3MP+ Secure Digital Cameras

Kodak DX3700 EasyShare 3MP Digital Camera

Life's spontaneous. So you need a camera that can capture all of its special moments. Check out the EasyShare DX3700. It has 3.1MP resolution for excellent picture quality - for those pictures you'll want to share with family and friends. And when it comes to getting closer to the fun, the 3X digital zoom does the job.The DX3700 has 8MB of internal memory built right in so you'll never miss a shot. If you've filled your camera to capacity but there are still great pictures to be taken, don't worry - the DX3700 has a MultiMedia Card/Secure Digital memory card (MMC/SD) expansion slot, so you'll have plenty of memory to keep on shooting with optional MMC/SD memory cards.h optional MMC/SD memory cards.If you use the optional Kodak EasyShare Camera Dock, sharing is just as easy. Simply place your DX3700 in the dock, touch the button, and pictures are automatically sent to your computer ready for e-mailing and printing. The Camera Dock will also recharge your camera's battery pack, so you'll always be ready to take more pictures.

For maximum print quality at a minimum price, look no further than the DX3700. With most manufacturers, camera resolution and features go hand-in-hand: basic point-and-shoot models typically come with low-resolution image sensors, while high-resolution cameras are packed with bells and whistles that add to the product's price and complexity. The DX3700 is different. It's a basic point-and-shoot with few advanced features, but its sensor is a high-resolution 3.1-megapixel model for sharp prints at 8 by 10 inches and beyond. If you're looking for an affordable camera that captures sharp, detailed digital snapshots, the DX3700 is a great choice.

Because the DX3700 is designed for ease of use, it offers photographers few manual controls. The flash can be set to on, off, auto, or red-eye reduction, and the focus can be set to macro (for extreme close-ups) or standard. Otherwise, the camera automatically adjusts all settings. There's also a digital zoom, which makes objects appear closer, but be aware that the camera does this by cropping away the outer edges of a photo and enlarging what's left, reducing the image quality of the zoomed photo. It's a handy feature, and the photos still look clear, but your zoomed photos won't have the same detail as those taken with a 3-megapixel camera with optical zoom.

As with all EasyShare cameras, an optional dock makes it even easier to transfer pictures and keep your camera's batteries charged.

A word about memory cards: to keep costs low, the camera uses internal memory for image storage. If you're taking pictures at the camera's highest quality setting, you'll be able to take around eight photos before filling the memory, necessitating a trip to your computer to transfer the images, erase the memory, and start shooting again. If you're looking for more capacity, the camera uses either MMC (MultiMediaCard) or SD (Secure Digital) cards for additional storage. The two cards look the same and, in a digital camera, function identically (the SD cards offer some additional copyright management features when used with MP3 music players). Among memory cards, there are currently several competing formats, including CompactFlash, SmartMedia, and Memory Stick. Though MMC/SD is a relatively unusual format for digital cameras, it is popular in MP3 players, camcorders (for "digital still" mode), and some models of Palm handhelds. Large-capacity cards are readily available--a 128 MB card, for example, holds over 100 photos.

The DX3700 comes with disposable batteries, video cable (for viewing photos on a TV), USB cable (for transferring images to your computer), wrist strap, lens cap, software, manual, and a custom insert for use with the optional docking station. Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but to make the most of your camera, we recommend getting a carrying case, a higher-capacity MMC or SD memory card, and either a set of rechargeable batteries or the EasyShare dock. Compatible accessories are listed higher up on this page.

For crystal-clear prints and simple operation at an affordable price, the DX3700 is an excellent choice.

Minolta Dimage F100 4MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Minolta has packed quite a punch into the compact, 4-megapixel DiMAGE F100, adding a 7.5x total zoom, movie mode, and audio recording capability so you can leave yourself notes about your shots. Even better, Minolta has done a great job of making the camera fun and easy to use, which is essential in any camera, but invaluable in today's crowded compact digital-camera market.

The 4-megapixel resolution of the F100 produces very large images that are fantastic for prints larger than 11 by 14 inches. Thankfully, the F100 allows you to step down the resolution to a more manageable 2-megapixel level (1,600 x 1,200 pixels) if you need the space on your memory card.

Its 3x optical zoom lens aids in photo composition, and an additional 2.5x digital zoom (7.5x total) further magnifies your image. Remember, however, that digital zoom reduces the sharpness and detail of your image, so it's best used sparingly.

Minolta built in some great autofocus features to help make your life easier, including wide-focus area autofocus, and spot-focus areas with focus-area selection (which enables you choose a specific, narrow focus field). During our testing, the autofocus worked beautifully, and we never ended up with our target out of focus.

The F100 uses AA batteries and, disappointingly, comes with a set of disposables. We used the camera at a family gathering over the course of a weekend, and the batteries held up fine, so the power drain isn't as horrendous as in past digital cameras. Ideally, though, you'll want to buy a set of rechargeables, to help preserve your sanity, pocketbook, and the environment.

Overall, the DiMAGE F100 performs admirably and is the perfect size to carry just about anywhere. --Michael Lewis

Pros:

• 4-megapixel resolution produces fantastically rich prints up to 11 x 14 inches
• Nice bonuses, including movie mode and audio recording for notes to yourself
• 7.5x total zoom
• Compact size

Cons:

• 3x optical zoom is serviceable, but you can always use more
• Includes disposable batteries--you'll want to add rechargeables

Take the quick and easy route to high-quality images with the stylish 4-megapixel Minolta DiMAGE F100.

Optics and Resolution
With its 4 million effective pixels, the DiMAGE F100 captures sharp, detail-rich images. At this level of resolution, you can turn your shots into photo-quality prints that are larger than postcards or even enlargements of up to 11 by 14 inches.

A wide zoom range is an essential tool for framing the shot you're looking for. The F100 offers 3x optical zoom, with a range covering the equivalent of 38mm to 114mm on a 35mm film camera. When you've reached the limit of the optical zoon, the F100 then shifts into its digital zoom, providing an added 2.5x magnification--for a total of 7.5x zoom and a telescopic 285mm (equivalent) focal length.

The F100 features area AF (autofocus), which automatically follows the movement of your subject within the autofocus area, switching the active focusing block to make sure the subject stays sharp. Camera response is further enhanced by rapid autofocusing via to the ultrafast ASIC circuitry, a sophisticated focusing algorithm, and quick lens adjustment. You'll get focusing speeds of approximately 0.35 seconds at the widest lens angle and approx. 0.5 seconds in telephoto (1 meter).

More Features
A movie mode captures video clips with sound. Depending upon resolution, these clips can last up to 35 seconds. Movie files are recorded in JPEG format (320 x 240 pixels). The limited length and resolution of these clips guarantees that this feature won't replace your camcorder, but it's perfect for when you just want to capture a quick movie and e-mail it to a friend or relative.

The F100 is also equipped with audio-only recording, which can be a convenient tool for taking notes. A single clip can be 30 minutes long, and is stored as an 8-bit uncompressed wave file. Playback is not included.

Keep a record of where and when you took a particular shot by adding an audio caption to it. Captions are recorded after image capture, and can be 5 or 15 seconds long.

The built-in flash features a TTL (through-the-lens) flash metering system, and has a variety of selectable flash modes. When the camera is set to auto, you have four modes to choose from: auto, manual fill-flash, red-eye reduction, and flash cancel.

Power
The included CR-V3 lithium battery provides power. You can also use a pair of AA batteries.

We recommend getting a set or two of rechargeable nickel metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries and a charger. A digital camera is power intensive, especially if you're using the camera's LCD display, so they aren't recommended except in a pinch. To ensure you'll always be ready for action, we recommend having two sets of rechargeables so you can always have one set in the camera and the other set in the charger.

Storage and Transfer
Images are stored on Secure Digital memory cards. Consider the included 16 MB card a starter capacity, since its 14-picture limit means you'll need to return to your computer often to transfer images and free up the card for more pictures. A 64 MB card will store nearly 60 images taken in standard mode at a 1,600 x 1,200 resolution.

To transfer images to your computer, simply attach the included USB cable between your PC and your camera. Your computer should automatically recognize your camera and let you move the pictures to your hard drive.

Size
The DiMAGE F100 is easy to carry around on all your photo expeditions, coming in at just 4.4 by 2.2 by 1.3 inches and 6.5 ounces.

Contents and Recommended Accessories
The package includes the DiMAGE F100 camera, CR-V3 battery, AV and USB cables, hand strap, software suite, and 16 MB Secure Digital memory card.

Everything you need to get started is included in the box, but we strongly recommend the addition of a larger memory card, an extra set of rechargeable NiMH batteries and battery charger, and a compact carrying case (for protection and to keep pocket lint out of the viewfinder).

Konica Revio KD-400Z 4.13MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Judging from the diminutive size of Konica's KD-400Z, most people assume it's little more than a digital toy. In reality, a whopping 4.13-megapixel CCD lurks within the camera's sleek stainless steel and silver plastic frame, capable of capturing images with outstanding detail. Currently, 4.13-megapixel cameras don't come much smaller than this.

The KD-400Z and its 3.2-megapixel cousin the KD-310Z are also the first two digital camera to incorporate both MMC/SD and Memory Stick slots, and it can use both types of memory simultaneously.

The camera has fewer buttons on the back than most digital cameras in this price range, but that's only because it is designed to be so easy to use. Most menus that appear on the crisp, color LCD screen are navigated using a small four-way switch, and a button next to that switch is used to activate highlighted menu items. Other buttons allow for the easy viewing and deleting of images and also to control the camera's 3x optical zoom. A digital zoom is also available, but we recommend against using it as it substantially reduces image quality.

Powering up the device is as easy as sliding back the protective lens cover on the front. The camera springs into action almost instantly, and zooming also works very quickly compared to most digital cameras. Pressing the shutter button down halfway activates the autofocus, and also causes a blue light on the front of the camera to illuminate so subjects know a picture is about to be taken.

Although there are no manual controls for things like shutter speed and f-stop settings, the camera does offer enough control to take it one step beyond a basic point-and-shoot camera. The four-way switch can be pressed right or left to turn the flash on or off, change to macro or landscape shooting mode, set the self-timer, apply red-eye reduction, or set up a combination of these things.

Image quality is excellent. The CCD captures details that lesser cameras simply can't resolve, and exhibits exceptionally accurate color reproduction. Outdoor shots look terrific with the exception of low-light and night shots, where the automatic-only shutter comes into play. Skin tones are accurate, and the camera takes good portraits, but red-eye is a big problem even with reduction enabled. We can only presume it is caused because the camera's flash is so close to the lens.

Regardless, this is an excellent automatic digital camera for those who don't want to fuss with manual controls at all, but who also want to capture more detail than point-and-shoot 2-megapixel cameras can handle. The included 16 MB SD memory card is skimpy for a camera that generates images at a native resolution of 2,307 x 1,704 pixels, and you'll probably want another set of rechargeable batteries, but otherwise the KD-400Z's price and performance offer very little to complain about. --T. Byrl Baker

Pros:

• Smallest 4.13-megapixel camera on the block
• Dual memory card expansion--SD/MMC and Memory Stick slots
• Also records short videos and captures pictures with sounds using the integrated microphone
• Case is rugged but still looks very slick

Cons:

• Needs a bigger memory card
• Some more manual controls would be nice considering the detail this camera can render
• Red-eye is nearly impossible to eliminate

The Digital Revio KD-400Z is the world's first 4-megapixel digital camera with dual memory slots accepting both SD and Memory Stick! It is the smallest 4-megapixel digital camera in its class at only 3.7 x 2.2 x1.2 and weighing only 7.2 oz. It features a 4.13-megapixel CCD, offering image excellence suitable from high-resolution photo quality printing to e-mailing. Suited with a 3x optical Hexanon zoom lens (39-117mm) and a 2x digital zoom this camera allows you to achieve 6x zoom power. Having the flexibility of dual memory slots for SD and Memory Stick, you can connect to the most digital devices on the market today. Equipped with multiple recording modes and an array of included accessories such as a 16MB SD card, rechargeable battery and charger, USB cable, and more, now you're ready for anything.

Kyocera Finecam S4 4MP Digital Camera w 3x Optical Zoom

The Kyocera S4 packs a load of features into a digital camera that slips comfortably into your shirt pocket--it's barely over 3 inches wide and weighs less than 6 ounces. The 4.3-megapixel sensor captures sharp and vibrant images with a resolution of up to 2,272 by 1,704 pixels, which means you can create prints up to 11 by 14 inches in size without compromising quality. The lens has a 3x optical zoom sufficient for most purposes, and the 2x digital zoom yields a total zoom of 6x and opens up more photographic possibilities.

Functions such as flash, exposure, focus, and white balance are fully automatic, but you can easily switch to manual for greater control. The Kyocera also captures full-motion movies in AVI format at a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. The included 16 MB Secure Digital memory card can hold 64 photos and about two 15-second movies. You can keep track of all your camera and memory settings using the large 1.5-inch LCD monitor. Quickly and easily transfer all of your work into any computer with a USB connection.

Panasonic PV-DC3000 3MP Digital Camera w/ 2x Optical Zoom

Hi Resolution 1280x960; Basic resolution 640x480; 2x Digital zoom; Store 15 to 100 photos; Auto focus; Four flash modes; Optical and 1.8IN. LCD viewfinder; Full feature indicator panel; B/W image recording; Send pictures from camera to computer/fax with supplied compact modem card.

Kyocera Finecam S3 3MP Digital Camera with 2x Optical Zoom

Perhaps the most exciting feature of digital cameras is their ability to be miniaturized as the technology progresses. Toward that end, the Kyocera Finecam S3 can now claim (as of June 2001) to be the smallest 3-megapixel zoom camera. About the same size as Canon's immensely popular 2-megapixel digital Elph S100 and S110, the S3 likewise also sports a metallic body yet actually weighs less than the Elph cameras. In addition, it has more manual controls than the Canons (like manual white balance), plus it packs a higher pixel count to go with its 2x optical zoom. The extra megapixel of resolution means the camera churns out images at a whopping resolution of 2,048 x 1,536. Also included is the ability to capture 320 x 240 movies up to 15 seconds long.

The S3 comes complete with everything you'll need including a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and international AC adapter/charger. The high-resolution stills and short movies are stored on either SD or MMC cards, and a 16 MB card is supplied. To transfer images, Kyocera provides a USB card reader, eliminating the hassles associated with built-in USB ports. Also included is the ArcSoft PhotoImpression 3.0 software.

MD) KYOCERA FINECAM S3 DIGITAL CAM

Toshiba PDR-3300 3.2MP Digital Camera w/ 2.8x Optical Zoom

The PDR-3300 is the ideal step-up camera for digital photographers looking to go to the next level of imaging technology, as well as for traditional camera users who are making the transition from film to digital but who want to maintain the freedom of expression that comes with manual controls. The PDR-3300 has it all so it can do it all: a 3.2MP CCD for picture resolutions up to 2048 x1536 in universal JPEG format and three quality settings; USB connectivity along with wireless IR interface; an array of manual controls including full manual, shutter-priority and aperture-priority exposure controls; SD storage; 1.6-inch color LCD; Epson PRINT Image Matching technology; a burst mode for rapid-fire action shooting; five-mode flash; AVI Movie Mode for short video clips; spot and multi metering; and lightning-fast processing, downloading and playback made possible by internal memory. Besides being a great digital still camera, users can also take advantage of the PDR-3300's movie mode for shooting AVI digital video at 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 resolution with a frame rate up to 15 frames-per-second. Like a digital still, an AVI video file can be e-mailed to family and friends, burnt onto a CD, viewed on a TV, or uploaded to a Web site.

Kyocera FineCam S3X 3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

The Kyocera S3X packs a load of features into a digital camera that slips comfortably into your shirt pocket--it's barely over 3 inches wide and weighs less than 6 ounces. The 3.34-megapixel sensor captures sharp and vibrant images with a resolution of up to 2,048 by 1,536 pixels. The lens has a 3x optical zoom sufficient for most purposes, but the 2x digital zoom yields a total zoom of 6x and opens up more photographic possibilities.

Functions such as flash, exposure, focus, and white balance are fully automatic, but you can easily switch to manual for greater control. The Kyocera also captures full motion movies in AVI format at a resolution of 320 by 240 pixels. The included 16MB Secure Digital memory card can hold as much as 64 photos and about two 15-second movies. You can keep track of all your camera and memory settings using the large 1.5-inch LCD monitor. Quickly and easily transfer all of your work into any computer with a USB connection.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC5S 4MP Digital Camera w/ Leica Lens and 3x Optical Zoom, Silver

Constructed with world-renowned Leica DC lenses, Panasonic offers high-quality optics with the DMC-LC5S digital camera. Pictures are sure to come out sharp and brilliant thanks to the 4-megapixel CCD sensor, capable of resolutions of up to 2,240 by 1,680 pixels and quality prints to 11 by 14 inches and beyond. There are three lower-quality settings that you can use to save memory and store more pictures on the included 32 MB SD memory card.

The LC5S has an optical zoom of 3x and a 2x digital zoom, making the overall zoom capable of magnifying an image up to six times. The camera has several automatic and manual controls for focus, exposure, white balance, and flash. It also has a feature that allows you to take consecutive pictures at a fast rate (either 4 or 8 frames a second), ideal for those hard-to-capture moving objects and similar to regular full-motion video. Use the huge 2.5-inch LCD monitor to keep track of all these settings and manage your photos.

Since the camera has full USB connectivity, you can easily transfer your photos onto a PC or Mac. Photo-editing software is also included for more creative uses of your photos. Also included in the package are an AC adapter, battery pack, monitor hood, lens cap, AV and USB cable, and strap.

A world leader in digital technology, Panasonic has developed an exciting new digital camera that breaks new ground in image creation. A digital camera is, first and foremost, a camera. Its main purpose is to capture clear, accurate images. But in developing Lumix, Panasonic took this concept a step further. The company's goal was not just to capture images accurately, but also to create the first-ever digital camera capable of rendering images with a beauty, subtlety, and delicacy that evoke a powerful emotional response in the viewer. With Lumix, Panasonic has created a digital camera that opens the door to an entirely new level of image creation.All of Lumix digital cameras are equipped with world-renowned Leica DC lenses to offer you the ultimate in digital photography. One of the Leica's most popular lenses, the Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens is now featured in Panasonic Lumix camera DMC-LC5S, bringing Leica's advanced optical technology to the world of digital photography. Thanks to Leica lenses, Lumix cameras can take digital photos that have the same emotional warmth, impact and subtlety as photographs shot on film. The DC Vario-Summicron lens features an exquisite soft-focus effect, vibrant colors and a general enhancement of nuance and depth. DMC-LC5S is equipped with a 3x optical zoom, capable of producing close-ups with amazing detail. The LCD screen on Lumix cameras lets you view your photos in detail before and after you take them. The built-in flash has an automatic setting, perfect for indoor use or in dim lighting, as well as a variety of manual settings, including "red eye" reduction modes. This flash features advanced functions, such as controlling the under- or over-exposure of an image.

HP PS720 3.3MP Digital Camera w/ 3x Optical Zoom

Get extraordinary snapshots and enlargements up to 11 x 14 inches with the easy-to-use HP Photosmart 720 digital camera with a direct printing capability. The camera enables 3.3MP total resolution and 12x total zoom - 3x optical and 4x digital zoom. Add audio to every photo and video clip. Use HP Instant Share to select where photos will go - with up to 14 destinations including e-mail addresses, printers and more.

HP's Photosmart 720 digital camera offers high 3.3-megapixel resolution and 3x optical zoom in a compact frame. It doesn't quite slip into a pocket, but as it weighs only a little over half a pound, it's easily portable.

A simple layout of well-labeled buttons makes the camera easy to operate for the beginning user. The 1.6-inch LCD can be quickly turned on and off, saving on battery life.

The HP 720 is powered by four AA batteries (included), but they will soon need to be replaced. Consider the optional HP dock (the 720 ships with an adapter for the dock), which includes four rechargeable batteries, and every time you dock the camera to transfer photos, the batteries recharge.

We were pleased with the 720's image quality--pictures appeared detailed and sharp. The camera can also capture 30-second video clips--complete with audio--at 20 frames per second and at 320 by 240 resolution. One minor annoyance: the lens was loud and slow as we zoomed in and out during shooting.

With 16 MB of internal memory, the 720 can house 17 high-quality shots. There's a Secure Digital memory slot for expanding the storage capability, always a useful upgrade.

The affordable HP Photosmart 720 makes a great camera for users wanting to break into the digital-image world, and features enough performance to make the trip worthwhile, yet without so many bells and whistles as to make digital photography frustrating. --J. Curtis

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Light and fairly compact
• High image quality

Cons:

• Noisy zoom lens
• Useful dock costs extra

Get extraordinary snapshots and enlargements up to 11 by 14 inches with the easy-to-use HP Photosmart 720 digital camera. It features 3.3-megapixel resolution, 12x total zoom, and a movie mode with audio. You can also add audio notation to every photo and video clip. And with the HP Instant Share feature, you can select up to 14 destinations to deliver your digital photos the next time you connect to your computer, including e-mail addresses, printers, and more.

Optics and Resolution
Featuring a CCD sensor with 3.3 million effective pixels, the Photosmart 720 creates images up to 2,048 by 1,536 pixels and prints up to 11 by 14 inches. It also features a 3x optical zoom and a 4x digital zoom for a 12x total.

Storage and Transfer
Store photos using the 16 MB internal memory. The Photosmart 720 also features a Secure Digital slot for optional SD memory cards.

Movie Mode
In addition to taking still photos, the Photosmart 720 can also record movie clips of up to 60 seconds with audio at a frame rate of 20 fps. The QuickTime Motion JPEG format offers a limited resolution, which is great for capturing a short movie that can be e-mailed to friends and family, but is no replacement for a true camcorder.

More Features
With the optional HP Photosmart 8881 digital camera dock (which includes four rechargeable NiMH batteries), you can connect easily to your PC or TV, plus recharge your camera batteries.

Easily print photos directly from your camera to an optional HP Photosmart, HP PSC 950 all in one, or HP Deskjet (excludes 600 series) printer with USB connectivity--no PC required.

Other features include:

• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction.
• 1.6-inch backlit LCD display for preview and review of photos, battery levels, photo counter, and flash modes.
• Real-image 3x zoom viewfinder
• 10-second timer

Power, Size, and Contents
The camera is powered by four standard AA batteries. We recommend a set of rechargeable NiMH batteries. It measures 4.7 by 2.9 by 2.1 inches and weighs 12 ounces. This package includes the Photosmart 720 digital camera, four AA alkaline batteries, USB cable, hand strap, and a CD-ROM with HP Photo & Imaging software and USB drivers for Windows and Mac.