Epson PhotoPC 750Z

I bought the epson photopc 750z in January 2000.

Originally, I had my eye on the epson photopc 750z's big brother, the 850z. I had looked around extensively on the net for product reviews on digital camera's within my price range, and the 850z seemed to fit the bill, with regards to good picture quality reviews, and features. The only problem with the 850z was the price - at around £750, it was nearly going to break the bank! (and ...
...much on a digital camera)

I was still trying to make my mind up until i came accross the 750z. A less feature packed version, and by all accounts nearly as capable in the image quality dept, which was my main consideration. The price of the 750z was the deciding factor...£299 in an online sale (as compared to a rrp of &550)

Main features of camera:
- 1.3 million pixel image quality (2 million with inbuilt "hypict" ... more

I bought the epson photopc 750z in January 2000.

Originally, I had my eye on the epson photopc 750z's big brother, the 850z. I had looked around extensively on the net for product reviews on digital camera's within my price range, and the 850z seemed to fit the bill, with regards to good picture quality reviews, and features. The only problem with the 850z was the price - at around £750, it was nearly going to break the bank! (and i wasn't sure if i wanted to invest quite so much on a digital camera)

I was still trying to make my mind up until i came accross the 750z. A less feature packed version, and by all accounts nearly as capable in the image quality dept, which was my main consideration. The price of the 750z was the deciding factor...£299 in an online sale (as compared to a rrp of &550)

Main features of camera:
- 1.3 million pixel image quality (2 million with inbuilt "hypict" software)
- optical zoom x2
- digital zoom x3
- 2" TFT colour monitor
- 4mb internal memory (can use compact flash memory)
- solar assist backlit display
- direct print function
- quick shoot mode
- bundled software pack
- battery charger and batteries included

I have used the camera for a year, and have found that the camera has both good and bad points.....

Good points:
- value for money
- good image quality generally, although outdoor shots with a high contrast result in a "bleaching" effect. for example: an image of trees in winter, taken outdoors with a bright white sky backdrop, result in the sky appearing to "blead" out the detail in the branches. the ccd seems to not be able to cope with this, and results in a dissapointing shot.
- indoor shots are good, especially with good lighting and no flash.
- images using the macro function for close-ups are excellent, and show the camera's capabilities to their best
- camera can be used as a "point and click" for novices
- good bundled software pack
- lcd monitor on rear helps frame shots perfectly
- film speed control 100 - 400iso
- good build quality
- batteries and charger included. you'd spend a fortune on batteries if you didn't have this

Bad points:
- "hypict" built in software feature, which claims to increase the camera's resolution from 1.3 to 2.0 megapixels makes no discernable difference to the image quality at all
- lack of complete manual controls (shutter speed etc), for control over the shot
- 4mb built-in memory is not enough...this is only enough to store 5 high quality images (39 low quality)... you'll need to buy extra memory
- solar assist backlit display feature which is supposed to help save battery life by using daylight to illuminate the 2" colour monitor, is a waste of time - it doesn't really work, except in bright conditions outdoors
- the feature buttons on the back of the camera are very "fiddly" and awkward to use
- too large and bulky to pop inside your inside pocket

My main disappointment with the camera is the lack of manual control over shutter speed, apperture etc, which is what i would have really liked in the camera. Although i can't really complain about this, as i knew these features were not included when i bought the camera. I personally wish that i'd held out and bought the photopc850z, which comes with all these features - unfortunately at the added cost!

I would sum-up by saying that the 750z is good value for money, and on the whole takes nice images. The sort of person who would like this product is somebody who wants to take descent quality digital photo's, with a minimum of fuss - point and click. 

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