Mustek 530z Review

Click to take a QTVR tour of the 530Z

The affordable MDC530Z camera boasts 5-megapixel resolution, a 2.0 inch LCD, 3X optical zoom AF lens, and MPEG4 movie capture. It's all built into a compact and stylish stainless steel body that measures only 3.5" x 2.4" x 1.1"

The 5-megapixel CCD has low noise and a superior dynamic range for better tonal quality, more natural skin tones and smoother gradations. Available resolutions are 2560 x 1920, 2048 x 1536, 1280 x 960 and 640 x 480 in JPEG format perfect for large-scale color-rich printing. The 2.0-inch LCD is big enough to share photos and video clips with friends at the camera without having to download images to a PC.

Intelligent, easy to navigate manual controls give more experienced photographers opportunities to be creative. These include fine-tuning white balance, exposure and flash settings, plus a host of scene modes that automatically control color reproduction, contrast, and sharpness to assure ideal photographic results in sometimes tricky shooting conditions.

The MDC530Z also captures 320 x 240 resolution MPEG4 movies, and can be used as a PC Cam for Internet video chat, video e-mail and creating video clips for uploading to personal websites. Software such as Microsoft Net Meeting instantly transforms the MDC530Z into a videoconferencing camera.

The USB 1.1 interface simplifies downloading to a Windows PC, as well as one-step direct printing to any PictBridge compatible photo printer. In addition, the included AV cable enables viewing of video clips and photos on a television for greater enjoyment. The MDC530Z has 16MB internal memory capable of storing up to 383 photos (VGA, economy mode) and a card slot compatible with SD cards up to 1GB. Powered by readily available AA batteries, you'll never have to worry about being stuck with a dead proprietary type battery.

MDC-530Z Features:

• 5.0 Megapixel CCD imager for up to 2560x1920 pixel images
• 3x optical zoom (32-96mm 35mm equiv), 4x digital zoom
• 2.0" color LCD monitor
• Exposure modes: Auto, Program, Portrait, Landscape, Sports and Night
• 320x240 movies at 20fps w/sound
• Exposure compensation: +/-2EV in 1/3-step increments
• ISO range from Auto, 50, 100, 200
• Powered by 2 standard AA type batteries
• USB Direct-print with any PictBridge compatible printer
• USB connectivity for PC and Mac
• 16MB internal memory and SD card slot

The MDC530Z comes with USB and AC cables, user manual, software CD for editing, managing and sharing photos, camera pouch and strap, 2AA batteries and an AC power adapter. Priced at $179.99 (U.S), the MDC530Z digital camera is currently available at select retailers and on-line sites.

Physical Views

The MDC-530Z compared to an average CD disc.

The 8-megapixel Mustek MDC-832Z and the MDC-530Z.