With autofocusing and a fixed lens, the camera is always ready to go--picture-taking simply requires you to point and shoot. This means the camera can be used by nearly anyone, of any age. The four top buttons function for power, erase, self-timer, and shutter. The 15-second timer gives you plenty of time to jump in with your friends in front of the camera. The tiny LCD screen only displays two alphanumerical characters. The default setting for the display shows the total pictures taken, but can also inform you when memory is full and the battery is low. A beep sounds when you take a picture or erase. Two LED lights beside the optical viewfinder indicate low-battery status and when the camera is on. If not in use, the camera automatically shuts off after 60 seconds to conserve battery life. On the bottom of the camera are a battery compartment for four AAA batteries (included), and a screw mount for tripod use.

The included dual-cable has the option of either USB or serial connection. This is a welcome feature for anyone with older, non-USB equipped computers, while still offering easy USB connectivity. The camera's fairly compact size and wrist strap make it easy for carrying anywhere. The plastic housing feels solid in-hand, but lacks any substantial grip or ergonomic design.

The bundled software, PhotoMax, interfaces with the camera for easy transfer of photos and more. You can crop, resize, enhance the image, and even add crazy special effects. The software catalogs your images in custom folders with thumbnails for easy photo perusing and slideshow. The file-renaming tool keeps the images identifiable with date imprinting. Through the software, you can even visit Polaroid's Web site to access helpful resources on digital photo-taking and open a free account to store and distribute photos online. The software is compatible with Windows 95, 98, Me, and 2000.

The more your budget is limited, the more research you should do to get the most for your money. Look for something w/ a flash and more pixels. There are many photo review sites to supplement the info here. And pay more attention to the reviews of people who've had the equipment longer - it's easy to have contagious enthusiasm for a brand new toy.


good starter digital   January 22, 2002
MJ (New Jersey)
This digital takes decent pictures and even without the use of a memory card holds more than the usual digital does. My only problem is that it is not compatible with my new Windows XP...so if you don't have that version of windows you'll be fine...it's like having an easy, regular camera, but you don't have to buy film or pay for developing!


Only worked for a few months   January 15, 2002
George R. Jacobs (Pensacola, FL United States)
I received a Polaroid Fun Flash Digital camera as a Christmas present in 2000. I used it infrequently until about August when it would not take or display pictures. I tried to get it repaired by Polaroid but found they have an apparent large backlog of repairs (not a surprise to me) and also had difficulty speaking to anyone. I suppose the only good thing is the price, although the trite phrase "you get what you pay for" certainly applies here. I could not recommend this camera to anyone for any purpose.