Hard Drive Camcorder Software

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Description

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).

Features

• 4.13 megapixel (3.95 effective megapixels) sensor creates 2272 x 1704 images for prints at 8 by 10 inches and beyond
• 3x optical plus 2.5x digital (7.5x total) zoom lens with autofocus
• Included 16 MB SD card holds 14 images at default resolution
• Connects with Macs and PCs via USB connector
• Features subject tracking autofocus

Reviews

Decent digital camera with minor drawback

by Warchief from SoCal on 2008-10-16
Pros:
- The camera is able to produce high resolution pictures.
- The control panel is easy to navigate.
- The structure is rigid.
Cons:
- The camera is power hungry. It is able to devour a standard NiMH rechargeable battery after a minor usage.
- The video capture is unable to go beyond 35s limit (the device is outdated).
Conclusion: Get a better & modern digital camera if you have money to spend. If you decide to get this gadget, don't forget to bring extra batteries.

Lens stop working, Twice!

by C. Chan from CA on 2008-01-20
The camera was great when it worked. However, the lens part stopped working twice. The first time the lens just stopped coming out. It cost about over $100 to get it fixed. According to the camera shop, it was some lens part they had to order from Minolta. And then about few months later, the camera was dropped on carpet flooring, and the lens stopped coming out again. That was when we stopped paying to get it fixed.

Other than that, the camera was wonderful. It took great photos, videos, and audios. It lasted about 2 years total. I got it when it first came out, so it was somewhere around $350-$400 dollars.

both of them are broken

by M. Thompson from Fenton, MO on 2005-07-28
I owned this camera and I used one at work. Both of them malfunctioned after about 1 year (lens extension motor stuck open). Also, battery life was terrible. Constantly changing out batteries even when using 2300 NiMHs. LCD viewfinder was useless outdoors.

Great camera for the price

by Svavar O. Svavarsson from Washington, DC on 2005-02-27
This camera takes great pictures and I love the Area Auto Focus that lets you tell the camera where to focus.

My major problem with it is that the selector dial sticks out and can turn when you put the camera in your pocket. This has happened several times and I think it damaged something because the focus stopped working after 4 months of ownership.

Other than that, it is very slow but takes great pictures.

it broke

by eva paulhus from maine on 2004-11-09
i love the quality of the pictures, and it'sfun to use, but the motor broke beyond repair right after the warantee was over. wouldn't buy another one.