With all of Peter‘s talk about his digital cameras, I figured I’d throw my own hat into the ring.
A few weeks ago, I purchased a Traveler 6.31 Megapixel Digital Camera, from, of all places, Aldi. As mentioned in the comments, the camera appears to be a rebranded Vivitar Vivicam 4000.
Thus far, the camera has worked wonderfully. To start with, it came loaded with accessories – 2 Lithium Ion batteries and charger, a car adapter for charging on the go, a small carrying case with belt loop and plenty of cables for connecting your camera. The 128MB SD card was a bit small, but I have others (more on those another time).
The quality of the pictures has been solid, but I must admit that I haven’t used it nearly as much as I should have. I’ll try and put it through some paces one of these days.
As I understand it, this camera went for $269 over the Christmas holidays, and even at that price it would seem to be a pretty good deal. When I bought mine, they were apparently clearing them out, because it cost only $169, making it seem like a complete steal. I’m very happy with it thus far, but I’ll keep you posted on that if it changes.
Update May 26, 2006: I encountered the “take a couple pictures and the battery dies” problem myself. Thus far, no resolution. It seems that I can take somewhere between two and five pictures and then the camera shuts down, despite the battery having a seemingly full charge.
Luckily the batteries used by the camera are fairly common, though somewhat less so in the US than in the UK. I have found them here (charger here if you need one).
Free shipping on orders over $50, though I’m not sure how long that offer lasts. I’ve used this site before, and their products seem to work just fine – or they have in the past, at any rate. Let me know your experience if you use them and I can update the information here. I haven’t yet decided if I’ll invest more money in this camera or get a new one.
Update August 8, 2006: I ended up purchasing two of the batteries and a new charger from Atbatt.com (as linked above). I used them somewhat extensively on a trip last week, and they worked wonderfully. I have tried charging the old batteries, and they still aren’t working too well, but at least the camera is working again.
Update: Alas, the camera itself finally died, due to my own problems (I dropped it). For some reason, the camera works to some degree – it will go through menus and whatnot, but it won’t actually go through with the taking of any pictures or anything. So I’ve moved on. I have another Traveler camera, and I’ll post a review of it soon. It does not take these batteries, however, so if anyone needs any, contact me using the link below if you need some and make me a fair offer if you’re interested.
Update: The camera and all accessories have been sold. Thanks!
Comments
96 responses to “Traveler Digital Camera”
I have the 6.31, it seems like an incredible deal for the price. I doesn’t seem to take as good a quality pictures as the cannon elf, or some of the comparable models. However im not complaining considering the price and all that you get. Im looking forward to seeing the slimline.
Click on the word “This”. It’s a link. As of a couple days ago, the site did not have the “new” camera.
Aldi has a Traveler Slimline X5 5.2 MPixel with 256MB card and docking station for $200 USD right now.
I dont see the manufacturers link in comment above. Can someone repost?
Good find, DC – thanks!
This is the homepage for the manufacturer.
Can anyone tell me how to keep the power switch on,on my Taveler? So far, I have changed the batteries, tried to follow the instructions but as my Dad used to say, you need to be a Philadelphia Lawyer to understand them!!! I have had some super photos but I have now passed it to the grandson and the power switch keeps shooting back to the off position. HELP PLEASE
I too got one from Aldi (for £180 GBP). Amazing value, 3yr warranty and it works great. Manual states that using the LCD screen greatly reduces battery life but I have not quantified this yet.
It seems to be the same as the Vivitar Vivicam 4000. I saw the Vivicam 4000 at Sam’s for $244 today, without as many accessories as my Traveler. The Traveler seems like a great value.
I don’t see it reviewed in Steve’s Digicams, but he doesn’t cover every camera. I think most cameras are pretty good. I’m simply amazed at how well my Canon PowerShot A60, (2MP) does. I’ve thought of upgrading, but I post almost all my photo’s on the web anyway, so what’s to be gained.
I’m finding the real trick is the software for manipulating the shot later and, of course, properly composing the shot to begin with.
Looks interesting. Google turns up a few people who have reviewed or discussed the Traveler, but no actual product info pages or manufacturer info. I’ll be interested to see how a $169, 6.31 megapixel camera performs. 🙂