You may want to look at the Kodak DC210 Plus - Easy to use, easy to transfer
pictures to PC, and good quality photos from a reasonable priced camera
(approx $400). The 2X zoom lens tends toward the wide-angle side making it a
good choice for taking pictures of room interiors and large objects such as
homes.

A step up would be the Kodak DC260 (approx $700) or the newer DC 265 (approx
$850). It has a USB interface so transfer from cam to PC can be much faster
and potentially easier if your PC is USB equipped.

http://www.kodak.com/US/en/digital/cameras/dc210Plus/
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/digital/cameras/dc260/index.shtml
http://www.kodak.com/US/en/digital/cameras/dc265/index.shtml

Be warned - digital cameras eat batteries when you use the built-in LCD
screens to compose the shots or view the pictures. Have spares batteries on
hand if you plan on using the screen.

The only option(s) you may want to consider is an additional memory card
(approx $80) and a case for the cam . . . approx $15. Otherwise you
shouldn't need to buy anything else.

Kodak uses the standard JPEG file format, as well as the FlashPix format.
JPEG assures you can use just about any image editing program. All the
software you'll need comes with the camera.

This recommendation is based on your intended usage. Nikon makes a model 950
digital cam. I think it takes better pictures but I found the Kodak has more
user-friendly features.

Contact me if you want to see some sample images from the camera (both the
210 and the 260).

Disclaimer: I don't work for Kodak (or own any of their stock <g>). I'm just
a fairly satisfied user.

- John

----- Original Message -----
From: Joan Rapier <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 14, 1999 3:20 PM
Subject: [PCBUILD] Digital Camera


> I am currently researching digital cameras.  What features are critical
> in choosing the right camera?  What interface is best to work w/ or do
> they all use the same interface (camera to computer)?  Are certain
> mfgrs' cameras better than others for the money or is price directly
>
> The camera will be used in a real estate business - taking pictures of
> properties to be uploaded onto a PC Compatible computer and used either
> on a web page or to be e-mailed.
>

         The PCBUILD web site always needs good submissions.  If
          you would like to contribute to the website, send any
               hardware tech tips or hardware reviews to:
                           [log in to unmask]