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| Mustek GSmart 350 |
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Hardware Reviews November 2000 • Vol.3 Issue 11 |
Mustek GSmart 350 | ||
 The GSmart 350 digital camera from Mustek only costs about $140 (estimated street price). That alone should tell you the camera's image quality isn't going to knock you off your feet. But don't let that deter you from considering the camera. This model has a few features that make it stand apart from other cameras in the sub-$200 price range. First, the camera ships with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection, something rare among sub-$200 cameras. Also uncommon is the inclusion of an LCD (liquid-crystal display), albeit one that uses what Mustek calls CyberDisplay technology, which entails combining the LCD with the optical viewfinder. Using the LCD is a matter of viewing it through the optical viewfinder, which measures about .5 inch x .5 inch. The design takes getting used to, but it's a clever one, letting users review and delete images immediately after taking them. That's important because the camera's internal memory stores just 12 shots at a top resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. Fortunately, there is a CompactFlash card slot for an optional memory card. Also unique is the camera's ability to operate as a Web cam, although it does so with a relatively choppy and grainy image. The camera also captures five- to 10-second QuickTime movies, provided there's enough available internal memory. You can only view movies after transferring them to a PC or notebook. Also pleasing is the camera's attractive point-and-shoot appearance and design. Weighing around 10 ounces without batteries, the camera is lightweight and small enough to slip into a coat pocket. In addition, it has 2X digital zoom, focuses 25 inches to infinity, and runs on three common AA alkaline batteries that have a surprisingly long life span. The images the GSmart 350 produces are best suited for posting to the Web, attaching to e-mail, or producing average-looking small prints. The camera's one-third-inch CMOS (complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor) sensor is small, and the fixed focus lens didn't capture the sharpest images. That said, our images were fairly clear and contained accurate colors that rate better than most other sub-$200 cameras we've seen. Perhaps more important for a camera at this price is how easy it is to use. With only five buttons on the entire camera, you won't be intimidated; moving through the menus is a breeze. But like similar models, the GSmart 350's best attribute is its price, which is hard to beat, considering the camera's USB connection (cable included), ability to capture video, and ease of use. by Blaine Flamig
$140 Mustek (949) 790-3800 (877) 550-3529 http://www.mustek.com
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