What Time Tells

Well, I'm back again to express my opinion on the Polaroid 640 digital camera. Here is what I have discovered over the past weeks now that I've had time to spend with the camera.

The Polaroid 640 digital camera is still highly comparable to other brands. Both in quality, resolution, and price range. As with most digital cameras in the $299 price range the results are good.

Resolution is the biggest factor in photo quality. The higher the resolution the better quality picture. However, as resolution increases, so does cost. If your going to use a digital camera for photo's of a new born to send via e-mail or place on the web site. The $299 priced digital camera will be fine with its 640 x 480 resolution. Comes standard with a 2 MB flash card that holds 36 full 640 x 480 resolution pictures and 96 low 320 x 240 resolution pictures. Holds 12 pics at its highest resolution.

The Polaroid 640 digital camera is easy to setup on the computer. I have install the software on three totally different systems. All using Windows 98 as the operating system. The installation was a breeze and took maybe a minute or two. To date there has been no conflicts caused by the PhotoMax software. The upload procedure is simple and straightforward. Plug in the included serial cord, connect to the camera, turn the camera on and upload. There has been no problems here either. Polaroid has reduced the technical complications for first time user. The camera itself is attractive, is durable, and simple to use.

Though I did not need to read the instructions - they very user friendly. However, the instruction book dose need some minor improvements. Example: no where in the manual was I able to find what the Maximum SmartMedia Card the camera could accept. (I'll mention this later in this paragraph.) The camera's light weight and fits neatly in most shirt or jacket pockets. The number of photos the camera can hold at any one time can be easily increased with a separate purchase of smart flash cards (smart memory flash cards can be bought in 2 MB, 4 MB,... 16 MB ... up to 128 MB sizes). Here's the biggy. This camera can only accept a SmartMedia Card as large as 8 MB. This was a disappointment because i had planned a purchase for larger Memory size.

The software for this camera requires a minimum of 70 MB of hard drive space for installation. If your a novice or always on the run this software is what you need. However, I like to improve my graphics with Adobe or IExpress. Both programs work well with this camera's interface. I especial enjoyed the Photo Printer software that was included. It allows you to quickly and effortlessly print photo proofs like the professional (color printer preferred).

Don't have a computer. Don't fret! You can attach the digital camera to your TV set and display the photos. Turn on your VCR and record them to VHS tape. A great way to share those precious moments with family and friends. Don't have and interest in buying a PC but would like to print your photos from the camera. You can do that also - just drop by your favorite electronics store and look for a color print that uses the Smart Flash Cards.

I would recommend a Polaroid 640 digital camera to a first time buyer, novice photographer, or that student headed off for college. It's a great way to introduce yourself or a child to photography. Without the expense of film and photo developing. The Polaroid 640Digital Camera with PhotoMax software is highly reliable. The LCD is crisp and clear and the function buttons respond promptly. This camera allowed me to take over two hundred photos in various resolutions with the LCD screen off. However, I was only able to take 100+ pictures with the LCD On before batteries were drained. ( I only use premium batteries (the copper top) though).

As I mentioned earlier in this opinion. I was unable to find what the Maximum size SmartMedia Card this camera would accept in their manual. So I call Polaroid's 800 # for service. I had to wait about three minutes before I received a techie on-line. He was polite, courteous and able to answer the few questions I had. Though there was no real problem for him to solve. I would have to good them a solid A+. As i put this fine camera through the test - I'll come back and write comments. I will leave all of my past opinions up so you may review as well. Feel free to compare my past opinions with presents ones. I sincerely hope that you are finding my opinions helpful.

Prices are starting to drop daily making digital cameras more affordable. Polaroid 640 digital camera would make a nice first purchase. Though I won this particular camera. It has in no way effected the my opinion.