For those that are interested I'm still alive. Very busy running three businesses and in the middle ...
For those that are interested I'm still alive. Very busy running three businesses and in the middle of writing a book! Don't know where I get the idea I can write a book from, but I'm giving it a go.
Member since:24.04.2004
Reviews:22
Members who trust:25
I was looking for a simple, cheap digital camera for both home and business use. I'm self employed and on occasion I need to take a client's photograph to insert in a document. After much deliberating, enter the Polaroid PDC 3030 digital camera.
How Much And From Where? ++++++++++++++++++++++
I bought the camera, 64 MB smart card and a leather carrying case for £99.97 from Argos where the camera alone is £79.99. All in all this deal saved me £20. I searched the internet today and couldn't find this model at any other suppliers.
So What Did I Get For My Money? +++++++++++++++++++++++++
The whole package was delivered as part of a big order I'd placed, and the camera, case and smart card came packaged as one item. It was all sealed in a tamper proof, grey polythene bag. When opened the three items were packaged by the suppliers.
The leather case was simply in a clear ploythene bag. The case measures 17 x 14 x 10 cm (approximately), and has two main compartments. The front compartment is small and could be used for carrying spare batteries, etc. The second compartment is the main compartment and is divided into two. The front part of the compartment is where the camera is stored and behind this is an area where you can store more bulky equipment. The lid of the case has a mesh storage which is ideal for storing extra memory cards. The lid snaps shut using male/female snap connectors, and there is a shoulder strap that you have to fit, which is adjustable
The 64 MB smart card
came in a solid plastic box, there's nothing much else you can say really, other than the card itself was sat on thin foam for protection.
The camera came in a mainly white box with pictures of the camera adorning it The front of the box shows views of the camera from front and rear, and a short list of the camera's technical details in six languages. There is more technical bumpf on the rear of the box, and on the box bottom is a contents list.
Take the money! / Open the box! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++
I opened the box!. Inside was another box, feels a bit like playing with Russian dolls, each box is getting smaller. Inside this box the camera sits in a very sturdy cardboard, wait for it box. Underneath the camera is a small pouch, wrist strap, USB cable, Software CD Rom and a pack of 4 AAA bateries. There is also a large sheet of instructions.
The Camera ++++++++++
For all that packaging I expected something a bit bigger! It's not the biggest camera in the world. It measures 7.5 x 7 x 3 cm (approximately) and weighs approximately 210 gms.
The front of the camera has a hand grip to the left hand side as you look at the camera, top centre is the flash unit, top right is the viewfinder and just below this, is the f 2.8 lens which has a self timer LED (light emitting diode) incorporated
The left hand side has the USB connector which is covered by a rubber flap
The right side is where the memory card goes. The access door is black plastic and has a small diagram showing which way to insert your memory card. The memory card simply pushes in. To remove push down on the card and it springs out. A bit like a computer floppy disk. You have to take care when inserting or removing the memory card as it is delicate.
At the bottom is the battery compartment. This is again black plastic and has a locking button to open and lock the compartment door. Next to the battery compartment is a tripod mount.
The top has 3 buttons on the left, 1 is for previous picture and the other is for the next photo when reviewing the shots you've taken. The shutter button is at the right hand side
At the top left corner on the back of the camera, is the viewfinder and next to this is the status LED. To the right of this is the capture/playback button and to the right of this is the main power button. In the centre is the LCD (Liquid crystal display) screen which is approximately 3 x 2.5 cm. To the left of the screen is the memory button and below the screen are two scroll buttons. The right hand side of the back is raised to form a hand grip which complements the one at the front.
The Instructions ++++++++++++
Put very simply, a flipping nightmare. Not because they're difficult to understand, but simply because the English version is difficult to find. The instructions are just one large sheet which is printed on both sides and because they're quite in depth, there's a lot of writing, and in numerous languages. Even the diagrams are multi lingual, although to be fair to Polaroid, English is the first language used.
When you find the English version they are comprehensive and cover things like how to insert the batteries, the smart card, how to scroll through the various menus, how to connect to the computer including how to load the software and of course how to use the camera. NOTE: The instructions do not make it clear which USB system the camera is compatible with. For those that don't know there are two USB systems in use now. The older USB 1.1 is being phased out by the newer, faster USB 2.2. USB 2.2 will operate USB 1.1 hardware but USB1.1 WON'T operate hardware designed for USB 2.2. Unfortunately for this review, I use USB 2.2.
Setting Up ++++++++
The first thing to do is insert the batteries. This is very simple, you unlock the door and insert them the way the diagram shows you. Once the batteries are inserted you can switch the camera on using the power button.
The set up comprises of selecting your language (English is the default) and setting the time and date. Once they're done your ready to go.
There are a number of on screen icons, etc. These include picture quality, image size, how many pictures can be taken, whether you have a smart card installed, battery power self timer on or off, flash mode (auto, manual, on or off), video mode and audio mode.
To take a picture you set the camera to capture mode, frame the subject using the LCD screen or viewfinder (Note, on bright sunny days the LCD screen can be near impossible to see), press the shutter button and keep the camera still until the camera beeps.
I've never used the audio or video functions, and the instructions don't give indications of how long you can record in these modes.
Memory ++++++
The camera comes with standard 16 MB of on board memory which will give you 9 high quality pictures or 16 lower quality. The 64 MB smart card gives 36 and 65 respectively.
The software ++++++++++
The software is easy to install. It's simply loads into the CD drive and more or less auto installs. In windows XP there is no need to install the camera driver but under windows 98, there may be a need to install them.
The software provided is the camera driver, Arcsoft Photoimpression 4.0, Microsoft net meeting and Adobe acrobat reader.
The instructions are comprehensive, especially for those that aren't too confident setting up this type of equipment.
The software is easy to use, and like most software it's a case of getting to know the main controls. They were easily mastered and Within ten minutes of loading the software I was editing my first digital image.
In Use +++++
It's simple and effective, you're never going to be a David Bailey using a cheap camera like this. The only drawback I've found is the colour display being difficult to see in bright sunshine. It's small and light so it's easy to carry around. You do have to wait for the camera to reset between shots, and this can be annoying if you wanted to take shots close together. For simple family pictures or for me in my business, the camera is ideal.
It is easy to transfer pictures to the computer, and edit them once they're there.
The menus aren't too difficult to learn, and like all new equipment, the more you use it the easier it becomes. Deleting pictures from the camera is fairly simple and there is a facility to reformat the memory card. Beware, if you use format whilst there are pictures on the card they will be wiped out.
Flash photography can be simply a case of leaving the auto flash enabled, and let the camera determine if flash is needed, alternatively you can opt to have a manual setting, where you determine if you want flash used or not.
Web Cam ++++++++
Due to it's video function, the camera can be used as a web-cam. Again I've never used it as this, but I didn't buy it for that function. I suppose if you were shopping for both a digital camera and a web cam, this would fit the bill, and leave you only having to buy one piece of equipment as opposed to two.
Technical Information ++++++++++++++++
Resolution 3.2 million pixels 2048 x 1356 Pixel resolution JPEG Compression Auto Flash Auto or Manual Exposure Internal Memory 16 MB which can be increased using smart card memory. Zoom 3 x digital Modes Still picture, video, audio and web-cam Date Time Stamp - Yes PC Requirements Not Stated
well written. Howzabout a few more photies? Perhaps of your lovely E-type or Lotus Cortina MK!?
luckyarchers 22.07.2004 13:45
It is the worst kept secret that my family are going to buy me my first digital camera for a landmark birthday which is coming up soon. I have been asked lots of questions about what I would want from a digital camera, but the best answer I can give is that other members of the family are a lot more qualified than me to choose a camera for a technophobe!
HighPriestess 03.07.2004 21:33
Excellent op, informative and highly readable. :O)
Jun 21st, 2004
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