Creative DC-CAM 3200Z Review


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Creative DC-CAM 3200Z

Review posted 4/4/04


Click to take a QuickTime VR tour of the Creative DC-CAM 3200Z
Click to take a QTVR tour of the 3200Z


Delivering 3.2 megapixels, the DC-CAM 3200Z is packed with features including a built in mic and speaker and a 1.6-inch color TFT LCD. The compact 3200Z houses a 3x optical zoom and 4x digital zoom for a combined 12x magnification. This camera is capable of capturing still images at resolutions of 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 1024x768, 640x480, and MPEG-4 video with audio at 320x240 (up to 30 frames per second). The 3200Z has 16MB of internal flash memory and supports SD/MMC memory cards (not included) up to 256MB. It also includes a Burst Mode at up to 3 frames per second.

The 3200Z has four playback modes to choose from Single, Thumbnail, Slide show, and Video. You can control the ISO speed from Auto, 100, 200, and 400. The 3200Z has seven white balance settings to choose from Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Black&White, and Sepia. The cameras flash can be set for Auto, On (fill-flash), Off, and Red-eye reduction. You can set the Metering mode to center-weighted average or multi- pattern TTL AE. Exposure compensation can be adjusted from Auto to +/-2EV in 1/3 step increments. The 3200Z has a shutter speeds of 1/2000 - 8 seconds. The 3200Z uses a USB 1.1 interface to download images to a computer using the supplied USB cable and software.

The 3200Z has an estimated street price of $229 and is available now.


DC-CAM 3200Z Features

  • 3.2 Megapixel effective CCD imager
  • Image resolutions: 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 1024x768, 640x480
  • Record modes: Auto and Movie
  • 3X optical zoom (5-element glass) and 4X digital zoom
  • Auto focus with Macro and intelligent flash
  • High density plastic body with brushed aluminum accents
  • MPEG-4 video with audio at 320x240 (30 frames per second)
  • White balance modes: Auto, Daylight, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Cloudy, B&W, Sepia
  • 16MB internal memory also supports SD or MMC memory cards up to 256MB
  • Burst mode up to 3fps
  • 1.6" TFT LCD screen
  • Video output, NTSC or PAL
  • Built-in microphone and speaker
  • USB connectivity
  • Powered by two standard AA type batteries
  • Comprehensive software bundle for photo and video editing


Physical Views



Creative DC-CAM 3200Z

Creative DC-CAM 3200Z

Creative DC-CAM 3200Z Creative DC-CAM 3200Z

Creative DC-CAM 3200Z

Creative DC-CAM 3200Z





Creative DC-CAM 3200Z

The 3200Z compared to an average CD disc.





Creative DC-CAM 3200Z

The 3200Z and the Canon SD110 Digital ElPH for comparison.





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DC-CAM 3200Z Specifications

Camera Effective Pixels Approx. 3.2 million
Image Sensor CCD (Total number of pixels: Approx. 3.34 million)
Lens

5.7 (W) - 16.3 (T) mm
f/2.6 (W) - f/4.9 (T)

Digital Zoom Approx. 4x (Up to approx. 12x in combination with the optical zoom)
Optical Viewfinder Real-image zoom viewfinder
LCD Monitor 1.6-inch TFT color LCD,
Focus range (from the front of the lens)
Normal AF: 50 cm (approx. 20 in.) - infinity
Macro AF: 10 - 50 cm (approx. 4 - 20 in.)
Shutter Speed
8 - 1/2000 sec., Mechanical shutter
Light Metering System Center-weighted average, multi-pattern TTL AE
Exposure Compensation ± 2 stops in 1/3-stop increments
Sensitivity Auto, ISO 100/200/400 equivalent
White Balance Auto, pre-set (available settings: Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Black & White, Sepia)
Built-in Flash Auto, on, off, and Red-eye reduction
Shooting Modes
Auto and Movie  
Continuous Shooting
Burst mode: approx. 3 frames per sec.
Self-timer Activates shutter after an approx. 10-sec. delay
Recording Media 16MB of built-in flash memory, supports Secure Digital (SD) and Multi Media (MMC) memory cards up to 256MB
Compression Fine, Normal
Number of Recording Pixels
Still images:
2048 x 1536 pixels
1600 x 1200 pixels
1024 x 768 pixels
640 x 480 pixels
Movies:
320 x 240 pixels (up to 30 frames per second)
Playback Modes Single, Thumbnail, Slide show, and Video
Interface USB 1.1, Audio/Video output (NTSC or PAL selectable)
Power Source
AA-size alkaline batteries (included in the camera kit)
AA-size rechargeable NiMH batteries (sold separately)
Dimensions 92.0 x 62.2 x 31.5 mm (3.6 x 2.45 x 1.24 inches)
Weight Approx. 147 g (5.19 oz.) (without battery)




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Visitors of Steves can visit the stores below for real-time pricing and availability. You can also find hot, soon to expire online offers on a variety of cameras and accessories at our very own Camera Deals page.

The dCables® USB Cable for the Creative DC-CAM 3200Z is used to download the pictures from your Creative DC-CAM 3200Z to your computer. It will work with both PC and Mac!
$6
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