BenQ's tiny 300mini digital camera

Mini is the optimum word as far as this new digital camera from BenQ is concerned - just a tad bigger than a box of matches and weighing just 49 grams, the 300mini captures video as well as still photos and can double as a PC camera for online conferencing. Simple to operate - even with one hand - and as inconspicuous as you could wish for, the 300mini fits neatly in your pocket or a bag and includes a strap so that it can be worn around the neck.

The benefits of compact size and versatility are enhanced by the amazing storage capacity - there is enough room for 107 photographs in the 8MB internal memory. Unfortunately, the maximum resolution is only 640 x 480 but it's a horses for courses situation and it might be unfair to expect photographic quality too. The camera features a 10 second self-timer, electronic shutter speeds to 1/100000 second and runs on a standard AAA alkaline battery with an automatic power-off after 30 seconds of non-use to conserve energy.

An LCD status display indicates the number of shots taken and remaining battery life and there is also an innovative direct USB connection that allows you to download images to laptop or PC without a cable, adding convenience and reducing desktop clutter. A USB cable does need to be introduced when using the 300mini for web conferencing so that the lens can be pointed in the right direction.

We found the BenQ 300mini very handy to have in tow for those unforseen photo opportunities and with a Recommended Retail Price of AUS$189, it is an ideal gizmo to keep in the purse or glovebox to record things that crop up unexpectedly.