My quest for a simple digital camera ended when a friend suggested the Mercury 2.1 Deluxe Classic Cam.
A low cost, entry –level camera, it is ideal for the technophobe who is intimidated by any new-fangled gizmo. This user-friendly camera, packed with several features even doubles up as a web camera. The 2.1 mega pixel quality images are just right for amateur photography.
Any novice can shoot with ease on the Auto mode. All one has to do is to hit the click button after the indicator light turns green !
With trial and error, use of the Manual mode can be learned.
Self photos can be taken using the timer ( 2 to 10 s).
It can even capture (five) continuous pictures in a single click.
The default setting is for a distance from 1 metre to infinity.
There is a 4X digital zoom and a macro mode for close-ups (20 cm).
It can take upto119 small photos, 27 medium ones and 19 large photos on it’s 8 MB internal memory.This can be upgraded further by insertion of an external SD card (memory stick, to you and me).
The audio mode allows recordings upto 29 min.
The video mode can shoot brief clippings upto 63 s.
The flash, however is inadequate in very poor light settings.
Images can be easily transferred to a PC via a USB cable.
The accompanying software is windows-compatible and also includes photo-editing software (MGI photo suite).
Requires 4 AAA batteries. Alkaline batteries (1.5V) as well as rechargeable Ni-Cd batteries(1.2V) work fine.
Available in the grey market.