Polaroid JoyCam 500 Instant Camera, Blue

Amazon.com Review

The Polaroid JoyCam is an instant camera designed in the spirit of the saying, "Everything old is new again." Polaroid has taken their signature product, the instant camera, and repackaged it in a slim silver body. In an age when camera makers are overloading their new products with automatic bells and whistles, Polaroid has instead made the JoyCam design simple and manual.

This camera is so easy to operate that anyone can load and use it. It works with Polaroid 500 (formerly known as Captiva) film and produces wallet-size pictures. To advance your film, you simply pull a plastic ring on the side of the camera. The JoyCam also features a manually selected built-in flash.

What we found most pleasing about the updated design is that it is noticeably less cumbersome than traditional instant cameras. While still much larger than a 35mm point-and-shoot, the JoyCam is small enough to throw into a backpack and bring along. Also, because the film ejection mechanism is manual in this updated design, Polaroid no longer has to build a battery cell into each film cartridge--so film costs less.

In redesigning the body of the JoyCam, however, Polaroid has done little to improve the actual picture-taking mechanism or picture quality. In our tests, this camera was incapable of taking a decent indoor picture without using the flash. When we did use the flash, it distorted colors and produced washed-out images of the subjects in our photos. However, if picture quality and stunning portraits are what you are after, you'd be silly to buy an instant camera of any sort, much less a Polaroid JoyCam. The Polaroid JoyCam is designed for impulsiveness and fun, and it serves those purposes well.

Pros:

Light and portable body
Simple operation
More economical film

Cons:

Flash causes color distortion
Grainy picture quality

Amazon.com Product Description

The Polaroid JoyCam Kit includes Polaroid's latest JoyCam camera model and a 10-frame film cartridge. The Polaroid JoyCam is a revision of the instant camera design that made Polaroid famous. It has a small body in comparison to its bulky predecessors and offers a frame counter and a built-in selectable flash with a flash-ready light. Easy enough for a child to use, the Polaroid JoyCam operates with the push of a single button--no focusing is necessary.

The design feature that sets the Polaroid JoyCam apart from other instant cameras is its film delivery system--or lack of one. Traditional instant cameras relied on film cartridges with built-in batteries to enable the camera to expel each shot; however, this model works without a battery. Instead, users pull a plastic ring on the side of the camera to extract the exposed frame. This manual process enables Polaroid to offer a lighter camera body and compatible instant film cartridges at a more reasonable price.

The Polaroid JoyCam takes pictures at a range of 3 feet to infinity. It works with Polaroid 500 instant film and produces pictures that measure 4.4 by 2.5 inches, which is slightly smaller than traditional Polaroid shots.

Customer Reviews:

Junk!.......2007-05-11

This was bought as a second camera to do Polaroids for charity events. Don't waste your money on this. Go with a nice Polaroid or a digital with printer. This went in the trash!

better than before but still needs improvement.......2003-01-11

My friend and I just went to Italy and took this camera along with my 35 mm camera. We took the JoyCam for "just for fun" type pictures but it became a hassle. Because of the sleek design it was hard to hold on to. The strap is attached to the part of the camera used to pull the film out so you can't use the strap as a handle. And we kept accidentally hitting the button to take pictures because there is no safeguard against it. It is smaller than other polaroid cameras but still a bit bulky. I didn't find it very good for travel.

This is the perfect party camera.......2001-10-02

I own two Joycams, and I love them!! I'm 25 years old, and this camera is perfect for parties and for taking out to clubs. The strap is long enough to sling over your shoulder, and the funky design of the camera makes for a great conversation starter. The best thing about it is you get your picture right there and then. It adds so much to a night out with friends.

Sleek, Fun, & Practical--All Loaded Into One.......2000-12-14

Instant gratification is the name of Polaroid's unique silver cased JoyCam's snap-snap-get-that-shot game. No, they are not full sized pics, or of the highest quality. But, you do get an inexpensive, sleek looking, fun shooter and an opportunity to catch those out of the blue, "oh I wish I had my camera" views.

A bit bigger and lighter than a cell phone, this zapper fits into small purses, teen boys' cargo pockets, and safely in an auto's glove box. I like to keep it handy while driving about town. You just never know what you might see. I have spied an alligator slithering down a neighborhood sewer drain, a famous QB at practice, not on the grid-iron, but at a golf driving range, and unfortunately, needed insurance pix of a fender bender, mine. (That alone did pay for the camera and loads more film)

Also, having a 35-mm SLR and dabbling in photography as a hobby--this high-tech instant camera is useful for taking what my husband calls remembrance shots; places we want to shoot again. We just pull the 'lil cord, note on the back where we took the subject & file them on index cards with any additional notes and keep them in an old recipe box. And if we never pass that way again--at least we have some fond memory.

Hey, it's a fun camera, at a good price, which has practical uses and is sleek enough for first time users to the pickiest gadget-guru.

Fun but not for V.I.P. (very important photos).......2000-11-29

The concept is cool, and the camera is fun for kids/teens or parties. It is particularly suited to close-ups for the best picture quality.

However, I want to warn people that (unless they have changed the chemical makeup of the film over the years) the polaroid pictures do NOT age well. We have some pictures taken when we were kids 20 years ago with polaroid film. The pictures are ruined b/c the "paste" or whatever the picture is composed of turns brittle, and if you bend the picture even slightly, the image cracks all throughout the surface like a mini jigsaw puzzle. It's heartbreaking to lose irreplacable photos like these because the integrity of the film deteriorates over the years. Whether or not the film Polaroid uses today will do the same two decades from now, I guess remains to be seen. But **JUST IN CASE** I would NOT recommend using a Polaroid camera for photos that will be precious to you in the future!

In summary, if you want quick photo enjoyment, this will do fine but be sure to bring a "regular" 35 mm camera to that wedding, birthday, or family reunion in addition to this!!

Average customer rating:
StorCase Data Express DE200, 68-Pin Wide SCSI Ultra2, Carrier Only - Storage drive cage - black

Manufacturer: Kingston Technology
ProductGroup: CE

Host Bus Adaptors | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
ASIN: B0009MGMI8

Product Description

The Data Express DE200 is a steel-constructed removable drive enclosure for mounting 3.5-inch form factor, half-height or low-profile (up to 1-inch high) SCSI drives into 5.25-inch half-height peripheral bays. The DE200 was designed especially for high shock and vibration environments, providing a lock-down device carrier feature and non-PVC materials. The DE200 is available with either 8-bit or 16-bit single-ended SCSI connections, including versions that support SCSI Wide Ultra2 (LVD) implementations with up to 80MByte/sec transfer rates. Some DE200 carrier model versions support 80-pin single-connect (SCA) 16-bit drive types. Options are also available for an enhanced, bus-isolating hot swap capacity and/or a solenoid drive lock.

Average customer rating:
SwissMemory USB 128mb/ Travelsafe/ Flight-version

Manufacturer: Swissbit Victorinox
ProductGroup: CE

128 MB | USB Flash Drives | Drives & Storage | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Removable mass storage device

Powerful SecureLOCK software will allow you to protect your data

Rugged design

Can facilitate stacking on USB ports

ASIN: B0006TVVNU

Product Description

TravelSafe/ Flight-Version Plug the SWISSMEMORY TM USB Victorinox into any USB port and see it appear as a removable mass storage device under all supported Operating Systems. Available in 64MB, 128MB, 256MB, and 512MB versions. Powerful SecureLOCK software will allow you to protect your data, be it some files, a partition or your whole Victorinox. SecureLOCK also verifies your devices integrity and lets you permanently erase data stored on the Victorinox. After all, this is your personal, mobile storage device and we make sure your data stays truly yours If your carry your Victorinox USB on a lanyard around your neck, slide it in your jackets pocket or put it onto a key-chain, the SWISSMEMORY® USB Victorinox is of a rugged design, built to protect your valuable data. And as an added benefit, looks gorgeous. Its got an integrated: Pen to note your quick thoughts, a LED to point out important things, or to find some, a powerful and easy to use USB Storage Device. You can use the Victorinox on any Windows 98SE, Windows ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Mac OS 9.0 & higher and Linux 2.4 and above device equipped with an 1.1 or 2.0 USB port. On all Victorinox USB the memory part can be detached from the main body to facilitate stacking on USB ports For safety-conscious travelers, the SWISSMEMORY USB Victorinox is available without the knife tools and features the LED light, the pressurized ball-pen and the USB memory... TravelSafe/ Flight-Version LED Indicator blinks to indicate write/read status

Product Description

Reduced glare in general is a good thing. Reduced glare in a binocular is a great thing. Snow. Water. Bright, sunny, bluebird days all have a way of testing the optical performance of any pair of binoculars. Enter the Sonoma series. With fully coated optics for exceptional light transmission and Rubicon -coated objective lenses for brilliant daylight viewing, these binoculars are unanimously praised for achieving outstanding optical performance and minimizing reflection.

Product Description

Founded in 1985 Raritan Computer is the industry's leading designer and manufacturer of high quality electronic KVM (keyboard, video, and mouse) switches and related connectivity products, such as network adapters and others. Raritan customers save space and reduce equipment costs by eliminating unnecessary peripherals, and improve systems management through centralized computer control.

Product Description

AIT-1 5.25IN MOUNT KIT BLK BEZEL

Sony KITU51/BK3 5.25-Inch Bezel Kit for SDX 700 AIT 3 Tape Drive Storage (Black)

Average customer rating:

Sony KITU51/BK3 5.25-Inch Bezel Kit for SDX 700 AIT 3 Tape Drive Storage (Black)

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Desktops | Sony | Computers Brands | Computers Features | Electronics

All Sony | Sony | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics

ASIN: B00006L3EV

Product Description

Sony's worldwide reputation for creating unique, attractive, high-quality, advanced technology products rests on a long line of innovations embraced by people from all walks of life. With a diverse product lineup serving a variety of lifestyles and industries, Sony continuously strives to introduce new products and technologies to meet changing market needs.

Product Description

TDK write-once DVD-R discs offer playback compatibility with most set-top DVD players and computer-based DVD drives.

Product Description

SimpleTech provides one of the most complete offerings of performance memory solutions in the industry, unsurpassed in quality, performance, and price. With over a decade of design and manufacturing expertise, SimpleTech knows what it takes to build quality and reliability into every memory solution. SimpleTech takes the complexity out of choosing the right solution for your system. With support for hundreds of desktop, notebook, workstation, server, and printer models, it offers thousands of memory upgrades made for your system.This memory is designed for Lexmark T520, T520d, T520dn, T520n, T522, T522dn, T522n, T620, T622, W820, W820n, Optra C710, Optra C710dn, Optra C710n, Optra C720, Optra T 610, Optra T 610n, Optra T 612, Optra T 612n, Optra T 614, Optra T 614n, Optra T 614nl, Optra T 616, Optra T 616n.

Product Description

Always first with high-speed media, Verbatim is pleased to announce Verbatim DataLifePlus 4X speed DVD-Recordable for General Use discs. Available in branded and printable surface configurations, Verbatim 4X DVD-R media can be used with the new higher-speed DVD writers from Sony, Pioneer and other leading manufacturers, as well as upgraded 2X writers from Apple, Pioneer and others.Verbatim 4X DVD-R discs offer 4.7GB of write-once storage capacity, superior recording quality, and compatibility with 1X to 4X DVD-R writers. Users can achieve data transfer rates of up to 5.54 MB/sec. and can write a complete 4X 4.7GB disc in about 15 minutes. Verbatim DVD-R discs are based on an advanced "Metal Azo" recording dye, which provides the highest level of performance, reliability, and archival life. In addition, Verbatim DVD-R media provide broad read compatibility with the vast majority of DVD-ROM drives and DVD-Video players in use today. Verbatim DataLifePlus 4X DVD-R discs offer an affordable solution for a wide range of applications, including home and professional video recording, DVD content development, DVD duplication, PC back-up, and data archiving.

Average customer rating:

CRT ver LCD

Good Looks, Poor Performance, Poor Support

"Software not compatible with Windows" - yikes!

Excellent CRT for Graphic Design

Excellent Monitor

ViewSonic G90FB-2 Perfect Flat 19" CRT Monitor

Manufacturer: ViewSonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

19" | Monitors | Apple | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics
All Monitors | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
19-Inch | CRT | Monitors & Projectors | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Accessories:

Belkin HDDB15M/F PC Monitor Extension Cable (6 FT)

Belkin F2N025-10 VGA HDDB15M/F Monitor Extension Cable (10 FT)

Fellowes 5-Position Monitor Riser

Belkin F2N028-06 VGA Monitor Replacement Cable

3M Screen Cleaner Kit for Monitors/Screen Filters/Privacy Filters

Product Features:

1,600 x 1,200 resolution at 77 Hz

Fine 0.25 mm dot pitch

PerfectFlat screen with SuperClear coating

3-year warranty

PC and Mac compatible

ASIN: B00006B6WO

Product Description

The ViewSonic G90fb represents an exciting technology milestone by incorporating a PerfectFlat screen with shadow mask technology for edge-to-edge precise images, sharp focus and fine image clarity. This 19" (18.0" viewable) monitor features SuperClear technology and an ultra-fine 0.21 mm horizontal (0.25 mm diagonal) dot pitch for superior display performance. And its PerfectFlat screen reduces light reflection. For the demanding user in graphic design, CAD/CAM, and general business applications, you can now find a shadow mask PerfectFlat solution in the G90fb.

Customer Reviews:

CRT ver LCD.......2007-05-14

This monitor was not as bright as the Sony I had before but Sony no longer makes a CRT monitor. I have an LCD monitor and when you compare the LCD monitor with this monitor the LCD is junk. This monitor has a good picture. The thing I didn't like about Viewsonic monitors is that is shows up in the Device Hardware and in the video properties as a plug and play monitor, instead of telling you the name of the monitor and the model number.

Good Looks, Poor Performance, Poor Support.......2005-11-02

Purchased ViewSonic G90fb 19" CRT based on other reviews. Much to my surprise the unit I received does not perform as expected. Monitor brightness varies depending on the windows that are open on the screen - when there is a large white window open (i.e. My Computer) the screen darkens and shrinks about 1 mm on all sides. When the white window is resized or minimized, the whole screen visibly lightens and expands. I can accept the fact that maybe this unit is defective, but the ViewSonic customer support is virtually non-existent: after trying for one week I have no response to 5 separate emails, the telephone support is inevitably 'busy assisting other customers' and 'experiencing high volume'. Based on my personal experience, I would strongly advise anybody against doing business with ViewSonic.

"Software not compatible with Windows" - yikes! .......2005-07-05

Just bought this, lugged it upstairs, onto the desk, etc., and when I put in the disk to load the software, I got a message saying "Contact hardware vendor for software that has passed Windows logo testing. Do not proceed any further or it will damage your system, etc" -- !? I am trying to get to the bottom of it, but so far, this hasn't been smooth sailing!

Excellent CRT for Graphic Design.......2005-05-02

I'm a graphic artist who uses 2 of these monitors side-by-side, day-in and day-out, 8+ hours a day 5 days a week. I haven't had a single issue with them since I got them new over a year ago.

Both are set at 1280x1024x32 on a 128MB Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 on Windows XP Pro. I have my taskbar along the left side of my left monitor. They are heavy-ish like any CRT monitor but aren't as deep as some 19" monitors. If you took a 19x19x19 inch cube, thats the space you'd need for this monitor.

A little education for you:
1. Like all consumer electronic equipment, performance will vary based on your environment. I have 2 identical models that were purchased at the same time, and even then I must use professional color calibration hardware and software to get accurate. By default they don't match. That's normal.
2. "Viewable" area IS 18" (diagonal) but that does NOT mean your desktop will fill that whole area unless you adjust the monitor to do so. I've never liked the marketing spin that allows 18" viewable to be called 19" monitors due to some technicality. Like 0-60 times on automobiles, it may be fact though it may not equal real world practicality. LCDs win it that respect; 19" on the box equals 19" viewable.

At work, color reproduction is more important than monitor size. So since good CRT monitors are more color true (very important for designing print projects) than LCD monitors, these monitors fit the bill. (I do use a single 19" LCD at home.)

Excellent Monitor.......2004-12-27

While, as other people have noted, this is not truly a "flat" screen monitor, in the most rigid sense of the word, it is indeed an excellent monitor that I am most pleased with. The refresh rate offered at the resolution of 1600 x 1200 appears to not flicker at all, and the color I see while playing video games (Battlefield: Vietnam; Farcry) is absolutely astonishing.

The only disappointment to this monitor, as I'm sure you've read already, is the fact that it is not as flat as an LCD screen. Don't let that discourage you from purchasing this, though, as it is an incredible monitor. I have not seen better color and performance from any other monitor in the nearby price range. Let me also assuage your worries by explaining that this is indeed a 19" monitor, with what appears to be exactly 18" of viewable screen.

I do not regret my purchase at all, and don't expect to upgrade my monitor for a long period of time.

Average customer rating:

ViewSonic Happy

G90FB 19" CRT Monitor

Manufacturer: ViewSonic
ProductGroup: CE

Customer Reviews:

ViewSonic Happy.......2007-03-14

A very good monitor for the price, i use it for editing pictures in PhotoShop. I only with it was larger, but then i wouldn't have as much room on my desk.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics