Customer Reviews: Read 1 more reviews...
 It's been to Rome twice April 15, 2008
Joe Roma (upstate ny)
I have had the Vivitar 3780s camera for 2 years now, and have been very happy with it. I originally purchased it exclusively because of it's pocket size. It has turned out to be a reliable performer, having accompanied me on 2 trips to Rome. Although rated as a 3 MP camera, it is equipped with interpolation that makes pictures look like 6 MP. 8 x 10's look very good, and I even blew up a view of the Roman forum to poster size with good results. As some other reviewers have mentioned, battery drain is an issue, and I have discovered that rechargeable nimh batteries are the answer. These batteries are usually sold in sets of 4 with a charger. Also, judicious use of flash is important. When you first turn the camera on, immediately turn off the flash so it doesn't drain the batteries. I'm a big believer in available light anyway, and this camera will take dozens of pictures with no flash. Probably the best under $100 camera you will find.
 Better than nothing June 4, 2007
D. Perkins (KC, MO USA)
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I received this camera as a prize while on vacation. This is my first and only digital camera. When I first started using it with regular brand-name batteries, I found that even with the flash off I could only get a dozen or so pictures before the batteries gave out. If the flash is used, you can get 2-3 flash pictures and maybe a couple non-flash pictures. It will power up, flash a low battery message, and power down. However, Eneloop rechargable batteries will give you many more flash shots, and regular, before the camera gives up and you can recharge them, that's a money saver. It takes a couple seconds after taking a shot before it displays on the screen and if you move during that time your shot will be blurry. If a flash is used, it takes a few seconds longer. Plus the flash itself takes ~10 seconds to charge. The auto-adjuster isn't that great, I get a lot of dark pictures when indoors even if there is light if I don't use a flash. If you're in bright light, then you can't see the display (according to the manual this is not a defect). However, since there is no traditional view finder, you have no backup and have to guess that your shot is lined up correctly. The picture itself will be fine, but good luck reviewing it until you're in the shade or inside. I received a SD card with the camera, but if you don't have one, be ready to download pictures off of your camera every dozen or so pictures. I wouldn't have bought this camera if I had a choice, but for a free camera it's better than nothing.
 Choose another model! June 30, 2006
Hennie van den Berg (Qatar, Middle East)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I also bought this camera for average holiday shots, and for my children to use. Like the previous reviewer I am also very disappointed with battery life, problems with memory card formatting, and now it refuses to switch on, even with new batteries.
It is easy to use, but reliability is crucial in a camera. I see an opportunity, but the camera goes on strike, and by the time I get it on, opportunity is history.
Also, there is no troubleshooting guide in the manual or the installation CD, so Vivitar must think the product is bug-free.
Choose another brand, Vivitar should maybe stick to lenses.
Disappointing battery, 3 flash shots and its done, even if the batteries arent!!! >:O June 17, 2006
extentofmysin (Scotland UK)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
I was given this Vivitar 3780s camera recently, and my experience.. well, isnt a fantastic one. As a basic camera, it seemed to do the job at first with normal non flash shots, although I have to admit that even when holding the camera very still, shots would still come out slightly blurry, compared to any conventional/traditional non digital camera. I wasnt too fussy at first as I only wanted something that would work on the odd family holiday venture, the camera is very small and easy to carry, and so this seemed to be exactly what was required.
Where the camera falls down terribly, is in battery power, using the flash. It is tragic! :( I installed two duracell ultra AAAs batteries (possibly the most expensive and longest lasting on the market), and generally after around 2 or 3 flash shots, the camera gives up, states that power is low, and from then on switches off constantly after around 4 seconds of being on! Having checked the batteries, they are of course absolutely fine, at 99% full power, working great with any other device.
The Vivitar 3780s camera just cannot cope. If I install never used before batteries of any type, the camera will work. That is, until I take any more flash shots and ever so slightly reduce battery life. The camera cannot handle these shots, and should not be an included feature. If the flash is switched off, it is true that the camera does last longer, (2 hrs rather than 2 mins), but this is still poor. I think the camera switching off when battery life is still almost at maximum, is a general fault with this particular model of camera, so you are really much better off in going for either another model, or (much wiser) with another brand just to be safe.
I have noticed that this camera is sometimes given away free when joining many companies (eg with clothing/general catalogues or insurance) which perhaps isnt a great sign of quality, and is near impossible to find in high st stores now. The latter being a good thing- I hope this information is of some use, avoid! :(
 Save your money. February 11, 2006
donny (Maryland United States)
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
This camera sounds good in specs, but the pictures are what you'd expect from an inexpensive digital camera. The colors are washed out, and the images are poor quality. Spend a little more money and get a betterr camera.
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