GE A830

Value (1.75)
The GE A830 can currently be found online for less than $150. The A830’s assets include 8 megapixels, a 3x lens, and a 2.5-inch LCD screen. The body isn’t very durable and its components are low quality. Even though the GE A830 is inexpensive, there are other digital cameras that offer better quality components and features for about the same price.

Comparisons
GE A730 – The A730 is almost exactly the same camera but with 7 megapixels instead of 8. Both cameras have the same 3x optical zoom lens and 2.5-inch LCD screen with lackluster 153,600-pixel resolution. Both have automated exposure modes, a smattering of manual controls, and interesting features like face detection, time lapse photography, and in-camera panorama stitching. Both models are powered by two AA batteries and will need a fresh set of batteries frequently. The GE A730 costs a little less and likely performs just as well minus a few pixels. It can be found for less than $100.



Canon PowerShot A560 – This digital camera has a similarly chunky body, although it adds a slight hand grip to make it a little more comfortable to hold. The A560 has a little less resolution at 7.1 megapixels, but a little more zoom at 4x. Viewing options include an optical viewfinder and a 2.5-inch LCD screen with even less resolution than the GE at 115,000 pixels. The Canon A560 has about the same level of manual control with its 80-1600 ISO range, white balance options, and Program and Scene automated exposure modes. The Movie mode has the same 640 x 480, 30 fps resolution. Both cameras have red-eye correction and sound memo features. The Canon PowerShot A560 runs on two AA batteries; alkaline batteries get 140 shots. It can be found for less than $150 and offers better quality components and features – although it does not have spiffy face detection.

Fujifilm FinePix F480 – This compact digital camera has 8.2 megapixels and lots of cool features. It retails for $179, but is worth it. It has a wider 4x optical zoom lens that reaches 28 to 112mm. It has a 2.7-inch LCD screen with clear resolution of 230,000 pixels. It has similar automated exposure modes and a decent list of manual controls, although its ISO only reaches 800 at full resolution. The Fuji A480 accepts xD-Picture, SD, and SDHC media, making it a good camera for people that already own those memory cards. One problem with the F480 is its Movie mode, which shoots 320 x 240-pixel video, half the resolution of the GE A830. The higher quality components make the FinePix F480 worth a look though.

Olympus FE-250 – This 8-megapixel digital camera has a higher retail price of $299 and sells for about $230 online. It has mainly automated modes including 14 Scene modes. There is a Shooting Guide mode that explains features and gives step-by-step instructions to take better pictures for beginning photographers. Both cameras have 2.5-inch LCD screens, but the FE-250 has 230,000 pixels of resolution. Both cameras also have 3x optical zoom lenses and digital image stabilization. The Olympus is skinnier at 3.7 x 2.2 x 0.8 inches and places its mode dial on the back of the camera body instead of the top. It has a few interesting features like My Favorites to mark great pictures in the Playback mode and a 64 to10,000 ISO range (yes, 10,000). The Olympus FE-250 has a Panorama mode that can take more than three pictures at a time, but they have to be stitched together in the software. The Panorama mode also requires an Olympus-branded xD-Picture card be used. This digital camera runs on a 300-shot lithium-ion battery and comes with a charger, so users can save some money by not having to buy new AA batteries.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S700 – This digital camera has a much sturdier metal camera body. It has less resolution at 7.2 megapixels but a similar 3x optical zoom lens and automated exposure modes. The Movie mode has less resolution at 320 x 240 pixels but the same smooth frame rate of 30 fps – as long as a Memory Stick Duo Pro card is used. The LCD screen measures 2.4 inches but the resolution is worse at 115,000 pixels. The ISO range is a bit shorter at 100-1,000, and the internal memory is slightly less at 24 MB. The Sony S700 runs on two AA batteries and an alkaline set gets only 100 shots, like the GE A830. The Sony Cyber-shot S700 takes a few shortcuts but costs less at $149.



Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – This camera is tailored for these users with its simple mode dial. Too bad its pictures aren’t very good.

Budget Consumers – This camera is not very expensive, but is it worth it? Not to me.

Gadget Freaks – Sure, it has face detection. Gadget freaks might be attracted to this camera so they can have a refrigerator, air conditioner, dishwasher, lamp, and camera all with the same brand name on it.

Manual Control Freaks – There is some manual control, but not enough to please these folks.

Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – This camera will probably be the butt of their jokes.