Vivitar Vivicam 3735 3.3M digicam

[macdoug]

I am looking for an inexpensive digital camera because the 35 mm camera that I was using has bit the dust. Has anyone ever used a Vivatar camera, particularily the Vivitar Vivicam 3735 3.3M digicam. I have a chance to get this camera for $167.95 I believe.

Also,  I would like to your opinion on whether it is necessary to get a camera with optical zoom.

[tacit]

I have a digital camera with an optical zoom; my wife's camera does not. As a result, whenever we go anywhere, she's always grabbing my camera--because there are so many shots she simply can't get without the zoom. I would recommend that you not even onsider a camera without an optical zoom.

[Paddy]

I would second tacit's opinion - and add that you should ignore "digital zoom" specs. Digital zoom is a red herring - all it does is make the pixels bigger (like enlarging a print) - resolution etc. degrades.

I don't know how urgently you need a digital camera, or how important it is to you, but I wouldn't buy a camera for which I couldn't find a single online review if I were you (I looked...and looked). Gotta be a reason for that - ie: not a "player" in the digital market and possibly not a great camera. I say "possibly" - because there really isn't any way to tell. http://dpreview.com and http://www.steves.digicams.com don't list ANY Vivitar cameras, which makes me wonder about their quality. Reviews of other models are scarce (1, maybe 2 per model when reviewed at all at CNET, Amazon etc.) and range all over the map.

Also, I'd be wary of buying a camera that you haven't tried - to make sure that its controls are easy to use, that it feels good in your hands (some may feel too small or too big), that you're happy with its build quality etc. All of these things are hard to judge online. Of course, picture quality is of utmost importance, and this is where the review sites come in handy, since you're unlikely to be able to tell much about picture quality from a few minutes of playing with a camera in the store.

Me? I'd stick with recommendations from the two wonderful sites, reading all the reader comments as well as the official reviews. Yes, you'll probably pay a little more for a 3MP digital with optical zoom than $167, but at least you'll have some idea of what you're getting.

My 2¢.

[zodraz]

A deal is only a deal, if you get what you really want.

If that $167.00 camera is one you'll be using for long time, then look carefully!

I've been looking at Digital cameras for my daughter and have come to the conclusion that the absolute best OVERALL "deal" for a person who likes full control  (since you're a 35mm user) is the Cannon "A" series, A60, A70, A80.

These cameras have full auto, AP, SP or full manual exposure (plus manual focus). Unheard of in cameras costing even twice as much.

They also have gotten excellent reviews.

What's also nice is that they can accept "adapters" to give you a wider angle and longer telephoto capabilities (all the "A" cameras have zoom lenses).

I've seen the A60 as low as $150.00 on-line. (2MP)

But if those features I mentioned don't pertain to you, then take heart, there's lots to choose from with your budget!

Check out Staples or Office Max stores. They usually have sales on different cameras every week.

Good Luck!
     

[Paddy]

Zodraz, our household owns two Canon A40's (earlier version of the one's you mention) and I would heartily second your opinion. I did a ton of research for our elementary school last year and then went to stores to handle the cameras - we were looking for good, feature-rich, easy to operate, STURDY cameras for the school. In the process, I became convinced that the Canons were also the best choice for us (sons, husband). I even found myself using them too, instead of my CoolPix 950. (Better flash). Santa's about to bring me a Canon Digital Rebel, but I imagine that I'll still use the A40's when I need something that fits in a large pocket!