The Digital Camera Resource Page was the first of the "big four" digital camera sites, founded in November 1997. The DCRP is designed to be an unofficial resource for current and future owners of digital cameras. It is aimed more towards the consumer end, rather than the high end (read: $5,000) professional cameras. The mission of this site is to:

1. To provide honest reviews of digital cameras, with no sugar coating. If I think a camera isn't a good choice, you'll know it. Reviews are written without a lot of technical jargon, so everyone can understand them.

2. Do #1 without shoving ads down the throats of our readers. That means no pop-ups, pop-unders, interstitials, or any other annoying ads.

The DCRP has been featured in many publications, most notably the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Washington Post, San Francisco Chronicle, Money Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, and the San Diego Union-Tribune, plus several books.

Who makes this site happen?

Jeff Keller is the 31-year-old creator of several websites dating back to 1996. They include PowerWatch (a site about the PowerComputing Mac clones that once existed), iMac2Day, and more recently, dvspot (a camcorder site currently on hiatus). His latest project is PrinterSpot, a sister site to DCResource covering photo printers.

Jeff didn't really get into photography until digital cameras started appearing in the mid nineties. He is a computer/gadget geek by trade, rather than a photographer. Jeff has owned too many cameras to count, and currently uses a Canon EOS-20D.

Jeff holds a Bachelor of Science in Cognitive Science from the University of California San Diego, with a minor in Art History. Before working full time on his websites, Jeff worked for Netscape, Oracle, and CMP Media.

After stints in San Francisco and Brentwood, CA, Jeff settled down (sort of) in the hills of Oakland.

When he's not working Jeff enjoys photography (obviously), travel, video games, cars, gadgets, and animals. Speaking of which, in his spare time Jeff volunteers at a local animal rescue foundation.

To learn more about Jeff, check out his personal site. You can follow the exciting (or not) events in his life by reading his blog.

How can I ask a question about digital cameras or this site? What is the e-mail policy?

The DCRP is essentially a one man show. And with over three million visitors per month, I get an awful lot of e-mail. Since I'm a busy guy, I have to be selective about which e-mails I answer.

Here is what I won't answer:

• Requests for a personal camera recommendation
• When I will be reviewing a certain camera
• If I can give you "early thoughts" or a "preview" of an upcoming review
• Technical support question (i.e. the computer doesn't see my camera)
• Requests for drivers or missing manuals
• Asking a question that's answered in the FAQ

In regard to the first item: I do not make personal recommendations for people. It's your decision, not mine. The information on this site was created to assist you in making your own decision about what camera is best. If you're still confused, please try our Buyers Guide (which lists my favorite cameras) or the Message Boards.

To find out when I'll be reviewing a camera, please click on the Upcoming Reviews link on the home page. If a camera is not on the list, then I don't know when I'll review it.

The third and fourth items can easily be answered if you just look around on the Internet. Check the manufacturers websites (listed in our links section). If that doesn't work, again, try our message boards.

I apologize if this seems harsh or unfair, but it's the only way I can continue to provide the content that people come here for. At least without going insane!

How do we know that the manufacturers aren't paying you to write positive reviews?

The short answer to that question is: look at the reviews. I am not afraid to complain about a product -- there is absolutely no sugar coating here. If there's something that bothers me, I'll put it in the review.

The longer answer is that I follow strict ethical guidelines when it comes to interacting with camera manufacturers, and have done so since 1997. First, I do not keep any cameras that are sent to us to review. After the review is done, the cameras are returned to the manufacturer. Second, and unlike most of our competitors, I never accept trips or junkets paid for by a manufacturer, which means that I've missed out on some nice vacations. And finally, I do not accept any gifts from manufacturers or advertisers -- they are given away.

The only time manufacturers may pick up the tab is when a new product briefing is held over lunch or dinner.

What's the difference between a preview and a review?

We recently came up with standard definitions of previews and reviews, in cooperation with Digital Photography Review and Imaging Resource. They include:

Hands-on Preview / First Look

• Based on a pre-production or production quality camera
• Camera must have been used at our office
• Product photography taken in our studio
• Some supplementary photos may be provided by manufacturer
• All work carried out by our staff
• Includes
• Photographs and description of camera
• Detailed specifications
• May include a description of function and operation
• May include screen / menu captures
• May include preliminary timings and performance measures
• May include a user report

Review

• Requires a production quality camera
• Camera ‘used in real life’ before testing commences
• Product photography taken in our studio
• Some supplementary photos may be provided by manufacturer
• All work carried out by our staff
• Includes
• Photographs and description of camera
• Detailed specifications
• Description of function and operation (may include screen captures)
• Timings and performance measures
• Image quality measures
• Competitive camera comparisons
• Conclusion based on test results and experience with the camera
• Samples gallery containing unmodified original images from the camera

If you have any questions about these definitions, please contact Jeff.

Why haven't you reviewed a certain camera?

We do our best to review as many cameras as possible, focusing on consumer-priced cameras. If we haven't reviewed a camera, it's most likely because a) we don't think our readers will be interested in it or b) the camera manufacturer isn't interesting in sending one out to review.

What camera do you use to take pictures of the cameras in your review?

Since late 2004 we've been using the Canon EOS-20D and a Sigma 50mm macro lens for all our product photos.

Are you hiring? Can I help review cameras?

Unfortunately, I don't have the budget to hire anyone at this point in time. As for helping review cameras, that's negatory too -- it would create liability problems if they were broken.

Where is the DCRP located?

The DCRP is run out of Jeff's home office in the San Francisco Bay Area. Our website is actually hosted on its own dedicated server at pair networks, in Pittsburgh, PA.

Can our company advertise on your site?

You better believe it! Visit our advertising page for all the details.

How can I help support this site?

Running a site like this isn't cheap. Bandwidth charges plus a dedicated web server cost the equivalent of a nice BMW each year. Unfortunately, ad revenue is not what it once was (believe me). Site income pays the hosting bill first, and then myself if there is anything left. With your donation, you can help defray our costs during these tough times.

One of the best ways is to purchase cameras and accessories from the sponsors of this site. Your purchase directly supports the DCRP! If you can't do that, you can also donate via PayPal. The only thing I can promise in return for your donation is to continue running this site free of charge!