Agfa E-Photo CL20 Digital Camera

The camera comes packaged with a case, hand-strap, USB cable, AA batteries, software on CD, mini camera mount and, usefully, a printed quick-start guide. The provided software includes PhotoWise 3.0 for arranging your pictures, VideoImpression for making videos, Microsoft Netmeeting for video-conferencing.

Agfa have clearly focused on ease of use with the CL20 -- camera controls are limited to on/off slider, shutter release, 3 mode selectors and a button which activates the AGFAnet Print Service program on the PC. There is however no LCD panel at the back for previewing and reviewing pictures.

The camera fits snugly into the palm of the hand and is the size of a small film camera, measuring just 95 x 65 x 35mm. It comes with only 1 MB of internal memory which is good for 6 images at high resolution (1280x960), 10 images at medium resolution (1024x768) and 30 images at low resolution (512x384). Agfa have also included a Type 1 CompactFlash slot for further storage.

The images produced by the CL20 at high resolution are crisp and clear and generally have a good colour balance. They are of sufficient quality to produce prints at the normal 6x4" size. One criticism of the CL20 is that the delete function is slow and is limited to either removing all pictures or just the last taken.

Agfa also provide access to their own printing bureau. The process is straightforward; simply connect the camera via USB and press the button on the camera. This starts up the Print Service program that prompts for selection of photos, selection of print service and entry of payment and delivery information. The service was tested using Bonusprint. The prints were of good quality and were competitively priced when compared to the total cost per print for standard film development.--Nick Baxter

With the additional option of Compact Flash memory cards you can take as many photos as you like. Simply replace the memory card when it is full with a new one and download them all at a later date to your PC. Just like rolls of film, but more flexible.

Dual Mode--this sleek, palm-sized camera also doubles as a quality video conferencing camera for online chats. Supplied with its own tripod for positioning on top or beside your computer, and Microsoft NetMeeting software, real-time online conferencing has never been easier.

The CL20 can even be powered by your computer using the USB cable, so you don't have to worry about batteries during downloading or online conferencing. When out and about the CL20 takes just two AA alkaline batteries.

Furthermore, the CL20 features all the easy-to-use software you need to take full advantage of digital living. Agfa PhotoWise 3.0 with PhotoGenie lets you add special effects to your digital pictures and fix little problems like red-eye.

With PhotoWise 3.0 organisation of your images has never been easier, as you can store your digital images on virtual rolls of film--name a roll of film and store images too it. Images are then archived and can be edited in a virtual photo album.