Canon Powershot 350

I've been using this camera for a little over 2 years, and I've been quite happy with it. Setup was a no-brainer. PhotoDeluxe, Photoshop 5 and 5.5, and Microsoft photo all import (Twain) quite satisfactorily. A nice feature is that you don't have to turn off the computer to hook up the camera. Mine usually sits on top of the computer, plugged into the power source (so the battery stays charged). After I use it, I return it to it's regular position, and just plug in the power and serial cables, open Photoshop, and import. I'd recommend this camera for beginners, casual users, or those solely interested in web or email pictures. Someone with a serious photography background would probably be disappointed with the lack of zoom, the difficulty of macro focusing, and the number of pixels in the images.

Replacable 2MB flashcard - I bought a 16MB card, and now can store 400 images (economy mode) or 100 fine. Simple to setup and use.

The macro mode is difficult to focus - but it can be done. Outdoors, in bright sunlight, it's very difficult to see the screen. Resolution isn't really enough for great print shots, but for email and websites, the pictures are MORE than adequate.

This is basically a point-and-shoot: I've used a regular film point and shoot camera by Nikon. The 350 is certainly more cost effective (no film processing costs), and is at least as easy to use, maybe easier.

I haven't had a problem, so I don't know about Canon's customer service.

Image quality is quite poor. I think it has become worse over time. Camera does not endure quite normal handling. Despite my negative experiences my next digital camera will probably be Canon (S20).

Simple.

Poor overall quality.

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I always have fun with my Camera, but my expectations are very limited.

small, easy to use, with luck or skill you can get pictures that look fine on the computer. Uses conventional batteries that are easy to get.

picture quality is very basic for printing, battery run time is short. Would be better if you could plug camera in to recharge. I had a hard time getting good technical advice from either dealer or Canon.

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I made a lot of calls and spent a lot of time on hold trying to get some information about an initial battery problem. Both Egghead and Canon were hopeless.

This camera is perfect for the beginner and can be found for under $250 since it has been discontinued. Even refurbished, this piece of equipment perfoms admirably in most situations. With limitless space due to compact flash cards, you can be shooting the day away with this camera. At 640x480 it is more than adequate for the average user and the ease of use is excellent. The carrying case protects it well and the software package is quite nice. It comes with the Twain drivers for Photoshop users and a seperate editing program for non-Photoshoppers. The connection speed through the serial port is not blazing fast, but will do the job fine for most. The colors are quite excellent when aquired and the red eye reduction is fine as well. I have taken 1000+ photos with this camera and had no maintainence problems and with a battery charge, I am ready to go at it again. This is a highly recommended camera if you can find one available. Try www.pricewatch.com for starters. Good luck and happy shooting.

Price, Performance ratio, Software

Resolution, Night performance

Powershot AZ Zoom, Nikon Coolpix, Sony Mavica

Canon is excellent with service

For a lower end camera I am really pleased with this model. Been using it nearly daily for a year with no problems.

I think this is very user friendly. Even my kids figured it out. It has a high enough resolution to post pictures in auctions and get good bids. The macro mode is amazing. Lots of strangers have complimented my close-up pictures.

Is a shame it doesn't have an optical viewfinder. Took awhile to get used to it's idiosynchisies. If you plan on taking many pictures, get an upgraded compactflash card for storage.

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Canon tech support was helpful when I called them.