SiPix StyleCam Blink Digital Camera

Digital Camera Reviews      

 Squarely aimed at the family, the SiPix StyleCam Blink is a digital camera that is both compact and easy to use. With its simple point-and-click operation, multiple modes (including two resolutions and continuous shoot), and a stack of bundled software, the Blink sets new standards in digital imaging on a budget.

The StyleCam Blink is a compact digital camera that offers resolutions of 640 x 480 and 320 x 240, allowing for up to 400 images on its internal 8 MB memory when shooting at the lower setting. The installation process is very straightforward: install the drivers, reboot the machine, and then plug the camera into a spare USB port.

The camera itself is very easy to use, with all of the features accessible by the press of a single button. The small LCD window shows the camera mode and options available as well as the number of images taken. The Blink can take still images, of course, and a series of 100 images that can be stitched together to make a short video clip. Also, the camera can be used as a Webcam.

The images produced are sharp and clear and very acceptable considering the size and price of the camera. Our only criticism is the slight shutter lag of about half a second; it becomes annoying if you want to picture moving objects. If you're capturing still life or using the camera as a Webcam, this will be irrelevant.

The manufacturers clearly thought about their target audience when packaging the software with the camera. The unit comes with a range of six software titles, including ArcSoft's PhotoImpression and PhotoFantasy 2000. The software is fun and very easy to use. Simply transfer the images from your camera onto your computer via PhotoImpression and then edit them to your heart's content. For those of you wanting to have a bit of fun with family members, PhotoFantasy 2000 gives you the chance to place someone's head on another body. Again, this is very easy to do and is a lot of fun. Other software included is VideoImpression, a basic video-editing package and some Webcam software.

The Blink won't win any awards for image quality, but for how much it costs, you wouldn't expect it to. It does, however, offer better-quality images than its competitors. The ability to store up to 400 images on the 8 MB memory is a real bonus. It's a great little camera, given how little it costs, and the bundled software will keep kids of all ages amused for a good few hours.