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This might seem crazy, but my 3-year daughter loves borrowing Daddy's digital camera to take totally random pictures. Daddy's camera is a little too expensive to let this go on much longer, but I started thinking that it would be great if I could find her a dirt cheap, low resolution "fun" camera that she can have all to herself.

So, I'm looking for advice on options. I really like the SiPix Stylecam Blink II camera, which Amazon sells for $36. This looks perfect for her! But it doesn't say it's Mac-compatible and Apple's iPhoto page doesn't list it, either. What are the odds that it will work? Anyone know for sure? This thing even has movie recording! I think she'd love it, but would it work on my Mac?

Then there's the KB Gear JamCam Jr. Doesn't look bad and claims OS X usability, but has very little on-board memory.

The Polaroid PhotoMAX Fun 620 looks okay, but again, no Mac compatibility listed.

Creative Labs CardCam Value is an option... if it's Mac compatible.

Notice a trend here? Basically, here's what I want, in order:

- iPhoto/OSX compatible
- USB
- dirt simple to use
- focus-free
- low-res (640 x 480 is perfect)
- durable
- just 1-2 batteries
- under $50
- relatively short wait time
- flash would be nice, but not required
- LCD viewer not needed

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No one has some suggestions? I need to get this ordered in the next couple days, please post some ideas if you have any.

[audvidsvs]

I think I would try to find a Kodak DC215 on Ebay.
This thing has an all metal body and is extremely well built.It takes compact flash and connects easily to a Mac.
Also it is just point and shoot and the pics are decent.

They seem to be stuck under $100.00 on Ebay and you might even find one new for around your price.

I Have one and other higher end cameras and it is definatly" Child Worthy"

I bought my girlfriend the SiPix model and it really is a peice of junk. I bet your kid could kill it inside of 1 hour,ours died quickly and the pictures were terrible too.

Hope this helps
Good Luck
Ed

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Did you have the SiPix Blink II or the original one? The reviews I've read are pretty good, other than picture quality. I don't care too much about the quality, as long as you can tell what it is. I'd be mostly worried about blurry pictures or dark pictures. This is for a three-year-old, after all, they just have to be recognizable. I don't want to spend $100 on this, that's too much. $50 is my limit, and that's the level of camera I'm looking for.

[audvidsvs]

I had the Blink,A total piece of garbage.
Cheap and not worth it

What I was trying to imply was that you could find a Kodak for aroung $50.00 probably on Ebay.At least worth a look?

The Kodak is at least a real camera.

Good Luck
Ed

[skalie]

Just an anecdote, but my first digital camera I acquired with a piece of software called "Cosmopolitan Virtual Metamorphosis".

The software allowed you to place various wigs and hats on portraits, quite a lot of fun for a beginner in the world of graphics.

The camera included in the package was basically a piece of carp, but that being said I managed to get maybe one decent photo out of every hundred I took. being digital although the other ninety nine photo's didn't cost anything of course.

One particular photo I took was so special that I ended up sending copies of it to all ends of the earth.

I think it would have been exactly what you had in mind, by your specs, but I don't know if it was Mac compatable.

I have since given it away to a friend after buying something somewhat decent, my friend has had axactly the same experience as me with the piece of plastic, and has since bought something better himself.

I wouldn't be surprised if the camera is right now helping someone learn the intricities of digital imaging.

If a digital camera of unbelievably low quality can entertain an old fogey like me for months on end, I'm pretty sure that that would also go for a three year old.