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Casio QV-3000EX Casio steps into the 3-megapixel era with great picture quality and 340 megabytes of storage! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet QV-3000EX Sample Images --------------------------------- 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 QV-3000EX Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:Design Review First Posted: 2/14/2000

Design
Although it has very similar features to the previous QV-2000UX, the QV-3000EX bears only a minor resemblance to its predecessor. The QV-3000EX boasts a tough, all-plastic body that's lightweight and very portable, at 5.3 x 3.2 x 2.3 inches (134.5 x 80.5 x 57.5 mm), and weighing only 11.2 ounces (320g) without batteries.

The front of the camera features the lens, built-in flash (Casio replaced the previous somewhat fragile pop-up flash that remained up whether you wanted it there or not), sensors and the front of the optical viewfinder. The protrusions on this model are very slight, with the exception of the lens which extends out beyond the camera when powered on. There is a lens cap on this model, but it can be neatly tethered to the body so you don't have to worry about losing it. One thing we noticed here is that if the lens cap is on the lens when you power up the camera, the lens extends and then retracts and the camera shuts off. We found that if you took the lens cap off before powering it up, everything worked fine. Because our evaluation model is one of the first released, we're not sure if this is a flaw with the camera or just this particular model. We are pleased to note the removal of the sliding lens cover, which was sometimes catchy in its operation and prevented removal of the CompactFlash card from its slot.

The back panel of the QV-3000EX is where most of the action takes place with several controls and the LCD monitor and optical viewfinder. A nice feature is the inclusion of the dioptric adjustment dial for eyeglass wearers. While the camera is relatively light weight and compact, the arrangement of the controls make one-handed operation a little difficult.

The remaining controls (flash, power, etc.) live on top of the camera, along with a small status display panel. We're glad Casio kept this panel, as it helps you conserve battery power by using the camera without the LCD panel. The power switch encircles the shutter button and rotates from Record to Off to Play.

The right side of the camera features a nice hand grip and the CompactFlash slot. We found the plastic CompactFlash slot door a little tough to open and close, but we're pleased that it's a little more accessible than on the previous model.

The I/O jacks (Digital, AC, USB and Video) live on the opposite side of the camera, beneath a plastic cover that slide locks into place. iMac and recent PowerMac users will be very happy that the camera supports USB in addition to the standard serial cable.

Finally, the bottom of the QV-3000EX is nice and smooth, featuring a plastic tripod mount and a battery compartment which locks with a small, sliding switch. We're glad to see that the battery compartment and tripod mount are far enough away from each other to allow battery changes while mounted to the tripod (this is extremely beneficial in the studio). This is a small but important detail that we always pay attention to. A downside to the off-center tripod socket though, is that the camera is noticeably less stable when mounted on a tripod.