Test Drive: iClick Affordable Digital Camera

McGowan Technologies, 600 First Avenue, Suite 306, Seattle, WA 98104, (888) 448-6469 www.iclickphoto.com/k12. $149.95 MSRP

What is small, easy to use, affordable, and allows you to record all those priceless curriculum experiences? One answer is the iClick digital camera by McGowan Technologies. The iClick is a good companion for the Digital Camera Project Kit reviewed in the June 2002 "Test Drive ."

The complete iClick package contains an iClick 1.3-megapixel digital camera, a 32-megabyte compact flash memory card (think of it as a small but roomy floppy disk), a compact flash card reader that plugs into your PC, and photo-editing software. The iClick camera, only a little larger than a pack of cigarettes, easily fits in a shirt pocket, pants pocket, purse, or backpack. It's always ready to go. With the memory card installed, the iClick will take 60 to 160 pictures depending on the resolution selected. Downloading the pictures to a computer lets you edit your creations using the included Mr. Photo software for Windows. For a Mac, you will need other software, such as the ImageBlender included in the Digital Camera Project Kit. Connecting the iClick to a TV allows direct and immediate sharing of the pictures with a group. For example, after returning from a field trip, you can connect the iClick to the TV and the pictures can be used to focus the classroom discussion.

The iClick is versatile. You can choose from three different picture quality resolutions, a 2x digital zoom, or even take short streaming videos. In general, with a higher resolution, the photographs are clearer, but you can take fewer of them. The 2x digital telephoto allows you to get closer to your subject. The telephoto setting captures the center part of the viewfinder; unfortunately, there are no marks in the viewfinder to indicate exactly what part of the scene will be captured. The iClick features a small built-in flash and even has a self-timer. However, it does not show your pictures on an LCD screen.

The iClick is an entry-level digital camera. Its point-and-shoot simplicity makes it easy for anyone to use, and because it should be available at well below the manufacturer's suggested retail price of $149.95, almost anyone can afford it. The iClick package contains all you need to take, to save, and to view your digital photographs. It was designed for quick, convenient picture taking, not high-quality yearbook pictures. The iClick's picture quality is adequate for prints up to 4" by 5" but perfect for reports and newsletters. However, if larger, sharp pictures are your goal, look for a 2- or 3–megapixel camera. If you want to incorporate digital photography into your classroom or media center, consider the iClick.