|
||
 |
||
|
| Agfa ePhoto CL18 |
 Email This
 Print ThisView My Personal Library |
|
Hardware Reviews December 2000 • Vol.3 Issue 12 |
Agfa ePhoto CL18 | ||
 The best quality of the ePhoto CL18 from Agfa may be its price. At just $115, the camera also carries the Agfa brand name, which has become synonymous with quality digital imaging products. Combine that recognition with the camera's ability to operate as a basic Web camera for videoconferencing and you have an entry-level model worth considering. Despite its attractive price and dual functionality, we won't fool you into believing the ePhoto CL18 is an advanced model. Beyond a built-in flash and choice of setting image quality to Standard or High, the camera is fully automatic. In addition, there's just 2MB of internal memory for storing only 32 images before you must delete or transfer shots to make room for more. Experienced users will also likely be steered away by the camera's lack of a LCD (liquid-crystal display), the use of a CMOS sensor, a limiting 640 x 480-pixel resolution, and the 7.2mm (equivalent to a 45mm lens on a 35mm camera) lens that has no zoom ability. Instead, the focus is fixed at 50cm to infinity. In addition, the camera omits a serial port and has only a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connection to transfer images. USB is the preferred transfer method, but if your computer doesn't have a USB port, you're out of luck because of the CL18's lack of removable memory. On the plus side, the camera couldn't be easier to use. With no options to set or menus to navigate, the camera is a simple point-and-shoot operation. In addition, inserting the camera in the included tripod mount and connecting it to a computer to videoconference is nearly as easy. The camera lacks the features of a full-blown Web camera, but it ships with a variety of good Corel software. As you might expect from a camera with a resolution of just 640 x 480 pixels, the ePhoto CL18's images aren't the best. Our shots lacked vibrant colors and depth, although they were fairly clear and sharp. Overall, the shots are best suited for Web posting and e-mail uses. The ePhoto CL18 bundles with two AA alkaline batteries, though rechargeable batteries can be used. In addition, there's an LED display on the back to view the quality and flash settings and the number of images left in memory. For just $115, the camera's hard-plastic frame isn't the most solid you'll find, but the camera does deliver dual functions that are extremely easy to use. by Blaine Flamig
$115 Agfa (800) 879-2432 (978) 658-5600 http://www.agfa.com
|
|
Home Copyright & Legal Information Privacy Policy Site Map Contact Us