Minolta Freedom Explorer EX Panorama 28-75 Zoom Date 35mm Camera

Product Description

There are a number of ways to explore life. But have you ever tried exploring life with pictures? Well, Minolta has the perfect camera for exploring life. The Freedom Zoom Explorer EX. This camera provides point-and-shoot ease, exciting features, and high-quality results. Its 2.7-times zoom lens lets you shoot high-quality photographs with ease. Get close to capture a hidden world that often goes unseen. Or widen out for sweeping landscapes, beautiful night views, memorable travel photos, or full-frame portraits. Freedom Zoom Explorer EX does it all, and it's ready when you are - in your pocket, purse, or fanny pack.Minolta's Freedom Zoom Explorer EX features a slim, smooth, and protective design that makes it very easy to carry in a pocket, purse, or fanny pack. When the camera is turned off, the lens and flash retract completely into the camera body to form a smooth, capsule-like shape. The body is finished in eye-catching metallic silver matte, and the control buttons are in brilliant metallic silver, to give the camera an elegant, high-precision appearance. To make the Explorer EX very easy to operate, each button is positioned next to its corresponding indicator in the data panel, so that the user can see at a glance which functions each button controls.This package includes Freedom Zoom Explorer camera, RC-3 remote control, case, film roll, and battery.

Amazon.com Product Description

This stylish pocket-sized "capsule" 35mm Minolta Freedom Explorer camera features a built-in wide-angle 28-75mm lens. Designed for both scenic shots and close-ups, the Minolta Freedom Explorer EX lets users select panorama mode and date imprinting at any time. Users may also choose between selectable exposure modes to ensure proper exposure for close-up, night portrait, or landscape/night view shots every time.

This camera also offers precise, three-beam active infrared autofocus for sharp pictures. The built-in automatic flash system includes "soft flash" for close-ups, along with red-eye reduction, autoflash, flash fill, and cancel flash. Film advance and rewind are automatic and fuss free, and users can select continuous advance or midroll rewind. The Minolta Freedom Explorer EX also features a 10-second self-timer setting and wireless remote control release. Along with the camera, the kit includes a carrying case, strap, film, batteries, remote control, and a two-year warranty.

Customer Reviews:

Very good, but not perfect........2003-04-16

I chose to buy this camera because it was rated number 1 in Consumer Reports magazine. Besides being one of the few that was rated as actually taking good photos (which is the most important thing!), it also got a high rating for being small, light, simple to use, for containing many features, and for being well priced.

I agree with this in general and recommend it. I tested all the features and they seemed to work well. I even compared photos from this camera with those taken at the same time with my other two cameras (including an SLR). My conclusion is that the Minolta Freedom Zoom Explorer does take nice clear pictures with good colours that I am pleased with. However, a potential buyer should be aware of certain things:

1) The viewfinder itself is quite small and dim, and the objects within the viewfinder are also very small. The viewfinder is the biggest problem with the camera and an annoying one. You have to squint and struggle to get your objects into the frame even if you are not an eyeglass wearer. Dark settings will make the situation worse.

2) Some, but not all, of my 28mm wide-angle photos have a dimness or darkness near the sides.

3) When you turn the camera on, it goes to the 28mm wide-angle setting by default. This is annoying since you will rarely use this setting for photos. Instead it should go to a more common middle setting like 50mm (since that represents what you see with your naked eye).

4) There is no way to know what zoom setting you are at. Ideally, as you zoom in and out you should see the numbers (mm) displayed in the viewfinder or at least on the main LCD display. The camera does not do this, and the objects in the viewfinder are too small and dim to even help guide you. So you are basically guessing with every shot.

5) When taking shots with no flash, especially self-timer shots, you'll have a hard time knowing when the shutter has closed. You can hardly hear it when you are not right next to the camera or if you are in a loud environment. A light should stay on for the length of time that the shutter is open. Otherwise you or your subjects might stop posing before the camera is done taking the picture, which produces a blurred image.

6) The remote works, but not as smoothly as I would have liked. Sometimes I have to push the button 2 or 3 times to get the camera to shoot. I did test the battery and it is good.

7) It is difficult to use this camera with gloves on because the buttons are quite small.

8) A couple more features like the BULB feature (to keep the shutter open for as long as you want) and the feature that overlaps frames (for cool effects) would have been good to have. Some point and shoot cameras have these features.

But besides all this, all the features that the camera has work well on mine like Macro (for close-ups), Panoramic, Night, Landscape, even the Red Eye Reduction seemed to do its job despite all the flashing being so annoying.

It is also a very easy to understand and use camera, and I like the yellow Date numbers on my photos instead of red ones that most cameras produce.

Overall, I am very pleased with this small, light, fun camera in general, and still recommend it despite the faults written above.

Point and Shoot Warrier.......2002-12-09

I was drawn to this camera because of the special macro setting with a minimum distance from objects at 1.1 feet. It is specified as having a "smallest field of 6 inches" - but at 1.1 feet, the smallest frame is about 17" wide. Out of focus close-up images happen about 40% of the time - either because I was closer than 1.1 feet or the autofocus may be inaccurate at that distance.

All these P&S cameras start out in 28mm wide angle mode - which naturally distorts the image (at the edges especially and indoors as noted in other reviews). There is no way to find the "standard" 50mm setting to minimize the distortion, except to guess w/ the zoom.

These finer points should not discurage most users of this very sturdy camera. However, the zoom control is cramped (if you use your left eye to focus), and it does take some time to find the image in the viewfinder, especially with a dark image in view.

The camera endured 2 years of torture in the bottom of my bookbag. Maybe I'll actually use the free softcase in the bookbag to provide more padding. It's light enough to carry around all the time for those moments when you say "I wish I had a camera right now". Good flash control. You must use the "landscape" setting if there is an object in the forground - or you get an image focused on the back of someone's head.

Repair Problem.......2002-11-20

I purchased the Freedom Zoom Explorer about a year and a half ago after my 6-year old Olympus Stylus Zoom bit the dust. I've really enjoyed the camera--it takes great pictures most of the time. There is a problem with the flash rebound--it takes several seconds for the flash to recharge which is not good when trying to capture continuous flash shots of your kid's squad in cheerleading competitions. You can take the pictures, but most of them will not have the flash activated. I am now camera shopping to replace the Explorer. I started to use it the other day, but when I took it out of the case (which was also in the video cam case), the LCD on the top of the camera was black and mottled. It still took pictures, but I have no idea what setting it was on or how many shots were left on the film. At least I was able to rewind the film. After taking it to a local camera shop, they determined that it could be sent off to the factory and repaired.... They couldn't tell me what had happened or how it had happened, and I certainly don't have a clue since it's been safely stored since it was last used. This has been a good camera, but I was hoping to keep it longer than eighteen months. I don't think I'll be purchasing another.

camer has wider angle lens than others.......2002-07-18

I got this camera 6 months ago after reading that it was a rated one of the best in Consumer Reports, and I have been extrememly happy about it. The pictures are extremely clear and just exceptional. The only thing to watch out for is that the lens is wide angle when unzoomed. That means you get more of the field of view in, which is great on some shots, such as in big buildings. However, shots of scenery that have not been zoomed may have dark corners as the lens creats a fish eye effect. Its not bad, and the wider angle is great for many occasions. If it happens just know its not a defect, just something to watch for.

poor flash photography.......2002-07-01

I've never seen anything like it. My photos looked like they were taken with a filter that darkened the right and/or left sides of the image. Same problem indoors or outdoors, with flash and wide angle. Also not happy with the sharpness of the focus.

Product Description

The Persona C16 delivers personalized cards with simplicity. Just plug in and print out! It's as easy to use as a regular office printer. Drop-in ribbon and card loading make it easy to refill. For added efficiency, the C16 has an increased input hopper capacity of 100 cards. It also features an easy-to-read LCD display that shows printer status and other helpful messages. The Persona C16 is a great choice for common applications. Its smooth, reliable operation keeps up with frequent use at an economical price. Optional magnetic stripe encoding and an optional USB-to-parallel interface cable enhance its value even more. With its small footprint, the Persona C16 fits easily on any desktop. It's also an ideal solution if you need to print cards at multiple sites, because it's light enough and quiet enough to be taken anywhere. The advanced dye-sublimation technology of the C16 produces vivid, photo-quality cards on demand. The printer delivers professional, edge-to-edge results in only 30 seconds.

Product Description

Lexan center load shell available in 4 colors. 48" black chrome whip. Super Corona tip. 6000 watt power handling. 8-gauge copper coil for lower I²R power losses and more power handling capability. Heat and fade-resistant. Ultrasonically sealed for water tightness. Non-corrosive black chrome plated stainless steel whip, shaft and hardware.

Customer Reviews:

!!.......2003-04-08

good camera with lots of features. flash, red eye, night pictures, landscape, date and time. every picture i took was excellent

2 thumbs up.......2003-04-08

This camera is the best one I own. Good features on it. You can change the style in which the date appears, add the time or nothing at all. Theres a feature in which you can take pictures at night and landscape.I would recomend to anyone who wants a good and reasonable priced camera

SLOW RESPONSE.......2003-01-04

THE MOST FRUSTRATING ITEM ON THIS CAMERA IS THE SLOW RESPONSE TO TAKE THE PICTURE. PUSH THE BOTTOM, AND WAIT A SECOND OR MORE BEFORE IT RESPONDS . . . MOST OF THE TIME MISSING THE SHOT YOU WANTED TO GET.

Product Description

The Digi PortServer Family of terminal servers provides network connectivity over TCP/IP for any serial device. The family supports application requirements from two to 64 ports. The versatile PortServer Family of PortServer TS and PortServer II products can attach any serial device to the Ethernet. These products are ideal for console management of server farms, hubs, routers and PBXs, as well as connecting terminals to database applications such as travel reservations and information services. The PortServer Family is also a smart solution for kiosk management applications and small ISPs. The PortServer II high-performance communications server includes all of the features of the PortServer TS plus expandability to 64 ports and extensive network management and security features. In addition, the PortServer II supports dial-up and LAN-to-LAN connections for TCP/IP remote access to your corporate LAN or the Internet over Frame Relay and analog lines. The PortServer II is available in both desktop and rack mount versions.

Average customer rating:

It worked for awhile

Pretty good, I'd buy another w/o looking around

many negative points

This is it

nifty phone but BAD SOUND

Casio Phonemate TI345 Phone and Answering Machine

Manufacturer: CASIO
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

With Answering Device | Corded Telephones | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics
With Caller ID | Corded Telephones | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics
Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Phones | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Telephones | Casio | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

RCA RC920 Wireless Phone Jack Extension

RCA RC930 Caller-ID-Compatible Wireless Modem Jack

Privacy Technologies TeleZapper

Product Features:

Call waiting/caller ID with 75 caller ID records

Answering machine with all-digital recording

Speakerphone

Data Dial for rapid dialing of caller ID or AutoDial numbers

Voice-assisted operation

ASIN: B00000K0DC

Customer Reviews:

It worked for awhile.......2006-09-05

This answering machine was decent for a number of years but recently it's been a source of trouble. The fact that picking up another phone doesn't shut it off was always annoying, but our troubles grew as it went haywire after a series of power failures. It now says that memory is full even though no messages are stored. We can no longer record greetings, meaning that it is now useful only as a phone. The most frustrating part is that Casio's customer service number is no longer operable and their website does not list phones and answering machines as products they currently produce. Thus, if you have a problem, you will be unable to receive support. If you're considering buying this now (2006) or in the future, I'd recommend something else.

Pretty good, I'd buy another w/o looking around.......2001-08-11

I bought two of these phones for my parents (for main phone and a home office phone). The great thing about the phone is that it has a digital VM and Caller ID in one phone. It also can be set to have the VM pick up on the first ring when a telemarketer calls (and blocks their number). The VM is annoying because, like was already mentioned, if the power goes out, your greeting is erased. Two other annoying things, you have to listen to the whole message before erasing it and the VM doesn't shut off when you pick up the handset. I'd buy another one if it meant I didn't have to look for a better one.

many negative points.......2001-06-21

If I would know before ordering that: 1. The receiver has sever echo when you are talking 2.That it gives annoying soundes during dialing 3.That answering machine does not stop when you picking up parallel phone. 4.That automatic dialing is inconvenient I would not buy this phone. But I have it now and will use it.

This is it.......2001-04-29

Has all the Features we were looking for...and Preforms them all well.....Well worth the Money , easy to program and not a million confusing buttons that are Uneeded.

nifty phone but BAD SOUND.......2001-02-24

Cool machine! Nice rotary button A loudspeaker helps a lot compared to my previous phone so when Pac Bell (or other institution) puts me on a long wait I can do other things in my house. There was only one headache: On a recent trip to Paris I was remotely reading messages and suddenly erased all messages OH NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I just found recently how to do it: press * (BACK) OR # (NEXT) It's wonderful that I discovered that. I will rate it 4 and not 5 because the numeric sound quality is poor (just make a greeting interlaced with some music, you can hardly tell the music. Old tape machines had better sound) Is any engineer reading this?: Can I take the machine appart and install a better chip with more megabytes? E.S.

Product Description

Affordable, full-featured RAID solution for increased data protection and server availability. The Adaptec SCSI RAID 2100S card delivers high performance and availability for entry-level servers and workstations - conventional and rackmount. It is an affordable, microprocessor - based, fully-featured, Ultra160 SCSI RAID solution in a half size form factor making it ideal for environments that require greater uptime, high-speed throughput, scalability, and space saving features.

Product Description

Packed with sophisticated features normally associated with larger, more expensive products, the Perle P800 series is the perfect choice for SOHO (Small Office Home Office) applications. It keeps costs to a minimum without sacrificing quality, functionality and ease of use. The P800 series consists of many variants offering a range of standard and advanced features to suit specific user requirements.The P840 series is the entry-level router designed specifically for the SOHO user. It has an impressive feature set which includes IP routing, IP spoofing, Stac LZS data compression, NetSAFE firewall, SNMP, NAT, NAPT, Reverse NAPT, DHCP, external power supply and Windows-based GUI for easy Internet configuration. The P840 series of access routers provides a truly flexible solution for small commercial or home user applications. All units in the range feature 10BASE-T/RJ45 (MDI or MDI-X) LAN connectors and an S/T or U interface ISDN connector.

Average customer rating:
Panasonic KX-TG2217S Battery

Manufacturer: Hi Capacity
ProductGroup: CE

Cordless Telephone | by Use | Batteries | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

Manufactured by Hi Capacity Power Products

12 Month Warranty

900mAH

3.6 Volts

NiCad

ASIN: B000P0R7ME

Product Description

3.6 Volt NiCad Cordless Phone Battery Three AA cells in plastic casing with two contacts on top. Our products are guaranteed to meet or exceed original OEM specifications.

Average customer rating:

Panasonic KX-TG2217S Battery

Manufacturer: Hi Capacity
ProductGroup: CE

12 Month Warranty
900mAH
3.6 Volts
NiCad

ASIN: B000P0PFUA

Product Description

3.6 Volt NiCad Cordless Phone Battery Three AA cells in plastic casing with two contacts on top.. Guaranteed to meet or exceed original specifications. 100% OEM compatible.

Nickel-Metal Hydride Cordless Phone Battery For Panasonic KX-TG2217S

Average customer rating:

Nickel-Metal Hydride Cordless Phone Battery For Panasonic KX-TG2217S

Manufacturer: Batteries.com
ProductGroup: CE

Rechargeable | by Type | Batteries | Batteries, Chargers & Power Supplies | Accessories & Supplies | Categories | Electronics | Button Cell | Coin Cell | A | AA | AAA | AAAA | C | D | 6V | 9V | 12V | Heavy Duty

Product Description

Nickel-Metal Hydride Cordless Phone Battery For Panasonic KX-TG2217S

Average customer rating:

Great phone
I haven't had problems with this phone!
Poor Battery Life
THE WORST PHONE EVER!
Battery dead already????

Panasonic KX-TG2217S Cordless Telephone

Manufacturer: Panasonic
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics

Phones | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Product Features:

2.4 GHz digital cordless phone
Single handset, silver design
Caller ID and call waiting ready
Backlit, 3-line LCD on handset
Headset compatible, wall mountable, reverse handset charging

ASIN: B000067O8T

Product Description

Users seeking innovative 2.4GHz cordless telephones won't be disappointed by the new Panasonic KX-TG2205W, KX-TG2215B, KX-TG2217S, KX-TG2227S, KX-TG2237S, KX-TG2247S, KX-TG2257S and KX-TG2267S. Among the features found on select models in the line are high-capacity phone directories with dialers, built-in answering machines and technology to ensure long-range, ultra-clear communications.Call Waiting Caller ID is included on all of the new models except the KX-TG2205W and KX-TG2227S. The caller's name and number is shown on the backlit, three-line LCD found on the front of the handset of these models and a 30-Station Caller ID Memory and Dialer that stores up to 30 names and numbers with call-back capability is also included. Accessing the stored Caller ID information is done with the Navigator key - a multi-function button allowing users to easily scroll through the Caller ID log for the caller's information. The Navigator can also be used to conveniently find and make calls to phone numbers in the Caller ID memory or from the phone numbers programmed into a separate 50-name/number telephone directory. All of the new cordless telephones offer the long-range communications of 2.4GHz Digital operation. They offer, long-range security to help reduce the chance of eavesdropping, and enhanced voice clarity. Panasonic's 39-Channel Auto Scanning System, which searches for the next clear channel before the user even places a call, further ensures that calls are clear. Hands-free calling capability is included on the handset of all of the new telephones. The KX-TG2217S model also includes a handset locator, programmable tone/pulse, hold, mute, ringer control (off/low/high) with six selectable patterns, low battery indicator, any key answer, headset jack, handset volume (low/med/high). Also it is a wall mountable.

Amazon.com Product Description

Combining the ultimate in modern design with equally modern technology, this shiny silver unit contains all the features you expect in a home phone. The Panasonic KX-TG2217S cordless telephone brings you a crystal clear connection and tremendous range on a 2.4 GHz fully digital spectrum. The comfortably curved handset supplies up to five hours of talk time with an automatic channel switcher for consistently clear conversation.

Hold, redial, pause, mute, and a 10-station one-touch auto dialer are all accessible from the handset. The clearly legible three-line LCD panel is backlit for easy reading in any lighting, and it shows the name and number of current callers with subscription to your local caller ID service. Simple scroll buttons allow you to easily return recent calls; the memory automatically stores the 30 newest phone numbers. A headset jack is supplied for comfortably hands-free use.

The base works equally well on the wall or a tabletop and includes a clear message waiting indicator light that works with subscription to your local voicemail system. Panasonic includes a one-year warranty that covers parts and service.

Customer Reviews:

Great phone.......2006-09-18

I don't understand why other reviewers have had problems with this phone! I've used it for over 9 YEARS and find the battery life, range, and especially the sound quality to be excellent. In fact, I'm here to order another one right now.

I haven't had problems with this phone!.......2004-12-24

I love it, I did replace the original battery with the Energizer er-p511 which does have twice the talk time, but the original battery did not die on me the way the other reviewers said, it took a while to die and when I went battery shopping, this one was suggested and it is great! It made a great phone even better!

Poor Battery Life.......2004-03-14

I have the same problem as all the other reviewers. At first I thought I was turning on the phone when I was putting it down, and coming back to find it almost dead. After more careful observation, I found out the battery goes from 3 bars (full) to dead within a matter of minutes. I follow all the procedures for recharging NiCd- even letting the battery go completely dead between recharges. The phone is now just under a year old, and I was thinking about getting a new battery, but I don't think so after reading the other reviews. I'm very dissapointed.

THE WORST PHONE EVER!.......2004-01-10

If I could rate this with zero stars, I would. This phone cannot hold a charge for more than 45 min. This is by far the worst cordless phone I have ever experienced - I would rather be tethered to a rotary dial phone with a 2 foot cord than continue on with this phone. I agree with all of the other reviewers - JUNK!

Battery dead already????.......2003-12-07

Like all the other reviews I have just read about this phone I have experienced a very short battery life. I have had this phone for about a year now and I spent a lot of money buying batteries to replace the original but that didn't help at all. The display on the phone shows the battery as full but after 2 minutes the phone beeps and I have to switch phone. Terrible.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics