Optical Zoom
Is there a big difference in the 3x and 5x OPTICAL zoom on a digital camera?
I’m about to buy my first digital camera and I feel like I’m being way too picky by only looking at 5x optical zoom. Is there really that big of a difference?
What gives a camera its picture quality?
It is mostly the skill of the photographer that produces high quality pictures. The lens and camera are very important, but the ability to set the scene, adjust the cameras settings, and hold the camera very still or use a tripod with auto or remote shutter actuation when required is what gets the great pictures. Mega pixel resolution is about potential photo size, not picture quality.
In new cameras, look for a viewfinder (LCD invisible in bright sun), optical image stabilizer, and check battery prices. High mega pixel settings take longer to process and may not be needed unless required for very large pictures. Maximum print size for a 3 mega pixel setting is 8 x 10 inches. Click links below for more details.
http://www.kodak.com/eknec/PageQuerier.jhtml?pq-path=398&pq-locale=en_US&_requestid=2039 …
http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htm …
The Canon A590IS is a slightly older model that is available everywhere at great sale prices. Think it is a great camera and a best buy. It has auto focus, a viewfinder, optical image stabilization, and uses rechargeable NiMH batteries.
http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/A590IS/A590ISA.HTM …
http://bountii.com/deal-1523871-canon-powershot-8-0-megapixel.html …
For expanded wide angle or telephoto capabilities, the A590 IS is compatible with Canon’s accessory lens adapters: A small button next to the lens bezel is actually a latch; press it and you can remove the bezel ring, exposing a bayonet mount for accessory lenses. Canon offers the WC-DC52 0.7x wide-angle lens, the TC-DC52A telephoto lens, the 250D 52mm closeup lens separately, along with the LA-DC52G adapter to mount them on the camera. (Note that the wide, tele, and macro lenses all need the LA-DC52G adapter to mount them to the camera. The lenses won’t work by themselves.)
There is no one particular place to get great buys, but you may see something above that really helps you find the best buy. Click on the second link in the information above for an example then search for your camera of choice at the upper left. Camera prices at this link change often.
There are so many cameras out there it is difficult to say which is best. The second source link will be very helpful as it list most of the cameras out there with prices. The following information should help you know what to look for in a camera.
CAUTION Do not overcharge! Batteries can be damaged. Use an automatic two or more hour Energizer Compact smart charger with temperature monitor, trickle charge technology, and safety timer ($9.76) at Walmart. Use pre-charged 2000mAh Duracell ($12.97) or RayOVac ($5.97) batteries (hold charge one year) and a full cycle charge. To preserve battery charge, use the viewfinder.
CAUTION To prevent memory card corruption, keep batteries charged and don’t delete. Wait for lights to stop flashing then turn camera off before removing memory. For card readers, double click Safely Remove Hardware. Select, then click Stop and OK.
Lots of great camera tips in this link.
http://www.danscamera.com/Learning/going_digital/#resolution …
This could be the best slim line camera with a viewfinder and … It’s PINK, but it uses a $49.50 Series G Rechargeable 960mAh lithium-ion battery.
http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Sony%20Cyber-shot%20DSC-W150%2FR%20Digital%20Camera:1995337750;_ylc=X3oDMTB0bjZzaWNuBF9TAzk2NjMyOTA3BHNlYwNmZWVkBHNsawNlbGVj …
http://www.digitalcamerareview.com/default.asp?newsID=3462&review=sony+cybershot+w150 …
My camera has 5.2 mega pixel, but I use 3 most of the time because it gives great results, is faster, and takes less memory. Also, it only has a 3 x optical zoom and 7 x digital zoom. I never use the digital zoom because making pictures larger works better on the computer. This is an old camera, but everyone is impressed with the quality pictures it takes … like magic.
Check with the Geeks in several stores and compare prices. Once you select a camera, read all about it in the owner’s manual. You can view owners manuals at this link, but will need to Login. http://www.retrevo.com/s/digital+camera …
The source links show most of the cameras out there with prices and make digital cameras work better with help on cleaning camera and battery electrical contacts.
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Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W1 5 MP 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera DSC W1 5MP 202947 $10.24 |
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JVC GR-D350 Digital MiniDV Handheld Camcorder – 32x Optical Zoom!!! $40.00 |
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Zoom Optical Lens Unit Assembly Repair Part for Fuji Fujifilm F70 F75 F80 F85 $21.95 |
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Kodak EasyShare M583 14 MP Digital Camera with 8x Optical Zoom and 3-Inch LCD – $123.99 |
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12 Mega Pixels 21X Optical Zoom Telescope Camera 1500M View w/ Monitor $147.99 |
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JVC Everio GZ-HM30AUS 2.7″ Inch LCD 1.5MP 40X Optical Zoom 720p Camcorder Blue $144.99 |
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***USED*** Olympus Stylus 9000 12.0 MP, 10x Optical Zoom, Digital Camera – Black $56.01 |
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JVC Everio GZ-HM30AUS 2.7″ Inch LCD 1.5MP 40X Optical Zoom 720p Camcorder Blue $164.99 |
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Nikon Coolpix S200 7.1 MP Digital Camera (Red, 3x Optical Zoom) – Turns On! $20.50 |
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Sony Handycam DCR-SX41/L 8GB 60x Optical Zoom Camcorder Blue $201.99 |
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JVC 800x Digital 30x Optical Zoom Digital Camcorder GR-DA30U Bundle $39.95 |
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NEW 1/4″ Sony CCD 27x Optical Zoom 420TVL Security CCTV Camera RS485 w Remote/S1 $109.99 |
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Kodak Digital Camera M590 Red 14MP 5X Optical Zoom New $113.99 |
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Panasonic LUMIX DMC-F3 12.1 MP Digital Camera Black 4x optical zoom Auto Scene $59.99 |
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Samsung 20x Optical 900x Digital Zoom Mini DV Camcorder Model No: SCD107 $49.99 |
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Kodak EasyShare Z740 Digital/Video Camera 10X Optical Zoom WORKS GREAT! $64.99 |
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Panasonic PV-GS150 2.3 MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom $599.99 |
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Panasonic PV-GS250 3.1MP 3CCD MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom $599.99 |
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Sony DCRHC21 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder 20x Optical Zoom $199.99 |
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Fujifilm Finepix Z1 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Silver) $399.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSCS90 4.1 MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom $199.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSCP200/R 7.2MP Digital Camera 3x Optical Zoom (Red) $399.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 5MP Digital Camera 3x Optical Zoom & MPEG4 Video $999.99 |
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Canon Powershot SD500 7.1MP Digital Elph Camera 3x Optical Zoom $199.99 |
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P200/S – Digital camera – 7.2 Mpix – optical zoom: 3 x – sup $249.99 |
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Sony Handycam DCR-DVD7E – Camcorder – 800 Kpix – optical zoom: 10 x – DVD-R (8cm $899.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSC-M1 5MP Digital Camera 3x Optical Zoom & MPEG4 Video $299.99 |
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Sony DCR-PC1000 MiniDV Handycam Camcorder 10x Zoom (Optical) $799.99 |
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Sony DCR-DVD203 1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder 12x Optical Zoom $299.99 |
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HP PhotoSmart M417 – Digital camera – 5.2 Mpix – optical zoom: 3 x – supported m $229.99 |
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Sony DCR-DVD92 DVD Handycam Camcorder w/20x Optical Zoom $299.99 |
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Nikon Coolpix 5900 5MP Digital Camera 3x Optical Zoom $299.99 |
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Sony Handycam DCR-DVD602E – Camcorder – 800 Kpix – optical zoom: 20 x – DVD-R (8 $499.99 |
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Pentax Optio S55 5MP Digital Camera 3x Optical Zoom $299.99 |
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Sony Handycam DCR-DVD602E – Camcorder – 800 Kpix – optical zoom: 20 x – DVD-R (8 $599.99 |
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JVC Everio GZ-MG40 1.33 MP 20 GB Hard Disk Drive Camcorder w/15x Optical Zoom $899.99 |
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Canon PowerShot SD600 6MP Digital Elph Camera 3x Optical Zoom $249.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSCT7 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black) $249.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSCN1 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom $699.99 |
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Sony Cyber-shot DSC-T7/B – Digital camera – 5.1 Mpix – optical zoom: 3 x – suppo $249.99 |
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Canon Powershot SD30 (Rockstar Red) 5MP Digital Elph Camera 2.4x Optical Zoom $299.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSCN1 8.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom $349.99 |
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Sony HDR-HC1 2.8MP High Definition MiniDV Camcorder w/10x Optical Zoom $1,499.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSC-R1 10.3MP Digital Camera 5x Optical Zoom $499.99 |
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Olympus SP-350 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom $299.99 |
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Olympus SP-350 8MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom $599.99 |
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Sony Cybershot DSCT5 5.1MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom (Black) $249.99 |
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Olympus FE-170 6MP Digital Camera with 3x Optical Zoom 200763 $40.95 |
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Polaroid i1037 10MP Digital Camera w/ 2.7-inch LCD, 3x Optical – 4x Digital Zoom $39.99 |
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LG LT303N Indoor PTZ Dome Security Camera 27X Optical Zoom 540TV 1/4 EX-View CCD $414.99 |
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Box 27X OPTICAL ZOOM auto Camera 520PTZ use+ Male-68G $139.60 |
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Box 27X OPTICAL ZOOM auto Camera PTZ use+ Male-4G $109.60 |
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Olympus Stylus 5010 14MP 5x Optical Zoom Digital Camera – Silver BRAND NEW $99.99 |
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Aiptek Action HD 1080P Camcorder w/3x Optical Zoom – NEW $75.00 |
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3.35X-180X FIBER OPTIC STEREO ZOOM INSPECTION MICROSCOPE + 8.0MP CAMERA $1,675.00 |
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3.35X-180X FIBER OPTIC DUAL GOOSENECK STEREO ZOOM MICROSCOPE + 3.0MP USB2 CAMERA $1,259.00 |
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Sylvania HD Video Camcorder, 8x Optical Zoom, 2-Inch LCD Screen, Red $49.99 |
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SONY CYBERSHOT 7.2 MP 4X OPTICAL ZOOM DSC-W120 DIGITAL CAMERA SILVER! $34.99 |
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FUJIFILM FINEPIX Z70 12 MEGAPIXEL 5X OPTICAL ZOOM 2.7 LCD SCREEN DIGITAL CAMERA $49.95 |
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3.35X-90X TRINOCULAR STEREO ZOOM MICROSCOPE ON XL POST STAND + FIBER OPTIC LIGHT $1,099.00 |
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NIB Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 6MP Waterproof 5x Optical Zoom Digital Movie Camera 18MB $107.09 |
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Nikon L810RD CoolPix, 16 Megapixel, 26x Optical Zoom, Digital Camera $249.00 |
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Nikon Coolpix L11 6.0 MP 3x Optical Zoom Digital Camera L 11 6MP 199962 $30.95 |
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Marshall Camera Zoom Pinhole Lens Spy CCTV Optical 1/2 $279.00 |
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NEW CANON POWERSHOT SX200 IS 12.1 MP DIGITAL CAMERA 12x OPTICAL ZOOM – BLACK $299.95 |
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3x Optical Zoom WIFI Wireless PTZ IP Outdoor Camera Two Way Talk $199.99 |
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2X-225X FIBER OPTIC ZOOM STEREO MICROSCOPE ON BOOM + 5MP CAMERA Windows & Mac OS $1,599.00 |
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Brand New Sanyo Xacti VPC-E1 IPX8 Waterproof Camcorder 5x Optical Zoom 6MP H.264 $107.09 |
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Vivitar DVR-940HXD Camcorder – 720p – 8.1 MP – 5 x optical zoom – Black $150.00 |
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New Nikon Coolpix S6200 Digital Camera with 16 MP 10x Wide Angle Optical Zoom $124.95 |
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Olympus TG-320 14 MP Red Touch Series Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom $179.00 |
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SAMSUNG HMX-T10BN 4.7MP 1080P COMPACT MEMORY CAMCORDER WITH 10X OPTICAL ZOOM $10.99 |
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Cobra DVC955 4X Digital Video Camcorder Optical Zoom LCD Display Red 1.5 $19.95 |
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520 TV Lines 27X optical zoom PTZ Dome IR camera for security use-65H $320.00 |
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700 TV Lines 27X optical zoom PTZ Dome IR camera for security use-85H $350.00 |
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Sony CCD 480 TVL 27X OPTICAL ZOOM 3.9-97.2mm Camera for security use-4H $109.00 |
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Sony super ARRAY IR 27X OPTICAL ZOOM CCD Camera for security use-59H $235.00 |
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Kodak EasyShare M341 12.2mp 3x Optical Zoom 2.7″ LCD Red – New Open Box $68.21 |
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2pcs 3X Optical Zoom PTZ Wireless IP Network Waterproof Camera Night Vision Win7 $380.09 |
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Olympus Stylus 9000 12.0 MP, 10x Optical Zoom Digital Camera – Black $70.00 |
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3pcs 3X Optical Zoom PTZ Wireless IP Outdoor Waterproof Camera Night Vision Win7 $562.79 |
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Olympus TG-320 14 MP Blue Touch Series Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom $179.00 |
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2pcs Security IP WaterProof Outdoor CMOS Camera 3X Optical Zoom Motion Detection $385.49 |
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PTZ Wireless IP WaterProof Outdoor CMOS Camera 3X Optical Zoom Motion Detection $196.80 |
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New Nikon Coolpix S5100 12 MP Digital Camera 5x Optical Zoom 2.7-Inch LCD Black $119.00 |
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5pcs Security IP WaterProof Outdoor Wifi Camera 3X Optical Zoom Motion Detection $927.99 |
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IR-CUT Wireless IP WaterProof Outdoor Camera IR 3X Optical Zoom Motion Detection $135.89 |
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2pcs Wireless IP WaterProof Outdoor CCTV Camera 3X Optical Zoom Motion Detection $369.79 |
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New Nikon Coolpix S5100 12 MP Digital Camera 5x Optical Zoom 2.7-Inch LCD Pink $109.00 |
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Olympus VR-340 16 MP Silver Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom $149.00 |
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Outdoor High Speed Dome Camera Sony CCD 27X OPTICAL ZOOM Auto Focus $369.00 |
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New Telescope Camera 6x Optical Zoom Lens +Tripod Mount Set for Nokia N8 ZVTE042 $11.99 |
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27X Optical zoom 480TVL 1/4 Sony CCD PTZ Camera outdoor Waterproof $264.89 |
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10-30x25mm Zoom Focus Adjustable Optical Monocular Telescope For Camping Hunting $9.95 |
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Olympus VR-340 16 MP Black Digital Camera with 10x Optical Zoom $149.00 |
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Panasonic Digital P-camcorder 30x Optical Zoom/ 1000x Digital Zoom MODEL PVGS35 $116.99 |
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Nice! Sony HDR-TD10 High Definition 3D Handycam Camcorder with 10x Optical Zoom $480.99 |
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FUJIFILM FINEPIX XP20 14.2 MP 5X WIDE OPTICAL ZOOM DIGITAL CAMERA – GREEN AS IS $39.99 |
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Outdoor 480TVL SONY CCD Security CCTV 27x Optical Zoom Dome PTZ Camera 256Preset $245.89 |
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Sony DCR-DVD203 1MP DVD Handycam Camcorder 12x Optical Zoom $350.00 |
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DEWALT DCT410S1 12-Volt Max Inspection Camera Kit $259.00 The DEWALT 12-Volt Max Inspection Camera is designed to provide visual access to hidden nooks and hard-to-see areas. The camera features a 3-foot, flexible snake-mounted camera lens with LED, a pistol-grip control, and a detachable LCD screen. A removable microSD card makes storage and transfer of images easy. 12-Volt Max Inspection Camera KitAt a Glance: Waterproof, 3-foot snake c… |
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Milwaukee 2310-21 Cordless M-Spector Digital Inspection Camera with 12-Volt Lithium Ion Battery $444.00 Digital technology delivers superior image quality providing a crystal-clear picture of hard-to-reach places such as inside pipes, drains and equipment and behind walls. Ergonomic handle for comfort in any orientation. A power saving, auto-shutoff feature preserves battery life. Probe (in.): 36, Head Size (in.): 11/16, Monitor Type: 2 3/8 in. color monitor, Display Type: LCD screen, Light Type: LE… |
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Nikon WC-E63 Wide-Angle Converter Lens for Nikon 4300 & 4500 Digital Cameras $59.95 One of the most frustrating problems facing any digital photographer is the inability to fit an entire group of people or breathtaking landscape scene in the picture. While you can’t remove the standard Coolpix lens and replace it as you can on an interchangeable lens SLR camera, you can quickly and easily attach this accessory wide-angle lens onto the camera’s built-in lens to get the resul… |
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Vision Booster Digital Magnifier $19.01 The Vision Booster Digital Magnifier enables you to use your computer to magnify printed text and images – books, newspapers, magazines, photos, etc. Make standard, 12-point type letters and numbers 1 inch high or use the zoom feature to make them 3 inches high. The Vision Booster Magnifier comes with the optical scanner (gray device in product photo) that connects to a USB port on your IBM comp… |
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Dr. Dean Edell (E78) Aviator Semi-Rimless Reading Glasses, Pewter, +2.00 $12.99 Dr. Dean Edell Eyewear, America’s most trusted brand of premium readers, features well designed, optical quality lenses and frames at an excellent value. These contemporary frames are ultra-light and extremely durable. Spring hinges increase comfort and all Dr. Dean Edell readers feature lenses that are both impact and scratch resistant…. |
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Dr. Dean Edell (H35) Aviator Semi-Rimless Reading Glasses, Pewter, +3.00 $12.99 Dr. Dean Edell Eyewear, America’s most trusted brand of premium readers, features well designed, optical quality lenses and frames at an excellent value. These contemporary frames are ultra-light and extremely durable. Spring hinges increase comfort and all Dr. Dean Edell readers feature lenses that are both impact and scratch resistant…. |
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SE Mini 45X Brass Microscope w/ Illuminator $1.40 45x LED Illuminated Pocket Microscope with Storage Case. Illumination provided by two LEDs. Microscope can be separated from LED Illumination assembly. 1 7/16 inches in length, 1 3/8 inches wide, 9/16 inch in thick. Requires three LR927 batteries, which are included…. |
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Orion SpaceProbe 3 Altazimuth Reflector Telescope $99.99 Orion’s surprising little Spaceprobe 3 has been picked by independent reviewers as one of the best telescopes in its price class. Unlike similar telescopes seen in discount stores, Orion has refined the Spaceprobe 3 by paying attention to the little details, and that make this telescope a great value. The Spaceprobe 3 comes with an unusually complete set of accessories. The package includes two … |
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Carson Z-pix Digital Zoom Microscope $89.00 The Carson Optical zPix is a powerful digital zoom microscope that displays a magnified image right on your computer screen. Impressive 35x-165X magnification allows you to see details of ordinary objects you never knew existed, and you can additionally capture images with an onboard 640-by-480 resolution digital camera. This renowned device is as fun as it is educational for curious kids, and has… |
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3D connexion SpaceExplorer 3D Navigation Device with USB Interface ( 3DX-700026 ) $250.00 Simply push, pull, tilt or twist the SpaceExplorer’s controller cap to simultaneously pan, zoom and rotate 3D objects and environments. SpaceExplorer features an array of easy-to-reach function keys labeled and pre-programmed with commands from leading design applications. Keys automatically map as you move between applications for unified navigation.Gone are the days when 3D navigation meant endl… |
