DLink D-LINK Dual Mode DIG Cam/pc WEB CAM

WHAT'S HOT: The D-Link DSC-350F may be a Webcam, but it's also a dual-purpose device that puts a strong emphasis on its still camera functionality. The still camera features include an optical viewfinder, built-in flash, a simple LCD display that shows camera settings and battery status, and a macro lens mode for close-up photography (you can get as close as about 10 inches from a subject). The unit's 8MB of internal memory stores up to 70 images at 640-by-480-pixel (interpolated) resolution, or 200 images at 320 by 240, the unit's optical resolution. It also has a continuous capture mode for shooting a series of 320 by 240 stills that can later be assembled as an AVI video clip.

Although small enough to transport in a pocket, the compact DSC-350F also comes with a carrying case. If you have any problems using the camera, D-Link offers round-the-clock toll-free technical assistance--an unusually high level of support compared with what's offered by the vendors of competing products.

WHAT'S NOT: No Webcam-specific videoconferencing software is provided in the software bundle, and the manual provides scant information about using the unit as a Webcam--let alone advising users how to set up the camera for use with common software such as Microsoft NetMeeting (which is included in Windows 98 and higher versions). The DSC-350F also lacks a built-in microphone and support for removable memory. Plus, unlike the dual-format cameras we've seen from Creative and Kodak, the D-Link DSC-350F can't capture video clips when used as a standalone camera.

Due to the camera's compact design, some of its button controls are quite tiny (particularly the mode, select, and power on/off buttons), which can make it a little hard to use--especially for someone who has large fingers.

WHAT ELSE: As a Webcam, the DSC-350F can stream and capture video at 320 by 240 resolution at 20 fps; with interpolation, the maximum resolution is 640 by 480 at 20 fps. With its CMOS sensor, the DSC-350F produced passable images overall. However, its still images generally featured better color and sharper details than its video images, which often looked rather dull, with slightly washed-out color and overly soft focus. (Based on the images produced in our tests, CCD-based cameras produce better images, by and large, than CMOS-based cameras.)

The DSC-350F package includes a small mounting base that tilts and swivels. When the USB cable is attached to the camera, the base is stable; however, the cable is comparatively short, measuring just 5 feet long. The longer the cable, the more flexibility you have in choosing where to mount the camera, which is always a plus for videoconferencing. The camera also has a handy tripod mount. It takes some time to learn to navigate the settings LCD.

The software bundle includes D-Link's AVI Maker (for turning a series of stills into a video), and ArcSoft's PhotoImpression 2000 and VideoImpression 1.6 for photo editing and video editing, respectively. Also part of the mix are ArcSoft's PhotoFantasy 2000 and PhotoMontage 2000, which are designed mostly for creative fun with still images. As noted, however, no software tools specifically geared for Webcam activities are included. And although a printed user's manual is provided, its focus is on using the DSC-350F as a portable digital camera, rather than as an Internet camera.

Tests using the DSC-350F with Microsoft NetMeeting produced moderately good-quality streaming images; we did observe some pixelation and jerkiness, which is common when using a low-bandwidth connection.

UPSHOT: The D-Link DSC-350F's strong suit is as a low-end digital still camera; it provides little help on how to use it as a Webcam. But once you've learned the ropes on your own, it can work just fine connected to your PC.

SUMMARY

D-Link DSC-350F CMOS sensor; 640 by 480 maximum (interpolated) or 320 by 240 (optical) resolution for video at 20 fps, and for still images; optical viewfinder, USB connection, 8MB built-in memory, flash, and two AA alkaline batteries; ArcSoft PhotoImpression 2000, VideoImpression 1.6, PhotoFantasy 2000, and PhotoMontage 2000 software. One-year hardware warranty (after registration), 24-hour toll-free phone support seven days a week. $70 800/326-1688 www.dlink.com