By PHOTOgraphic Staff

September 23, 2001 — Years ago, Polaroid revolutionized the popular photography market with instant prints. The handy technology survives in many forms today. Many professional photographers use Polaroids to check composition and lighting before exposing expensive medium- or large-format film.

Until recently there hasn't been a digital equivalent of the Polaroid camera. Enter the SiPix SCP-1000 Digital Instant Camera, a combination digital camera and a portable printer in one compact unit. The SCP-1000 can print high quality, continuous-tone photos in 2" x 2.5" size immediately after exposure, using. thermal color transfer technology to produce colorful and vibrant prints. SiPix prints are overcoated to prevent color fading and deteriorating from sunlight or handling. Images can be encoded for date/time, and can be expanded via a 2x digital zoom.

The SCP-1000 has an internal memory of 4MB, with capacity for storing up to 56 images, and also features a card slot that accepts a reusable CompactFlash card. The camera/printer is USB equipped for hookup to compatible computers, and comes with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery and battery charger. Printing options include single images or "thumbnails," the equivalent of a 35mm contact sheet. The SCP-also doubles as a printer for use with any computer, provided that the 2" x 2.5" maximum print size isn't a hindrance. Images can also be viewed on any standard television set or video monitor via the included video cable.

The SiPix SCP-1000 Digital Instant Camera comes bundled with Adobe Acrobat Reader and MGI PhotoSuite III SE software, enabling typical photo editing tasks such as enhancement, contrasting, cropping, touchup and distortion. Other included accessories include camera strap, carrying pouch, USB cable, owner's manual, "Quick Start" guide, and color ink cartridge and paper sufficient for 20 sheets of prints.