Creative PC-Cam 850

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Creative PC-Cam 850

Soham Raninga, Dec 10, 2003 0000 hrs IST

The PC-CAM 850 is a 3.1 MP multifunctional digital camera.

Good build quality, Compact size

Poor image quality in low light, Overly powerful flash, Grainy images, Expensive

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The camera captures images in three resolutions - high (2048 x 1536 pixels interpolated), medium (1600 x 1200 pixels) and low (800 x 600 pixels). One can store 17 images at max resolution on the onboard 16 MB, 29 images at medium resolution and 112 images at low resolution. You also have the option of expanding the memory capacity using a SD or MMC card. In the video mode, one can record video clips (without sound) at 8 fps, the resolution being 640 x 480 pixels. The camera can also be used as a desktop Webcam and captures still images and records videos (10 fps) at a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels. The camera also has support for the PDOF format where one can save the images for direct printing.

A fair deal of features are integrated in the compact package. There are various white-balance modes where one can set the exposure settings for capturing detailed images. A multi-shot mode helps to click five images in one go. A 10-second self-timer ensures that nobody is left out of the frame. The optical viewfinder is clear and sufficient for most occasions. There is a bunch of other features like adjusting the LCD brightness, and preview mode with zoom for reviewing the captures or the video.

Performance
The picture quality is reminiscent of a CMOS sensor, producing grainy and dull images when compared to CCD sensors. While the resolution is acceptable, the hitch is the grainy images when viewed in the actual size. The pixels are somewhat visible and hence if you are looking for images that are good enough for prints, look elsewhere. This camera is simply not good enough for prints. Also the flash is too strong, the subject has to be at a considerable distance for a viewable image, in other cases the images get flashed with the powerful light. This camera is strictly made for outdoor use, for indoors with low light conditions, the unbearable flash and the poor performance in low light areas make it practically unusable. The video quality again is strictly okay. It's the CMOS lens, which cannot match the CCD, though there are some exceptions to the rule where a CMOS scores well, like the high quality lenses used by Canon in its EOS 300D Digital Rebel.

Conclusion
The user-interface is pretty basic and nothing special; it's miles behind the Kodaks and Canons. Speed is certainly a factor with digicams, the PC-CAM 850 take some time to process the image, there is almost a three second lag for processing each image taken. The bottom line would rest on the pricing, being an all-in-one solution compressed in a feature packed offer. At an MRP of Rs. 8,999/- it can hardly be called a value-for-money product, the Rs. 5,000 mark would have been ideal. And for a street price of Rs. 8,000, it compares directly to the Kodak CX 6200, which a better camera in all respects. Unless you need the all-in-one solution where a Webcam is a prime factor, this camera, at its current price is not a very good deal.

Test Unit Sourced from: Creative Labs, India.