Ridata DVD-RW 4x 50-pack Spindle
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Waste of money
  • DVD-RW 4x50 spindle pack
  • EXCELLENT!!
  • Won't work in any of my Macs
  • Work Fine with TiVo DVD burners... but why not free shipping?
Ridata DVD-RW 4x 50-pack Spindle

Manufacturer: Ridata
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

DVD-RWDVD-RW | Computer | Blank Media | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
DVD-R & DVD-RWDVD-R & DVD-RW | Blank Media | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
RidataRidata | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
MediaMedia | Accessories | Computer Audio | Sound & Recording Equipment | Products | Musical Instruments | CD-R | CD-RW | DVD+R | DVD+RW | DVD-R | DVD-RAM | DVD-RW | Floppy Disks | SmartMedia Cards
Recording MediaRecording Media | Sound & Recording Equipment | Products | Musical Instruments | ADAT Tapes | CD-R | CD-RW | Cassette Tapes | DAT Tapes | DVD+R | DVD+RW | DVD-R | DVD-RAM | DVD-RW | Floppy Disks | Hi8 Tapes | Minidiscs | Open Reel Tape
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Product Features:
  • 50 rewriteable DVD-RW discs on a plastic spindle with dust cover
  • 4.7 GB per disc; stores up to 120 minutes of DVD-quality video
  • For use with 4x speed recording (maximum); re-write up to 1,000 times
  • Highly compatible--can be played in most DVD players and DVD-ROM drives after recording and finalized
  • Not compatible with DVD+R/RW only drives (unless otherwise noted)

ASIN: B0001YFXNO

Product Description

DVD-RW is a high capacity optical disc which is ideal for high volume data recording, archiving and playback. DVD-RW media are similar in functionality to DVD-R media, but allow users to rewrite data on the same disc. RIDATA DVD-RW ensures high durability and reliability for a variety of recording situations, making it a versatile storage solution. Ridata DVD-RW uses an exclusive high quality Phase Change material in the recording layer that ensures reliable recording and playback. RIDATA DVD-R 4X media is certified for up to 4X DVD-RW recording speeds. Ideal for massive archival storage, duplication, network back-up, multimedia presentations and digital video/photography editing these DVD-R discs will prove useful for a wide array of projects.Its huge capacity provides the data storage market an outstanding reliable storage media. With DVD-RW Re-Writable discs, you can literally store thousands of digital photographs or store up to two hours of digital video in SP Mode or four hours in EP Mode. Ideal for anyone requiring data-intensive, high-performance data storage, Ridata DVD-RW discs will beat your expectations.

Amazon.com Product Description

Ridata DVD-RW media is known for excellent performance and stable, reliable data writing. This spindle features 50 DVD-RW rewriteable discs that are compatible with 4x speed recordings. Designed for personal or professional use, Ridata's DVD-RW discs are made with high-quality organic dye recording layer materials, offer excellent compatibility with a wide range of players and burners, and support the CPRM (Content Protection for Recordable Media) copy protection system. Each disc holds up to 4.7 GB of data--which can store up to 120 minutes of high-quality video, or your collection of high-resolution photos or digital audio files.

What is DVD-R/RW?
DVD-R (which is pronounced "dash R" not "minus R") uses organic dye technology, like CD-R, and is compatible with most DVD drives and players. DVD-RW (formerly DVD-R/W and also briefly known as DVD-ER) is a phase-change erasable format. Developed by Pioneer based on DVD-R, using similar track pitch, mark length, and rotation control, DVD-RW is playable in many DVD drives and players. Capacity is 4.7 billion bytes. DVD-RW discs can be rewritten about 1,000 times. Many companies now produce DVD-RW drives, all of which write CD-R/RW. Most DVD-RAM drives also write DVD-R discs, while some also write DVD-RW discs. Some newer drives write both DVD-R/RW and DVD+R/RW formats.

About the Company
Ritek, the maker of Ridata media, is the world's largest optical media manufacturer. The name may be new to you, but if you've purchased blank media in the past, you've likely already used a Ritek product. For years, Ritek has been redefining the optical storage market around the world, and its name is synonymous with innovation, quality and unparalleled consistency. The new Ridata brand brings you top quality at an amazing value.

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Waste of money.......2006-12-05

I bought these to use with my Pioneer DVR 810HR and DVR 57H recorders. I haven't had any problems with any other brands so far. These discs were repeatedly rejected by both units. I tried 5 discs, all with the same frustrating results. I'm going to send them back for a refund, but I'm out the s/h costs. If I could I'd give these 0 stars.

1 out of 5 stars DVD-RW 4x50 spindle pack.......2006-03-27

It did not work on My recorder I had already thru My recite away

5 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT!!.......2006-01-06

Plays in every machine,Every disc in the pack was good!
If unsure just get this one!!!

1 out of 5 stars Won't work in any of my Macs.......2006-01-05

I bought these discs so that I could record TV shows on my Samsung DVD recorder and play them while traveling, on my iBook 14". Unfortunately these discs aren't recognized on my iBook, nor my G4 Quicksilver desktop machine with a Pioneer DV$-104 drive, nor on my Compaq notebook. So basically these discs are of little value to me. They will only record and play in my home DVD players...not on my Macs. Macintosh users beware.

5 out of 5 stars Work Fine with TiVo DVD burners... but why not free shipping?.......2005-11-21

Used these without problem in both a Toshiba RS-TX60 and a Humax DRT-800, both TiVo DVD burning units.

I'd much rather use DVD-RWs like these... more ecologically friendly... multiple read, writes, and if you later change your mind or don't want a long-term archive, you can write right over them. Sure they are more expensive but DVD-Rs strike me as risky (have a failure and you have a coaster) and too much the disposable culture.

I bought this when there was a $6 rebate which covered the outrageous $6 shipping charge. So, a hassle then, but at least, the shipping was eventually covered (well, actually I'm still waiting for the rebate). So...

NOTE: THIS ITEM DOES NOT COME WITH THE FREE SHIPPING! That makes it less attractive but you'll still be hard pressed to find such a good price per disk.
Ridata DVD+RW 4x 50-pack Spindle
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Flawless.
  • Almost 75 perfect disks
  • Very pleased!
  • Over half the discs had errors
  • Disappointed User
Ridata DVD+RW 4x 50-pack Spindle

Manufacturer: Ridata
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Other AccessoriesOther Accessories | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
DVD+R & DVD+RWDVD+R & DVD+RW | Blank Media | All Accessories | Accessories | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
DVD+RWDVD+RW | Computer | Blank Media | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
RidataRidata | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
DVD+RWDVD+RW | Media | Accessories | Computer Audio | Sound & Recording Equipment | Products | Musical Instruments
DVD+RWDVD+RW | Recording Media | Sound & Recording Equipment | Products | Musical Instruments
Product Features:
  • 50 rewriteable DVD+R discs on a plastic spindle with dust cover
  • 4.7 GB per disc; stores up to 120 minutes of DVD-quality video
  • For use with 4x speed recording (maximum); re-write up to 1,000 times
  • Very low recording error rate and low jitter; long archival and storage life
  • Not compatible with DVD-R/RW only drives (unless otherwise noted)

ASIN: B0001YFXDO

Product Description

DVD+RW is a high capacity optical disc, which is ideal for high volume data recording, archiving and playback. DVD+RW media are similar in functionality to DVD+R media, but allow users to rewrite data on the same disc. RIDATA DVD+RW ensures high durability and reliability for a variety of recording situations, making it a versatile storage solution. Ridata DVD+RW uses an exclusive high quality Phase Change material in the recording layer that ensures reliable recording and playback.Its huge capacity provides the data storage market an outstanding reliable storage media. With DVD+RW Re-Writable discs, you can literally store thousands of digital photographs or store up to two hours of digital video in SP Mode or four hours in EP Mode. Ideal for anyone requiring data-intensive, high-performance data storage, Ridata DVD+RW discs are the right choice for you.

Amazon.com Product Description

Ridata DVD+RW media is known for excellent performance and stable, reliable data writing. This spindle features 50 DVD+RW rewriteable discs that are compatible with 4x speed recordings. Designed for personal or professional use, Ridata's DVD+RW discs utilize a high-performance phase change material which is ideal for mass storage and long archival life. Each disc holds up to 4.7 GB of data--which can store up to 120 minutes of high-quality video, or your collection of high-resolution photos or digital audio files.

What is DVD+R/RW?
DVD+R/RW is an erasable format based on CD-RW technology that became available in late 2001. It is supported by Philips, Sony, Hewlett-Packard, Dell, Ricoh, Yamaha, and others, though it is not supported by the DVD Forum. DVD+RW drives read DVD-ROMs and CDs, and usually read DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs, but do not read or write DVD-RAM discs. DVD+RW drives also write CD-Rs and CD-RWs. The DVD+RW format uses phase-change media with a high-frequency wobbled groove that allows it to eliminate linking sectors. This, plus the option of no defect management, allows DVD+RW discs to be written in a way that is compatible with many existing DVD readers. DVD+R/RW discs hold 4.7 gigabytes (GB) per side and are readable in many existing DVD-Video players and DVD-ROM drives.

About the Company
Ritek, the maker of Ridata media, is the world's largest optical media manufacturer. The name may be new to you, but if you've purchased blank media in the past, you've likely already used a Ritek product. For years, Ritek has been redefining the optical storage market around the world, and its name is synonymous with innovation, quality and unparalleled consistency. The new Ridata brand brings you top quality at an amazing value.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Flawless........2004-12-22

I just purchased the 25-pack spindle of this disc from Amazon. I had read the negative reviews here stating numerous problems/errors with them. Since there was a rebate involved, I wanted to verify the quality of the discs before I mailed off the UPC (and thereby nullify the possibility of returning them).

Using Nero on my Benq DW1620 drive, I ran a full-disc test burn w/verify at 4X on all 25 discs. Each and every one of them verified successfully.

BTW, here are some of the specifics of the discs that I received, as reported by Nero CD Speed:Manufacturer: Ricoh
Code: RICOHJPN W11Remember that not all drives, nor all media, are created equal. They don't always work well together. CD-R/RW had this same problem earlier on, but improved over time. It just so happens that Ritek/Ridata is a recommended brand of media for my drive.

A quick web search should provide CD/DVD resources that can help pair your drive with a brand of media that has given good results. Manufacturers, too, sometimes list media that has been tested and "approved" for use with their drive(s).

5 out of 5 stars Almost 75 perfect disks.......2004-12-19

I've almost finished burning my 3rd 25-pack spindle of these with no problems. I burned them using my Akai DVDRW120 stand-alone burning deck & my Plextor burner on my computer. I see the 25-pack has been discontinued! Why is it every time I'm happy with a product they stop carrying it? I just ordered the 50-pack spindle instead.

Update- Jan. 24, 2005
Only about half of the first dozen or so of the 50-pack spindle worked... & then just barely with many of the working discs skipping or locking up on parts. Not 1 of the rest of the spindle worked. They wouldn't even format! "Invalid Disk" error messages on most blank discs. These problems were observed on both my computer & my stand alone burner. About the 15th from the bottom I found 1 with a deep gouge & several deep scatches in it, but the rest looked spotless.

I've also used up almost half of their 25-packs of DVD+R, DVD-R, & their DVD-RW with no problems on my computer, but my stand-alone burner will only burn on DVD+R & DVD+RW.

There's definitlely something wrong with their 50-packs folks. They may be bad batches or they're too fragile to be packed on a 50-pack spindle & withstand the ruthless banging around of shipping. I noticed the 100 pack got 1 good review out of only 1 review. I'll wait to see more reviews on it. In the meantime, I did notice they're carrying the 25 pack spindles again... I'll stick with those.

5 out of 5 stars Very pleased!.......2004-09-29

I was worried by the bad experience others had with this media. Mine shipped from KY and the first thing I did was visually inspect the media to see if there were any obvious flaws. All was well on this front.

The media code is RICOHJPNW11. I've burnt four DVD+RW's from this spindle in a NEC 2500A and Benq 800 drive. Verification was perfect. Nice to have 4x media after using 1x DVD-Rw Optodisc media (which redefines the meeting of unreliable!). My hard drive backups have now become a whole lot easier!

Do check your spindles when they arrive given other peoples experiences - Amazon has a good return policy.

I highly recommend these!

1 out of 5 stars Over half the discs had errors.......2004-08-26

Over half my discs had errors. I have tried different softwares and drives and it still gives errors.
Extremely disappointed. Will never buy this brand again

1 out of 5 stars Disappointed User.......2004-07-12

I have been using Ritek/Ridata DVD-R and DVD+RW disks for several months and have been very satisfied. Not a bad burn yet. I was excited to order additional DVD+RW disks for their added versatility. My previous experience with the DVD+RW disks was with shiny top surface vs. matte surface with this order. I don't know if that makes any difference as the recording surface on both has the same appearance.

Disappointment resulted quite quickly. As a previous poster indicated, the disks all had a small ridge of scratched surface around the outer perimeter of the recording surface. In my case, the disks would appear to record correctly. It was not until I tried to access the files that it would generate an error. The disk was unreadable. I had at least 4 bad writes in the first 10 disks. It seems that it is only a problem with almost full disks. Partially used disk didn't seem to have a problem (in an unscientific sampling!). I will try a replacement order and if that one exhibits that same scratched area, I guess a refund will be the only option. Too bad because Ritek is usually an excellent brand that I have had good luck with, and the price was too good to pass up.

Panasonic RXES20 Digtal Tuner CD Radio Cassette Boombox
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Love this boombox
  • This little machine is fabulace
  • ABSOLUTY AWSOME!!!
  • Panasonic RXES20 Boombox
  • Totally disappointed in this product!!
Panasonic RXES20 Digtal Tuner CD Radio Cassette Boombox

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

CD Players & RecordersCD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | CD Players | CD Recorders | DJ CD Players | Portable CD Players
BoomboxesBoomboxes | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
BoomboxesBoomboxes | Portable Audio & Video | Panasonic | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
BoomboxesBoomboxes | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & VideoAudio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:
  1. Fellowes Nylon CD Wallet (224-Disc Capacity) Fellowes Nylon CD Wallet (224-Disc Capacity)
  2. Fellowes Nylon CD Album (320-Disc Capacity) Fellowes Nylon CD Album (320-Disc Capacity)
  3. Fellowes 128 CD Album Fellowes 128 CD Album
  4. CDProjects Steel CD Case Silver (60 Capacity) CDProjects Steel CD Case Silver (60 Capacity)

Product Features:
  • Portable CD boombox with enhanced 3-D sound
  • Front-loading, programmable CD player with MASH 1-bit digital-to-analog converter
  • Full-logic cassette with synchro start recording
  • AM/FM digital tuner with 24 station presets
  • Equalizer with four presets (XBS, soft, clear, vocal)

ASIN: B00004T1XA

Product Description

Imagine this - a CD radio cassette player with sound virtualizer and Acoustic Separator Cabinet to produce 3-dimensional sound. What does this mean? Try superb sound quality, music so clear that it resonates in your heart. The Panasonic RX-ES25 CD Radio Cassette Player features nothing but the best in sound quality. A 1-bit D/A conversion system gives that clear, crisp CD sound we all crave for. 3-D sound virtualizer circuitry recreates a sound field with distinct stereo imaging, exceptional depth, and well-centered vocals. The RX-ES25 also includes full-range 3-1/8th speakers pointing upwards, with a diffuser to scatter the sound for expansive, natural stereo. The acoustic separator cabinet keeps the left and right speaker enclosures completely separate, to help reduce mutual signal interference. This creates a resonating chamber for excellent bass response, and assures a clear, pure sound. Full Remote Control is also provided.

Amazon.com Product Description

Panasonic's RX-ES20 digitally tuned CD radio cassette boombox features full-range speakers angled upward for diffused 3-D sound. Spaciousness is further enhanced by Sound Virtualizer circuitry, which creates a sound field with distinct stereo imaging and depth. Front-facing bass reflex ports aim low frequencies toward you, while the speakers' free-edge design results in increased, clean bass response. Other sound-enhancing features include an acoustic isolation cabinet, which places the main speakers in separate compartments to help reduce distortion, and four preset equalizer modes (XBS, soft, clear, and vocal) for different personal tastes. The XBS (Extra Bass System) mode ensures effective reproduction of deep, low frequencies.

The AM/FM digital tuner provides auto tuning, auto scanning, and memory for up to 24 stations. It also ensures virtually drift-free reception. The Panasonic RX-ES20 has a motorized front-loading CD player that uses a MASH 1-bit digital-to-analog converter to assure faithful CD sound. Playback options include 24-track random-access programming, random play, and repeat play (track or disc). The cassette player uses Tape Program Search to quickly find desired tracks and can automatically set tape bias for normal and metal tapes. CD recording is made easy with synchro start, which begins to play the CD automatically when the cassette's record button is pressed.

Other features include a clock, play/record/sleep timers, a full-function remote control, soft tape eject, a large LCD screen, and a stylish silver exterior. The Panasonic RX-ES20 includes an AC adapter. It will also run on eight D batteries--plus four AAs for the clock--for portable use.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Love this boombox.......2003-11-27

My daughter has had this boombox for 2 years. Never had one problem with it. The sound is GREAT. My husband wants one of his own now. I would highly recommend it to anyone. My daughter says it ROCKS.

5 out of 5 stars This little machine is fabulace.......2001-12-26

I baught this machine and i found it great it has an excellent price and an excellent machine so if u r thinking of buying a boombox choos this and ull never ever go rong so plan to buy this with an excellent price just buy it have it see it know it and if u dont like it retern it back (if u dont like it i have nothing to do)
im a kid (14 years old) and i bought this item and its PERFECT

thank u and have a nice day!!

5 out of 5 stars ABSOLUTY AWSOME!!!.......2001-05-07

I was at Circuit City, and only at volume at 26, and an employee came to me to turn it down. It is very compact for short shelfs, and is perfect for home. I totaly recommend this one to you! There is a better model of this to this one, the Panasonic Boombox- RXES25!!! it is not in stock right now, but i recommend you to get that one instead just because it is so much better

5 out of 5 stars Panasonic RXES20 Boombox.......2000-12-27

I was having trouble making a decision on which boombox to purchase. I decided to browse through one of the local retail stores one last time. I couldn't find anything with the same features as the Panasonic RXES20. Also, all of the boomboxes looked the same. I wanted quality and uniqueness. Therefore, I got on the internet as soon as I got home and went straight to amazon.com. I was happy to learn that there was still one-only one-boombox remaining. It sounds great and it looks good. I've had several people to ask me where I purchased it. They love the look and when I play it at my meetings, they love the sound as well. I'm so glad that I made the decision to purchase it.

2 out of 5 stars Totally disappointed in this product!!.......2000-09-13

Hey all you electronics fans- read this carefully before you decide to purchase this item. This appears to be a great little boombox- with the panasonic name and everything and all the features- like you get a remote with it. However, i've mostly bought Aiwa stereos and boomboxes my whole life and so in comparison to the quality of Aiwa which was all i really had to go on, i gave this product only 2 stars. Its ok IF your not concerned with crystal clear sound quality. And the other thing i didn't like is that it only goes so loud...and i wanted it louder! Remote was ok, but keys were fairly tiny & a little hard to see. I decided to ship this one back and compare Aiwa to sony, and although i love Aiwa, i found the best and most powerful sound i've ever heard from the Sony CFD-ZW755. You WON'T be disappointed, believe me. I am the biggest skeptic there is when it comes to quality and sound. I'd rethink this one if i were you.

Samsung Digimax 301 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Digital Zoom
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • A great small digital camera
  • Super Great Camera
  • Best performance / cost balance ever
Samsung Digimax 301 3.2MP Digital Camera with 3x Digital Zoom

Manufacturer: Samsung
ProductGroup: Photography
Binding: Electronics

Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Samsung Optical | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
Digital CamerasDigital Cameras | Used Photo & Camera | Specialty Stores | Camera & Photo Features | Electronics
All Digital CamerasAll Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
3 to 3.9 Megapixels3 to 3.9 Megapixels | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Under 4x Optical ZoomUnder 4x Optical Zoom | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
Point-and-Shoot Digital CamerasPoint-and-Shoot Digital Cameras | Digital Cameras | Camera & Photo | Categories | Electronics
All SamsungAll Samsung | Samsung | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:
  1. PhotoImpact 6.0 PhotoImpact 6.0
  2. SimpleTech STI-CF/256 256 MB CompactFlash Card SimpleTech STI-CF/256 256 MB CompactFlash Card
  3. Samsonite Worldproof 1.4 Digital Camera Bag -Blue/Black Samsonite Worldproof 1.4 Digital Camera Bag -Blue/Black
  4. Sony VCTR610 Lightweight Tripod for DCR-DVD201, 203, 403 & HDR-HC3 Camcorders Sony VCTR610 Lightweight Tripod for DCR-DVD201, 203, 403 & HDR-HC3 Camcorders
  5. Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 [Old Version] Adobe Photoshop Elements 2.0 [Old Version]

Product Features:
  • 3.2-megapixel sensor captures enough detail to create photo-quality 10-by-14-inch enlargements
  • 3x digital zoom
  • Optical viewfinder; 1.6-inch color TFT LCD monitor
  • Store images on 16 MB internal memory or on optional Secure Digital memory cards (not included)
  • Powered by 2 AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH recommended)

ASIN: B0001G6UHK

Product Description

Very compact in size, this 3 mega-pixel digital camera is simple to use with many exceptional features and advanced technology. The sharp, clear images are printable to borderless A4 size.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars A great small digital camera.......2006-03-31

A friend gave this to me as a gift and I have gotten so much use out of it. It fits in my pocket easily, and works off a car and AC/DC setup that I bought via Radio Shack. The software is easy to download and use, and a day doesnt go by that I dont use the camera here in the Sierras. The digital photos edit easily and print out like professional photos. For 3.2 mega pixles the camera sure produces great photos. Photos I use on my webpage, profiles etc.

5 out of 5 stars Super Great Camera.......2004-07-18

I got this camera for my birthday and for a cheap camera it has the best picture. My mom bought an extra 128 memory card so my camera took 10 minutes of video and 100 pictures. I think the camera is a really good one. When you switch the camera to heart mode, whenever you take a picture it has pretty designs. When you hook the camera up to your computer the camera has sound on the video mode but when you play it back on the camera, it will have no sound. I would recommend this camera.

5 out of 5 stars Best performance / cost balance ever.......2004-07-12

Pros: compact, excellent price, great pictures, easy-use, 16 Mb built-in memory and produces video with sound

Cons: no optical zoom (not a big deal)

After a long search and try-outs of 3.0 MP digital cameras from reputable brand names, I found DIGIMAX 301 from SAMSUNG an excellent acquisition. I bought it from WalMart (near $ 118 bucks), a great price for a really nice camera. I have seen some notes from previous non-satisfied reviewers on the Internet, but I found later their complains are unreasonable and incoherent. Then I decided to write this review.

USABILITY: The manual is very well written, full of figures and diagrams. You can get the basics right away. You can download the manual written in several other languages (which was very helpful for my in-laws). Once you set the camera according to your desired settings, it is just a matter of "point and shoot". My in-laws (old guys and obsolete regarding modern technology) went out on the second day after I purchased this camera, and they took nice shots and movie clips. If they can do it, you will do it as a master. The camera has a macro function that takes very close shots. This function is enabled/disabled by a lateral switch. Indeed, once I forgot to disable it, and I got blurry pictures of long-range shots. But this was my fault, and I could realize it right away. Some previous reviewers said they got unfocussed photos, and this is the probable cause of their frustration.

PICTURE QUALITY: So far I got excellent pictures considering it is a 3.2 MP camera. Day light, close shots, night shots with and without flash, all them are just perfect. The best way to prove this is to show some of my photos, http://members.cox.net/mrpinto/DIGIMAX301.htm (note that some of them are really large files, i.e. up to 1 Mb size). The flash works fine, it does not produce overexposed close shots, neither underexposed long-range (up to 10 feet) shots. With a tripod you can get nice night shots without the flash, and best of all they come out clear, no grains and with nice resolution.

SHUTTER LAG: The camera initially shoots with less than 2 seconds, then it takes 6-7 seconds to be ready for the next shoot if you are using flash, the maximum resolution, and if you set the camera to preview the shot image. If you remove this last feature and set the camera to take normal resolution pictures without flash you can drop the shutter lag down to a fewer seconds. Note that if you use low quality batteries the shutter lag dramatically increase, since the batteries will not be able to deliver power to the flash right away (an usual problem of all digital cameras). Consider using rechargeable batteries with capacities above 2000 mAh, and you will have fewer problems with shutter lag.

BATTERY LIFE: I have not found any digital camera that does not efficiently consume battery. If you frequently use flash and the LCD screen, then you probably will wear out your batteries very fast. Once again, this is a common problem of all kinds of digital cameras. I bought an inexpensive charger along with four Ni-MH batteries (about $ 10 bucks), and they do their job nicely.

EXTRA FEATURES: There is the option to downgrade the resolution of your photographs, which is nice in case you want to send pictures to you friends over the Internet, who uses dial-up connections (small files). You do not need to buy an expensive memory card if you are able to print the pictures at home. With 16 Mb built-in memory you can take about 36 photographs with right-resolution and normal pixel definition. Using such settings, I could print perfect 8x10 (letter size) photographs, no grains and no low pixel definition. If you want improve the pixel definition (to ultrafine), you can store up to 12 photos, but the gain is just a little. To download the pictures to my PC is easy as drag-and-drop. If you are not able to do this, just buy a SD card and develop your pictures at a local department store (you can get a generic 128 Mb for $ 25.00 on WEB stores). The camera software has a PRINT function that will help a lot the not-friendly PC users. Finally, I forgot to mention, you might use your camera as a simple recorder.

Electronics:

  1. Ridata/Ritek 4.7GB 16x DVD-R (100-Pack Spindle)
  2. Ridata/Ritek 8.5GB 8X Double Layer DVD+R (25-Pack Spindle)
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  8. Samsung LTN1785W 17" LCD Flat-Panel TV
  9. Samsung LTN1785W 17" LCD Flat-Panel TV
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Electronics

Electronics