5 comments about Canon DR-2580C Color Duplex 25 Ppm Id Card Scanning 600 Dpi USB 2.0.

1. What can I say about this scanner except that it is absolutely a GODSEND. I was using a flatbed, also from Canon but it was too bulky and SLOW as molasses. the DR-2580C might be expensive, but well worth the cost. When I got this, I was really skeptical, but don't be fooled by it's compact size! This thing scans so quickly and saved me hours of scanning documents (I work in tax preparation and I scan hundreds of financial documents). Included was Adobe Acrobat 7 standard which in itself costs $200. This was a very good investment. It has already payed for itself in a matter of days. Use this scanner with adobe acrobat to create pdfs and you are in business. The feeder takes pages quickly. Highly recommended.



2. I was a little hesitant to spend so much money on a scanner, but I wanted one that was both fast and accurate. I got both in this machine. It can scan multiple pages at very high speeds, and the quality and clarity of the images is great. I generally scan to pdf, but I've scanned to OCR and found that it was able to recognize most of the text quite accurately. It also has a variety of filters with which one can enhance images (for example, if the document to be scanned is in pencil, or if it has a colored background). If you play around with the settings, you can greatly enhance the images. I also appreciate how compact this model is; in its closed position it occupies the same amount of desk space as a standard-sized magazine or sheet of paper. The software and controls are extremely simple and intuitive, so you don't have to learn much to get started.
   
   The only negative I've found is that it does jam fairly easily if the original is crinkly, too thin, etc., so you have to be careful. I don't know how this compares with other sheet-fed scanners, because this is the first one I've owned.
   
   All and all, if you do a fairly high volume of scanning and can live with the price, I recommend it highly.



3. My previous document scanner was a Fujitsu fi4220c. It was an impressive scanner and suited my purposes well. I think I used it for about 7 yrs, and its flatbed scanning assembly finally broke. So, I replaced it with the Canon DR-2580C, based on a review from PC Magazine. So far, it had performed perfectly for my purposes. I am a physician and want to digitize many medical records from my solo practice to save space. I also OCR many professional articles that I study. Therefore, I mainly scan in simplex or duplex black & white at 300 dpi. This scanner is very quick in scanning the paperwork. I think it is essentially as quick as the Fi4220c. It is better in that it is much smaller than the fi4220c, because it does not have a flatbed scanner. I was concerned about the lack of a flatbed and considered buying the flatbed attachment. But I have not needed to use a flatbed since I owned the DR-2580C. I had previously used the flatbed of the fi4220c to scan the checks that I received. However, the DR-2580C performed this job easily without the need for a flatbed. The checks fed through the scanner without jamming. The scanner utility could deskew any minor misalignment. This was an improvement over the utility from the fi4220c. I also applaud the utility of the scanner utility. It makes scanning a quick and convenient process. I saved the two scanning profiles that I use most often. When I scan, usually through Adobe Acrobat, I just need to press "alt-F, F, Enter, Enter" and the scanning process begins with the last profile that I had used. So far, I am very satisfied with this scanner. I gave this scanner 4 stars only because I had not owned it for very long--only since the end of 8/2007. I don't know how well it will stand up to time and wear. Will it start jamming more frequently when the parts are older? I also have not tried all its features and don't know how well they work.



4. I own a Canon flatbed, which is a really nice scanner, however scans about 1ppm....enter this little jewel...Oh my my...this has saved my life!
   I am using it to scan all of my personal documents at home and also scanning every document in my medical office.
   Tremendous time savings as this little gem can fly through anything!
   I am already dreading the day that something happens to this, as I am totally hooked after using it for 24 hours!
   Small and portable as well, for those interested in those perks.
   I am looking to get a backup, just in case...
   No regrets, no kidding...



5. Great Scanner! Image quality is as good are much larger more expense scanners is a small portable size. The size of the scanner is perfect for traveling jobs. It easily slips into a carryon bag. The scanner is very quick for its size and handles large jobs well. For my start-up company, this was a perfect buy - right price, right size, right features. If needing barcode reading & printing cabability, be sure to purchase the barcode attachment as well.

5 comments about Nikon Coolpix L15 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Vibration Reduction Zoom (Silver).

1. For the money, there are better cameras out there, like Sony. But my biggest problem is that this camera eats all the power from the batteries so fast, I got 15 pictures on brand new batteries (thats using flash), and there is no way to turn the flash level down, there are some settings you can play with but basically it's on or off.



2. Got this camera as a Christmas gift and first used on my trip to Florida this spring. Very easy to use (I never even opened the instruction book) and pictures seem to be of a good quality so far. Battery life was short with regular batteries, but after buying some rechargable batteries, it has been much better. Computer program that came with the camera was also very easy to use. All in all great camera for the price!!



3. Not too fancy, easy to use. I haven't print the pictures yet but the look nice on the screen.



4. I bought this camera a few months ago and I'm already buying a new camera. The shutter takes FOREVER. I've missed so many important pictures due to the slow speed. Also 3 months after I bought the camera the lens wouldn't close. I sent it back to Nikon because it was still under warranty and they said that I must have dropped it or broken it some how (which I never did) and they wouldn't cover it. They charge me $50 to fix it and I wish I would have just told them to keep the camera. I would not recommend this camera to anyone.



5. The positives- never read the manual and I can operate it to my satisfaction without having done so (though I know there is probably much to learn if I would take a look). It fits in my handbag so I don't have to carry a camera bag around. The negative- Seems to really eat batteries. A lot.
   
   ADDITION- While using the camera recently, I experienced an issue where the camera lens would not retract into the the body when I turned off the camera. There is a "Lens Error" message on the display and no pictures can be taken. This appears to be a common problem with the CoolPix series. According to the Nikon support website. there isn't anything the user can do about it except try taking the batteries out overnight. That did not work, so it had to go to Nikon for repair. They took care of it at no charge and the process was fairly painless (compared to other warranty service with various companies that I've experienced.)

4 comments about Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ4 4MP Digital Camera with 12x Image Stabilized Optical Zoom.

1. This camera is great. Huge 12x optical zoom, yet the camera is very small and portable. Plus it has optical image stabilization that works wonders. Best of all it is relatively cheap. Best camera on the market, forgot to mention the photo quality is superb even with automatic setings. Plus you can go full on manual aperture, manual shutter, and manual iso if you want. Plus throw in the really high speed burst mode and every other camera just got OWNED!



2. After several months of use, the FZ4 continues to impress me. I had originally planned to get the FZ5 to replace my 3-yr old Panasonic LC5 but when I tried both, I found that an extra $100 or so bought me a slightly larger LCD (not enough to matter), sound when using the movie mode (which I have not used on any digital camera) and other useless gadgetry, like choice of silver or black body. I feel that the FZ4 is slightly faster and noise, which is usually seen in the shadows at higher ISO, is slightly reduced---and no purple fringing, period. Both are excellent cameras within their design parameters as cameras for sports, family gettogethers,nature and travel, not portrait or studio work although enlargements on the FZ4 are fine up to and including 8x11 and often even larger. What it lacks is a complete set of manual controls but if you want that you must get a DSLR and a couple of zoom lenses which will set you back several thousand. My Panasonic DMC-FZ4 was well under US$250, including tax and shipping.



3. Great Caera, Great photos, however this is a 2005 model,
   these days I would buy the Great Panasonic FZ7.
   
   However this is a great Camera that takes excellent pictures!
   (records video with no Sound).



4. With out a doubt one of the best little zoom cameras ever! The Leica lens is amazing and our shoots are wonderful!
   
   I find my self carrying this with me in my car at all times. We have bigger, more expensive digitals, but this continues to be my favorite all around camera. Our little ones (3 grandchildren) can not escape the pictures with this one! and they are IN FOCUS to boot!
   
   Buy one if you can find one.

5 comments about Canon Powershot SD450 5MP Digital Elph Camera with 3x Optical Zoom.

1. Love this camera!!! It days outside picures amazingly well (with good lighting).. It does give a lot of red-eye though on inside pictures but nothing photshop can't handle.



2. I love this camera! It takes great pics. There are only a few things I would improve with this camera. I wish it had a better zoom. I also wish it had a battery indicator that was on or at least optional. This one comes on just before it goes dead. It fits nicely in your pocket. Has lots of cool features. I would highly recommend!



3. The SD450 is a great value and easy to use. I had to have mine repaired however due to a very sensitive screen which cracked in my wifes purse.



4. takes great pics, compact and nice design. some of the features that you need to use are less than intuitive as indicated by the thick owners manual. simplifying use of the cameras features would great enhance this product.



5. I love this camera. These days there seems to be smaller/slimmer cameras available and that is the only reason I did not give it 5 stars.
   Large viewing screen, several great options, easy to transfer to my computer and simple rechargable battery.

No comments about Olympus FL-36R Electronic Flash with Bounce Reflector + 4 Batteries & Charger + Accessory Kit for Olympus E-3, Evolt E-300, E-410, E-420, E-500, E-510 & E-520 Digital SLR Cameras.

No comments about 28 Pc Ultimate Super Savings Deluxe Db Roth Accessory Kit For The Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12MP Digital SLR Camera.

No comments about Samsung NV4 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver).

3 comments about 1.3MP Digital Camera.

1. With only two buttons to contend with and a miniature display screen, you better have good eyesight and good with a multifunction button. The unit will fit in any small shirt pocket and yet is rugged.
   
   There is no preview display but I still have fun with it!! I Like-Love it!
   For $20+ (US Dollars) you can't go wrong. I happen to have a spare 128 meg SDRAM card and the unit works great with it!
   
   I use Linux and could not use the enclosed software that comes on a 3 inch CD but Linux detected and open the Camera with no effort at all! Mandriva 2007 detected the USB Camera and automatically opened the Camera as a Flash Drive Folder would open!
   It's a toy but a lot of fun and it REALLY works and works well! For the price, it's great!



2. Black VistaQuest 1.3 MP Digital KeyChain Camera
   This is quite possibly the worst product I have purchased in years. It is essentially numerous misshapened pieces of plastic that neither fit appropriately or function in any way. It is utterly worthless!
   I gratefully returned two of these cameras after opening them at Christmas to the disappointment of my two children!
   Don't bother, move on to another product



3. This camera was a complete waste of money. It never worked out of the package. Apparently you get what you pay for but in this case we got less.

No comments about Polaroid 7.0MP Compact Digital Camera - Silver (i737).

5 comments about Sony DT 11-18mm f/4.5-5.6 Aspherical ED Super Wide Angle Zoom Lens for Sony Alpha Digital SLR Camera.

1. Great lens. Be aware that it is a DT lens and therefore will only work on APS-C sensors. Basically, if you are never going to shoot old Minolta 35mm SLRs or the upcoming A900 body ($2500+ probably), don't worry about it.
   
   Best Buy had this on sale, free shipping, for $400 early Feb. 2008.
   So look for that number or lower on this lens for best price.



2. Solid, sharp and virtually distortion-free wide angle zoom for Sony Alpha. However, non-para-focal construction handicaps usability because of variable aperture. Come on Sony, surely you've got the resources to design a constant f/4 aperture wide-angle zoom at this price point.



3. For a while, I thought that the 18mm of my Sony 18-250 (that I rated 5 stars too) were enough.
   Then I decided to give a try to the ultra wide angle. Now, I have to admit I love it very much. The couple Alpha 700/Sony 11-18 is very fast. The pictures are sharp, the color are rather accurate (I get what I see) and there is no barrel distortion (depending how you compose the picture, of course).
   My idea was to carry only one camera with a "standard" lens (18-250) and bring others lenses according to my needs. Well, I am afraid I got two "standard" lenses.



4. This combination macro and medium range telephoto has been used three times and produced excellent pictures. It's expensive in relation to the cost of a camera but, as professionals will tell you, you can get so much more out of a camera with a good lens that the kit lens can't deliver. There are a lot of lenses available so know what you want to do before you spend the big bucks for one.



5. I read many user reviews and some "official" ones about the Sony 11-18mm lens, many of which were negative. Despite these reviews, I went ahead and bought the lens (through Amazon.com). I have had it for a few weeks now, have taken several hundred pictures with it, and I really love the results. It produces sharp images in my opinion and the super wide angle pictures are awesome. To me, it is well built. Whoever is reading this review, stop reading it, stop reading "official" lens ratings and resolution test results on the Sony 11-18mm super wide angle zoom lens and go get one, and you will not be disappointed. Note: I have been a photo hobbyist since 1968 and have owned and used many 35mm cameras, developed my own slides etc. I went digital about 5 years ago and have no plans of going back to film. I have owned the Sony A100 DSLR for less than a year and love it. It has tons of features that I like and use. The Sony 11-18mm super wide is a great addition to my digital photographic system.