Digital Trends

Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless

June 7th, 2004 | by Nino Marchetti

Image and Video Size and Transfer

The ability to transfer images over Bluetooth (video transfer wirelessly is not an option) is the main selling point of this camera. Results on this front were very mixed. Transfer times varied depending upon file size and distance, with a maximum range of about 30 feet. Larger picture sizes (highest resolution settings) took several minutes, while small photos went in a few seconds. By contrast, speeds over the USB cable option were decidedly quicker.

Another thing to note with the Bluetooth option is that you can not do batch transfers of pictures; if you have 205 images, which is the max the Concord's internal memory will hold at it's lowest settings, and opt to go the wireless route, you could be sitting around for quite some time since you'll have to baby-sit each individual photo transfer.

As with other digital cameras, image storage size is about tradeoffs in size versus quality. For example — if you want to take 1600 x 1200 fine quality JPEG shots, you'll quickly fill the memory with only 9 photos. By contrast, 1280 x 960 at economy resolution will give you 54 images. Those planning to take a lot of photos will definitely want to consider an SD or MMC card to plug into the expansion slot.

With video storage, the internal 7MB of memory will get you 40 seconds for an AVI video clip. This could be a problem if you are taking photos and videos at the same time, as you could quickly run out of space for your still images.

Conclusion

As far as 2.0 Megapixel cameras go, the Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless was average at best. Its ability to transfer images over Bluetooth, while a nice novelty, served no great purpose unless you have a cellular phone or PDA which is Bluetooth-enabled. In this circumstance, it holds higher value in that it saves you the step of cutting out the computer as the middleman while you are shuffling JPEGs from machine to machine.

Other things also distract from the Concord's ability to be a high quality camera. The body, as mentioned before, doesn't feel that solid and the picture quality is not that stellar.

On the bright side, the camera does come with some great accessories, including all the wires you will need, a Bluetooth USB transmitter and a high quality owners guide, which provides very easy to follow instructions and should answer most questions. Also, the ability to act as a Web camera, while a novelty like the Bluetooth feature, is a nice touch.

Overall, the Concord Eye-Q Go Wireless will make for a decent “throw in your pocket and go” camera, especially for those with portable devices such as phones or PDAs that can take advantage of its Bluetooth wireless connectivity.