Choosing a camera phone

E-mail this article Print this article Search archive

Prices are dropping and more options are becoming available as camera phones invade the cellphone market. We asked each of the following wireless companies to choose its favorite camera phone. Read on for shopping tips when buying a camera phone.

T-Mobile: Motorola V300
Price: $99.
Weight: 3.8 ounces.
Features: Integrated digital camera with zoom, color screen, picture caller ID, high-quality ring tones, text messaging, games and a "silky-soft exterior."

Verizon Wireless: CDM-8900
Price: $99.99 after a $70 mail-in rebate with a 2-year contract.
Weight: 3.28 ounces.
Features: Built-in 300-pixel high-resolution digital camera, color screen, self-timer, brightness control, self-portrait reflector.

Sprint: Sanyo VM4500
Price: $379.99, or $229.99 after rebate with a 2-year contract.
Weight: 3.85 ounces.
Features: Built-in digital camera and video camcorder, color screen, auto-focus, zoom lens, photo caller ID.

AT&T Wireless and Cingular: Sony Ericsson T616
Price: $49.99 after $100 mail-in rebate with a 2-year contract.
Weight: 3.4 ounces.
Features: Built-in digital camera, color screen, one-key Web access, stores up to 510 contacts, voice memo/sound recorder, 32-tone polyphonic speaker.

Camera phone buying tips

• Shop around for a phone that's easy to use: You should be able to shoot, add text or a voice message and send.

• Carrier network coverage: The phone is only as good as the network it's on. Ask if you can send and receive picture messages while roaming.

• Price-per-picture: How much does it cost to send and receive picture messages? Some carriers offer unlimited picture messages for a monthly price, or pay as you go.

• Additional charges: Ask if you will be charged for airtime in addition to your per-message charge when sending or receiving picture messages. Find out if you can send the same message to multiple people without being charged each time.

• Return policy: Can you return the phone if you're not satisfied, for a full refund? How much time do you have to do it?

— Pamela Sitt, Seattle Times staff writer

Copyright © 2004 The Seattle Times Company