Casio QV 3000EX

Ever since I bought this camera in 2000, it has been sent for repair 3 times. And the same problem keeps recurring. The flash doesn't work, and for about 70% of the time when I try to turn it off after taking some pictures or reviewing the pictures, the camera just hangs. So I have to take out the batteries just to turn off the camera. I bought this camera when it was offered along with a 340MB IBM microdrive. Using it with the microdrive seems to give more problems than if I were to use the 8 MB card.

Light and easy to use.

Drains the battery.

Olympus, Kodak, Panasonic.

Atrocious. Takes the camera for 6 months and can't even fix it.

Although now 'outdated' and possibly 'outpaced' by other currently-available cameras on the market, this unit intrigued me due to the wealth of inforamtion available on it via the Internet - and I usually do research prior to making a purchase. Being a 'casual' user, only wanting to capture photos at social events, etc., and not bother with film, I fell that 'old technology' would serve my purposes well enough. I found this unit as aa 'NOS' listing on EBay, and researched it, much to my delight. After being the successful high bidder, and paying for the unit, I got it complete in less than a week. At first, going from my first digital camers, a Kodak DC20, this unit intmitdated me...all those controls and screens. And what does it all mean? - I'm from the 'point and shoot' generation. After studying the manual and familiarizing myself wih the controls and their functions and locations, I began takink photos with it. I was (and still am) amazed with the ease of it's use and the 'user-friendly' feel to the unit as a whole. The quality of photos was a real surprise to me -- in most respects, due in no small part to the Canon lens, no doubt, they rival anything I've seen today - and many so-called professionals with far more experience than I have agreed with this assessment. Also, to my surprise, I found out that this, being the 'Plus' unit, included the IBM 340MB Microdrive - and I've found I can transport large files between computers with this just by installing the USB software on the 'guest' machine. Goodbye ZIP drive! I've also recently found out it's compatible as a webcam. It's versatility amazes me. I'm still working on figuring out what the infrared sensor on the unit is used for, however. I was fortunate that it came equipped with two sets of rechargeable bateries and the quick charger - and the AC adapter. All in all, if I'd of spent severhundred dollars more on a unit, I don't think I'd of been any more satisfied or pleasantly suprised as I have been with this unit.

Ease of use, 'comfortable' feel', quality appearance, and top-notch features. It's versatility and flexibility is unmatched at any price. Superb lens, and the LCD is a pleasure to view, even in brightest sunlight. Photo quality is unmatched and with the USB connection, downloads are fast and convenient. It's possible to skip the PhotoLoader software and open and edit photos right from programs such as PhotoShop, ImageReady, etc.

Glad it came with rechargable batteries....a set of regular AA's dies long before you're finished, especially if you're not using the AC adapter when downloading. The location of the tripod mount leaves something to be desired..I never get the sense that the camers is balanced correctly on the tripod.

Kodak DC20 - my first introduction to digital photography, in 1995 - and although 'dated', it still functions flawlessly.

Have not used it as of yet...but am told it's no better nor no worse than others in this field.

I was totally satisfied with my QV 3000 until it stopped working with 3 1/2 months left on the warranty. I got the proper proof of purchase and sent it in for repairs and just received an estimate. The flat rate for any repairs out of warranty or not deemed(by the manufacturer) a manufacturers defect is $257.95!! When I called about the repairs which I assumed would be covered under warranty, I was told that it was a damaged card slot although the camera has never been dropped and the card was carefully inserted every time. I'm in a bit of a dilemma as to whether to get it fixed, or buy another(NOT CASIO) camera since they are still going for ~$500 new.

Great pictures. Plenty of modes allowing manual user control.

Apparently, a waeak card reader slot. I bought a 256MB CF card and a reader. If you buy this camera, you would be well advised to get a big card and NEVER take it out of the camera for downloading images. This shouldn't be a problem as it has a USB port and will save the expense of buying a replacement within the waranty period when card slot fails from NORMAL use.

If I get the camera repaired, I'll be requesting the alleged bad part with the camera as I know the camera hasn't been abused and I didn't break the card slot/circuit board.

The image quality of this camera is great, but the built quality is appalling. My camera failed after just a week. I have heard similar stories from other users and the service seems to be shocking. Luckily my (broken) camera was stolen after three weeks, so I received a full refund from my insurance. Others have not been so lucky...

Image quality and sharpness. Good macro capabilities

Built quality Images lack saturation

None

This is a Top of the line digital camera excellent picture quality color b&w or sephia tone( I only use the fine setting but have done a couple test shots under normal and they look as good as anything on the internet you can dl) fine is simply excellent.. 8x10 prints rival anything i can do with my nikon film cameras. excellent lens with true color duplication. Only drawbacks and there are a few. cap needs to be removed to operate, microdrive is a battery eater.. i replaced it with a 128 meg flash card. and i can now shoot about 400 picks before replacement of the batteries. The flash isnt adjustable and is overly bright at < 8ft (editing software like photshop or photo-impact is a definite consideration) The flash card is not easy to install or remove. Using a flashcard reader, this becomes a bit of a hastle. Some of the features are hidden and you have to scour the internet to find this goodies. Like any camera a tripod is required for low light photos. However it does do night shots that do not require the calculations that need to be made when using film. BUT you really cant bracket with any degree of success. In other words if you dont like the way your night shots turn out... GET OVER IT! Final : at $350 its a very good buy If you want to change lenses or use an external flash. you may want to look into the digital minolta or nikon professional digitals. but there a couple grand more.

xlnt pictures, ease of use. multiple exposer settings. choice of color sephia b&w and video clips (better off using a camcorder) ability to do night shots. a perfect lens with no coloration.

some of the features are hidden, lens cap need to be removed to operate any of the features. flash is overly bright. if you adjust it its a good fill flash. no jacks for external flash ( you really wouldnt expect one). the microdrive is a battery eater.. get one with a flashcard and upgrade to a 128 or 256 meg card. (about 300 best quality photos can be stored on a 256 meg card) The card is difficult to insert and remove

minolta 2 mp and canon finepix

never used