Mustek MDC 3000

MUSTEK MDC3000 I was looking for a low-cost high resolution camera at least 2.0 MP that was less than $100 that I could use for 60-90 days until I get a Sony Cybershot camera that I expect to win in a contest at work. The primary purpose of buying this camera was for jobsite product shots and family photos that are higher resolution than my Sony NX70V which is only 300K resolution. My NX70V camera is convenient but is low resolution(300K) and has memory storage challenges unless I purchase a larger memory stick or CF card. I am waiting until Sony introduces new replacements for the NX series(which is doubtful) or the new UX series (which I like) but waiting to see what's new. Since I already have a 256MG CF card and several 128MG Memory sticks that I use with my NX70V I saw the Mustek's CF capability as an advantage especially since it included one 16MG CF card with the camera. I considered another lowcost digital camera that was selling for $80USD but it did not have removable storage(it was integrated)and by the time I purchased another CF card and batteries it would have cost much more than the MDC3000's sell price of $99.99. My expectations for this camera were low, however, except for some issues transferring images to my PC (software is slow and buggy) the photo images were acceptable. Overall, this camera was the best value based on my requirements of buying a low-cost, high resolution (vs. NX70V's 300K low res camera), complete package and portable size. Originally the Micro Center sales person told me about the Mustek camera and said it was $80 which is what got my attention. However, it turned out that the $80 camera was another manufacturer and did not have removable storage (it was integrated) and did not include batteries. When I compared the costs between the $80 model and buying a CF card ($30 USD) and batteries ($5 USD) the Mustek seemed to make the most sense, especially compared to most of the other name brand 3.1 megapixel cameras which were going for around $200+ USD. So far I am happy with the camera but I have not used it at a jobsite yet so I'll see how it performs. The AVIs were fine on my PC but were not easy to view on the camera. The battery consumption seems low but that is probably typical since I experienced the same with another Sony model. This camera says it uses a Sony lens so that's OK with me.

Low Price Removable Storage Photo quality acceptable Everything included in package: Complete camera package includes: > digital camera > 16MG Compact Flash card ($20-$30 value) > camera bag > Flexible Pocket tripod > mini-USB cable > Video cable > Strap > 4 AA alkaline batteries ($4 value) > Installation CD (w/Photo Express SE, Photo Explorer, Acrobat Reader, Viewer Window, TWAIN driver) > User guide >Uses Sony SuperHAD Color CCD lens >3.1 Mega Pixels Picture Resolution by Coach technology (NOTE: not sure exactly what this means yet) >1.8" color LCD display >Auto flash >Video out to TV >JPEG/DCG/DPOF file format compatibility >2X Digital Zoom >Self timer w/10-sec delay >Works with PC and MAC >Dimensions: 116x42.5x75mm

> Software buggy - finally used CF reader to transfer images to PC. > Battery consumption > Lens location - interferes with fingers > Burst feature? > AVI video display on camera? > Requires 4 AA batteries > Slow transitions between shots

Sony Mavica Sony NX70V Sony NR70V Sony Cybershot P31, P52, Nikon 2100

Haven't had to call yet.

My first one stopped working after a week and had a smell of burned plastics. It took many many weeks to get a replacement. When i started using it again i felt sorry for my choise although my intetion was to buy a cheap every day digi cam with just a decent image quality.

Nothing really important

Battery consumption Hard flash strokes that burn the image at close shots shutter lag image storage time and after that another lag until the camera is ready for the next shot Very Poor image analysis esp. in low light conditions White balance that works also poorly

various coolpix cams Canon ixus Canon powershot G2 Agfa 1200 Olympus E-10

poor

Mustek software that came with it is rubbish, but pictures can be read with a simple CF reader. The software doesn't like to co-exist with other USB devices (Win98se, Me). Bundled apps are OK, but there are better photoeditors. Sometimes the shutter is delayed, and you snap the floor, sky or a blur. The lens position ensures that sometimes you photograph your finger! Although the camera eats batteries, it is better with rechargeables - but you need 2 sets. The battery cover is flimsy. I thought it would break when I put batteries in. But it didn't. The CF slot door is probably worse. My first one packed up - one day it just wouldn't switch on. The replacement has the LCD slightly skew. If anything, the replacement seems to have a lesser delay in taking photos, but it is noisier with it. The replacement camera is also better when connected direct to USB than the original. Sure, the 3.1Mpix is a fraud, but 1600x1200 is quite good for a happy snappy camera.

Takes over 50 JPEG compressed reasonable images on the 16Mb CF card, many more on 64Mb. Every now and then the results are beautiful, mostly they are pretty ordinary. Not very heavy, and has a cheapish but reasonable case. Also supplied with a mini tripod and all the adapter cables.

Takes a while to store each photo. May delay "shutter release" - as it sees fit.

Took weeks before I got the replacement camera.

Have used the camera for 6 months and have not recieved what I thought I was going to get. Not

Price I may have gotten something better for the same dollar amount.

Not what is was advertised. Pictures not clear and too dark. Eats batteries

Kodacs

NA

It is not a 3.1 megapixel camera, its in fact a 1.9 one. Picture quality is not good, even 1.3 megapixel cameras can take pictures with better quality. Auto light adjust and autofocus are very bad, so pictures are slighly blurry. Its almost impossible to take a sharp picture Same thing happens with the MDC3500 model. Battery comsuption is ok if you turn off the LSD

Cheap ? (Im not sure about this) Size

Diver installation (sometimes work sometimes dont) Picture quality (blurry pictures)

Panasonic PVSD4090