Casio QV-2300UX PlusA 2 megapixel swivel-lens design with lots of creative options and a 340-megabyte Microdrive included (US only)<<Executive Overview :(Previous) | (Next): Viewfinder>> Page 3:DesignReview First Posted: 1/29/2001 |
Design
The design of the Casio QV-2300UX Plus is similar to earlier models - QV-8000SX and QV-7000SX (now discontinued) - with its swiveling lens and compact body style. The lens portion of the camera actually rotates up and down about 270 degrees, with the limits set at the straight down and straight back positions (the latter is useful for self- or family portraits taken with the self-timer). Reasonably lightweight, the QV-2300UX Plus is only 8.6 ounces (245g) and measures 4.6 x 2.6 x 2.1 inches (118 x 67 x 54mm). While it should fit easily into large shirt or coat pockets, it also comes equipped with a wrist strap and soft case for easy toting.
The front of the camera includes the lens, flash, and metering sensors. As mentioned earlier, the lens housing rotates approximately 270 degrees, allowing you to photograph from just about any angle. The flash is just above the lens, so it also rotates along with the lens. A plastic lens cap is provided for protection, and is accompanied by an attachable cord to prevent it from being lost. A large hand grip surrounds the battery chamber, which makes up much of the right portion of the camera body. A silver and black rubber finger grip curves along the front edge of the grip -- providing not only a firm hold, but it also serving as an attractive design element.
The right side of the camera also includes an eyelet for attaching the wrist strap, and a memory card slot covered by a hinged plastic door. Pressing the small button inside the compartment door releases the Type I or II CompactFlash card from the slot.
The camera's top panel layout is somewhat different from conventional digicams. The far right side accommodates the Shutter button, scroll buttons (marked + and -), and the Menu button. In the center is the Input/Output compartment, which is covered by a hinged, plastic cover. We're accustomed to seeing a small status display panel on top of most digicams, and the input/output compartment located elsewhere. However, given the relatively small amount of real estate available on the QV-2300UX Plus, and the lack of an optical viewfinder (which would create the need for a status display panel), the compartment's placement makes sense, as it provides easy access to the USB, Video Out, Digital, and DC-In jacks. Once the hinged, plastic cover is in its opened position, the door locks into place, staying out of the way of incoming cables.
On the back panel are the camera's remaining exposure controls, as well as the power switch, Record/Play switch, Zoom Slider, status LED, and LCD monitor. Because the QV-2300UX Plus does not feature an optical viewfinder, the LCD monitor remains active at all times. This is bad for power consumption, but necessary, because the swiveling lens barrel leaves no room for logical placement of an optical viewfinder. A range of control buttons along the bottom of the LCD monitor controls various camera and exposure settings.
A plastic tripod mount and battery compartment door are located on the camera's bottom panel. The tight space forces the two very close together, making quick battery changes impossible while shooting with a tripod. The battery compartment door is a little tricky to operate at times. You have to push and hold down a very small button before you can slide the door out and open. This operation requires two hands and a strong fingernail (or thin coin) to work. While it isn't a serious problem, it can be a little awkward, especially when trying to change out battery sets in a hurry.
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