Customer Reviews

Argus DC2200 0.3MP Digital Camera

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

For the money, you won't do much better. For me, the selling point was the 10-second timer (OK, call me a narcissus, but I like to have the whole group, including myself, in one photo). My one frustration (which I should have researched before purchase, but at this price, I can live with it) is the lack of preview screen. I get around this by taking extra shots of everything, and it stores enough "fine" -resolution (640X480) images to let me get back to my PC to download just before the batteries run out. And when they do run low, it's kind enough to let you know, and will refuse to flash so you don't lose the stored images. Nice idiot-proofing! Then, once you plug it into your PC by the included USB cable, your computer gives it just enough extra power to download the memory. I can't be bothered to spend the extra money on a memory card; besides, you'll need to save your pennies to keep it fed with batteries, as with any digital camera. The highest resolution is still a little grainy to enlarge beyond 4X6, but that's what your film cameras and higher-priced digitals are for. Argus also includes a cable to plug your images into the TV, which is a hoot to view; just remember not to take "portrait" shots (by holding the camera sideways) if you want to give a slide show. And the 2X Zoom gives you a half-size image; you're better off just taking a larger picture and editing out the background. The included software allows you to edit your pictures, but you can't do that on TV. My favorite application is to print thank-you cards featuring my rugrat displaying her latest clothes or toys, so friends and relatives can see their gifts in action within a few days. Sure beats having to use up a roll of 35mm film and pay top dollar for a bunch of goofy faces to get one good photo. The printed manual is a little hard to follow, and the Instruction Manual on disc prints out to 25 pages, but their online help is pretty prompt and helpful. It's small, it's lightweight, it comes with a lot of neat tricks, and if I accidentally shut it in the car door, I won't have to spend a week's salary to replace it.

I bought this camera to use to take photos of items to sell on eBay. I was not dissapointed.

As far as quality is concerned, this camera is great for still shots, although with high light pictures tend to blur. This applies to using the flash; you need to get a tripod or have a very steady hand to use the flash successfully.

The movie quality is frankly bad. This is not a web camera. It records in super fast mode, the recording controls are slightly confusing, and it emits this really load and annoying beep as it records. Use it for still shots only!

The computer interface of this camera is amazing. They have it so the camera appears as a Drive under My Computer, and you can simply drag the images in JPEG format to any folder, as you would in Windows Explorer. You can also easily delete selected images, or all images, on the camera directly from your computer. It was so easy, I could start taking pictures and uploading them to eBay within minutes of taking the camera out of the box.

Operating the camera is no-duh. You press power and press the shutter and you're set to go. You don't even need the instructions.

Finally, the camera is feature-packed. It has a timer-delayed shot, a cool mini-mirror on front which lets you see yourself as you take pictures, you can hook it up to your TV and view the photos on the camera, you can expand the memory with "CF Cards" and it has 3 different picture qualities.

Overall, this is a great value. The quality isn't amazing, but only slightly blurry at most, and it is not too hard to get a pretty decent looking picture. The only reason I gave it 5 stars is because the image is not always great. But if you don't need every shot to be perfect, and won't fret if a few shots come out blurry, this is a great camera for you.

Due to the first three reviews here--and help from friends who sent b-day gift certificates--I bought the DC2200. I wanted an easy camera to get me started with digital, and I wanted to simplify taking photos of the classes I teach for upload to my website. I'm not an artistic photographer; I only take photos to "capture the moment." This camera is perfect for my needs.

The simplicity of using the DC2200 has not been overstated by most of these Amazon[.com] reviewers. The buyer literally can take the camera out of the package, insert batteries, and take photos without reading any instructions. I was amazed at how easy it was to hook the camera to the TV to view my photos, to install the software on my PC, and to view and save my photos. Illustrations are included in the instructions, and common sense and computer experience can play a part in the ease of the camera's operations. And, as with any camera, the photos range from "good enough" to "excellent" quality, depending on factors such as the lighting and angle.

I have only one "complaint" about the camera: the instructions *could* be stated better in terms of, for instance, how to get the flash to work. I did finally figure this out--but managed to delete thirty photos in the process! I recommend that a new buyer experiment with such functions before taking any important photos.

Otherwise, this is a great starter camera, and almost anyone with a PC can operate it. The system requirements include the following: a Pentium 166MHz or higher; Windows 98, 98SE, 2000, Me, XP, MAC OS 8.6, 9.0; 32MB SDRAM for Win98/98SE, 64MB SDRAM for Win2000/Me and MAC, and 128MB SDRAM for Win XP. The video cable for the TV and the USB cable for the PC are included in the package. This camera's a great deal with such a low price. Don't be afraid to try it!

we got this because my son wanted a camera for his 10th birthday. rather than deal with film and the hassle of developing we bought this. our only complaints are that it is difficult to view the pictures on the tv or on the computer, there is no real manual on how to do it. other than that, the pictures are fine the flash is large enough and it's already been dropped off the roof and into the pool and still works fine. tough construction. a good beginning camera for children.

If you have Windows 2000 don't even think about getting this camera. The drivers do not work and the manufacturer won't support you. Their updated drivers do not work either. However, if you have XP or 95 or 98 you'll be fine; the camera pratically sets itself up in fact. The users manual is ONLY on the CD, nothing except a quick-start guide comes printed. If you can figure out a digital watch, you'll have no trouble with this camera. Despite its shortcomings: no preview window, indoor shots come out very green, the flash doesn't throw more than 6 feet, max resolution is 640x480, ANY amount of jostle distorts the picture, and the 4 second lag - despite all that, this camera has its up side: it can hold a lot of images right out of the box, the battery life is good, and the daylight pictures come out nicely. This is a decent camera for kids or for your online auctions. I will never buy another Argus camera after my experience with this item however.

...P>My brother, who is getting a computer science degree, couldn't even install the software. No matter how great the camera is supposed to take pictures, if you can't even see them, they're still useless.

The actual camera is very, very annoying just taking pictures. First of all, the description completely ignores the fact that it lacks an LCD screen. Second of all, the buttons are small, so that it's rather hard to turn it on when you want to, but they stick out, so it constantly was turning on when i -didn't- want it to. Not to mention the extremely annoying beeping that it makes almost constantly. Two long beeps when it's turned on, a short beep when a picture is taken, another long beep when it's ready to take another picture. Not even soft, quiet beeps. The loud, obnoxious beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep kind of beep. It also turns off after i believe is one minute of not taking a picture. This could be useful if you're only taking one picture, but if you're taking a series of shots, such as on a tour of some sort, you'd have to turn it on again constantly. That wouldn't be such a big deal if not for the obnoxious beeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeps every time it turns on.

In conclusion, DON'T BUY THIS CAMERA. It isn't even worth anything for kids or beginners. Buy something that has even some value unless you just want a [$$$] piece of plastic sitting on a shelf forever.

Originally reviewed by Shawn Kresal.

"If you have Windows 2000 don't even think about getting this camera. The drivers do not work and the manufacturer won't support you. Their updated drivers do not work either. However, if you have XP or 95 or 98 you'll be fine; the camera pratically sets itself up in fact. The users manual is ONLY on the CD, nothing except a quick-start guide comes printed. If you can figure out a digital watch, you'll have no trouble with this camera. Despite its shortcomings: no preview window, indoor shots come out very green, the flash doesn't throw more than 6 feet, max resolution is 640x480, ANY amount of jostle distorts the picture, and the 4 second lag - despite all that, this camera has its up side: it can hold a lot of images right out of the box, the battery life is good, and the daylight pictures come out nicely. This is a decent camera for kids or for your online auctions. I will never buy another Argus camera after my experience with this item however."

I am using this camera on a Windows 2000 system and have had no problems at all. It must be a problem with your 2000 installation or you just didn't do something right.

In fact, I have been using this camera for almost 3 years now with very few problems. The only major problem is the video recording. I have never been able to take any working video shots. Aside from that, taking still digital pictures has worked to my expectations of a low priced digital camera. It may not take good pictures in low light levels but when the light is decent, the pictures come out quite well. The webcam feature also has worked for me but that too needs decent light levels.

Battery life has never been to well for me unless I take the batteries out when no images are stored on the camera or I keep it plugged in on a constant running system with the supplied USB cable.

The camera also comes supplied with a video output cord for viewing images on an NTSC or PAL TV and a wrist strap. A CF flash card slot is available on the bottom of the camera. A 32MB CF card can be inserted to upgrade from the built-in 8MB RAM. You will not lose any pictures if the batteries are removed with the CF card inserted.

One not so important feature is tripod mounting. A screw hole on the bottom of the camera makes it possible to mount on any size tripod from a small desktop size for webcam use or a full size tripod used for camcorders and 35mm cameras.

The camera also has two other built-in features. A small curved mirror on the front for taking self portraits and a 5 second timer for getting yourself in on those group photos.

If image quality and bigger selection of features is what you want, then this is not the camera to buy. But if it's economy you're looking for, this would be the camera of choice. Most "economy" type digital cameras do not come with some of the features that are included with this particular model. I have tried a few other "economy" digital cameras and have not had as good of an experience as I have had with the Argus DC2200.

Think of this as your first Kodak Brownie film camera you owned, but with worse picture quality, and you won't be far off. It's OK for as a very first camera for kids (5-year-olds think it's fun), but don't expect it to rock their world... with no LCD screen, much of the fun of digital photography is missing.

This camera is extremely lightweight, will fit in a compact camera bag or purse, runs for 5 to 7 hours on 3 AAA alkaline batteries, takes wide-angle pictures with sharp beautiful color and records 1 minute Quicktime-Movies at 20 fps at 160 x 120. Compact Flash slot compatible with many cards and stores a lot. Handles outdoors, indoors, flourescent, you-name-it lighting without having to use a flash. The CD has Quicktime. Mac/Windows software can install in German, French, Spanish, or Portuguese. Comes with all cables and has a video out jack to view on the TV. Inkjet Pictures print out nicely at 4 x 6" on Target's Coated Photo Stock Paper. Commerical lab prints grainy. Relatives are thrilled to see themselves on TV. Since the camera is a fixed wide-angle lense the movies come out pretty sharp and has been relatively non-threatening for my friends who have never used a video camera. [For sound I use a mini-disc recorder.] All in all a great price. Bravo!

This is the first digital camera I've even used, let alone bought. I looked around for one for a very long time. I was quite surprized when I got it. I just popped in the batteries and clicked away! Close up pictures aren't good, but it's a nice little camera. EXCELLENT for the beginner!!!
It arrived sooner than I was told it would, sot that was a nice suprize, too. It didn't come with the "CF Flash Card" or the batteries, but so far I haven't needed the flash card. You're supposed to be able to change the settings to enable the camera to store more photos, but I haven't been able to make it change from the "Fine" setting, but so far it hasn't been a problem.
All in all, I'm VERY happy with this camera! It also fits nicely in an old camera case I have. I don't see myself using my old camera, which requires film. For the price, and the quality, you can't go wrong with this camera!!!