Posted: 1/18/2000
Written by: MotoŽ
OK! Enough of these cheap low megapixel digital cameras that we've been reviewing lately. It's time to take a look at the high end of digital imaging. And I can't think of a better high end digital cam than the new Epson PhotoPC 3000Z.
Epson entered the 3 megapixel race with this truly interesting camera. The PhotoPC 3000Z is Epson's first attempt to go after the big boys in the digital camera market and it looks like a good first strike. With features like 3x zoom, 2x digital zoom, big diameter, fast F2.0 lens and 3.34 megapixel CCD. The Epson PhotoPC 3000Z is big, boxy and could be mistaken for a normal film camera if not for the color LCD at the back. The 3000Z is easy to use and jam-packed with just about every feature you could want. And to top it all off, it delivers really excellent image quality.
Epson have also implemented their HyPict interpolation algorithm on the 3000Z which means that over and above the standard 2048 x 1536 resolution you can also have a HyPict image of 2544 x 1904 or a HyPict Panorama of 2544 x 952.
Epson has fitted a 3x optical zoom lens, equivalent to 32-104mm on a 35mm film camera, which can focus as close as 6cm in macro mode. A 1.8in TFT screen is surrounded by seven buttons to confirm options displayed alongside, and images can be zoomed in by two times during playback.
The PhotoPC gives experienced users extensive control over the camera while still providing novices with simple creative options. For example, there are three program modes that offer push-button settings for sports, portraits, or landscapes. Advanced features include stuff like spot or matrix metering, white balance, aperture or shutter priority, manual exposure, and slow sync flash. This camera should fit the bill if you're a professional of just an average job who points and shoots.
In addition to taking photos you can use the Epson PhotoPC to take Quick Time Videos. And unlike the Olympus C2020 we reviewed awhile back, the video can have sound as well.