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Reviews (3)
Aug 13, 2009
Center Lens = good kids cam. Nice daylight pocket cam.
Excellent for what it is, but definitely NOT for everyone...
I was looking for a better starter camera for my 4.5-year-old daughter compared to what she currently had (an old HP fixed focus). I wanted it to have the following:
1) No zoom (she doesn't quite get zoom yet)
2) Fixed Focus (no AF delay)
3) Optical Viewfinder (so I could teach her the "old" way of shooting)
Every tiny camera out there seems to have a lens in the corner or on the edge, and those "kid cameras" (Fischer Price et. al) with the center lenses are junk. Try as I might I could not train my daughter to keep her fingers away from the lens on her "real" camera (unless I constantly remind her. For quick point and shoots, her fingers were always in the shot). So, my search for a center lens model began. I ran across the Samsung U-CA 401 at a bargain basement price noticed the center lens, and decided to try it.
This camera is very similar in shape and size to the old (and tiny) Casio Exilim S1/S2/S2/M1/M2/M20 cameras. The biggest difference... the Samsung has a centered lens. This camera was most likely the precursor to Samsung's i-series and the NV3, NV4, etc.(although it is thinner thanks to the lack of a zoom lens). This camera is simply the thinnest ( 0.6") camera that I know of that takes a this type of battery (the rather common Fuji NP-60/Samsung SLB-1037/Kodak KLIC-5000/Pentax D-L12/Casio NP-30/and the list goes on...). It weighs next to nothing, and is easy to use. Just turn on and shoot. It also has the optical viewfinder I wanted. As a negative, it is auto-focus, so "focus lock" can be an issue.
The strange: it uses Memory Stick Duo (and not the "pro" variety) instead of the more common SD card. I think Samsung were one of the only non-Sony manufacturers to use Duo cards in a few cameras (Konica Minolta used full size MS in a few G-series/Revio camera).
PROS (for me):
1. Centered Lens = No fingers in your pictures,
2. CCD sensor (not a lousy cellphone CMOS)
3. Optical Viewfinder (great for sun or low light)
4. Batteries are easy to find (a lot of models use these).
5. No zoom = no complexity, just point and shoot
6. Thin and light. Perfect for small hands, or small pockets.
7. Photo quality is some of the best I've seen from a NON-zoom camera.
CONS (again, for me):
1. Auto Focus (can be slow, light depending)
2. Will not focus in low light (still takes a picture)*
3. MS Duo? Wow, that's an "interesting" choice.
4. Proprietary USB/AV cable. I hate all-in-one units. What's wrong with a standard Mini USB.
5. Tiny 1.5" LCD (but less likely to break).
* = note: the I-will-not-focus-in-low-light issue plagued most Samsung cameras before NV-series (basically anything 2006 or older). I've used a lot of Samsung cameras over the years, and this one is no different (examples: A55W and L85 - both terrible at low-light focus). This is a daylight camera only. I will say that the when it can't focus it does pick a snapshot range (3-9 feet). So it might be OK for social shots.
CONCLUSION:
This not for everyone due to it's strange non-standard accessories (MS Duo, USB cable) and it's low-light performance. But, for those who just want a point-and-shoot for kids and daylight snaps (a walkabout camera). This little guys does do it job and it does it better than any toy or "kids camera". The center lens has really helped my daughter with composition (she can center the camera on a object). It has also helped with camera shake. RATING = GOOD
Sep 02, 2006
Low Price; Easy to Use; Nice Screen; Sweet Sound
8 of 8 found this helpful I purchased the RD2765 to use with a Windows Media 10 subscription service -- specifically, Yahoo! Music Unlimited. For this purpose, the Lyra RD2765 worked wonderfully. It integrates quite nicely with any WMP 10 DRM-based jukebox (Yahoo!, Napster, etc.) and moving tracks to/from the device is as easy as dragging and dropping (or deleting if removing tracks). It makes a nice alternative to iTunes and iTunes Music Store. Plus, you don't have to use a Jukebox program to transfer files. You can use Windows Explorer and drag and drop. The device has two modes: MSC (mass storage - works with unprotected, non-DRM tracks from Windows Explorer) or MTP (Micrsoft Transport -- for use w/online music stores, DRMed tracks, and/or tracks you ripped yourself).
Sound quality using Sennheiser headphones is pretty darn good (note: not all bundles include the Sennheiser MX400 earbuds). The device is tiny and you can take it just about anywhere. The color screen and 5-way joystick/scroll-wheel make navigation a breeze.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, just learn how to use it before judging it (Tips Below).
PRICE: At only $150, this 5GB is less expensive by at lease $50-150 over devices from iRiver, Creative, and Apple -- even the 4GB models.
Here are are some tips after a year of use:
TIPS:
+ When you first get the device, copy all the content from it to your computer. If you format the Lyra and want any of this content back, you'll have a backup copy.
+ Update the firmware at least to v3.61 if you haven't already. Go to support.rca.com or www.rcaaudiovideo.com for the update
+ Be patient. Do not button mash. There is a delay with each press of the navigation button (slight but noticeable).
+ You have to HOLD the power button to power on/off the Lyra. A quick press will not work.
+ If you quickly plug/unplug the device to USB without waiting for it to say "connected" (takes a couple of seconds) you may lock the Lyra (although locks are VERY RARE -- my device has locked only 2x in 1 year). To fix, HOLD the power button for 10-15 seconds until the device powers off. Power back and and you should be good to go.
+ Use the BUTTON HOLD switch on top of the unit when using the belt case. It's impossible to put the player in the case without powering on/off the unit. The Hold switch corrects this problem.
+ Profile (using System Tray applet) anytime to add or remove music from the device.
+ DO NOT use the included Musicmatch software it is unnecessary. I believe other reviewers have pointed out that there is a limit of 160kpbs with the included Musicmatch software. Use a Windows Media-based program instead. Windows Media Player allows you to rip WMAs (and I think MP3s -- at least my PC does) up to 320kbps or VBR MP3s. Also the "free" version of Musicmatch is slow and is really just there to tease you into buying the full version. I'd say skip it.
+ I'd suggest the new Yahoo! Music Player 2.0, which integrates simlessly the Lyra, allows ripping your tunes at any bit rate, and does a great job with organization. It also allows for drag and drop.
+ If you have any issues with this device, read the manual and check out RCA's knowledge-base at support.rca.com. I have yet to run into an issue not explained in the KB or the Manual.
+ If you'd rather not use WMP or DRM jukeboxes, switch to MSC and use Windows Explorer to drag/drop files.
+ Music files go in the "Music" folder. Photos go in "Photos" or "Pictures" depending on your firmware version.
Apr 17, 2024
Good communications before ship. Fast ship. Excellent packaging. Accurate description. Reset the camera, setup it up the way I prefer, and everyth
Good communications before ship. Fast ship. Excellent packaging. Accurate description. Reset the camera, setup it up the way I prefer, and everything appears to be working fine. Looking forward to going out birding with this little camera this weekend. Thank you for a fast and smooth transaction. Cheers!