I'm not a camera expert, nor do i care to be one. I just needed a 'better than my cell camera' but not a 'high-cost professional grade camera' for certain occasions. Something in between, and this was a very good buy to fit that need imo. Having said that, i found it on clearance/repackaged at a certain retailer so evidently someone else didnt like it and returned it. This model(i1237) retails around 70-80? I bought it clr/rep for less than 60. Again, i'm no camera-phile. So take these impressions with a grain of salt:
what i like:
* 12 megapixels, 2.7" lcd screen, 3x optical/5x digital, face-tracking, anti-shake, smile detection, 28 scene modes, etc. compare those stats to other cameras and you will see much higher prices, or similar prices for this camera, but for less megapixels. the pics looks sharp/detailed.
* takes video clips with audio
* has more features/options/cutomizations than i would ever care to use or know how to operate. there's a quick-start manual, and a cd-rom instructional. haven't touched the cd-rom. read the quick-start manual and got the hang of the camera well enough.
* sd/sdhc compatible cards for more storage. you will need it with the paltry 32mb of built-in storage.
* fun and easy-to-use. more complicated if you choose to use all its features, but it's good that they're there whether you use them or not.
* comes with 2 aa batteries, usb cable, manual, cd-rom, wrist strap.
what i don't like:
* minor, but it's kinda bulky. it's almost twice the size(width) of my friends camera with the exact same stats. a bit heavy, but good quality build. it's just kinda bulky.
* i thought it was a unique, violet, neon-looking color at the store. nope, its just pink. remember, i bought a repackaged/clearance version so it was the only one at that price, so cheapskates-can't-be-choosers. (but i must like this camera if i'm going to stick with the color)
* there's a slight delay when taking a pic. the time it takes you to say "cheeese" is the time it takes to press the button and then have it actually take the pic. this camera isn't for people who are 'spontaneous pic takers'. but when you're on vacation and plan on taking pics of scenery that isn't going anywhere, it's not too bad.
what i haven't figured out yet:
* burst mode. amazon review says the i1237 has this burst-mode feature(take quick pics in succession). nice feature. can't wait to find where it is on my camera and use it.
* AV outs. as in hooking the camera up to my big screen and enjoy pics there via AV cables? sounds great. but i only see battery/sd card/usb cable slots.
(guess i will have to look at that cd-rom software instructional for these two features)
Anyway, the other review for this camera says there is a dotted line running through the screen. Maybe we have slightly different models but mine does not have this feature. The pics look fine in the screen and on my computer when i transferred them. So basically, if you want a good 12 megapixel camera and see this on sale(in a color you actually want), i'd recommend it.
(note: i input i1237 at amazon and it took me to the cia-1237, which looks exactly like my camera, including the bulky look and unfortunate pink color. the amazon review also shows the i1237 number so i'm guessing my review is in the right place)
[update: 8/5/'10. after fairly extensive use on a recent vacation my impressions on this camera is even more favorable. that burst mode i couldn't find is under 'sport mode'. the slight delay in the pic taking is under 'auto' mode mostly(numerous other pic-taking modes have virtually no delay). and my favorite feature is the 'pic capture option' in the video playback(switching from camera to video mode can be a hassle, so i just take short videos and play them back and when i see a good photo-op i just capture that moment as a pic). great camera. still wondering about the av outs, and it's still too pink and bulky. 4 1/2 stars] Polaroid CIA-1237PC 12MP CCD Digital Camera with 2.7-Inch LCD Display (Pink)
It came for my Daughters birthday and did not work. The only way to turn it on was to open the battery compartment and then close it. Reboot in essence. It was probably a one off problem but I sent it back the next day for a refund. The few photos we were able to snap were acceptable. Fulfilled thru amazon by Target.
I recently bought this model of Polaroid for my daughter and it broke almost immediately. After searching online, it is a common malfunction. When I contacted Polaroid they said it would be under warranty for a year and had me go buy special batteries and try other stuff. When none of that worked they denied my warranty. I wont be trusting Polaroid for digital cameras or I will at least review the model THOROUGHLY online before purchasing.'
Detail Products
Detail Reviews
Click here for more information
