Epson PhotoPC 3000ZEpson's first three-megapixel design boasts great image quality and loads of "enthusiast" features<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 10/01/2000 |
Video Out
US versions of the 3000Z are packaged with an NTSC video cable (PAL for European models) for connection to a television set. The 3000Z can play back captured images, video clips or sound bytes to any multimedia projector, television, VCR or any other video output device. The ability to connect to a video projector gives the 3000Z extended use as a presentation tool. The camera can be set to handle either NTSC or PAL timings through the Language option under the Setup menu.
PowerThe 3000Z is powered by four AA NiMH rechargeables (which come with the camera). You can also use four AA lithium or alkaline batteries, but we really don't recommend standard alkaline cells for any digicam. A battery charger also accompanies the camera, for which big kudos are due Epson! (Epson was really a pioneer in including rechargeable batteries and chargers with their cameras, a practice we're glad to see they're continuing.) The 3000Z doesn't report the available battery power until the batteries are low, so you'll want to keep some freshly charged spares handy. (Supporting our standard recommendation to plan on buying enough batteries to have two full sets.) The camera does feature a power saving auto-off feature, which lets you set the amount of inactive time before the camera shuts off (10 seconds, 30 seconds, or one, three or five minutes). The AC adapter is not included with the camera, but is available as an accessory. (Epson perhaps figuring that the battery/charger combination reduces the need for a separate power adapter.) We nonetheless recommend purchasing the AC adapter to save battery power when downloading images, or playing back captured images and movies. The AC adapter is also a necessity for the Interval shooting mode, which has shutter intervals up to 24 hours.
The table below shows the amount of power used for each of the camera's operating modes.
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| Capture Mode, w/LCD |
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| Capture Mode, no LCD |
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| Half-pressed shutter w/LCD |
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| Half-pressed w/o LCD |
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| Memory Write (transient) |
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| Flash Recharge (transient) |
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| Image Playback |
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Overall, these are excellent power-consumption numbers for a three megapixel camera. The maximum capture-mode drain of 500 mA is quite a bit less than the 800 mA we frequently see. Power consumption in capture mode with the LCD off is very low indeed: With normal power-saving precautions (leaving the LCD display off unless absolutely necessary), you should easily be able to shoot all day on one set of freshly-charged batteries.
Included Software
Packaged with the 3000Z is a software CD containing Sierra Imaging's Image Expert, Epson Photo!3, Epson File Converter and Epson Photo! Print2, compatible with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems. Sierra Imaging's Image Expert software allows you to download and organize your captured images, as well as perform minor editing corrections. Image Expert also includes QuickTime Player for viewing your captured video clips. Epson Photo!3 is another application for downloading captured images, without having to access Image Expert. The Epson File Converter allows you to convert presentation slides and files into a format that can be uploaded into the camera for presentations. Finally, Epson Photo! Print2 works with the Print Mark software in the camera for setting up images for printing on DPOF devices.
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