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Epson PhotoPC 3100Z Epson updates their excellent 3 megapixel digicam with a new user interface, and support for PRINT Image Matching! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet E3100 Sample Images --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on E3100 Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<Image Storage & Interface :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 11:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 7/10/2001

Video Out
The 3100Z is packaged with an NTSC video cable (PAL for European models) for connection to a television set. It can playback captured images, video clips, or sound bytes to any multimedia projector, television, VCR or other video output device. The ability to connect to a video projector gives the 3100Z extended use as a presentation tool. The camera can be set to handle either NTSC or PAL timings through the Language option under the Setup menu. (Not what we'd call an intuitive control location, but this isn't a feature most users will have to change very often.)


Power
The 3100Z is powered by four AA alkaline batteries provided with the camera, or you can use lithium or rechargeable NiMH or NiCd batteries. An optional NiMH Universal battery pack and charger are available from Epson, as well as an optional AC adapter. The 3000Z doesn't report the available battery power until the batteries are low, so you'll want to keep some freshly charged spares handy. The camera does feature a power saving auto-off feature, which lets you set the amount of inactive time before the camera shuts off (30 seconds, one minute, or five minutes). We highly recommend purchasing the AC adapter to save battery power when downloading images, or playing back captured images and movies. The AC adapter is also a necessity for the Interval shooting mode, which has shutter intervals up to 24 hours.

Operating Mode	Power	Est. Minutes
Capture Mode, w/LCD	620 mA	100
Capture Mode, no LCD	430 mA	140
Half-pressed shutter w/LCD	610 mA	100
Half-pressed w/o LCD	410 mA	150
Memory Write (transient)	500 mA	n/a
Flash Recharge (transient)	1050 mA	n/a
Image Playback	340 mA	180

Overall, battery life looks pretty good for a 3 megapixel digicam. With a high-capacity set of rechargeable NiMH AA batteries (1500-1600 mAh or higher), you should get about an hour and forty minutes of continuous operation in record mode with the LCD on, or about two and a half hours with the LCD off. In playback mode, a fresh set of batteries would last about 180 minutes. (Don't even think about using alkaline batteries though, they'll be drained dry in just a few minutes.) As always, we strongly recommend buying at least two sets of good-quality NiMH batteries and a good charger.

About Batteries
We've gotten so many emails about power issues for digicams, that we're now inserting this standard notice in the reviews of all AA-powered cameras on our site: Don't even *think* about using alkaline AA batteries in a digicam! Despite their being packed in the box with many cameras, they simply don't have the juice to handle typical digicam demands. (Even the "high power" ones the battery manufacturers say are designed for devices like digital cameras.) Spend the $35-40 or so it takes to get a set (or two) of high-capacity NiMH rechargeable batteries and a good charger! The few dollars up front will save you literally hundreds of dollars in the long run, not to mention the hassle of wimpy batteries running out in the middle of the action. We suggest you buy two sets of batteries, so one can always be in the charger, ready to go, and so have two sets available for longer excursions. Good brands of batteries include Maha (our favorite), GP, Kodak, and Nexcell. Also, buy the highest capacity AAs the manufacturer makes, the few extra dollars for the extra capacity is usually well worth it. Getting a good charger is critical though, almost more so than buying good batteries. We recommend the Maha C-204F (see the photo at right), the charger we use the most in our own studio. - Read our review of it for all the details. Or, just click here to buy one, you won't regret it.


Included Software
Packaged with the 3100Z is a software CD containing Sierra Imaging's Image Expert (with the QuickTime Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader), Panorama Stitcher, Epson File Converter, and USB storage drivers for Windows and Mac. Image Expert allows you to transfer, organize, and view and edit your pictures and sounds, and view video clips. Panorama Stitcher enables you to stitch and print panoramas from multiple images. Finally, Epson File Converter allows you to convert presentation slides and files into a format that can be uploaded into the camera for presentations.


In the Box

• Epson PhotoPC 3100 Z digital camera
• 16MB CompactFlash Card
• USB Communication cable
• Video Cable
• Neck Strap
• Lens Adapter
• Four AA alkaline batteries
• Soft case
• Lens Cap with strap
• Software CD-ROM