One useful option not tested on our review unit is Epson's image authentication system (IAS). If the IAS software is installed in the camera, it will transparently add a digital watermark to each image captured. This still allows viewing of images using any software that can read JPEGs, but the IAS software can verify the authenticity of images. It can also detect any tampering, even if a single pixel has been changed. While not likely to be an essential feature for most users, it has clear benefits in many applications. For example, loss adjusters and insurance assessors could make good use of such a feature. Likewise, web publishers could use it to prove images on their site belongs to them.
A movie mode can capture video clips up to 25 seconds at 320x240 with mono audio in QuickTime format and you can also record descriptive audio clips with each photo. The quality of the movie was quite OK. Better than what you can get with a web cam. The sound sucks however. There's also a time lapse option that can automatically take photos between 10 seconds and 24 hours apart. The supplied software can also control or configure the camera over a USB connection.
There are very few gripes I have with the 3000Z. The biggest one being the memory card. 16 Megs is simply too little. This camera really shine taking high resolution 2048 x 1536 photos. In that mode you only have enough memory for just 16 shots shots in Super Fine mode and 31 shots in Fine mode. I ended up buying a 128 Meg memory card just so I wouldn't have to download the pics so often.
We all love taking photos, but who wants to bother with all that tedious mucking around in a lab to develop them? Digital cameras feature color screens for image-viewing right after the shot and the every important deletion of any embarrassing shots. :) Once connected to your PC, you can make cool inkjet prints without the need to finish a roll and take it down to the photolab for processing. You can also post them directly to your web site, thus eliminating the need for a scanner. Digital Cameras are clearly the future of photography and the Epson PhotoPC 3000Z is one of the best digital camera you can buy.
Whether you're a season professional or just a first timer, the Epson PhotoPC 3000Z has something for everybody. Simple enough for the first timer to use with enough manual camera control that the profession won't feel out of place. The price is high but is inline with other cameras at this performance level. If you're in the market for a high end digital camera, put this one on the short list.
The Goods
Excellent image quality
Fits nice in the hand
Easy to use
Bright LCD screen
Can do video with sound
The Bads
Expensive
16 Meg Compact Flash card is too small
Rating: 8.5/10