only shot inside a dimly lit store. Also, I haven't checked to see if there has been a software update.

The D40 is a decent DSLR. It's light weight and takes great pictures, (in Program mode), and I like the 6 MP file size. The 8-12 MP file sizes from the...

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cedron says "For the price...great deal!" about Canon - Lens (EF 50 mm. f/1.8 II Standard/Medium Telephoto Lens) for Canon Cameras

cedron — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 01:20:09 GMT

I have upgraded throughout the years to more expensive lens but this is a great starter lens for folks just getting into photography. I bought this lens as my first prime lens and it gave me more creative freedom compared to the kit lens that came with my dslr.

It allows a relative beginner to learn how to appreciate depth of field, low light performance, and a faster shutter (e.g. compared to entry level kit lenses). For close to $400 is the next upgrade to the 50mm f1.4 so I think a f1.8 is a great starting point.

Although it does seem relatively flimsy but again it is more than good enough for entry and mid-level use.

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firefighter22 says "Amazing Camera!!" about Canon - EOS 400D/Rebel Xti Digital Camera

firefighter22 — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:36:09 GMT

I own this camera and love it! It's easy to use but has many functions on it so you can get some amazing photos. This is 1 of Canon's smaller DSLR cameras. It's lightweight but has a sturdy build. It's not some cheap little camera. The 10.1 megapixels will help if you need to blow the photos up to larger sizes. You can mount any of Canon's lenses on this camera. I just purchased Canon's 70-200 2.8 IS lens and it works great on this camera. This camera isnt a full frame camera and has a crop factor of 1.6. Meaning the sensor in it is smaller then that of a 35mm camera so therefore you'll have to multiply your lenses by 1.6 to get their actual range on this body. For example the Canon 70mm-200mm lens is actually going to range around 112mm-320mm. So you'll actually be able to get closer then what the lens says. You'll be able to shoot at 3 frames per second in rapid burst on this camera which is good for sporting events. 1 of the only drawbacks is that this camera gets...

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firefighter22 says "Great Zoom Lens for a reasonable price!" about Canon - Lens (EF75-300mm) for All SLR Canon Cameras

firefighter22 — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 02:45:10 GMT

This is a great zoom lens for the price. I've used this lens for outdoor sporting events, Snapshots outside etc. It's not that great in low light situations due to the aperature but outside it'll give you sharp photos. It's lightweight so taking it on trips or travelling with this lens is not a problem. If you use a Canon Rebel series camera or anything smaller then a Canon 5d (Full Frame) then dont forget to multiply the zoom by 1.6 (since these are crop factor cameras) to get the true range on this lens. You dont need to spend thousands or dollars to get a great zoom lens!

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jessbueto says "No complaints" about Kodak - EasyShare C533 Digital Camera

jessbueto — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:48:52 GMT

I highly recommend the Kodak EasyShare C533 Digital Camera. I never leave home without it. My camera stays in my purse with me wherever I go! I have no complaints with this camera. I have had this camera for over three years, and it is still working like a champ! It comes with a chord, so you can upload to your desktop or you can take the camera card right out for a quick laptop upload. I had to buy my own camera case, but I just bought a cheap $10.00 one with a strap. This camera has a video recorder feature. It is NOT waterproof. If you are taking alot of pictures in dark areas, this may not be the camera for you, though. Takes great pictures up close and in sunlight! Good luck and happy picture-taking!

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dlazarin says "Great pics and so easy to use -- my 4 year old can do it!" about Sony Cybershot 10.1 Megapixel 4X Optical Zoom Digital Camera - Silver

dlazarin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:16:36 GMT

I have to tell you, I was excited, it's been a while since I bought a new digital camera, I have one of the first ones that came out -- also a Sony. I'm convinced that they are one of the best brands.

It's easy to use, it clearly shows you what settings you are on and the instructions even give you recommendations. You can even record videos!

My 4 year old is even able to take pictures using this camera. It's a great find at a great price!

I highly recommend. I scrapbook and the pictures are clear and beautiful. It's easy to use and compact -- I can even put it in my purse.

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catsamore says "Aside from one minor flaw, it's an _ideal_ travel companion" about Polaroid A801 Point-And-Shoot Digital Camera

catsamore — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 14:07:41 GMT

A few months ago, when my wife and I were about to embark on a short vacation that would take us around Florida and to the Bahamas, I decided, pretty much at the last minute, I'd really like to have a small digital camera for the trip.

Hello, K-Mart!

Popped into the one in Sidney NY (that also bears the Sears name) and headed straight for the electronics department. Though I'd been through that department a few times, I hadn't really noticed before what a nice range of digital cameras it offered.

It didn't take a huge amount of time to settle on the Polaroid a801, both because of its 3.75" x 2.25" x 1") size and because it was being offered at right around $100.00. It's small enough to easily fit in a pocket or purse, equipped with a soft plastic case to protect it, and it offers flexible settings for different levels of quality and quantity of still photos or video. With an extra set of recharable batteries (plus, of course, a charger), I was good to go for whatever kind of memories I...

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mrfixit39664 says "The L100 camera is much more than I expected." about Nikon CoolPix L100

mrfixit39664 — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 10:31:35 GMT

I needed a quality digital camera for use in my business and one that would also handle

everything in my personal life. I needed Macro and telephoto. The Nikon CoolPix L100

has both plus many more features that I didn't expect. I had a hard time finding one even

though Sears carried them online and in the store. It must be a very popular camera because I could only locate one at the Sears store in Baton Rouge.La.

I own and operate a small engine shop and the camera's Macro feature allows me to photograph in detail to send back to factory tech. services. pictures of the problem/s found on the item/s in question.

I also like to photograph wildlife while camping and the 10X 15Xwideangle zoom is perfect for getting up close shots without spooking the subject of the picture.

The camera comes with all the necessary cables and software to upload the pictures to my computer. It also accepts an 8 gig memory chip that will hold 3114 photos. Oh yes, I almost forgot to say. It can also...

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eoerikson3 says "Olympus E-510 is a great first D-SLR camera with fine results." about Olympus - E-510 Digital Camera

eoerikson3 — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 02:54:16 GMT

I purchased the Olympus E Volt E 510 Digital SLR camera for my niece's Christening. My family decided they wanted professional quality photographs and my old point and shoot just wasn't going to cut it. I have to say that I am quite pleased with the results thus far. I have clear crisp images and the image stabilization built into the body of the camera helps considerably. I still would recommend a tripod for any shots that must be absolutely perfect. The camera offers point and shoot ease with many pre-sets or if you can use the manual setting choose to select the various settings yourself. Another added feature on this camera is the live view. It offers a decent size screen to set up your shots without having to peer into the viewfinder. This is great for setting up group shots. I would recommend taking a photography class so you can take advantage of everything this camera can do for you.

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firefighter22 says "Small low light lens works great!! " about Canon - Lens (EF 50 mm. f/1.8 II Standard/Medium Telephoto Lens) for Canon Cameras

firefighter22 — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 14:05:59 GMT

For the price this little lens is great in low light situations and for portraits. Can be a little slow on the auto focus but it's not horrible also the focus can be soft at times. Other then that you'll get amazing photos from this lens. Being F/1.8 means it'll let in a lot of light. Especially since most lenses will only go as low as F/3.5. It's not bulky or hard to handle. I've even used this at sporting events in gyms and gotten crisp photos with the extra available light that this lens lets in. (however this shouldnt be your first choice for sports)

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desaree says "great" about Canon - Elura 50 Mini DV Digital Camcorder

desaree — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:20:48 GMT

I recieved this Canon mini Digital camcorder for my birthday and I really love it. I had wanted one but not one with a lot of work invovled in using it. I am tech. challenged and will not continue to use something if I can't figure it out or is complicated to use. I was able after much explaining by the kids and husband to pick it up and start playing with it with some ease and didn't break it or cause any malfunctions with it.I saw that I didnot have to be a rocket sciencetist to work it. I could handle this all on my own. I am getting better.

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madgolfer says "Witchcraft?" about Panasonic DMC-TZ4 Digital Camera

madgolfer — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:14:27 GMT

Point, hold and click for the magic. Simple, lightweight, rechargeable lithium battery and a 10X optical zoom. Add in the digital zoom and Panasonic Lumix TZ4 is a pocketsize telescope. Priced accordingly at around $200 last Xmas, these little gems are being sold off at less than $100 if you're lucky to find one. Comes complete with software and usb cables. Takes standard SD cards and has built-in memory for a dozen shots or so. Lots of bells and whistles for onboard editing, but basic enough for anyone to use. The definitive driver in your vacation bag.

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