Jazz Digi-Stix JDC11

The Jazz Digi-Stix JDC11 is an inexpensive digital camera that is great for children or adults. This USB based camera uses built in memory to store photos for transfer to your Windows 98/2000/XP computer. In fact with Windows XP there are no drivers or software needed and it will automatically install for you.  

I found the camera worked best in a well lit or evenly lit environment. It did not take pictures well in low light or outdoor situations with extremely harsh lighting (such as in a forest on a bright sunny day). The web cam feature worked well and at maximum resolution could shoot at up to 10 fps. I also found the “AAA” batteries lasted a very long time if you left the camera connected to a USB port when not in use or simply turn it off. NOTE: When you turn this camera off it will delete everything in the internal memory so do not turn it off until after you have transferred the photos to your Windows computer. It goes into a power saving standby mode after about 10 seconds of non-use and you just press the shutter button to wake it up.

The camera is extremely light and very portable. It is not very expensive so it makes a good choice as a child’s first digital camera (it’s about the cost of 1 single-use film camera with film and print developing). The camera does not have a built in flash so it will not work well indoors if the room lights aren’t turned on. Adults might find it a useful camera to use to take portraits or even security photos for the workplace (ID photos).

This camera only works with a Windows based PC. I tried getting it to work with a Mac running both OS 9.2 and 10.1 and there wasn’t any software that I found that allowed the image files to transfer from the camera to the Mac (this means the web cam feature doesn’t work either on a Mac).

I expect the retail price for this camera to be $35-$50 US. They are available online from a variety of sources for $26-$50

Features:

• Takes up to 80 pictures (I recommend using the 20 picture mode)
• Captures 10 second video clips @ 176×144 image size
• 352×288 pixel image size
• CMOS image sensor
• 10 second self timer
• Memory - 2 MB built in
• Lens - F3.0, viewing angle 55 degrees
• Shutter speed - 1/8 - 1/4000 automatic control
• Power - 2 “AAA” batteries

What’s included:

• USB connecting cable
• Camera stand
• Wrist and neck straps
• 2 “AAA” batteries
• Windows 98/ME software (drivers and programs)
• Instruction booklet (english and french)
• 1 year limited warranty

System requirements

• Windows 98 or better
• Pentium 100 Mhz or better
• 4x CD-ROM drive
• SVGA color monitor
• Open USB port
• Standard mouse and keyboard