Steve’s Digicams have a broadly favorable review of the Sanyo Xacti HD1 Hi-Def digital camera: ‘The SANYO Xacti HD1 is the world’s first high-definition compact digital media camera offering advanced, next-generation video performance. The palm-sized HD1 records both 720p high-definition video and 5.1-megapixel digital still images to a standard Secure Digital flash memory card.
the Xacti VPC-HD1 was a blast to use. I love how well it fits in your hand, and is still small enough that you can tuck it away easily. Although the image quality could be a bit better, the awesome movie mode, versatile lens and gorgeous OLED display make up for it. With an MSRP of around $800 we feel it’s too expensive …’

Here are some useful facts and tips about using photo-printers to produce excellent photographs direct from the camera.

Gone are the days of the box-camera — it is the age of digital technology and digital cameras have taken over the entire range of photography. Digital camera printers with many unique and useful features are now available to take care of this deficiency.

As these digital camera printers do not need a computer to give you the prints, you can print directly from the camera and this makes it very convenient and portable. However, deciding which printer, out of the hundreds flooding the market, would suit you best is the most important question. Given below are the special features and other information relating to these cameras that will help you make the right choice.

In order to get prints at home, digital camera printers have special features ranging from paper sensors that recognize photo media to built-in editing tools. The other special features are given below:

• Memory Card Slots: If you have a memory card slot, all that you have to do is to insert your camera’s memory card and print. You don’t need a computer or any cables.

• Color LCD screen: You can see the photos on a color LCD screen before you print.

• Front-panel buttons: If you want to preview, edit or remove the red eyes, you should choose a printer that has front-panel buttons for this purpose.

• Photo proof sheets: Thumbnail images on a printed page can be displayed on photo proof sheets to enable you to preview and choose the photos you wish to print.

• One-touch connections: You can have one-touch connections to your printer, TV, and PC if you place your camera in a built-in dock for printing directly from your camera. The other advantage is that you can recharge your batteries every time you connect.

Besides considering the above factors you should also consider the following paper-handling factors before you decide which digital camera printer you wish to buy.

• Capacity: It is cumbersome to keep on adding paper to the printer. As such the number of sheets a printer can hold is important. Generally personal printers hold between 100 and 300 sheets.

• Versatility: Choose the printer that can print on the type of paper you wish to use. Some printers cannot print on certain types of papers that other printers can.

• Paper size: Your choice of a printer should be such that it can handle letter (8 1/2″ x 11″) and legal (8 1/2″ x 14″) sizes, as well as borderless 4″ x 6″ and 5″ x 7″ photo paper, panoramic paper, and envelopes.

• Image Quality: The prices of the printers of color photographs, though high in the beginning, have now come down and are within the reach of the average buyer but you must ensure that the printer can deliver photo realistic results, which should be as close to real photographic prints as possible.

• Print Resolution: For fine details and smooth gradation the print resolution should be about 2,400 x 1,200 dpi and this would be more than sufficient.

These digital camera printers store the images we capture on a memory storage device like a memory stick, a memory card, or even the camera’s built-in memory. There are many people who would also like to have actual copies of their photographs. It is a matter of choice and depending on your needs you can choose the best digital camera printer. The above-mentioned features will help you in making the right choice.

By Ismael D. Tabije, who runs the website, www.bestlaptopnotebookdeal.com

If you’re new to digital photography here are Ten Top Tips for buying a digital camera:

1. Price: This can vary from around $100 to upto $10,000 for a high end professional camera. You can buy one with good resolution and options for under $600. Ones with more manual control settings can be found for around $600-2000 dollars, usually suited to serious amateurs.

2. Resolution: To print good quality color photos at the standard film sizes 4″x6″ or 5″x7″ you’ll need a 1-2 megapixel camera. If you are printing as large as 8″x10″ then you’re going to need a higher resolution around 2-3 megapixels.

3. Viewfinder: Low-end digital cameras provide an optical viewfinder while more expensive ones replace the viewfinder with a LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). Look towards purchasing one with an LCD display. Kodak make digital cameras with superb displays so have a look at those.

4. Focus: Most cameras are either fixed-focus or autofocus which is suitable for the average digital camera user. With a fixed-focus lens everything from a few feet to infinity is in focus. The only problem with this is when shooting pictures up close. Autofocus will automatically bring whatever is in the centre of the viewfinder into focus.

5. Storage: Many cameras come with a small memory card, but if you want to take lots of pictures or footage, it is a good idea to check whether what is supplied is enough. Chances are it won’t be, so look at how much a new ‘decent’ capacity memory card etc is going to cost for that particular model.

6. Compression: If you want the highest possible image quality, look for a camera that will let you save pictures in “CCD raw mode” which means with no compression at all.

7. Batteries: It is important to get a camera that will accept rechargeable batteries. There are three varieties of batteries available Nickel Cadmium (NiCad), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) and Lithium-ion (Li-ion or LiOn). A camera may accept only one or two kinds of batteries so be sure to find out what kind.

8. Power Saving: To save battery power, use a camera that accepts an AC adaptor.

9. Interface: If you are interested in maximum speed you should keep your eyes open for cameras and card readers that support FireWire

10. Video Output: This can be invaluable for presentations. If you would like to do this, look for a camera with a video-output terminal. It allows you to display your pictures on a TV or projector.

By David Crossley of www.digitalcamerasinfozone.com ( All the information you need on buying your next digital camera ).

There’s a favorable review of the Olympus SP-350 Digital Camera over at Imaging Resource. Here’s a taster: ‘The 8.0-megapixel, 3x-zoom Olympus SP-350 is an excellent performer where it counts: printed image quality. It has a wealth of features in a surprisingly compact body; and though it’s not the most attractive design you’ll start to like it right away when you shoot with it. Featuring a full range of exposure control, in addition to 24 preset Scene modes, the SP-350 caters to a large audience. Novices will appreciate the availability of point-and-shoot control, while more experienced users will enjoy the availability of full manual exposure control. A large 2.5-inch LCD monitor provides accurate framing, and a great place to view pictures, with a real-image optical viewfinder available to save battery power, a feature disappearing from most digicams with a large LCD. Though the camera’s Auto white balance setting tends toward a warmer color cast, overall color is generally pretty good, and exposure about right (though high contrast under harsh lighting). Though the slow shutter lag and image transfer times could have been better, the printed image quality of the SP-350 really surprised us.’

Check the latest offer on the Olympus SP-350.