Minolta Dimage RD3000Unusual 2-CCD design produces a professional-level SLR digicam at an affordable price.<<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, SoftwareReview First Posted: 5/23/2000 |
Video Out
US models of the RD 3000 are compliant with the NTSC video
format (we assume European models are set up for PAL). By connecting to a television
set, you can review captured images or record them to video tape. The camera's
LCD panel automatically turns off once connected to the television.
Power
The RD 3000 utilizes four standard AA Ni-MH or Ni-Cd batteries
for power. Although the LCD monitor is barely used in Record mode, the RD 3000
goes through batteries pretty quickly under continuous shooting conditions.
(On the other hand, the camera's power consumption when turned on but not being
actively used for picture-taking is virtually nil: You can leave it powered-up
for hours with no fear of draining your batteries. Overall though, we definitely
suggest keeping a couple freshly charged sets of spares around for those times
when the AC adapter is inconvenient. A small battery power indicator is displayed
in the status display panel briefly when the camera is powered up, letting you
know approximately how much power is left. Additionally, the internal clock
uses a CR2025 3V lithium battery. The AC adapter is supplied with the camera,
but the battery charger and rechargeable batteries are sold as accessories (and
are included in some "bundles" with the camera).
Included Software
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As noted above, the RD 3000 features a SCSI interface for connecting to a computer.
An accompanying software CD holds the Digita Desktop software package, provided
in English, French and German and compatible with Windows 95, 98 and NT 4.0
and Macintosh OS 7.6.1 to 8.6. The Digita Desktop allows you to download images
from the camera and organize them into folders and groups which can be played
back in a slideshow format. There's also a nice sprinkling of correction tools
that allow you to crop, lighten, rotate, etc. A variety of filters are available
separately, to give you more creative options for manipulating your images.
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