posted on October 12, 2000 08:00:42 AM
OK, Mavica users, no laughing at this! I truly want just a very basic, inexpensive digital camera to use ONLY for auction photos. But it has to work. Anyone use this product, and does it do the job? thanks -
posted on October 12, 2000 09:26:16 AM
It is not the cost.
It is how much frustration you can tolerate when you cannot achieve the result you wanted when using ANY equipment.
It also is how much you value yout time. You can always use something less expensive and spent more time to compensate the needed features.
I use Sony Mavica becasue it will do the job correctly, esily, conveniently WITHOUT frustraction and wasting time. No cable hookup to down load. You see the result BEFORE the shutter button is pressed. You pop the diskette in the computer and it is done.
Go to a store and play with the Mavica, ANY Mavica for thirty minutes. Bring a diskette with you.
posted on October 12, 2000 09:30:05 AM
Hi Antiquebarn - thanks for your answer. I see your point, but I still have that choking sensation over the price of the nicer cameras. I talked to a friend about how she uses her digital to load photos for auctions, and it did sound time-consuming. Hmmm.
posted on October 12, 2000 09:36:42 AM
Believe it or not I use this Camera for my Auctions. It is adequate, but that is about it. I am going to upgrade, but if you can get this really cheap (I got mine at "Best Buy" for around $50) it's at least a good introduction to digital.
Images
Color: 24-bit (millions of colors) True Color
YUV (4:2:2)
Storage, Interfaces, and Power
500K internal Flash Memory
Minimum 18 images; maximum 40 stored in Flash Memory
Serial interface: RS-232C
1 9-volt battery
User Controls and Other Features
Automatic self-timer
Tripod mountable
Automatic power saving mode
Audio signals
Physical
Dimension: 4.49"(l) x 1.38" (w) x 2.76" (h)
Weight: 4 oz. (approximate without batteries)
From what I have read on Polaroid's site, this is not much of a camera. 500k of internal memory is very little, and the range mentioned of 3 feet to infinity means you won't be able to get closer than 3 feet to your objects. If you have small items, this isn't going to cut it.
I would suggest reading some reviews of Digital Cameras on some of the PC Magazine web sites before you buy. Try:
posted on October 12, 2000 09:45:36 AM
I compromised with the Olympus D-360L (around $300.00 at Wal-mart). You still have to mess with cords to download, but it holds 36 pics and takes very nice close-ups.
posted on October 12, 2000 09:51:51 AM
Optics
Lens focal range: 3 feet - infinity
320 x 240 CCD image sensor
This spec means absolutely positively no close up or macro. It also seem to be a fixed focus camera and not a auto-focus camera because of the price. You are not going to get good pictures of any small objects or medium objects.
posted on October 12, 2000 10:41:53 AM
Keziak, Don't do it. I was going to get the Polaroid 320 first, then I thought why not get the next best from that, the Polaroid 640.
It takes just ok pictures, and no close ups, An I have tried all the settings, which is not that much. It has been to the Polaroid factory after only having it a couple of weeks. The service from Polaroid was great they replaced the camera. I am getting ready to sell it on ebay, but only after I purchase a new Sony Mavica and after my sales warrants the cost of a new camera.
I bought mine off ebay and the shipping was $13.00. It arrived in a USPS box with a $6.95 stamp on it. The camera was just in the box, no packing material of anything. I keep scratching my head about the other $6.00. This was from someone who sells alot of refurbs on ebay.
Good luck.
I used the Polaroid 320 for quite a while when I first started selling on Ebay. I then upgraded to a Polaroid 600. I don't think there was much difference in the quality of the cameras. I recently upgraded to a Sony Mavica FD-73 and it was WELL worth the extra money. I will not have to upgrade to another camera for quite a while now. There is just no comparison in the quality. A polaroid will "get you by" but that is it. A Sony Mavica will sell your items for you! My mother has a Polaroid 320 & 600 also - and now she has me take her pictures for her with my Sony Mavica. What's that tell you?
The extra money is worth it - it will pay for itself in no time!
____________________________________
The only place you'll find success before work is in the dictionary.
posted on October 12, 2000 04:12:29 PM
thanks, everyone! I did some more reading and decided to avoid this little 320 like the plague. Being impetuous, I bid on and won a higher-level Polaroid on ebay. Its reviews were a lot better. Unless it's piece of crap, it will be a start for me. Maybe my reward for being a good little ebayer for another 6 months or so will be to get the Real Thing (a Mavica?)
