Epson PhotoPC 3000Z

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the 3000Z

The Epson PhotoPC 3000Z has a 3-megapixel imager for capturing 2048 x 1536-pixel images and is loaded with "real camera" modes like aperture priority (F/2.0 to F/8.0), full manual, programmed AE (normal, landscape, portrait, sports), fully automatic as well as timed interval exposures.  It's got a 3x (34-102mm) optical zoom lens, a fast USB up/download port and adjustable ISO sensitivity of 100, 200 or 400.

Still image capture modes include:

• HyPict 2544 x 1904 (interpolated)
• TIFF Uncompressed 2048 x 1536 (~9MB)
• Super Fine 2048 x 1536 (low compression)
• Fine 2048 x 1536 (medium compression)
• Standard 640 x 480

Want more?   How about up to 25 seconds of 320 x 240-pixel motion JPEG at 15fps.  There's a standard hot shoe flash mount that allows the use of more powerful clip-on strobes.   Auto or Manual focus with macro closeup capability down to 2.5 inches. You can attach 3-, 5- or 10-sec audio notes to your images.   The included lens adapter allows you to use 49mm filters and add-on lenses.   Matrix or spot metering options and CompactFlash memory storage.

If you're a professional that needs secure imaging the PhotoPC 3000Z can be used with Epson's Image Authentication System (IAS) to prevent fraudulent use or manipulation of your important images. The Epson IAS software works with Windows 95, Windows 98 and Windows NT.

Download PhotoPC 3000Z User Manuals

The 3000Z has a wideview 1.8" LCD display to frame or review your pictures. When used as a viewfinder the LCD shows 98% of the final captured image. There's also an optical viewfinder so you can use it like an ordinary camera and save the batteries by switching off the color LCD.

The control buttons around the LCD are "soft" buttons, their functions change according to the camera mode. Labels appear on the LCD to indicate what functions they will perform.

Looking down on the top of the camera you can see the hot shoe flash that allows you to use more powerful, external strobes. The camera has a setting that disables the internal flash when using clip-on strobes.

The top LCD data display. The 3 "stars" indicates the high quality 2048 x 1536 mode. The ISO speed, white balance, flash mode and EV settings are always displayed. The "Star" button is used to change the image size and quality. The "Lightning Bolt" button is used to change the flash mode and the lower button is used to enable the selftimer.

The mode dial has positions for (counter-clockwise) Continuous, LCD-assisted and regular Record modes, Playback, Direct print and Information/Setup modes.

The optical viewfinder has a diopter adjustment control on the side. Below the viewfinder is the microphone and speaker.

The zoom lens controls have been moved off of the shutter button and are now located on the back of the camera, below the mode dial.

The 3000Z is equipped with a 3x (34-102mm 35mm equivalent) Epson ClearOptics, all-glass aspherical zoom lens. The maximum aperture is a fast F:2.0 and is settable for 2.0, 2.3, 2.8, 4.0, 5.6 and 8.0 either by automatic exposure control or manual.

In normal mode the focusing range is 20-inches to infinity or in Macro mode the range is from 2.5 to 20 inches. In manual focus mode the user can set the focus at 3ft, 8ft or infinity.

Located on the side of the large handgrip is the access to the CompactFlash Type I card slot.   Epson includes a 16MB CF card.

The 3000z has both serial data and USB ports for image download and comes with universal USB cable and both Mac and PC serial cables.

The AV Out port carries both the video and audio signals and there's a DC input jack for an optional AC adapter or external battery pack.

The camera is powered by four standard AA size batteries, Epson includes a set of rechargeable NiMH batteries and a charger (see below).

Epson bundles a very complete set of accessories with the PhotoPC 3000Z camera.  You get four rechargeable NiMH batteries and charger, 16MB CompactFlash card, 46-49mm lens adapter, soft carrying case, shoulder strap, lens keeper, lens cap, USB cable, Mac serial cable, PC serial cable, A/V cable and manuals.

The supplied software on CD-ROM is: Sierra Imaging Image Expert, EPSON Photo! 3, TWAIN driver and standalone utility driver, EPSON File converter, and EPSON Photo! Print 2.