Epson PhotoPC

I purchased the Epson PhotoPC when it was a new item, and digital cameras were a wonderous new invention, over 2 years ago. I remember coming home, installing the software, and taking photos of everything except my feet (well, I did take ONE of my foot) to email to my friends. They, like me, were amazed. Compared to today's megapixel cameras, of course the PhotoPC looks like a toy. However, I'm giving credit where it's due, too. I went out not long ago and bought a "megapixel" camera made by I/O Magic, called the "MagicImage 500" (sold at Best Buys, CompUSA, etc.). I can tell you this... the I/O Magic took photos that were MUCH worse than the PhotoPC, even set at nearly twice it's resolution! Given the technology at the time, the PhotoPC was an excellent camera. It is still a good camera for complete novices today, if you fine one. I gave mine to my best friend, who uses it to this day to take photos of building projects (construction) while on the job sites, and the camera is still working fine, and takes great outdoor shots for that purpose.

Very easy to use. Good photos for a 640x480 camera of that time. Not really that bad on battery drain if you have your upload settings configured correctly.

No removable memory card (they didn't exist when this camera was new, though). Software may not be available anymore - if you find one of these cams today, make SURE it comes with the "Easy Photo" software.

I currently now own an Olympus D-400 Zoom, and a Kodak DC215. Have used I/O Magic, and Sony Mavica cams.

From memory, Epson's customer service was quick to answer my questions, but I have not had to use them in a good while; not aware of current level of service.

The Epson PhotoPC is very easy to operate, you just point and shoot. You don't have to worry about operating and fancy features. The pictures come is 2 sizes, the smaller size is good if you want to take quite a few pictures at one time, the larger size allows you to get more into the picture. The picture quality is great, very clear with super color. The first time I used it, I could not believe how great the pictures looked.

easy to use clear pictures

small memory no telephoto lens close-up pics come out slightly offcenter because of the viewfinder placement

I haven't used any other digital cameras

The professional photographer in me hates this camera. The crazy partier in me loves it. The absence of a zoom lens, the "it -might- come out like this" viewfinder, and the fact that it's kind of awkward to hold without blocking the flash or the lens make it very difficult to get a prize-winning photo out of this camera. I find myself wishing I had used my traditional camera and a scanner. For the price of this camera, one could get a great 135mm zoom point and shoot that just happens to use film instead of disk space. On the other hand, this guy is great for those tipsy photos at parties, grinning self portraits with the camera held at arm's length, and "let's get a picture of Johnny on way to the prom"-type shots. Which means, it's good enough for 80% of the folks out there. It's no worse than Advantix film or Kodak MAX, and it's easier to use than a scanner (though the software is somewhat limiting). Unfortunately, I think this camera is past its prime. The same camera can be found in smaller and easier to use products. It is, however, something you could get on a good deal off ebay, etc. Good starter camera, perhaps.

point & shoot ease high/low res toggle informative display auto-off battery saver

no zoom large size battery hog inacurate viewfinder no good place to hold it limiting software

Many different print-film cameras.

for the price/feature ratio its a good buy. however almost unuseable for long trips without the 4mb memory upgrade

good entry level model

cost of proprietary memory upgrade

casio qv10

Hi, I won an Ebay auction for a Epson PhotoPC with 4MB module. This allows the freedom of 80High-Res and 160 low-res shots without returning to PC. I had consulted approximetely 12 independant reviews and contacted over 20 people before deciding to buy. I am quite pleased with the quality of both the camera, its sharp photos, and its easy to master Photo software. I found the Epson to perform exceptionally detailed while outdoors in a diffused setting, such as my horse barns and under my massive oaks. The images easily competed with my Kodak DC-50 and even better than the Mavica in the office for the same shots.Indoor shots like most cameras tend to be a little more subdued, but that is probably expected. The batteries I use currently are straight AA alkaline. My NiMH set and charger is on the way. Based on statistical reviews you should average nearly 520 shots half with flash/half without on a set of batteries. The camera is larger than most of the subcompact 'fit in your back pocket' styles, but in opinion it feels stronger and better built. The download time for each image to my PC was very minimal (5-6 secs) - It does operate at 115,000bps on my COM port making for a very speedy connection. I am quite excited about this camera and have so far run through about 500 photos in a extremely wide range of conditions and subject matter. I find the Epson PhotoPC to be one of the best engineered digital camera ever conceived. I recommend it highly if you can do without the battery-sucking features of color LCD viewfinder and small subcompact shell casing. Good luck and Happy Shooting!