I am trying to get into AP, got my camera plane set to go (Superstar EP) and was thinking about buying this camera for my AP. Do you think this camera would be o.k. for starting out in AP?? At 49.99 new, for a 2.1MP camera (light weight) seems like a good deal. What do ya think??...R...



Detailed Specifications

Description: GSmart Mini 2 (2.1MP, 1600x1200, 16MB)
Manufacturer: Mustek
Mustek Price: $49.99
Features: Self Timer, Viewfinder
Power Source: Lithium
CCD Quantity: 1
Display Indicators: Battery Level
Flash Characteristics: Flash Not Included
Frames per Second: 15 frames/s (fps)
General Features: Built-in Memory, Still Image Capture
Image Sensor: CMOS
Included Components: USB Cable
Interface Type: USB - Universal Serial Bus
Lens Mount: Fixed
Max Aperture: 2.8 1/f
Max Horizontal Image Resolution: 1600 pixels
Max Vertical Image Resolution: 1200 pixels
Maximum Frame Rate: 15 frames/s (fps)
Memory Type: Internal Memory
Number of CCD Pixels: 1300000
Number of Resolution Modes: 3
Maximum Video Capture Resolution: 320 x 240
Maximum Shutter Speed: 4000 1/f
Minimum Shutter Speed: 15 1/f
Installed Memory: 16 MB
Dimensions
Height: 1.9 in
Width: 2.7 in
Depth: 0.4 in
Weight: .09 lbs
Description
Ultra mini in size, ultra compact multifunctional Digital Camera, Digital Camcorder & PC Camera. 2.1MP, 1600x1200 pixel Mini digital camera by SOFTWARE ENHANCEMENT.

Yeah, the GSmart is a good AP camera. Many folks here use it, but probably the "gold standard" is the Aiptek SD 1.3mp.
With a 128mb SD card, you can shoot ~400 pics!

For the price, quality is quite good with either camera, neither is really better than the other in this regard (IMO).

Also, both can be adapted to an electronic switch.

The Aiptek costs about the same as the Mustek, but if you get the SD you'll need to buy a memory card. The non-SD version holds about 40-50 pics in memory.

Search this site and you will be swimming in info about both cameras.

Here's an example of pic quality with the Pencam SD:

Randy:

Those who use the Mustek on this forum are using the Mustek GSmart Mini 3 - note 3 not 2. The Mini 3 is 2 meg in firmware - I suspect the 2 is 1.3 meg interpolated in software to 2 meg.

Have a look at the Mustek site: (slow as molasses in January)

http://www.mustek.com/html/prod_camra/gsmart_mini3.html

David

Good catch David.

Yup, Thanks How do you run the shutter on the mini3, servo or switch? If switch, could I have a link please.....R.... p.s. any problems with the mini3 I should know about??

Randy:

The camera is very small so it works well with an electronic switch. I have both the switch from Michele Schieppati and the version supplied by Mr. RC-Cam. Both are elegant solutions.

I have outlined the detail in this article.

http://webhome.idirect.com/%7eironsidz/airfoto.htm

David