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neoSnap NS-10
While add-on cameras could hardly be described as a new concept, neo's neoSnap NS-10 is still unique in its very own way: it's the very first add-on camera that relies on Bluetooth for transmission of images. A PMG Companion device, the neoSnap works in conjunction with a PMG (Personal Mobile Gateway) such as the neoFone NF-10, and draws on its WAN capabilities to upload pictures taken directly to the Internet. So then, how does it fare?
 | The neoSnap NS-10 is certainly innovative, but lacks a few basics that counter an otherwise positive impression
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Relatively small and light at 60 g and 7.8 x 5.5 x 2.5 cm, the neoSnap easily fits into most pockets - although stuffing it into a jeans pocket might earn you some strange looks along the road. In typical camera fashion, a viewfinder is located far up on the hind side of the camera, with an on/off button just below it. This again sits adjacent to the status LCD, which displays the amount of pictures that can be taken before its local memory is full; up to 30. On the front, we find the camera lens, unfortunately without a cover.
Using the neoSnap is - well, a snap, as it requires only a minimal amount of handling to pair with its PMG. Before users can start snapping pictures, however, they must register for an account at the myNeo web site, during which an SMS message with the appropriate configuration is sent to the PMG to allow for the uploading of pictures to the correct account. Once completed, users can happily snap pictures in point-and-shoot fashion, which are immediately uploaded to the myNeo web site for viewing.
This approach to picture-taking has both upsides and downsides. On the bright side, one has virtually unlimited storage space thanks to the direct Internet link, while on the other hand one cannot review pictures locally to choose which ones to upload. Despite the neoSnap's moderate usage of bandwidth, a method of reviewing pictures locally before uploading would have been preferred, since, as we all know, one of the major benefits of digital cameras is the ability to take several shots and pick the ones one would like to keep. Apply this method to the neoSnap, and you could quickly find yourself racking up GPRS bills at an uncomfortable pace.
Additionally, although such a feature is planned, it is currently not possible to retrieve images from the online service to the neoFone neither for reviewing or inclusion in MMS messages.
Transmission issues aside, pictures taken with the neoSnap are of excellent quality when compared with other 0.3 megapixel cameras in the market. It performs best under good lighting conditions, but also does a decent job under poorly lit conditions despite its lack of a flash light - which is surprising, given the size of the camera.
Availability
Although not currently commercially available, the neoSnap NS-10 is expected to be available in Italy in May, where pricing will be operator dependent.
Conclusion
Although larger than most add-on cameras, the neoSnap NS-10 does have a couple of advantages that makes it an attractive alternative in conjunction with a PMG such as the neoFone. First, if offers excellent picture quality; and second, it transfers images directly to an online picture library, allowing for virtually unlimited storage space. Unfortunately, disadvantages such as the lack of a flash light and an option to locally review pictures at any point in time balance out its advantages, resulting in the NS-10 coming across as a slightly better than mediocre camera.
- What's positive: Excellent picture quality; intuitive and user friendly
- What's negative: No local review options; a tad large considering its low resolution
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Price and availability
The will start selling for TBA () in November 1999.
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