Title : SiPix StyleCam Blink Digital Camera
Author : SIPIX
Release Date : 20020602
Binding : Electronics
Regular Price : $49.99
Amazon.com Price : $44.28
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Editorial Reviews : Squarely aimed at the family, the SiPix StyleCam Blink is a digital camera that is both compact and easy to use. With its simple point-and-click operation, multiple modes (including two resolutions and continuous shoot), and a stack of bundled software, the Blink sets new standards in digital imaging on a budget. The StyleCam Blink is a compact digital camera that offers resolutions of 640 x 480 and 320 x 240, allowing for up to 400 images on its internal 8 MB memory when shooting at the lower setting. The installation process is very straightforward: install the drivers, reboot the machine, and then plug the camera into a spare USB port.
The camera itself is very easy to use, with all of the features accessible by the press of a single button. The small LCD window shows the camera mode and options available as well as the number of images taken. The Blink can take still images, of course, and a series of 100 images that can be stitched together to make a short video clip. Also, the camera can be used as a Webcam.
The images produced are sharp and clear and very acceptable considering the size and price of the camera. Our only criticism is the slight shutter lag of about half a second; it becomes annoying if you want to picture moving objects. If you're capturing still life or using the camera as a Webcam, this will be irrelevant.
The manufacturers clearly thought about their target audience when packaging the software with the camera. The unit comes with a range of six software titles, including ArcSoft's PhotoImpression and PhotoFantasy 2000. The software is fun and very easy to use. Simply transfer the images from your camera onto your computer via PhotoImpression and then edit them to your heart's content. For those of you wanting to have a bit of fun with family members, PhotoFantasy 2000 gives you the chance to place someone's head on another body. Again, this is very easy to do and is a lot of fun. Other software included is VideoImpression, a basic video-editing package and some Webcam software.
The Blink won't win any awards for image quality, but for how much it costs, you wouldn't expect it to. It does, however, offer better-quality images than its competitors. The ability to store up to 400 images on the 8 MB memory is a real bonus. It's a great little camera, given how little it costs, and the bundled software will keep kids of all ages amused for a good few hours.
Buyer Reviews : I got it and it worked great. No, image quality is nothing compared to a megapixel camera, but its great for fun snapshots or quick email pics. Then I tried the movie feature which is really just a mode which allows the camera to shoot up to 100 frames in rapid succession. It wasnt smooth hi res movie footage, but it was fun and mimicked video. Lastly, I tried out the webcam feature. The picture quality was on par with other webcams Ive viewed. So I am 99% satisfied. My only complaint is that it eats batteries, even when the camera is off. The type of memory used creates a constant battery drain, so DONT leave the battery in it.
Leaving the battery in also runs it down when on webcam mode. It doesnt need to battery for that so take it out. So anyways, I decided that its a keeper. Wanting a way to protect it I decided it needed a small case to keep it in. Nobody makes a case this small so I made my own. I cut some pieces of suede leather and taught myself how to slow. It took me the exact running time of Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone to make this case. Yes folks, the camera is just that good to be worthy of such labor.
Sipix tech support is excellent. I dont know what you other reviewers are talking about, but I have gotten a lot of good info from Jim who is always very helpful and knowledgeable. By the way, I have never needed tech support for the blink, but for my other Sipix cam.
Point is people that this camera is for fun. Dont expect it to take pictures in the dark or record family home movies.
(by finkleaaron)
Features/Technical Specs : * 0.3 Megapixel digital camera captures images up to 640 x 480 pixels * 8 MB memory can save up to 400 photos * Digital camera, video conferencing camera, streaming video camera, and USB video camera all in one * Connects with PCs; includes Windows-compatible software * Powered by 1 AAA battery
