Panasonic
PalmCam PV-DC2590
|
The Panasonic PV-DC2590 PalmCam features a 1.3-Megapixel CCD that generates 1280x960 images, 1.8" color LCD, 3x optical zoom lens and probably the most interesting feature is its dual CompactFlash card slots and the included Compact Modem (the first I've ever seen!)
The PV-DC2590 is housed in a silver plastic case that measures
4.65"(w) x 2.68"(h) x 2"(d) and weighs about 9 oz. without batteries.
Typical of many compact zoom digicams, the PV-DC2590's
lens extends when the camera is powered up and retracts back into the
body when it is powered down.
The 1.8" TFT color LCD screen used is typical of the type seen on the
Olympus D-220, D-320, D-500 and D-600 models. It has a slightly
"grainy" appearance unlike the newer HAST type of LCD screens which
display very well defined images. The refresh rate is close to
realtime, there is no streaking or lag when the camera is rapidly
panned. The brightness of the LCD is user adjustable but reverts to
default intensity when the camera is powered down or goes into
standby mode after 60 seconds of inactivity.
Panasonic also makes a PV-DC2090 digicam that looks almost the same as
the PV-DC2590. The most noticeable difference is the monochrome LCD
data display on the top which is absent on the PV-DC2090 model. Also
absent are the Flash Mode and Rec Mode buttons which are only found on
the PV-DC2590. And only the PV-DC2590 comes with the Compact Modem.
The user controls are fairly intuitive and clearly marked. You have the main mode dial to turn the camera on in Manual Record, Record (Auto) or Playback mode. On the top of the PV-DC2590 are three buttons; flash mode, self timer and Record mode and of course, the shutter release. On the back is a 4-way rocker switch that in Record mode functions as the zoom lens control by pressing the top or bottom of the switch. In Playback mode you push the right or left side to go forward or backward through the stored images.
In Record, Manual Record or Play modes the 4-way switch also lets
you navigate the camera's menu system after pressing the Menu button
to activate it. I'd like to show you the Record mode menus but alas
the PV-DC2590 does not output video in Record mode, only in Play mode.
This of course means that it cannot be used with a TV set as an
external monitor during Record operations.
Here's a closeup look at the data LCD on the top and the control buttons
on the PV-DC2590. Note the display indication of "Card 1" - this tells
you which CF card slot the camera is currently using. Other data
displayed includes: Battery condition, b&w mode, modem, flash mode,
time lapse mode, recording mode, self timer and number of pictures
remaining.
I hope the appearance of dual CF (CompactFlash Type II) slots is a trend on the newer digicams. It not only means you can use two CF memory cards but you can also use the new CF+ multifunction cards such as a CompactModem.
A modem ? Yep, that's what I said... the PV-DC2590 comes
with a modem card that lets the camera call your home (Windows)
computer or even a FAX machine to transmit its pictures. You'll
notice it in the picture above sticking out in front of the 8mb CF
memory card. The CompactModem is only available on cameras sold in the U.S.
The Compact USB port card comes on the Japanese version of the
PV-DC2590 in place of the Compact Modem.
Making the modem a U.S.-only feature is going to annoy plenty of people but
an even bigger annoyance is that the entire PV-DC2590 camera system
has been designed basically for PC/Windows users. Macintosh users have
to buy an optional serial cable unless they use a CF card reader.
Replacing the batteries is easy due to their inline positioning. You open the door and all four slide out quickly and can be replaced just about as fast.
It comes with a set of alkalines and Panasonic includes a mail-in
coupon for a free ($3 shipping/handling) set of four
high-capacity AA NiCd batteries and a charger. There's also $45 worth
of coupons for discounts on Panasonic NiCd batteries and other
types of chargers.
This is the typical playback screen with all the OSD (OnScreen Display)
info shown: Battery condition, active Card slot #, date/time, frame
number and the image quality "F"ine.
As with most digicams the PV-DC2590 can display a screen of nine
thumbnail images from memory to allow you to select one and quickly
jump to it. It can also playback images in slideshow format and
zoomed-in format.
PV-DC2590 Features
Fine Normal Zoom Motion Image Burst
Portrait Infinity
RedEye Reduction Always On Always Off
Serial cable (PC) Hand strap 4xAA alkaline batteries Video cable Compact Modem card
Adobe PhotoDeluxe Home Edition 3.0 (Win) Adobe PhotoDeluxe 2.0 (Mac)
Overall the image quality of the PV-DC2590 is about average for a
1280x960 pixel digicam but not spectacular. The color balance and
saturation is very good. The 3x zoom lens works quietly and quickly
and the cycle time between shots is fairly zippy. The LCD although not
as good as most we have tested recently is still adequate except
outdoors where most LCDs fail.
It's just slightly larger than what I would call "pocket"
size and Panasonic has named it appropriately as the "PalmCam." It is
very easy to use and the controls are clearly marked and easy to get
to when needed. A novice
user will be able to easily generate quality pictures with this camera.
My only complaint is when it is used with the flash. Even if you have
pre-focused the camera by half-pressing the shutter it takes a good
two seconds for the camera to actually take the shot after you fully
press the shutter.
The PV-DC2590 is powered by four AA size batteries and as usual I
highly recommend using NiMH rechargeables. Battery life is good to
above normal even when using the LCD screen often. The refresh rate
on the LCD is very close to realtime and exhibits no blurring when
the camera is panned. All in all it should be a good value for the
money if it's sold around the $500 range.
The biggest negative is the time it takes to snap the shutter when
using the flash. Even when you pre-focus it still takes a good two
seconds for the shutter and flash to fire once you press the shutter
all the way. When not using the flash the camera will fire the
shutter within a half a second or less.
|
Steve's Panasonic PV-DC2590 Sample Pics
Return To Steve's
Main Menu
731,365,739
Note: All photographs and page content
Copyright © 1999 Steve's Digicam Online, Inc.
Nothing on this page may be used, distributed or
copied without the author's prior permission.