Digital memories: call it instant gratification. You take a picture and get to see it right away. And we're not talking about that old Polaroid

Latin CEO: Executive Strategies for the Americas, Dec, 2000 by Rochelle Broder-Singer

* OLYMPUS CAMEDIA C-211 ZOOM

The Camedia packs the features to match its size--most notably, the ability to instantly produce a very sharp Polaroid print (using standard Polaroid film) from any image you've shot With a 3X zoom, the 2.1 megapixel Camedia also shoots 15-second movies and prints frames from the movies as still photos. It can take clear snapshots of text on a whiteboard (or blackboard), and it can take up to 45 shots in rapid succession (most of these cameras take three to five). Built-in editing features for Polaroid prints include zoom, crop, color balancing and sharpness. White balance and tone can be adjusted by selecting one of five light conditions, ranging from overcast to indoors under tungsten lighting. While it offers less control than many of the other cameras, it is also easier for an amateur photographer to use. The built-in flash is always available. There is no viewfinder on the Camedia--only an LCD display is available, but this LCD is the easiest to see in bright light While this camera is fun to use, many o f its advanced features are hidden within its menus. Because you probably won't be able to resist using this camera and printing lots of Polaroids, we're happy to report one of the longest battery lives in this group. www.olympusamerica.com 1-631-844-5000 US$799

* DIGI-FRAME DF-560

Other than the Sony Mavica, most digital cameras store photos on either a SmartMedia or CompactFlash card. This digital picture frame instantly displays a photo or photos from either of those media The DigiFrame can also download images from any computer onto one of those cards and display the images. Uses include immediate display of your digital photos, or slide shows for customers. The frame also comes with blue and silver outside edges, and can be rotated vertically to display tall photos. While the display's resolution is not terrific, it is improving all the time, and software upgrades are downloadable from the company's Web site. www.digi-frame.com 1-914-937-4090 US$599

* SONY MAVICA MVC-CD1000

Though bulky, the MVC-CD1000 has three features that none of the other cameras have: a 10X zoom lens, the ability to save photos to a CD that any computer can read and Sony's "Steady Shot," which compensates for any human shaking to ensure crisp photos. Although its maximum resolution is only 2.1 megapixels, 4x6 and 5x7 prints were indistinguishable from those made with higher-resolution cameras. The Mavica also takes 15-second movies. The CD can store at least 160 full-resolution photos, and costs around US$4 per disc, handily beating other cameras storage media The battery, too, was one of the longest-lasting (far longer than the promised 100 minutes). While it looks awkward, this camera is actually lightweight and comfortable to use, boasting the biggest LCD screen of the bunch, as well as an LCD camcorder-style viewfinder. Most features are accessed through buttons on the camera, rather than by scrolling menus. Other nifty features include the ability to record a few seconds of sound as you snap a photo. It does take time to get used to the brief delay between when you press the shutter and when the photo is actually taken, leading to photos that are a second or two behind the ones you wanted. We found this camera the most fun to use, though not always the most practical. www.latin.sony.com 1-305-260-4000 US$1,300