PC maker launches compact 5-megapixel camera for under $400.

Gateway recently introduced its line of digital cameras. Best known for its PCs, Gateway, which is already manufacturing plasma displays, LCDs, and an MP3 player, is now shipping four cameras, including the compact, feature-packed 5.25-megapixel DC-T50 for only $399.

The T50 offers high resolution, portability, and value -- a magic combination for consumers hungry for digital cameras.


The details

  • Sleek and compact: Measures about 3.8 inches by 2.5 inches by 1.8 inches (width by height by depth) and weighs 8 ounces with its lithium-ion battery and SD card
  • 5.25 Megapixels: Resolution up to 2560x1920 pixels; printed 8x10 photos will impress, although picture quality doesn't rank among the best.
  • 3x optical zoom (4x digital): Get closer to the action with the 7.2 mm to 21.6 mm, f/2.8-4.7 maximum aperture lens, with spot and multi metering
  • Eight shooting modes: Including portrait, action, night, manual, aperture priority, shutter priority, program, automatic, and movie
  • Versatile: Manually adjust exposure, sharpness, contrast, color, white balance, metering, ISO; features self-timer, interval shooting, voice memos
  • 1.6-inch LCD: Small but good; smart, legible, and intuitive GUI
  • Relative bargain: Lots of camera, including a lithium-ion battery, charger, and 32MB SD card for under $400; Canon's 4-megapixel S400 costs $500


Second Impressions

  • Easy shutter and aperture adjustment in manual mode using convenient Command dial
  • Powerful and full flash
  • Good image quality although zoomed inspection revealed noise, notably in darker areas in some photos
  • T50 a little slow in preshot metering and focus (about two seconds indoors) and noticeably slow in review mode


Is this camera for real? Considering the price and size, it's an obvious yes. But if you're used to a responsive camera (with a fast processor) and expect top-notch 5-megapixel quality, look elsewhere.

Other models look promising

Gateway's DC-T20 ($129.99) delivers 2-megapixel quality in an even smaller form factor than the T50. The more conventional-size DC-M50 and DC-M40 offer 5- and 4-megapixel resolution and $299.99 and $199.99, respectively.

Pros: Compact; good value; full-featured for size

Cons: Shutter delay; slow processor; good but not great image quality

Company: Gateway
Price: $399.99
Category: Digital imaging
Available: Now