Speed is mostly what sets the A330 apart from previous cameras.
Slide the camera cover open and you'll be ready to start taking photos in about three
seconds. The camera also has a quick refresh between images--less than a second.
Images come out of the A330 quickly, too, since it is compatible with the much-faster
transfer speeds of USB 2.0 when uploading to computers that are likewise equipped.
Optics and Resolution
Featuring a 3.2-megapixel CCD sensor, the A330 can create images up to 2272 x 1704
pixels, which is enough information to create photo-quality prints up to 11 by 15
inches. The camera features a 3x Fujinon zoom lens. Also, the camera has a 1.6x
digital zoom feature, but only when shooting in 2MP mode. To get those close-up shots
full of detail, the A330's macro mode can focus the camera on subjects just 3.6 inches
from the lens.
Movie Mode
Shoot up to one minute of AVI video without sound at resolutions up to 320 x 240
pixels; up to four minutes at lower resolutions. The movies aren't camcorder quality,
but they're fun and convenient, and they're perfect as e-mail attachments. The camera
includes cables that allow you to view your movies on NTSC (North American) and PAL
(other regions) televisions and, of course, you can upload the files to your computer
via the camera's USB interface.
More Features
- Flash mode: Auto, Red-eye Reduction, Forced Flash, Suppressed Flash, Slow Synchro,
Red-eye Reduction + Slow Synchro
- 1.5-inch TFT display screen
- TTL center-point fixed autofocus
- Auto, manual, and pre-programmed exposure control
- Fast processing: 3.3-second bootup time (duration between turning the camera on
and when it's ready to start taking pictures) and a frame-to-frame time of 0.62
seconds.
- Ten-second self-timer
- Six-language menu interface
- Standard tripod socket
- Sliding lens cover
Storage and Transfer
Images and video are stored on xD memory cards (16MB included). Files can be
downloaded to either a Mac or PC via USB connectivity, which means it can be connected
to any USB-based Windows 98/Me/2000/XP and Mac OS 8.6 or later computer without
installing any software. This camera can transfer images at a faster USB 2.0 rate to
computers installed with a USB 2.0 card.
Printing
This camera is compatible with the PictBridge direct-printing standard. That means
that it can connect and print directly to a number of printers by different
manufacturers without additional software or even a computer.
Power and Size
The camera is powered by two AA-size batteries (alkaline included, rechargeable NiMH
recommended). It measures 4.09 by 2.42 by 1.23 inches and weighs 5.1 ounces without
batteries and memory card.