Minox Digital Spy Camera 5.0 Megapixel, 128 MB Flash Memory and SD Card Up to 16GB, 1.5" TFT LCD Display

by Minox

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 1.2 x 3.4 x 0.8 inches ; 3.2 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• ASIN: B001JIGHVI
• Item model number: 60651
• Average Customer Review: 1.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,057 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
  • #64 in Camera & Photo > Surveillance Cameras > Hidden Cameras
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 2, 2001

Product Description

The Minox Digital Spy Camera is an outstanding masterpiece in minimalist design and photo technology packs remarkable features into dimensions of just 86 x 29 x 20 mm. With a resolution of five million pixels it can compete with traditional digital cameras with ease. The bright viewfinder allows spontaneous, fast shots, even in critical light conditions. In twilight the integrated flash switches on automatically. In total these features make the new DSC a very sound optical notebook. The system has an additional external flash that can be connected to the side of the DSC. And to provide the user with the accustomed convenience of a display for viewing film and image results the flash has an integrated 1.5 inch TFT LCD monitor. The image data can be saved on micro SD memory cards of up to 16 GB, in addition to the internal memory.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a small gem - but demanding, March 9, 2009

By 

Mr. Johnson - See all my reviews

This review is from: Minox Digital Spy Camera 5.0 Megapixel, 128 MB Flash Memory and SD Card Up to 16GB, 1.5" TFT LCD Display (Electronics)

Mine worked right out of the box - and made very nice pictures. Obviously, these cannot be viewed in really big formats, but they look great up to approx. 1600x1200. However, making a good picture is a rather demanding task, as wobbles and wrong lighting show very quickly. So you either have a very steady hand or you develop a knack for finding surfaces to stabilize your DSC :)

The battery does use up quickly (30-50 pics), but also recharges in 20 minutes. In addition, you may want to buy a converter for recharging with the USB cable at any power outlet.

The flash seems too strong at short distances, but I rarely use it, as pics are great even in low light, if the camera is held stable enough.

In total, this is a nice little gem which demands some knowledge of photography for good results.

23 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars major disappointment, February 4, 2009

By 

G. beck "eoghan" (pgh pa) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Minox Digital Spy Camera 5.0 Megapixel, 128 MB Flash Memory and SD Card Up to 16GB, 1.5" TFT LCD Display (Electronics)

I have been using Minox cameras and equipment for many years, but this new camera is not up to the standards of previous Minox products.

The images are very poor quality. The camera claims 5 mega pixels, but only delivers approximately 3. The unit i received was defective right from the factory. the built in flash didn't activate even in total darkness. the clip on flash unit didn't operate at all and the screen mounted in the flash unit was totally inoperable. you could not review pics except on your computer.

the camera didn't come with a real charger or charger cable and must be connected to your computer to charge the battery. the battery also holds a very small charge and discharges quickly.

i plan to return my camera and do NOT recommend this unit to anyone, particularly if you expect the same quality of camera as a Minox 8 1/2 x11 camera. v this item is little more than an overpriced toy!

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars A great idea, poorly executed., November 3, 2009

By 

Erich R. Jackson - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Minox Digital Spy Camera 5.0 Megapixel, 128 MB Flash Memory and SD Card Up to 16GB, 1.5" TFT LCD Display (Electronics)

Despite the reviews that I had read, I just could not help myself from ordering one of these. The size seemed just perfect, and the device itself seemed sleek and sexy. I delayed my order only to confirm that the battery was replaceable (Minox quoted an approximate $20 + nominal labor charge at any camera dealer). Thankfully, I did have the foresight to order it from B&H, which thankfully had a good return policy. The camera I received was, in fact, as sleek as I imagined, and had a great weight to it. Unfortunately, it never would charge (10+ hours), and like the previous reviewer, the flash attachment did not work at all. This wasn't just minimal charge - it would simply not work unless it was connected to the computer.

It was exactly what I wanted when it was connected to the computer: acceptable photo quality, nice lights and interface, very espionage-like. Unhappily, I had planned on using it without being tethered to my computer (crazy me!) so it went back to B&H the next day. So very disappointing too. I really like everything about this camera, except for the unfortunate quality of not working.

I did consider a replacement, but after reading how many other people had received defective units (here and on camera forums) and how I received two devices that would not take a charge made me think the quality control was at an abysmal level, and that anything I might receive would only break in a matter of months.

I would advise people to consider this is if it was at the low low cost of "free", though I might consider one in a few years on EBay if I know it lasted for the owner (but probably not for more than $50).