After listing this item i1437TC for sale, then reading mixed reviews for the i1437RC RED camera, we decided a performance test was needed. We tested a Polaroid i1437TC (Titanium) SN M1XXXXXXXXXXXX159 model, camera only. For this test we used AA Rechargeable NickelMetalHydride (NiMH) batteries and new AA Alkaline batteries. The i1437TC has a feature to adjust battery types. The rechargeable NiMH batteries were charged up however only lasted 24 hours during our camera test on a setting for Alkaline battery and only 8 hours on a setting for NiMH battery. The battery winner: On the plus side the new Alkaline batteries kept running through 72 hours testing and continue to be reliable. We set the adjust battery type to Alkaline and recommend this to be the standard setting. Win for battery use.
We then tested the 14MP resolution and quality features. The resolution can be set from 14MP, (12MP) High Resolution Prints, 8MP, 3MP, HDTV setting, and VGA (email). The quality can be set to Normal, Fine, and Superfine. All resolution and quality settings worked. Keep in mind that high resolution and quality use more memory for storage. The i1437TC has 64mb internal memory with SD card for added storage (SD card sold separately). We installed an 8 GB SD card for the test. With the 14MP setting only 72 images were able to be saved. By comparison, with the VGA setting we shot 289 images and could have shot up to 684 images. Acceptable for image storage use.
There is a feature for anti-shake image stabilization. This works fine. Win for anti-shake image stabilization.
There is a 3x optical zoom and 5x digital zoom. This worked as indicated for a passable zoom feature, though this is less than the new standard.
We reviewed and tested the scene settings which met our expectations.
We then tested the video feature. The video retention was limited from storage use and the audio was also acceptable when considering quick movies for the internet.
Overall we give the i1437TC 4 stars for highest quality and resolution for a point and shoot, variable image allocation compared to similar cameras, reliable AA battery use, Anti-shake image stabilization, passing zoom, normal scene settings and internet quality video/audio. Polaroid CIA-1437RC 14MP CCD Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD Display (Red)
The Polaroid i1437 camera is good for basic users who just need an easy point-and-shoot camera that takes decent pictures. Here are the pros and cons:
Pro - The camera is simple to use. It has a rather large 2.7 inch LCD display that's bright and clear. The menus are easy to navigate. The face-detection and smile-detection features work well. The 14 megapixel sensor takes good (not great) pictures with good color. The camera is small, light and easy to carry and hold. Many different scene settings. It's easy to hook the camera to the computer to import photos and it works with my iMac and my PC. You don't have to remove the batteries to swap out the SD card. Can manually set shutter speed and/or aperture. The camera is light, but feels fairly solid and well-built.
Con - Takes a long time to focus and the focusing often fails in lower light situations. The camera eats batteries (I get about 50-75 shots per set of AA batteries. I started using rechargeables and it's a bit better with them). The "image stabilization" merely ups the ISO to compensate for low light, resulting in noisy pictures. 3X optical zoom is a bit skimpy.
Overall, it's a good basic camera for taking pictures in good light situations. It doesn't perform too well in less than perfect lighting and the focus is slow and sometimes inaccurate, but for the price, it's a nice little camera with some nice features and some drawbacks.
If you are looking for an inexpensive digital camera, look elsewhere. You will go broke buying batteries for this power munching camera. The included AA batteries barely lasted long enough to take 4-5 pictures after exploring all of the features. I thought that maybe the supplied batteries were weak, but even with a pair of fresh batteries, the camera only worked long enough to snap about 10-12 photos. Rechargable batteries did not help. The camera takes fine picutures, but with such poor battery life this camera is not worth the trouble.
Other than a rear not as sparkly as I'd like and too button-sparse (easier access to features) there is hardly a thing wrong with this camera. I think many are expecting way too much out of $60. It beats my Canon 7.1mp which was $700 just three years ago.
Superb in the total darkness.
Outstanding in its Auto Intelligent mode. I have an elderly total non techno type loving it and she has seen not one word of its digital manual.
Its not eating batteries. Its light as a feather. Auto Focus has not failed us. Direct USB printing produces the best quality prints your printer can muster.
If it had Still/Movie Macro Flash Ctrl right on three buttons and a clip out viewer, I'd give it Five stars.
PS
Macro is a button but it doesn't function unless you come out of Auto Intelligent Scene, first.
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