I have an ad from Fry's on this Vivitar 3100. I have been using an anaolg camera and processing through Seattle Filmworks that provides me with pictures on a CD. The price seems right with the Vivitar and the resolution exceeds what I am getting on the scanned analog pictures. Would I be disapointed in this digital approach?

-- Dean C. Bailey (fstrk@goodnet.com), February 14, 1999

Answers

I agree with Bob's comments generally, but the Vivitar 3100 uses a CMOS sensor, and so has a little bit less dynamic range than many other cameras that use CCDs. (I'm sure Vivitar would argue with me on that.) Unfortunately, we don't have any samples here from the 3100 for you to compare, so you'll need to take my word on this. :-( OTOH, the scans I've seen from Seattle Filmworks typically weren't as good as from a generic desktop film scanner, so the two factors may balance out: You may very well be satisfied! I think the 3100s are going for a pretty low price these days, so it may be a good bet.

-- Dave Etchells (web@imaging-resource.com), February 21, 1999.

I have used fairly high quality film cameras for years (advanced amature) and have recently switched to a CoolPix 900 digital with accesories and an HP PhotoSmart printer. I have been totally satisfied with my results (considering my mediocre level of expertise). In fact I think I get better results sometimes because I no longer hesitate to take test shots and view (instantly) the results. Since the 'film' is completely reusable and the processing (at least to the PC screen) is free, I do a lot of experimenting to improve by technique. You should try it, you'll like it.

-- Bob Benson (benson@gbasin.com), February 14, 1999.