Five Mega-pixels on a Budget
Buy Now...
Cast in the role of its entry-level camera, Acers CR-5130 has been priced at £149. When you consider that this is a 5.3 mega-pixel camera, you realise how aggressive Acer has been with its pricing for this particular model. Remember that just a few months ago you would expect to be paying around £100 more for a four mega-pixel camera. However what really matters is how this price point stands up when measured against the image quality, features and ease of use that this camera brings
Rather than the black casing used for its higher spec CR-6530 model, Acer has opted for the more standard silver appearance with this camera The CR-5130 measures 94 x 63 x 35cm (W x H x D) and weighs in at 210g which is exactly the same dimensions and weight of the 6.3 mega-pixel model. Another similarity between the two products is the supplied leather pouch with its magnetic faster and belt loop.
Although some of the features, controls and general layout are the same in both models, there are some differences. For example the layout at the back of the camera is different and I felt this arrangement was better. The LCD monitor now measures 1.5 inches with a resulting reduction in the number of pixels. However this does not seem to have affected the clarity of the visible image in various lighting conditions. For those who prefer to use a traditional viewfinder, a wheel allows you to adjust the focus.
In most respects this cameras lens compares favourably with that found in the CR-6530. There is a reduction in the number of supported pixels and a doubling of the time the camera needs to be ready for its first picture but a wait of six seconds is hardly too much of a burden. There is also a one second increase in the flash recharging cycle. Various photo modes are available including portrait, sport and night scenes.
As you would expect, you can capture still images (maximum resolution is 560 x 240 pixels) and short video clips (320 x 240 @15fps). There is also a feature for adding a voice memo to captured images. Surprisingly I felt the quality and volume level was an improvement over that of the more expensive CR-6530 model. However you are limited to 30 seconds of recording and the only way to delete a voice memo requires the associated image to be deleted as well.
Captured content is stored on an SD memory card Acer includes a 64MB card with the product. Depending upon resolution size and quality, you should get between 26 and 760 images on this card. You can view images individually or as a collage of thumbnails. Up to nine images will be displayed in thumbnail mode allowing you to select the one you want. Once selected there is an option to zoom in and panned around the captured image.
Images can be transferred to a computer, either Windows or Mac, via a card reader (not supplied) or a supplied USB cable. Windows users have the additional benefit of the supplied NTI Photo Suite. This software can be used to retouch images and help organise photographs.
Generally I was impressed with the image quality achieved by this camera. Colours were realistic with a good balance between hues. For this price you will struggle to find a camera capable of matching the Acer CR-5130 model.
| add to del.icio.us | Digg this review |
| StumbleUpon | |
!!
