Serious Stuff (Epson PhotoPC 850Z)

Member Name: s.gould

Product:	Epson PhotoPC 850Z
Date:	27/08/02 (125 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Excellent Features, Good Photos

Disadvantages: Only 8Mb

When I looked for a digital camera, I was after a middle of the range one. I didn't want an all-pro camera that would bankrupt me, and I also didn't want a simple point-and-shoot which wouldn't give me complete control over the exposure if I chose to. The Epson does both admirably. There are three different exposure modes from full-auto, to program mode (aperture/shutter priority), to complete manual. This should please the professional photographer's needs, as well as the point-and-shooter.

This camera is able to produce 2.1 million pixels, and not the 2.9 as quoted in places. The Epson is able to capture, and export exposure information such as shutter speed, aperture, flash, resolution, etc. This camera also has the capability to take audio recordings as well, for making voice notes on a particular photo. The CCD sensitivity is user selectable from ISO 100, 200 and 400. There is a flash hot shoe for you to attach an external flash. There is a Solar assisted LCD so you can turn off the backlighting and use the sunlight to light up the display. You can take time-interval photography. In the box, they include USB, PC and Mac serial cables, software, four rechargeable batteries with charger, and a step-up ring. The step-up ring is a big plus if you plan on using filters. This ring will step up the threading from 43mm to 49mm allowing the use of normally available polarizer?s, filters, etc. Ergonomically, this camera feels quite beefy - solid grip, and a firm feel. The only problem is you need a larger bag to accommodate the dimensions of the camera.

This digital camera gives a lot for your money, but with a few things worth noting. It only comes with an 8MB card, but it can accommodate the new CF Type II cards such as IBM's Microdrive 340MB. Flash photography with this camera sometimes casts a bluish tint to the photo ? software such as Adobe's Photoshop can fix that. This camera takes great outdoor photos, and good indoor sh
ots. It can take quite a number of photos before the batteries go out.

If you are looking for a digital camera that does a bit more than just taking pictures, take a serious look at the 850Z.

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