The Trust FunC@m gives you the opportunity to experiment with a simple and affordable digital camera. Thirteen-year-old Tom Wyatt tests it
On first looks, it would be hard to convince anyone the FunC@m actually took pictures. It is relatively small, but unbelievably simple. The transparent purple case reveals little more than the two batteries that you had to buy separately.
It couldn’t be less confusing; there is one large button on the top for taking photos and another for flicking between resolutions and a Web-cam option.
Instructions are provided on the enclosed CD-Rom, but I would prefer more help on paper in the box.
Its curvy body makes it nice to look at but how does it perform? Well, no resolution is indicated on the box, but even on the highest setting you wouldn’t get a picture much bigger than A6. It will take 20 high-resolution pictures and 80 low-res - but low res is really low. I would also recommend it for bright outdoor photos only, as there’s no flash and it generally takes very dark pictures.
For me, the Web-cam feature was the selling point. The quality was good and it was again unbelievably easy to use. A small sturdy stand can be screwed on to keep the camera upright but simply unscrews again when you want to take pictures.
There are, of course, several down-points to the camera. It is only accessible for a Mac through Virtual PC, so probably not a good buy for a Mac user.
The program provided for downloading photos from the camera is great for viewing the photos but more is needed in the editing department.
If you were wondering what you miss out on for paying less than pound;50 - well, there’s no LCD screen for viewing pictures before downloading them, no way to adjust any settings except the resolution and no all-important flash.
If you’ve never used a digital camera before and you want to experiment and have a good laugh with some friends, then this is certainly the one for you, but I would advise looking further if you want something that will take good quality photos in every scenario.
www.trust.comcomputer
ONLINE STAR RATING
Suitability for purpose **** Ease of use ***** Design **** Quality of output ** Value for money ****
