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Epson PhotoPC 3000Z Epson's first three-megapixel design boasts great image quality and loads of "enthusiast" features Select a topic Reference: Datasheet PhotoPC 3000Z Test Shots --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on PhotoPC 3000Z Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests :(Previous) | (Next): Camera Modes & Menus>> Page 8:Operation & User Interface Review First Posted: 10/01/2000

Operation and User Interface
We found the user interface on the 3000Z a little confusing at first because it was so different than what we'd become used to on other digicams. A quick read of the manual though soon made everything clear. We applaud Epson's attempt to simplify LCD menus by setting up the grid-like system of control buttons around the LCD monitor. This setup definitely saves time by allowing you to quickly change the exposure compensation, white balance, etc. without referring to a structured LCD menu and sorting through various screens and options. That said, we still found some of the settings a bit of a nuisance to change. For example, to change the camera's capture mode (Auto, Program, Manual), you have to go into the Setup menu via the mode dial to change the option. It seems far more sensible to keep the mode dial in control of camera mode. As it is on the 3000Z, the mode dial controls whether you're using the LCD monitor or just the optical viewfinder, as well as the Multi-Shot, Playback, PC and Setup modes. We would have preferred to see the various camera modes remain on the mode dial, and use a simple display button to control the LCD monitor. Aside from the various exposure settings buried in the Setup menu, overall exposure control was quite straightforward once we got used to the cameras controls. Now, we'll go through each of the controls and their functions.


Shutter Button: Located on the very top of the hefty handgrip, the shutter button sets focus and exposure when halfway pressed, and fires the shutter when fully pressed.


Power Button: Situated on the right side of the top panel and encircled by the mode dial, this button turns the camera on and off, signaling the lens to extend or retract, depending on the mode setting.


Mode Dial: Surrounding the power button on the top right of the camera, this notched dial sets the camera's operating mode:

• Setup: Accesses the Setup menu for changing various camera settings.
• PC: Allows the camera to connect to a computer and download images, also opens Print Mark for setting up images to be printed.
• Playback: Puts the camera in a review mode, so that you can scroll through captured images and delete or protect them.
• Viewfinder: Turns the LCD monitor off, for shooting with the optical viewfinder only.
• LCD: Activates the LCD monitor for use with image composition.
• Multi-Shot: Sets up the camera for shooting in Continuous, Interval or Video Clip modes.

Flash Button: Positioned to the left of the mode dial, this button controls the flash mode:

• Auto: Puts the camera in control of when the flash fires, based on the existing lighting conditions.
• Forced: Sets the flash to fire with every exposure. (Also called "fill" flash.)
• Off: Deactivates the flash, so that it never fires, regardless of light level.
• Redeye Reduction: Fires a small pre-flash before firing the full flash, to reduce the Redeye Effect.
• Slow Synchronized: Combines the flash with a slow shutter speed, allowing more ambient light into the image. Two slow synchro options (Leading or Trailing) are adjusted through the Setup menu.

Quality Button: Diagonally just to the left of the Flash button, this button sets the image quality and size to Standard JPEG (640 x 480), Fine JPEG (2048 x 1536), Super Fine JPEG (2048 x 1536), HyPict JPEG (2544 x 1904 interpolated) or Uncompressed TIFF (2048 x 1536).


Self-Timer Button: Located just below the Quality button, this button activates the Self-Timer mode, which starts a 10 second self-timer when the shutter button is fully pressed.


Dioptric Adjustment Dial: Hidden away on the left side of the optical viewfinder, this small dial adjusts the viewfinder focus to accommodate eyeglass wearers.


"W" and "T" Zoom Buttons: Situated on the top right of the back panel, these buttons control the optical zoom in any capture mode.


LCD Buttons: This series of seven unmarked buttons lines the top and right side of the LCD monitor. Depending on the camera's mode, these buttons control various menu items on the LCD screen. Each button corresponds to a menu option, which is displayed on the LCD screen directly above or to the side of the button itself.


Menu On/Off Button: Positioned at the very bottom right corner of the LCD monitor, this button controls the on-screen menu display in Playback mode and any capture mode.


"Push" Battery Compartment Button: Located in the center of the battery compartment door, this button releases the door and allows it to be slid open.