Digital-Camera Reviews


Related Subjects: Camera Advanced-Point-and-Shoot Digital-SLR Extended-Zoom Professional-Digital-Camera Serious-Amateur-Digital-Camera Simple-Point-and-Shoot Ultracompact
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Buyer reviews for "Digital-Camera" sorted by average review score:

Nikon 28mm 4 Filter Set for Coolpix 4500 Digital Camera
Made by Nikon
  • Includes UV, Circular Polarizer, Neutral Density 4, and Neutral Density 8
  • Comes in a handy filter wallet
  • Set of 4 28mm filters
Amazon base price: $39.99
Used price: $35.99
Average review score:

Nikon 4500 filter pack
! was about to complete my order on this item when i saw the shipping and handling costs, so I will now look to some other E business to buy this product.

A must have
If you have a coolpix camera and have not yet purchased this filter kit, I highly recommend that you do so. I have the coolpix 4300 and in order to use the filters, I had to purchase the UR-E4 adapter. If your camera needs an adapter to use these filters, then you will also need to get another lens cap to fit over them. If you go to nikonmall.com you can purchase the 28mm lens cap to fit, I think the model ID is LC-E900 (costs $2.50 + shipping), or something like that. But for the price, this is a must have, because I don't know about you, but i would rather need to replace an inexpensive filter than replace my entire camera. I leave the UV filter on at all times for a lens protector. I have taken many pictures with and without the filters, and I am hooked on these.

OPTIONS OPTIONS OPTIONS
Take your photos to the next level.

Wow the things you can do with filters.

Lots of fun.


Sony Cybershot DSCP93 5MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom
Made by Sony
  • 5-megapixel sensor (2592 x 1944 pixels) for enlargements up to 20 x 30 inches
  • 3x optical zoom plus 2x digital zoom for 6x total
  • High-resolution movie mode with sound; A/V output to TV; 9-shot burst; histogram display
  • Compatible with Memory Stick and Memory Stick Pro media; includes 32 MB card
  • Powered by 2 AA batteries (NiMH rechargeables included); connects to PCs and Macs via USB 2.0
Amazon base price: $299.95
List price: $399.95 (that's 25% off!)
Used price: $250.00
Buy one from zShops for: $259.00
Average review score:

Excellent
Well, despite the price (it's 499 dollars in my country) this is an excellent camera. If you are a newbie like me with digital cameras, you're starting with a monster.
This baby can take beautiful pictures, and offers options never before seen in P series. Manual control is superb.
Cons: It needs Memory Stick Pro to save video... agh!

AN EXCELLENT CHOICE FOR A PERFECT CAMERA!!!
It's my first Digital camera, and I must say, "It's perfect & worth every penny!"

With its 5.1 MP Sony lens, the photo quality is amazing! Crisp, Sharp, Colorful and very detailed.

I have to say, it works better than some CANON models! I took a photo of a same stationary subject with both cameras. I found out that the SONY's output was better than the CANON's. So I went for Sony.

The camera has various features to enjoy including Video recording and OPTICAL/DIGITAL Zoom.

Well done SONY! :)

Best camera I ever bought!
I just bought this camera and I have had the best time using it. It takes wonderful crisp pictures and is easy and fun to use. It works great in all conditions. This camera was a great buy at 5 megapixels at a great price...better than other cameras that were more expensive at 4 megapixels with features that an everyday user would not need.


Toshiba PDR-M500 2MP Digital Camera w/ 10x Optical Zoom
Made by Toshiba
  • 2-megapixel sensor creates 1,600 x 1,200 images for prints at sizes up to 8 x 10 inches
  • 10x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom for 40 x total
  • Continuous shooting mode at 4 frames per second; 2.5-inch LCD; full array of manual controls
  • Compatible with SD and MMC memory cards
  • Includes 4 AA alkaline batteries (rechargeables recommended); connects with PCs and Macs compatible with USB 1.1
Amazon base price: $
List price: $399.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Average review score:

Easy to use, Nice, Functional with Great Zoom!
I purchased this camera because I wanted a moderately priced, adequate camera to take photos from, especially on trips. I didn't want to shell out $500+ dollars for a camera with a significant optical zoom because I've lost some expensive cameras in the past. I ordered this one, and it is fantastic. I'm not a professional photographer, of course, but this camera does a great job and the zoom is fantastic! You can easily zoom in on someone's face from over 100 feet away. The large screen is also very good. I really like this camera.

Great for the Mac
This camera works seamlessly on my Mac G4 right out of the box, even without installing the software provided. Toshiba even provides the USB cable needed, something HP and Minolta save a buck on. The auto focus can be easily defeated when necessary. The recycle is speedy and the manual control knob on top is perfectly suited to an almost instant transition from digital stills to movie mode. Review your pix and flix almost as fast as you can push the advance arrow. Awesome camera.

I love this camera
This camera is a dream to use. I read various reviews before buying this model and everyone seemed to really think it was a good value. I agree. I have had 3 or 4 rather mid priced digital cameras before this one, and every feature of this camera is far, far superior to all my others. I keep a couple sets of rechargable AA's in rotation, but I even think this model has battery long life considering all the power. Another reviewer here mentioned great low-light photos, and I'll just add that I used it for a night time Mardi Gras parade for the web and I got some good shots, great color even in that low light at night. You can forget the 40X 'digital' zoom for hand held shots---but the 'real' 10X optical zoom is GREAT !


Canon BGE1 Battery Grip for use with the Digital Rebel Camera
Made by Canon
  • Accepts up to two BP-511 or BP-512 battery packs
  • Vertical shutter release makes shooting with the camera in a vertical position just as comfortable as shooting horizontally
  • Offers double-length shooting time with two batteries
  • Battery grip for Digital Rebel
Amazon base price: $99.99
List price: $140.99 (that's 29% off!)
Used price: $92.50
Buy one from zShops for: $84.95
Average review score:

A "Must Have" accessory.
Yeah, yeah the extra battery is overkill but this baby's best feature is the ergos.....the easy to find & use buttons when you take vertically oriented pix. No fumbling to find stuff. The grip also makes holding the camera more comfortable.

Go ahead, get it! You won't regret it.

Overkill but a cool add-on
With the battery packs that are available for the Digital Rebel having a grip just for more power is shear over-kill. Not that it is a bad thing, it's just that most people don't have enough flash memory to even take advantage of one battery, much less two. A 512mb chip holds around 150 photos on the best JPEG setting, a single battery will last you more than 400 photos! Unlike many other digital camera's the Rebel sips power even with a lot of photo review, so don't feel you need this add-on for a day of shooting. On the other hand if you like a nice solid feel to your camera and have big hands and find most digitals a little toyish, then you'll love the extra grip and weight the battery grip provides.

Should be bundled with the camera...
If you're going to buy just ONE accessory to your Digital Rebel then you're looking at it: it HAS to be this one. Additionnally to longer shooting time (batteries not included) it gives a great sense of balance and ease of vertical use. Yesterday I grabbed a friend's digital rebel without the grip and it felt like a toy in my hands. This is a MUST.


Canon KP-36IP Paper Pack for Canon CP100 Printer (36 Sheets)
Made by Canon
  • Compatible with the Canon CP100 Digital Photo Printer
  • Includes 36 sheets and 1 ink cartridge
  • Each sheet measures 4 by 6 inches
  • Utilizes dye-sublimation process for superior results
  • 90-day warranty
Amazon base price: $14.99
List price: $24.99 (that's 40% off!)
Used price: $21.07
Buy one from zShops for: $18.10
Average review score:

best price with free shipping
Can't beat the price and service...I received via free shipping in 4 days for a great price.

Great product!
This comes highly recommended. However, print your most important pictures at the beginning of the cartridge, because as it runs down, the picture quality decreases.

Awesome print quality
Pictures turn out very well so long as your camera is set on a high resolution.


Canon Speedlite 220EX for G2, G3, G5, Pro 1, Digital Rebel & all EOS Cameras
Made by Canon Cameras US
  • Recycle time is 0.1 to 4.5 seconds
  • Flash range is 2.3 to 63 feet
  • Flash capacity is 250 to 1,700
  • E-TTL operation helps ensure quality pictures
  • Powered by AA batteries
Amazon base price: $139.94
List price: $200.99 (that's 30% off!)
Used price: $110.00
Buy one from zShops for: $134.95
Average review score:

Perfect for your G-series Canon
I notice another reviewer called the Speedlite 220 the perfect companion for your G1; I thought of it as the perfect companion for my G2. Whichever camera you have, the Speedlite 220 is indeed the perfect way to get better illuminated flash photos and extend battery life in your G-series camera.

The single most important thing you can do to get rid of red eye and insure that your flash photography subjects don't have that flat, pasty-faced, deer-caught-in-the-headlights look is to seperate the camera from the flash. (You'll need Canon's off-camera extension cord for this) You can shoot with the camera in one hand and hold the flash in the other, or use a bracket to hold them. Or you can get creative, bouncing the flash off the walls, lighting behind your subject, etc. It's great for providing fill flash on sunny days, lighting shadows- and with digital cameras it costs you next to nothing to experiment with lighting and get immidiate feedback.

The 220 talks to all the G-series cameras (as well as all modern Canon SLRs) so you can concentrate on lighting and composition and let the camera worry about exposure. Add a couple sets of rechargeable AA cells and a small charger- cheap these days- and you have an inexpensive but powerful lighting studio. Some may recoil at the price- after all, you can get a tiny flash unit for half or a quarter the cost- but the ability to integrate withe the camera electronics are well worth it.

great flash
I loved this flash. I think it might fall short for the pros but I am not a pro. If you want more flash then the one that comes on the camers this does a great job.

Compact, powerful, and a perfect complement to the G1
Having just purchased a Canon PowerShot G1 digital camera a few weeks ago, I felt the built-in flash to be of OK performance, but it was far from what I was used to using with some of my older SLR (single-lens reflex) cameras.

After reading the review here on the 220EX, I decided to go for it. I have seen the other EX offerings, and they are really big flash units. Since the G1 is pretty compact, I figured the 220EX would be the best fit. And after having used it for a while, I know I made the best choice. With 4 AA batteries in the flash, it's pretty heavy (especially in addition to the already somewhat heavy G1). Throw on your lens(es) of choice, and you have a camera of substantial size and weight.

But getting back to the flash, it's so user-friendly that you'll be taking great pictures in minutes. The real light metering works wonders, even in conditions where the subject you're taking a picture of is in complete darkness. I was really happy with how well this flash lit up rooms, evenly and naturally.

This flash is a great value, and comes highly recommended, as is the camera that I bought it for, the PowerShot G1.


Pentax *istD 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)
Made by Pentax
  • Smallest and lightest digital SLR as of April, 2003
  • 6.1 effective megapixels
  • Compatible with K, KA, KAF and KAF2 mount lenses and 645 / 67 lenses with an adapter
  • Compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II cards and MicroDrives
  • Powered by 4 AA batteries
Amazon base price: $oo Low To Display
List price: $1,799.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $1499.99
Average review score:

A great camera with a one serious flaw
Over the years I have used a variety of systems ranging from Pentax to Nikormat to Canon to Olympus and eventually back to Pentax. Why back to Pentax? Size and ergonomics. All of the major brands are good and some offer truly best in class - at a price - in optics such as Nikon and Canon.

However, for overall good value Pentax holds its own. While I would be happy to use equipment from any of the major brands, I am quite satisfied with Pentax - but I had to wait until last autumn to get my hands on a decent Pentax digital camera. The *istD, weird name and all, is such a camera. Overall I'm a happy camper and I have been taking some of the best photographs in my 30 years experience with this camera.

Other reviews here will tell you the camera's virtues and those features are real and not over stated. This is a professional class camera - though most professionals use Nikons and Canons when it comes to digital work for a number of reasons - usually due to optics and employers' standards. The optics from Pentax are still well respected and 99% of the folks reading this will be more than satisfied.

While battery life with this camera is very, very good, I would recommend considering getting the optional additional battery attachment that screws into the bottom of the camera. It looks like an old fashion motor drive but it provides excellent ergonomics when shooting side-wise (portrait) complete with the thumb and fore finger controls replicated for ease of use. It adds peace of mind by providing redundant power plus if you often shoot protrait framing, you can really hold this camera much better than most other cameras.

So what is the single, significant flaw of this camera? It is undoubtedly the flash card interface that is accessed via a door that doesn't swing completely open, tempting the user to push the card in a slightly wrong angle. Of course there are internal guides within the flash card holder assembly but even with care, over time, it is possible to break one of the tiny pins of the camera's interface to the flash card. I know. I have done it. The cost and speed of repair was minor, but suddenly one day out in the field I had a camera that was suddenly inoperable.

So that is why I give this other wise great camera only 4 stars. If you have a good investment in 35 mm Pentax gear, you really have no choice but this camera. But the good news, particularly if you are shooting in RAW, the output is incredible. Now that PhotoshopCS has upgraded its RAW import program via a free download from Adobe, the results from this camera can be absolutely stellar. But user beware when swapping out those flash cards!

Answers to the two big on-line Criticisms...
OK, if you're here, you probably have read all the online reviews. Here's my answers to some of the major criticisms I've seen about this supurbe camera on the web. (And my opinion is based on a 20 year career as a professional photographer...for what that's worth! :) )

1.)Criticism: Memory card is hard to remove. OK, maybe this could use a little work on Pentax's part. Not really a big deal if you're careful. Just be careful...it's not THAT hard!

2.)Criticism: Batteries are not proprietary and rechargeable!? WHAT? THANK GOD! This is in my opinion not a mistake but a MAJOR PLUS! Only Pentax would have the forsight and understanding to give the user TWO (more if you consider all the AA posibilities...)onboard options for battery power both available almost anywhere for Pete's sake! Batteries are the life blood of digital photography, more options can only be better! For my part I'm running 2300 milliamp hour rechargable AA's and am thrilled with the performance!

Well that addresses the two biggies I've read about. As for the rest of it, the price is now where it should be and the camera performs fantastically. Now that Pentax has a 14mm coming out, all is wonderful in the digital world. My advice, BUY IT and you won't ever look back! The 13x19 prints are superb, I shoot weddings and fine art landscapes, and this camera gets the job done!!!

My early impression: Wow!
After nearly 3 years of playing with other digital cameras I finally took the leap back into SLR-land and purchased this great Pentax camera. Though I am just beginning to explore its capabilities, so far I am delighted: there are a lot of advantages to SLR camera use that I missed from the film days.

As with any of the current crop of digital SLR's, you get a ton of flexibility and shooting speed at a price that would have been unthinkable just two years ago. If you are used to using film SLR's, and have been frustrated by certain aspects of using a typical digital camera, you will be happy to be back in the land of no-shutter-lag shooting; the ability to use a ring on the lens barrel for zooming; tons of manual flexibility combined with idiot-proof program modes; and of course the flexibility of many lens choices. What has particularly driven me crazy about the current crop of high-end non-SLR digicams is the use of EVF viewfinders -- by contrast, the viewfinders on digital SLR's are great.

So why this Pentax vs the other competitive models? (The others worth considering in this price range at this time are the Canon EOS 10D; the Canon Digital Rebel; the Nikon D70; the Nikon D100; or even the Sigma models). This Pentax has the same sensor as the Nikon models, and the imaging capabilities of any of these cameras is doubtless well beyond my skills in any case. So to me it came down to ease of use, size and build quality. Size in particular is important to me: if you just look at the specs of this camera on a cubic-inch basis it's 38% smaller than the Nikon D70 and 26% smaller than the Digital Rebel. The Canon 10d is even bigger, and looks like a house sitting next to the Pentax.

After handling all of these cameras, I concluded that the Pentax is the one I would use most often. Too often my film SLR's sat at home when I was using film -- I would grab a point-and-shoot instead. I really wanted something I would use a lot.

On the other hand, some published complaints (and my conclusions) about the Pentax have been:
(1) Images are too "soft" (this is super-easy to adjust if you use something like Adobe Album, Elements or Photoshop, and in return the camera is not "sharpening" the image for you, which can introduce sharpening noise)
(2) Not as many lenses as available as in the Canon or Nikon lines (There seem to be plenty for my purposes, both new and used)
(3) Memory cards are hard to eject (Doesn't seem that hard to me; you need to be careful no matter what camera you use).

Another issue (price) with this camera has been fixed: when it was introduced it was more expensive than the others in its class. But the price has been reduced and now is typically available at a price that slots it in as a bit more expensive than the D70 and less than the 10D.

All of these current digital slr's are great, and it seems to me that if you already owned Canon or Nikon lenses you wouldn't go wrong with one of their models. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch (or like me, you own brands you can't use on any of these), the Pentax is worthy of serious consideration.


Pentax *istD 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Pentax FA J 18-35mm F4-F5.6 AL Zoom Lens
Made by Pentax
  • 6.1 effective megapixels
  • Pentax FA J 18-35mm F4-F5.6 AL zoom lens included
  • Compatible with K, KA, KAF and KAF2 mount lenses and 645 / 67 lenses with an adapter
  • Compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II cards and MicroDrives
  • Powered by 4 AA batteries
Amazon base price: $oo Low To Display
List price: $1,899.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Used price: $1365.00
Average review score:

A great camera with a one serious flaw
Over the years I have used a variety of systems ranging from Pentax to Nikormat to Canon to Olympus and eventually back to Pentax. Why back to Pentax? Size and ergonomics. All of the major brands are good and some offer truly best in class - at a price - in optics such as Nikon and Canon.

However, for overall good value Pentax holds its own. While I would be happy to use equipment from any of the major brands, I am quite satisfied with Pentax - but I had to wait until last autumn to get my hands on a decent Pentax digital camera. The *istD, weird name and all, is such a camera. Overall I'm a happy camper and I have been taking some of the best photographs in my 30 years experience with this camera.

Other reviews here will tell you the camera's virtues and those features are real and not over stated. This is a professional class camera - though most professionals use Nikons and Canons when it comes to digital work for a number of reasons - usually due to optics and employers' standards. The optics from Pentax are still well respected and 99% of the folks reading this will be more than satisfied.

While battery life with this camera is very, very good, I would recommend considering getting the optional additional battery attachment that screws into the bottom of the camera. It looks like an old fashion motor drive but it provides excellent ergonomics when shooting side-wise (portrait) complete with the thumb and fore finger controls replicated for ease of use. It adds peace of mind by providing redundant power plus if you often shoot protrait framing, you can really hold this camera much better than most other cameras.

So what is the single, significant flaw of this camera? It is undoubtedly the flash card interface that is accessed via a door that doesn't swing completely open, tempting the user to push the card in a slightly wrong angle. Of course there are internal guides within the flash card holder assembly but even with care, over time, it is possible to break one of the tiny pins of the camera's interface to the flash card. I know. I have done it. The cost and speed of repair was minor, but suddenly one day out in the field I had a camera that was suddenly inoperable.

So that is why I give this other wise great camera only 4 stars. If you have a good investment in 35 mm Pentax gear, you really have no choice but this camera. But the good news, particularly if you are shooting in RAW, the output is incredible. Now that PhotoshopCS has upgraded its RAW import program via a free download from Adobe, the results from this camera can be absolutely stellar. But user beware when swapping out those flash cards!

Answers to the two big on-line Criticisms...
OK, if you're here, you probably have read all the online reviews. Here's my answers to some of the major criticisms I've seen about this supurbe camera on the web. (And my opinion is based on a 20 year career as a professional photographer...for what that's worth! :) )

1.)Criticism: Memory card is hard to remove. OK, maybe this could use a little work on Pentax's part. Not really a big deal if you're careful. Just be careful...it's not THAT hard!

2.)Criticism: Batteries are not proprietary and rechargeable!? WHAT? THANK GOD! This is in my opinion not a mistake but a MAJOR PLUS! Only Pentax would have the forsight and understanding to give the user TWO (more if you consider all the AA posibilities...)onboard options for battery power both available almost anywhere for Pete's sake! Batteries are the life blood of digital photography, more options can only be better! For my part I'm running 2300 milliamp hour rechargable AA's and am thrilled with the performance!

Well that addresses the two biggies I've read about. As for the rest of it, the price is now where it should be and the camera performs fantastically. Now that Pentax has a 14mm coming out, all is wonderful in the digital world. My advice, BUY IT and you won't ever look back! The 13x19 prints are superb, I shoot weddings and fine art landscapes, and this camera gets the job done!!!

My early impression: Wow!
After nearly 3 years of playing with other digital cameras I finally took the leap back into SLR-land and purchased this great Pentax camera. Though I am just beginning to explore its capabilities, so far I am delighted: there are a lot of advantages to SLR camera use that I missed from the film days.

As with any of the current crop of digital SLR's, you get a ton of flexibility and shooting speed at a price that would have been unthinkable just two years ago. If you are used to using film SLR's, and have been frustrated by certain aspects of using a typical digital camera, you will be happy to be back in the land of no-shutter-lag shooting; the ability to use a ring on the lens barrel for zooming; tons of manual flexibility combined with idiot-proof program modes; and of course the flexibility of many lens choices. What has particularly driven me crazy about the current crop of high-end non-SLR digicams is the use of EVF viewfinders -- by contrast, the viewfinders on digital SLR's are great.

So why this Pentax vs the other competitive models? (The others worth considering in this price range at this time are the Canon EOS 10D; the Canon Digital Rebel; the Nikon D70; the Nikon D100; or even the Sigma models). This Pentax has the same sensor as the Nikon models, and the imaging capabilities of any of these cameras is doubtless well beyond my skills in any case. So to me it came down to ease of use, size and build quality. Size in particular is important to me: if you just look at the specs of this camera on a cubic-inch basis it's 38% smaller than the Nikon D70 and 26% smaller than the Digital Rebel. The Canon 10d is even bigger, and looks like a house sitting next to the Pentax.

After handling all of these cameras, I concluded that the Pentax is the one I would use most often. Too often my film SLR's sat at home when I was using film -- I would grab a point-and-shoot instead. I really wanted something I would use a lot.

On the other hand, some published complaints (and my conclusions) about the Pentax have been:
(1) Images are too "soft" (this is super-easy to adjust if you use something like Adobe Album, Elements or Photoshop, and in return the camera is not "sharpening" the image for you, which can introduce sharpening noise)
(2) Not as many lenses as available as in the Canon or Nikon lines (There seem to be plenty for my purposes, both new and used)
(3) Memory cards are hard to eject (Doesn't seem that hard to me; you need to be careful no matter what camera you use).

Another issue (price) with this camera has been fixed: when it was introduced it was more expensive than the others in its class. But the price has been reduced and now is typically available at a price that slots it in as a bit more expensive than the D70 and less than the 10D.

All of these current digital slr's are great, and it seems to me that if you already owned Canon or Nikon lenses you wouldn't go wrong with one of their models. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch (or like me, you own brands you can't use on any of these), the Pentax is worthy of serious consideration.


Pentax *istD 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with Pentax SMCPDA 16-45mm Zoom f/4.0 ED AL Lens
Made by Pentax
  • 6.1 effective megapixels
  • Pentax SMCPDA 16-45mm Zoom f/4.0 ED AL lens included
  • Compatible with K, KA, KAF and KAF2 mount lenses and 645 / 67 lenses with an adapter
  • Compatible with CompactFlash Type I/II cards and MicroDrives
  • Powered by 4 AA batteries
Amazon base price: $oo Low To Display
List price: $2,899.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Average review score:

A great camera with a one serious flaw
Over the years I have used a variety of systems ranging from Pentax to Nikormat to Canon to Olympus and eventually back to Pentax. Why back to Pentax? Size and ergonomics. All of the major brands are good and some offer truly best in class - at a price - in optics such as Nikon and Canon.

However, for overall good value Pentax holds its own. While I would be happy to use equipment from any of the major brands, I am quite satisfied with Pentax - but I had to wait until last autumn to get my hands on a decent Pentax digital camera. The *istD, weird name and all, is such a camera. Overall I'm a happy camper and I have been taking some of the best photographs in my 30 years experience with this camera.

Other reviews here will tell you the camera's virtues and those features are real and not over stated. This is a professional class camera - though most professionals use Nikons and Canons when it comes to digital work for a number of reasons - usually due to optics and employers' standards. The optics from Pentax are still well respected and 99% of the folks reading this will be more than satisfied.

While battery life with this camera is very, very good, I would recommend considering getting the optional additional battery attachment that screws into the bottom of the camera. It looks like an old fashion motor drive but it provides excellent ergonomics when shooting side-wise (portrait) complete with the thumb and fore finger controls replicated for ease of use. It adds peace of mind by providing redundant power plus if you often shoot protrait framing, you can really hold this camera much better than most other cameras.

So what is the single, significant flaw of this camera? It is undoubtedly the flash card interface that is accessed via a door that doesn't swing completely open, tempting the user to push the card in a slightly wrong angle. Of course there are internal guides within the flash card holder assembly but even with care, over time, it is possible to break one of the tiny pins of the camera's interface to the flash card. I know. I have done it. The cost and speed of repair was minor, but suddenly one day out in the field I had a camera that was suddenly inoperable.

So that is why I give this other wise great camera only 4 stars. If you have a good investment in 35 mm Pentax gear, you really have no choice but this camera. But the good news, particularly if you are shooting in RAW, the output is incredible. Now that PhotoshopCS has upgraded its RAW import program via a free download from Adobe, the results from this camera can be absolutely stellar. But user beware when swapping out those flash cards!

Answers to the two big on-line Criticisms...
OK, if you're here, you probably have read all the online reviews. Here's my answers to some of the major criticisms I've seen about this supurbe camera on the web. (And my opinion is based on a 20 year career as a professional photographer...for what that's worth! :) )

1.)Criticism: Memory card is hard to remove. OK, maybe this could use a little work on Pentax's part. Not really a big deal if you're careful. Just be careful...it's not THAT hard!

2.)Criticism: Batteries are not proprietary and rechargeable!? WHAT? THANK GOD! This is in my opinion not a mistake but a MAJOR PLUS! Only Pentax would have the forsight and understanding to give the user TWO (more if you consider all the AA posibilities...)onboard options for battery power both available almost anywhere for Pete's sake! Batteries are the life blood of digital photography, more options can only be better! For my part I'm running 2300 milliamp hour rechargable AA's and am thrilled with the performance!

Well that addresses the two biggies I've read about. As for the rest of it, the price is now where it should be and the camera performs fantastically. Now that Pentax has a 14mm coming out, all is wonderful in the digital world. My advice, BUY IT and you won't ever look back! The 13x19 prints are superb, I shoot weddings and fine art landscapes, and this camera gets the job done!!!

My early impression: Wow!
After nearly 3 years of playing with other digital cameras I finally took the leap back into SLR-land and purchased this great Pentax camera. Though I am just beginning to explore its capabilities, so far I am delighted: there are a lot of advantages to SLR camera use that I missed from the film days.

As with any of the current crop of digital SLR's, you get a ton of flexibility and shooting speed at a price that would have been unthinkable just two years ago. If you are used to using film SLR's, and have been frustrated by certain aspects of using a typical digital camera, you will be happy to be back in the land of no-shutter-lag shooting; the ability to use a ring on the lens barrel for zooming; tons of manual flexibility combined with idiot-proof program modes; and of course the flexibility of many lens choices. What has particularly driven me crazy about the current crop of high-end non-SLR digicams is the use of EVF viewfinders -- by contrast, the viewfinders on digital SLR's are great.

So why this Pentax vs the other competitive models? (The others worth considering in this price range at this time are the Canon EOS 10D; the Canon Digital Rebel; the Nikon D70; the Nikon D100; or even the Sigma models). This Pentax has the same sensor as the Nikon models, and the imaging capabilities of any of these cameras is doubtless well beyond my skills in any case. So to me it came down to ease of use, size and build quality. Size in particular is important to me: if you just look at the specs of this camera on a cubic-inch basis it's 38% smaller than the Nikon D70 and 26% smaller than the Digital Rebel. The Canon 10d is even bigger, and looks like a house sitting next to the Pentax.

After handling all of these cameras, I concluded that the Pentax is the one I would use most often. Too often my film SLR's sat at home when I was using film -- I would grab a point-and-shoot instead. I really wanted something I would use a lot.

On the other hand, some published complaints (and my conclusions) about the Pentax have been:
(1) Images are too "soft" (this is super-easy to adjust if you use something like Adobe Album, Elements or Photoshop, and in return the camera is not "sharpening" the image for you, which can introduce sharpening noise)
(2) Not as many lenses as available as in the Canon or Nikon lines (There seem to be plenty for my purposes, both new and used)
(3) Memory cards are hard to eject (Doesn't seem that hard to me; you need to be careful no matter what camera you use).

Another issue (price) with this camera has been fixed: when it was introduced it was more expensive than the others in its class. But the price has been reduced and now is typically available at a price that slots it in as a bit more expensive than the D70 and less than the 10D.

All of these current digital slr's are great, and it seems to me that if you already owned Canon or Nikon lenses you wouldn't go wrong with one of their models. On the other hand, if you are starting from scratch (or like me, you own brands you can't use on any of these), the Pentax is worthy of serious consideration.


Sony General Carrying Case for DSCP8/10/32/52/72/92 & DSCV1 Cybershot
Made by Sony
  • Protect your digital camera investment
  • Fast and easy access to your camera and accessories
  • Compatible with Cybershot DSCP8/10/32/52/72/92 and DSCV1 models
Amazon base price: $
List price: $19.99 (that's NaN% off!)
Buy one from zShops for: $20.00
Average review score:

A little to big for the DSCP8
Excellent case, soft, protects the camera. But it is a little to big for my model, the Cybershot DSCP8. The camera bounces in the inside.

Maybe it's the camera, that is to small?

Right-sized for the Sony Cybershot DSC-V1
When I pulled it out of the Amazon box, I thought it might be too small for the V1, but I like the fit! Its compact size works great with one of the best new generation 5MP digital still cameras. I like how the fabric gussets on the sides of the main compartment only allow it to open far enough for camera access(nice on the belt). Its smaller front compartment has both a regular pocket and another facing compartment with a full length zippered close. Both are made from that net type material. Very slick, functional design from Sony.

Worth it
I ordered this case as an international customer and had it delivered to a hotel in the USA where my family was staying so I couldn't go to a store to see in person how the case looks. The case is advertised as a general carrying case for the P-series (P72, P92, P10) and it has the round edge just like the P-series. Since the P-series is a bit smaller than the SONY DSC V1, I was scared that my V1 wouldn't fit into the case. I received both the case and the camera yesterday and I am extremely pleased. The camera fits like a glove and there is enough space to put in a few extra things such as batteries or memory sticks in the front. I was also scared it would have a cheap look to it, seeing as it is only $... It actually looks really stylish and I would definitely recommend it to anyone with either a P-series or V1 CyberShot.


Related Subjects: Camera Advanced-Point-and-Shoot Digital-SLR Extended-Zoom Professional-Digital-Camera Serious-Amateur-Digital-Camera Simple-Point-and-Shoot Ultracompact
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