CNET editors' buying advice
We have not reviewed this product but here is CNET's buying advice on Digital cameras. This content was chosen based on the features included with this model of digital camera.
Aperture-priority
Aperture-priority is an automated exposure mode that will allow the photographer to set the aperture, and the camera will then set the appropriate shutter speed based on the light meter reading. In this way, a photographer can control depth of field easily and create images with selective focus. This works well when you have a distracting or unattractive background that you want to keep out of focus, or just want to have more creative options in your images.
See more Aperture-priority products
Shutter-priority
Shutter-priority is an automated exposure mode that will allow the photographer to set the shutter speed, and the camera will then set the appropriate aperture based on the light meter reading. Fast shutter speeds are ideal for capturing sharp images of high speed events, such as sports and other high action occasions. Slow shutter speeds can be set to get artistic blur in images, such as moving water or car taillights at night. Using shutter-priority will allow such flexibility while providing good exposure for your photos.
See more Shutter-priority products
Snapshooter
The casual photographer needs a camera that is easy to carry and easy to use, so compact and ultracompact cameras make the best choice. These digital cameras are the most useful for taking snapshots anywhere, and can produce nice photos for email, web, or prints smaller than 8x10 inches.
The specs that matter
| Resolution | It doesn't matter. Most digital cameras on the market today have sufficient resolution for your needs. |
| Price | $150 to $300 |
| Lens type | Zoom (range encompassing at least 38mm to 114mm, 35mm equivalent) |
| Storage media | Internal memory, CompactFlash, Memory Stick, xD-Picture Card, or Secure Digital/MultiMediaCard |
| Photo file format | JPEG |
| Interfaces | USB, NTSC/PAL television connection |
| Exposure controls | Automatic, programmed scene modes, exposure compensation (for tweaking the automatic exposure) |
| Focus controls | Automatic |
| Flash modes | Automatic, fill, red-eye reduction |
| Software | Photo stitching, photo album, slide show |
| Multimedia | VGA (640x480), 30fps video-clip recording with sound |
| Cool features to look for | Direct-to-printer (PictBridge) output compatibility, in-camera red-eye removal, automatic exposure fix, optical or mechanical image stabilization, face detection |
Read more in the Digital Camera Buying Guide
CNET product brief
Description: The Vivitar ViviCam 8400 is an 8-megapixel, compact camera.Compared to other compact digital cameras on the market, it is midpriced at around $305.
Pros: Weighing only 5 ounces without battery and media, this digital camera is rather light relative to its competitors.This camera also offers control of several exposure modes including manual, program, shutter-priority, and aperture-priority mode.
Cons: Has only a 2 inch viewscreen, which is somewhat smaller than some similarly priced digital cameras.
Suitability: A compact digital camera, suited for vacation and snapshot photography.A recommended use, based on key features, is framed photos for the home.The largest recommended print size, estimated from the camera's resolution, is 12x16 or larger.
Value: Overall, this digital camera's features are as expected for this price.However, the average price of compact cameras with comparable resolution is quite a bit less, around $205.
Suggestions: For more help in deciding if this is the best digital camera for you, visit the buying guide for digital cameras at CNET Reviews.
CNET's Product Briefs are generated by a software tool that combines product specifications with knowledge of our editorial experts. They do not reflect hands-on assessment or labs testing. For more information about how we create Product Briefs, contact us.
