The CDS1000 includes a USB output that allows for fast downloads to your PC or Mac so you can print and edit your favorite shots. The MGI PhotoSuite software allows you to crop and resize your photos, add captions or color touches, make calendars, or print enlargements. This little digital camera also lets you review your photos from your TV screen with the included video cable--you can create a slide show without the hassle of setting up a projector screen.

The accessories include all cables and drivers for PC and Mac, MGI PhotoSuite software, Duracell Ultra 2 batteries, and a video cable for NTSC output.

If you aren't going to use a tripod, or put the camera on an imobile surface, you're going to have a problem getting pictures of any worthwhile quality. Every picture i've taken without a tripod has been blurry and poor quality. I'm not a novice when it comes to taking pictures...this cam just doesn't do a good job.

I tried many different exposure methods, many different quality settings in combo with exposure methods, and the pictures always came out too light, too dark, fuzzy, or just plain crappy.

If you are planning to make photo quality prints, this is the wrong cam for you. If you want nice clear pics to put on your web pages, this is the wrong cam for you. Frankly, I can't think of a situation you'd want to use this cam.

I, instead, decided to fork over a bit more money, and bought the olympus 460Z, and couldn't be happier. Check it out by searching electronics for olympus 460....that and the new 490 are EXCELLENT cameras with wonderful features and crystal clear images.

Even for a beginner, there are much better cams than this one.


Good for entry-level and webpage editing   October 14, 2000
 10 out of 10 found this review helpful

...As long as you take pictures with good light you'll be fine. The flash can burn your closeups, though, and the shutter speed is so-so - forget about quick motion pictures! Also, the controls are difficult to use. With so many limitations, why four stars? Well, if the subject doesn't move and/or there's good light the quality is quite good. The USB port is great (try the serial one and you'll understand while you wait), and the TV output is convenient. All cables are included, even a power supply, and the software is good. Be careful with two things, though: don't use the diskettes included, one has the driver (an updated version is available at RCA's website) and the other one has a Windows dialup update (it wreaked havoc with my dialup windows). All in all, a great way to get started and quite enough for your website (remember, high resolution pictures take time to download).


Good starter camera   August 29, 2000
 13 out of 13 found this review helpful

The RCA CDS1000 what I believe to be the best camera for the money. I like the included AC adaptor, USB connection and PC serial cable. I really do not need a camera with more than 1 megapixel resoultion, so this camera fit my needs perfectly. I have found the image resoultion to be great, though the photos in a camera like this are really only good for e-mails, etc.