Panasonic DMC-LC40K 4MP Digital Camera w/ Leica Lens and 3x Optical Zoom, Black

Product Description

A world leader in digital technology, Panasonic has developed an exciting new digital camera that breaks new ground in image creation. A digital camera is, first and foremost, a camera. Its main purpose is to capture clear, accurate images. But in developing Lumix, Panasonic took this concept a step further. The company's goal was not just to capture images accurately, but also to create the first-ever digital camera capable of rendering images with a beauty, subtlety, and delicacy that evoke a powerful emotional response in the viewer. With Lumix, Panasonic has created a digital camera that opens the door to an entirely new level of image creation. All of Lumix digital cameras are equipped with world-renowned Leica DC lenses to offer you the ultimate in digital photography. One of the Leica's most popular lenses, the Leica DC Vario-Summicron lens is now featured in Panasonic Lumix DMC-LC40K, bringing Leica's advanced optical technology to the world of digital photography. Thanks to Leica lenses, Lumix cameras can take digital photos that have the same emotional warmth, impact and subtlety as photographs shot on film. The DC Vario-Summicron lens features an exquisite soft-focus effect, vibrant colors and a general enhancement of nuance and depth. DMC-LC40K is equipped with a 3x optical zoom, capable of producing close-ups with amazing detail. The LCD screen on Lumix cameras lets you view your photos in detail before and after you take them. The built-in flash has an automatic setting, perfect for indoor use or in dim lighting, as well as a variety of manual settings, including "red eye" reduction modes.

Customer Reviews:

Do not buy Panasonic.......2004-01-14

Do not buy Panasonic cameras. I bought a DMC-LC20 one year ago, and it died exactly one day after the warranty expired. It began taking pictures with green/pink tones. Support for digital cameras is terrible. They replaced the main board with a second hand one as a "favor" without improvement, now (6 weeks later) they still have the camera and now want to replace the CCD for $129.00 + labor. Panasonic has not returned any emails I've sent about my disappointment with this product. I will throw it away and buy Sony.

Great Camera.......2003-11-15

This is my first digital camera and I love it. I am a novice. It does everything I had hoped for and more. Dowloading images to my computer is really easy. The battery life is great and recharging is also easy - just plug it in. I am very happy with this camera and know that if I want additional lenses, they are available.

One-week impressions..........2003-10-20

My wife and I really liked this camera, but we only owned it for a week. Here are some thoughts from an amateur perspective:
We were impressed with the picture quality and especially surprised by the performance in low-light conditions. I regularly did not have to use the flash indoors, and still got great pics...Outdoor photos were even better, of course, with landscapes that looked like I was peering out a window. I have a picture of my neighbor's cat that I swear looks better than real life. Gorgeous, with spot-on color, from my amateur's perspective.

One thing to remember is that the flash is sort of manual. If you open the flash (requires a flick of the finger, very easy), it becomes fully automatic, but if you keep it closed, the camera will not use the flash, no matter the lighting conditions. This was actually very convenient, and pretty much unique in point-and-shoot cameras.

The battery power was also excellent. We took about 100 photos all told, and still hadn't dented the substantial included lithium battery, which the manual, I think, said was good for 250 or so pics, depending on usage of the LCD, which was suitably bright. One feature missing from the camera is a delete button, which is included on newer models. (Deleting photos requires clicking a few buttons)...

Ultimately, however, we decided to return the camera, mainly because of its size. It's not a huge camera, smaller than most SLR's and quite manageable. But this was a gift for my wife, and this camera is bulky enough that she would probably only take it for major excursions -- not quick snapshots, etc. We decided to try the LC43 instead, which offers similar specs, although perhaps not quite the solid feel of the LC40, in a more compact package. The LC43 also can be a bit cheaper overall because Panasonic has a rebate deal going for a free 128 MB card. The LC43 also includes rechargeable AAs and a charger. That was also a consideration, despite the excellent battery power on the LC40. For starters, will you even be able to find the expensive proprietary lithium batteries five years from now? AAs are everywhere and cheap, rechargeable or not, and therefore are more convenient for the long-term, I think. Of course, perhaps in five years we will all have traded up to dirt-cheap 12 megapixel SLRs and these will all be on the electronic junkpile...

I can update this once we get the LC43 (it's in the mail) for a comparison. One thing I've gleaned from others is that the LC43 flash is a bit on the weak side, relative to the LC40, and has one or two fewer manual controls. But as an amateur looking for a convenient snap-shooter, I'm willing to live with that.

Good luck!

Fantastic "Leica Clone" - well, actually, it IS a Leica!.......2003-10-08

This camera is amazing. I am getting more deeply interested in photography, and have had a great Minolta 35mm SLR for years and love it. I've been waiting for digital's quality to come up, and prices to come down for a few years. I felt that time had arrived, so I began seriously researching which camera to buy.

After spending much time learning about what the pros love, I basically decided to get the Leica Digilux 1 (www.leica-camera.com/digitalekameras/digilux1/index_e.html). Unfortunately, at 900 bucks, I was also planning to have to continue my wait.

Then I stumbled upon the Panasonic LC40 w/ a Leica lens. I read all I could about the camera, and noticed some serious similarities b/t it and the Digilux. In fact, I learned that Panasonic was sub-contracted to put their digital works in the Leica cam, while Leica puts their SAME EXACT lens (the Leica DC Vario-Summicron) in the LC40.

Got the LC40 for 1/3 the price of a Digilux, and got basically the same exact camera (minus manual focus and with a smaller lcd). If you look at the specs of both cams you'll see what I mean.

Most of the reviews here and elsewhere have highlighted much of what I want to say about this fantastic camera. But I have come across rare review-complaints about its darkening of pictures and bad low-light performance, color-shifting etc. These comments I have found to be completely untrue, and probably the unfortunate result of a lack of a basic understanding of photography. This cam is simply AMAZING in low light, without a flash. It focuses very well in extremely dim situations (we're talking DARK situations) and yields amazing results. The colors are crisp and neutral. Even in low light. I did not find a hint of even minor color shift.

Other nice features:
Clean neutral flash. Good redeye reduction. Multiple flash modes.
"Burst" mode a-la Girls On Film by Duran Duran ;)
SD cards (more $$, but smaller)
Fast USB xfer.
Ergonomically comfortable. Big enough to offer stability, yet quite compact.
Great price.

Minuses (almost a joke to bring up considering the price)
No manual focus
No focus tracking light
Minimal digital zoom.
No acc or flash sync (for external flash systems).
No remote.

In a world flooded with mediocre 4mp cameras and lenses, this one borders on pro for an extreme fraction of the cost. Go get one, because you'll easily have to go to the $1k range to compete with the LC40's results.

Best camera I ever owned.......2003-08-16

I have been through a few SLR bodies and a couple of point and shoots. My lense kit ranges from 28mm to 400mm for the 35mm cam, a Pentax ZX-M. I was skeptical about the digital breed, and the Fuji2600 I bought 18 months ago was ok, but developed into a battery hog. The 4 MegaPixel LC40 has retired them all though! I couldn't believe that I finally had a Leica lens at a bargain price, and the optics make a huge difference. I have compared my pics to some others taken with a 5MP Sony, and the Panasonic/Leica LC40 has better colors, slightly better resolution, and far more natural contrast. The Sony made a waterfall appear, as if the water had been pasted onto the rock formmations in a qick and dirty PhotoShop! It took me a little while to get used to it, but an important lesson was to keep this camera locked at 100 ASA sensitivity whenever possible. Otherwise the automatic override can at times switch to a higher sensitivity, resulting in some minor rainbowing color noise effects around solid dark objects. This is only visible in larger printouts though (8x10 and bigger). I also use it fairly exclusively in the Aperture priority mode, which allows me to quickly check and adjust my shutter speed, while always having a good idea what the depth of field will be. While the 100ASA fix makes for great colors, I have also found this camera to make pictures superior to other models in low light conditions, with less noise ("grain"). The battery life is simply outstanding! I haven't charged my LC40 for about 3 or 4 days now, have taken around 50 shots, and still a better than 75% charge in the battery! I have to mention here, that I use this camera like an SLR, in that I keep the LCD monitor turned on for framing purposes and setting checks and also instantly review my pictures with the zooming feature. This a big no-no with many digicams if you want more than just a few shots, but not this camera. It keeps on going like the Energizer Bunny!
My pictures are sharper and actually have better resolution (yes, I do mean better than 35mm film!) than ever, I can print whatever, whenever, and in what size I want, buying and getting film processed is a thing of the past, and thanks to my home computer I am even getting into the kind of special effects photography I always dreamed of, but never had a darkroom for.
Like I said, it took me while to get the settings right, but now this is a better camera for me, than my SLR ever was or could be!
Kudos to the Leica and Panasonic engineers for getting together and creating this new line. I wouldn't trade back to film anymore!
As a final note: I am still trying to figure out the difference between this camera and the Leica Digilux1/Panasonic-LC5 (they are nearly identical) model. The LC40 is more compact, but that seems to be it, aside from being half the price, which makes it a far superior deal to the other (usually only 2 or 3 MegaPixel) cameras in this price range!
Get it while you can - it's sold out in a lot of places!

Average customer rating:

Extremely frustrated

Sharp DV-S25U Progressive-Scan DVD Player

Manufacturer: Sharp
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
DVD Players | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Sharp | Custom Brands | Custom Stores | Specialty Stores | Electronics Features | Electronics | All Sharp | Accessories | Calculators | Compact Stereos | DVD Players & Recorders | Handhelds & PDAs | Home Entertainment Projectors | Home Theater Systems | Office Products | TVs | VCRs
Product Features:

Faroudja DCDI decoding chipset delivers premium progressive-scan quality (for use with high-definition and HD-ready TVs)

Plays DVD-Video, CD, DVD-R, DVD-RW, and MP3-CD/DVD-R/DVD-RW

Coaxial digital audio output passes Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel signals to compatible AV receivers for stunning surround sound

CD dynamic range control improves intelligibility of low-level music listening

Direct Search capability bypasses previews and disc menus

ASIN: B00006FXEZ

Product Description

Sharp's DV-S25U DVD player incorporates the latest technology in progressive video decoding by using a Faroudja DCDI decoding chipset. This chipset will output 420P video via the 3 component video output resulting in unsurpassed video quality. This unit features a black finish.

Amazon.com Product Description

Sharp's DV-S25U DVD player incorporates the latest technology in progressive-scan video decoding by using a critically acclaimed Faroudja DCDI decoding chipset. This chipset produces 480p video via the player's component-video output, resulting in unsurpassed video quality. DCDI, which stands for Directional Correlational Deinterlacing, processes video output to remove jagged edges and artifacts, improving the overall quality of the video when viewed through a high-definition or HD-ready television. For HD or standard TVs with compatible inputs, the DV-S25U's component-video outputs help minimize scan lines and digital artifacts. Lower-resolution composite- and S-video outputs ensure compatibility with nearly any television.

In another bold move, the DV-S25U can play MP3s from not only CD-Rs and CD-RWs, but DVD-Rs and DVD-RWs, which offer much higher storage capacities than single recordable CDs. A single set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's coaxial digital-audio output for direct connection to a full-featured audio-video receiver.

Direct Search lets you skip to any desired title, chapter, or track with the numeric button during playback or in stop mode, bypassing annoying previews and disc menus. Other playback options include zoom (2x or 4x), black-level adjustment, angle selection, display dimmer (great for darkening a room during a movie), resume, and parental controls (to keep mature content away from kids). Supplied accessories include an instruction manual and a remote control.

Customer Reviews:

Extremely frustrated.......2003-12-16

I bought this to take advantage of the Faroujda processing, and I have no complaints about the picture. However, after about three months an annoying bug developed: sometimes the unit won't respond to the remote--it won't even power on. After perhaps ten pushes it may power on, but then you may have to push the arrow button a dozen times to navigate around the menu. Then maybe ten more pushes on "enter" to get any action. Sharp was nice enough to immediately replace the remote, but that didn't solve the problem. So . . . it seems likely it is the IR sensor on the unit, and even though it is under warranty, there is a $45 "processing" fee. Add on the shipping, and at today's prices, I might as well buy a new unit, especially considering the frustration that will ensue if it comes back not repaired. One more issue--sometimes it randomly displays a subtitle. This happens without rhyme or reason, on new disks as well as old. In short, I'm hooking my old first-generation Pioneer back up, and will not buy another Sharp.

Product Description

Give new life to your notebook. Add gigabytes of additional storage with a SimpleTech notebook hard drive upgrade. This drive is easy to install in most PCs and PowerBooks. Caddy is included with selected drives. Quickly and easily move the contents of your original drive to your new SimpleTech hard drive upgrade with a SimpleTech DriveLink data transfer kit (requires PC Card slot). Save hours of time.This hard drive is designed for the following systems: Toshiba Satellite 100CS, 105CS;Toshiba Satellite 110CS, 110CT, 115CS;Toshiba Satellite 200CDS, 205CDS;Toshiba Satellite 210CT;Toshiba Satellite Pro 400CS, 400CDT, 405CS;Toshiba Satellite Pro 410, 410CS, 410CDT, 415CS;Toshiba Satellite Pro 420CDS, 420CDT, 425CDS, 425CDT;Toshiba Satellite Pro 430CDS, 430CDT.For a complete compatibility list please refer to the original manufacturer's web site.

Product Description

Rhinotek offers a full range of computer consumables manufacturing and marketing OEM compatible toner and inkjet cartridges, ribbons, and copier and fax supplies. Rhinotek products are 100% guaranteed, and Rhinotek's quality control standards rank among the highest in the industry.Rhinotek Ink Xerox Laser cartridge is designed for printers Tektronix Phaser 850 / Phaser 850. number 016-1825-00 for printers Tektronix Phaser 850 / Phaser 850.For a complete compatibility list please refer to the original manufacturer's web site.

Average customer rating:
SimpleTech STV-CPMF/64 64MB EDO Non-ECC EDO 144pin SODIMM

Manufacturer: SimpleTech Technology
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All PC Memory | PC Memory | Memory | Computer Add-Ons | Computers & Add-Ons | Categories | Electronics
Product Features:

A memory upgrade can greatly enhance your computer's performance giving new life to your old computer

Guaranteed to be as good or better than the memory that came originally with your computer

Gives your computer the power to open programs faster

Enables you to utilize more up to date operating system and software applications

Highest quality assurance rating available - ISO9001 Certified

ASIN: B00006HMVM
Release Date: 2003-08-20

Product Description

SimpleTech provides one of the most complete offerings of performance memory solutions in the industry, unsurpassed in quality, performance, and price. With over a decade of design and manufacturing expertise, SimpleTech knows what it takes to build quality and reliability into every memory solution. SimpleTech takes the complexity out of choosing the right solution for your system. With support for hundreds of desktop, notebook, workstation, server, and printer models, it offers thousands of memory upgrades made for your system.This memory is designed for Digital HiNote Ultra 2000 GTX 5166M, Digital HiNote Ultra 2000 GTX 5233M, Digital HiNote Ultra 2000 GTX 5266M, Digital HiNote Ultra 2000 VTX 5166M.

Average customer rating:
SONY SPP-A2770 CID / Multi-Handset / Walkie Talkie Combo

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

With Answering Device | Cordless Telephones | Telephones | Office Electronics | Categories | Electronics
Office Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Phones | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Similar Items:

Sony SPP-H273 Additional Handset for Sony Cordless Telephones SPP-S2720/S2730/A2770/A2780

Product Features:

High power 2.4GHz Digital Spread Spectrum for superior range and interference reduction

Up to 20 minute digital answering system

Center Jog Dial(R) provides one finger access to 70 directory numbers and 50 Caller ID memories

Digital Privacy applies sophisticated digital speech encoding to ensure privacy

Multiple Handset Capable (up to 4) - Includes one cordless SONY SPP-H273 handset

ASIN: B000BC1VAA

Product Description

SONY SPPA2770 - Keep in touch in high tech style with this advanced telephone system at a remarkable limited time price. Walkie Talkie function - Handsets can be used independently of the base up to 600 feet Caller ID with Call Waiting (requires optional telco subscription) Lighted handset keypad Includes telephone cord, battery pack, AC adapter Base Unit - 6 x 9-1/2 x 8 Handset - 3-1/4 x 9-1/2 x 4-1/2; weighs 12-1/2 ounces NOTE - This telephone is refurbished, and comes with a 30 day J&R exchange guarantee for defective units only

SONY SPP-A2770 CID / Multi-Handset / Walkie Talkie Combo

Average customer rating:

SONY SPP-A2770 CID / Multi-Handset / Walkie Talkie Combo

Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

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

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

Product Features:

High power 2.4GHz Digital Spread Spectrum for superior range and interference reduction
Up to 20 minute digital answering system
Center Jog Dial(R) provides one finger access to 70 directory numbers and 50 Caller ID memories
Digital Privacy applies sophisticated digital speech encoding to ensure privacy
Multiple Handset Capable (up to 4) ? Includes one cordless SONY SPP-H273 handset

ASIN: B00007LA0F

Amazon.com Product Description

With 2.4 GHz digital spread spectrum transmission for increased range and security, the Sony SPP-A2770 expandable cordless phone system is a logical choice for small businesses owners and busy homeowners alike. With an integrated digital answering system and a digital speakerphone, the SPP-A2770 also supports caller ID with call waiting and is expandable to four cordless handsets (one included).

The answering system provides up to 20 minutes of message recording time, and a handy Jog Dial button allows easy access to up to 50 stored caller ID names and numbers plus another 70 stored phone directory numbers. All call information is displayed on the handset's three-line backlit LCD.

Add one, two, or three model SPP-A2770 handsets for a total of four (sold separately). Additional handset features include an integrated belt clip and headset jack for hands-free operation, lighted keypad, and memory match ringer.

What's in the Box
Base unit, corded handset, telephone line cord, remote charger base with AC power supply, 1 cordless handset with rechargeable battery pack, belt clip, user guide

Average customer rating:

Bad Experience

Terrible experiences with Samsung DVD players

A top of the line DVD player

Samsung DVD-P331 Progressive-Scan DVD Player (Titanium)

Manufacturer: Samsung
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

All | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
DVD Players | DVD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
DVD Players | Samsung | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics | DVD Players | DVD Recorders | Blu-ray Players
All Samsung | Samsung | Brands | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:

Basic DVD Hook-up Kit for Dummies (DUMBDVD1)

Basic DVD Hook-up Kit for Dummies (DUMBDVD2)

Product Features:

Component-video output terminals with progressive-scan output offers flicker-free images on HD or HD-ready TVs

Dual-mode optical pickup for CD-R/CD-RW playback, built-in MP3 and WMA decoders

Compatibility with Kodak Picture CD and standard JPEG CDs

EZ-View letterbox eliminator lets you enjoy full-screen pictures on 4:3 aspect-ratio TVs

Digital-audio output channels Dolby Digital and DTS surround sound to compatible AV receivers and speaker systems

ASIN: B00008N6YF

Product Description

See the true quality of progressive scan DVD with the new DVD-P331.PRODUCT FEATURES:EZ view - letterbox eliminator;480P progressive scan video output;Front panel navigation key, audio jack and volume control;Picture CD and JPEG CD viewer;MP3 and WMA CD-R/RW playback capability;Standard remote control;Full size audio chassis (430mm);Titanium spray finish.

Amazon.com Product Description

Samsung's single-disc DVD-P331 DVD/CD player is perfect for favorite movies and music, featuring high-end component-video outputs, built-in MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) decoding, and compatibility with JPEG image CDs and Kodak Picture CDs so you can enjoy a slideshow of digital pictures right on a television.

Whether your living room is currently home to an HDTV or you're merely thinking of "someday," the DVD-P331 stands ready to deliver the full potential of DVDs. Progressive scanning, referred to as 480p for the number of horizontal lines that compose the video image, creates a picture using twice the scan lines of a conventional DVD picture, giving you higher resolution and sharper images while eliminating nearly all motion artifacts. In addition, top-of-the-line component-video outputs help minimize digital and line-scan artifacts on compatible advanced televisions, while composite- and S-video outputs bring compatibility with nearly any television.

A set of left/right analog-audio outputs channel audio to Dolby Pro Logic receivers and stereo televisions. Both Dolby Digital and DTS 5.1-channel surround-sound signals can be routed through the player's digital-audio output for direct connection to a full-featured audio/video receiver. Another handy feature is EZ-View letterbox eliminator, which makes it easy to enjoy full-screen pictures on 4:3 aspect-ratio TVs--even when you're watching widescreen DVDs. Supplied accessories include a composite-video/stereo analog-audio interconnect, instruction manual, and a remote control.

Customer Reviews:

Bad Experience.......2005-03-09

I bought the Samsung P331 DVD player because I wanted to show picture CDs on my TV. It worked, but the slideshow often froze and I had to hit forward repeatedly to get it to continue. It also tended to pixilate and freeze with my homemade DVDs. Finally, it stopped working with ALL DVDs after just 17 months of occasional use. I only used it 2 or 3 times a month! Of course, customer service won't do anything but charge me $79.00 to fix it. I will never buy another Samsung DVD player again.

Terrible experiences with Samsung DVD players.......2003-12-09

Although their TVs and monitors are fine, I've had nothing but bad experiences with Samsung DVD players, and now would not buy one on a bet.

Over the past 3 years, I've bought 5 of them (slow learner) for myself or as gifts (and this includes more expensive - like $180 - models). ALL have been defective (skip, spontaneously go to pause, won't read some DVDs, etc.). I had one replaced under warranty, and it did the same thing.

Whatever their problem is, I would recommend avoiding Samsung. Panasonic, Toshiba, Magnavox, even a Cyberhome work fine for me.

A top of the line DVD player.......2003-08-15

I bought this dvd player because all the rest of my equipment (a 17" LCD HD TV, 5.1 Surround, DTV Decoder) is made by samsung and I knew progressive scan would make a difference on my high definition tv. It has a very good picture, not like hdtv but that can't be expected from a dvd player. It has simple menus, and set itself up to my 16:9 TV. A very good player, but downgrade if yuo have an old analog tv.

Product Description

SimpleTech features a comprehensive line of hard drive upgrades for popular portables by NEC. SimpleTech designs its hard drive upgrades with your portable's special power and space requirements in mind. So you can be sure you're installing a hard drive that meets the performance and technical specifications set by NEC.This hard disk drive is designed for NEC Versa SX 266 PII, NEC Versa SX 300 PII, NEC Versa SX 333 PII, NEC Versa SX 366 PII, NEC Versa SX 400 PII, NEC Versa VX 450 PIII, NEC Versa VX 466 Celeron, NEC Versa VX 500 PIII.

Product Description

SimpleTech is a leading worldwide manufacturer of SDRAM memory products, offering upgrades for the latest Sony systems. Adding more SDRAM will improve the performance of your Sony system to open more applications simultaneously and run them quickly. System specific designing and testing means your SimpleTech SDRAM will have 100% compatibility.This memory is designed for Sony VAIO PCG-XG18 PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG19 PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG28 PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG28K PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG29K PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG38 PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG39 PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG39K PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG500/500K PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG700/700K PIII SpeedStep; Sony VAIO PCG-XG9 PIII.

Electronics:

Electronics

Electronics