Mustek gSm@rt Mini

An impressive amount of technology squeezed into a tiny frame.

The gSm@rt Mini digital camera is so diminutive that it could all too easily be dismissed as a novelty item, but some nifty features coupled with a keen price allow it to rise above this tag.

We cannot remember seeing a smaller camera: the gSm@rt Mini resembles a fat credit card. Combine this with a weight of 40g and you have a gadget that could be carried comfortably on a key ring.

The amount of technology squeezed into this minute frame is impressive. An 8Mb memory offers enough storage to hold 100 images taken at the camera's standard 640 x 480 resolution and, thanks to a 10-second timer, the photographer need not be excluded from shots.

If necessary, the gSm@rt Mini's resolution can be dropped to 320 x 240, extending its capacity to 200 shots. Conversely, the camera can employ a mathematical technique called interpolation to artificially raise its detail level to a resolution of 1,024 x 768, reducing its storage capacity to 50 images.

However, the charge-coupled device, the part of the camera that captures images, seems to have problems with subtle colours and performs badly in dim conditions.

The camera's ability to record 10, 10-second video clips at 320 x 240 resolution is something that cannot be scoffed at for one so small. Clips and photographs can be transferred to a desktop computer using the supplied USB cable, which also acts as the recharger for the gSm@rt Mini's integrated battery.

An excellent suite of software accompanies the camera. The Viewer presents a simple interface for speedy downloads of images via the USB cable, as well as displaying how many pictures there are, their size and a preview of each.

For advanced manipulation Ulead PhotoExpress is straightforward enough, while Ulead Cool 360 is for creating wide-angle panoramas from multiple images. Finally, Ulead Photo Explorer helps organise images.

Price: £70.50 (inc VAT)

Specifications:

• 640 x 480 maximum resolution (1,024 x 768 with interpolation)
• 8Mb memory
• USB interface and integrated battery recharger
• Captures short video clips
• Dimensions (w x h x d, in mm): 69 x 47 x 11
• Weight: 40g

Contact: Cydine 0870 013 2017
www.mustek.com