Epson 3100Z; initial thoughts pro/con

[Damien*]

After all is said and done, it should be clear from the photo that Juergen (12/16/01) left for us to salivate over, the 3100Z is no slouch. It's been a bit chilly around here the last couple of weeks to take any outside shots, though there were a few beauts I would have attempted had I gotten the camera in time. (Anchorage, Ak; 0 to -20 F of late)

I did secure my 3100Z a couple of weeks ago and have been practicing my pix snapping after years away. I have a few good macro stills, but nothing quite like Juergens shots. Still awaiting the tripod for Christmas....

Tried the camera at a social gathering a few days ago. Many shots came out well, some a little blurred due to futzing with the flash. I had not yet practiced with an old Vivitar 273, but my efforts the following day suggested that it would have been a good move. Built-in flash has limited reach, though very fine for short shots (to seven or eight feet with no problem). The big flash yields much faster shutters speeds and less motion problems caused by my growingly less-steady hand. Age has its drawbacks. Or is that the alcohol? Well, that's another forum....

Anyway, I've a sense that this is a far better camera than the reviews might suggest. Certainly the menus are a snap to maneuver; a true shame that Epson is getting out of the digicam business. My take:

1. This is a very good camera for the money ($481 at buy.com in November)

2. Good choice for someone with a mid-level (ancient) background in film photography; best choice before deciding whether to go to the next level
3. Will allow much user control, but still affords solid P/S performance
4. Buy a 128 MB CF card and forget about resolution, capacity, etc.

I noted a few problems voiced by others and would add them here if they are a concern to potential buyers.

A. Can't imprint time/date stamp ON the image, which would be good for construction photos, if you're an engineer or contractor.

B. External flash (at least the one I'm using: Vivitar 273) is Aperture Priority or Full Manual only. Would be nice to have the better reach with the other flash features offered with built-in unit. Perhaps the recommended Metz unit offers this (?)
C. I'm not much for the silly cover on the AC, USB, NTSC plugs. Cheesey.

D. I want to leave the lens adapter ON the camera, but it doesn't fit in the case if I do; having helluva time finding a case to suit. Maybe Santa....

E. Frequently lose "the perfect" shot due to lag between button press and shutter (though I DID get an awesome "kid motion" shot because of the lag). Also, higher res pix ( ) takes more time to write.

Hey, you need to hear about both sides of the issue. If I can figure out a decent place to post and share my better shots, I'll come back with a link. Most of the folks that saw my work from Friday last, thought it was pretty good. I thought most of the pix stink!! Certainly would not share but 3-4 of the 40+ with this discerning crowd.

Happy hunting for those searching for a good buy.

 

[Bob G.]

After all is said and done, it should be clear from the photo that
Juergen (12/16/01) left for us to salivate over, the 3100Z is no
slouch. It's been a bit chilly around here the last couple of
weeks to take any outside shots, though there were a few beauts I
would have attempted had I gotten the camera in time. (Anchorage,
Ak; 0 to -20 F of late)

I have used my 850Z down to 0 deg F. Just keep putting it back in the bag between shots.

I did secure my 3100Z a couple of weeks ago and have been
practicing my pix snapping after years away. I have a few good
macro stills, but nothing quite like Juergens shots. Still
awaiting the tripod for Christmas....

Anyway, I've a sense that this is a far better camera than the
reviews might suggest. Certainly the menus are a snap to maneuver;
a true shame that Epson is getting out of the digicam business. My

Where did you hear Epson is getting out of the digicam business??

take:

1. This is a very good camera for the money ($481 at buy.com in
November)
2. Good choice for someone with a mid-level (ancient) background
in film photography; best choice before deciding whether to go to
the next level
3. Will allow much user control, but still affords solid P/S
performance
4. Buy a 128 MB CF card and forget about resolution, capacity, etc.

I noted a few problems voiced by others and would add them here if
they are a concern to potential buyers.

A. Can't imprint time/date stamp ON the image, which would be good
for construction photos, if you're an engineer or contractor.
B. External flash (at least the one I'm using: Vivitar 273) is
Aperture Priority or Full Manual only. Would be nice to have the
better reach with the other flash features offered with built-in
unit. Perhaps the recommended Metz unit offers this (?)
C. I'm not much for the silly cover on the AC, USB, NTSC plugs.
Cheesey.
D. I want to leave the lens adapter ON the camera, but it doesn't
fit in the case if I do; having helluva time finding a case to
suit. Maybe Santa....

The Lowepro D-Res 40AW might be a bag that would work for you.

E. Frequently lose "the perfect" shot due to lag between button
press and shutter (though I DID get an awesome "kid motion" shot
because of the lag). Also, higher res pix ( ) takes more time to
write.

Hey, you need to hear about both sides of the issue. If I can
figure out a decent place to post and share my better shots, I'll
come back with a link. Most of the folks that saw my work from
Friday last, thought it was pretty good. I thought most of the pix
stink!! Certainly would not share but 3-4 of the 40+ with this
discerning crowd.

Happy hunting for those searching for a good buy.

 

[gator]

Do you get much red-eye using the built in flash on the 3100?

Thanks

After all is said and done, it should be clear from the photo that
Juergen (12/16/01) left for us to salivate over, the 3100Z is no
slouch. It's been a bit chilly around here the last couple of
weeks to take any outside shots, though there were a few beauts I
would have attempted had I gotten the camera in time. (Anchorage,
Ak; 0 to -20 F of late)

I did secure my 3100Z a couple of weeks ago and have been
practicing my pix snapping after years away. I have a few good
macro stills, but nothing quite like Juergens shots. Still
awaiting the tripod for Christmas....

Tried the camera at a social gathering a few days ago. Many shots
came out well, some a little blurred due to futzing with the flash.
I had not yet practiced with an old Vivitar 273, but my efforts the
following day suggested that it would have been a good move.
Built-in flash has limited reach, though very fine for short shots
(to seven or eight feet with no problem). The big flash yields
much faster shutters speeds and less motion problems caused by my
growingly less-steady hand. Age has its drawbacks. Or is that the
alcohol? Well, that's another forum....

Anyway, I've a sense that this is a far better camera than the
reviews might suggest. Certainly the menus are a snap to maneuver;
a true shame that Epson is getting out of the digicam business. My
take:

1. This is a very good camera for the money ($481 at buy.com in
November)
2. Good choice for someone with a mid-level (ancient) background
in film photography; best choice before deciding whether to go to
the next level
3. Will allow much user control, but still affords solid P/S
performance
4. Buy a 128 MB CF card and forget about resolution, capacity, etc.

I noted a few problems voiced by others and would add them here if
they are a concern to potential buyers.

A. Can't imprint time/date stamp ON the image, which would be good
for construction photos, if you're an engineer or contractor.
B. External flash (at least the one I'm using: Vivitar 273) is
Aperture Priority or Full Manual only. Would be nice to have the
better reach with the other flash features offered with built-in
unit. Perhaps the recommended Metz unit offers this (?)
C. I'm not much for the silly cover on the AC, USB, NTSC plugs.
Cheesey.
D. I want to leave the lens adapter ON the camera, but it doesn't
fit in the case if I do; having helluva time finding a case to
suit. Maybe Santa....
E. Frequently lose "the perfect" shot due to lag between button
press and shutter (though I DID get an awesome "kid motion" shot
because of the lag). Also, higher res pix ( ) takes more time to
write.

Hey, you need to hear about both sides of the issue. If I can
figure out a decent place to post and share my better shots, I'll
come back with a link. Most of the folks that saw my work from
Friday last, thought it was pretty good. I thought most of the pix
stink!! Certainly would not share but 3-4 of the 40+ with this
discerning crowd.

Happy hunting for those searching for a good buy.

 

[Jose Gutierrez]

If you use the flash in automatic mode, maybe you get a red-eye shot, use the flash in red-eye reduction mode, that help you to reduce that problem.

Jose

Thanks

After all is said and done, it should be clear from the photo that
Juergen (12/16/01) left for us to salivate over, the 3100Z is no
slouch. It's been a bit chilly around here the last couple of
weeks to take any outside shots, though there were a few beauts I
would have attempted had I gotten the camera in time. (Anchorage,
Ak; 0 to -20 F of late)

I did secure my 3100Z a couple of weeks ago and have been
practicing my pix snapping after years away. I have a few good
macro stills, but nothing quite like Juergens shots. Still
awaiting the tripod for Christmas....

Tried the camera at a social gathering a few days ago. Many shots
came out well, some a little blurred due to futzing with the flash.
I had not yet practiced with an old Vivitar 273, but my efforts the
following day suggested that it would have been a good move.
Built-in flash has limited reach, though very fine for short shots
(to seven or eight feet with no problem). The big flash yields
much faster shutters speeds and less motion problems caused by my
growingly less-steady hand. Age has its drawbacks. Or is that the
alcohol? Well, that's another forum....

Anyway, I've a sense that this is a far better camera than the
reviews might suggest. Certainly the menus are a snap to maneuver;
a true shame that Epson is getting out of the digicam business. My
take:

1. This is a very good camera for the money ($481 at buy.com in
November)
2. Good choice for someone with a mid-level (ancient) background
in film photography; best choice before deciding whether to go to
the next level
3. Will allow much user control, but still affords solid P/S
performance
4. Buy a 128 MB CF card and forget about resolution, capacity, etc.

I noted a few problems voiced by others and would add them here if
they are a concern to potential buyers.

A. Can't imprint time/date stamp ON the image, which would be good
for construction photos, if you're an engineer or contractor.
B. External flash (at least the one I'm using: Vivitar 273) is
Aperture Priority or Full Manual only. Would be nice to have the
better reach with the other flash features offered with built-in
unit. Perhaps the recommended Metz unit offers this (?)
C. I'm not much for the silly cover on the AC, USB, NTSC plugs.
Cheesey.
D. I want to leave the lens adapter ON the camera, but it doesn't
fit in the case if I do; having helluva time finding a case to
suit. Maybe Santa....
E. Frequently lose "the perfect" shot due to lag between button
press and shutter (though I DID get an awesome "kid motion" shot
because of the lag). Also, higher res pix ( ) takes more time to
write.

Hey, you need to hear about both sides of the issue. If I can
figure out a decent place to post and share my better shots, I'll
come back with a link. Most of the folks that saw my work from
Friday last, thought it was pretty good. I thought most of the pix
stink!! Certainly would not share but 3-4 of the 40+ with this
discerning crowd.

Happy hunting for those searching for a good buy.

 

[Damien*]

Actually, I've taken several photos of people, but few of them looking at me. I haven't used the red-eye reduction flash much and I've had only minor red-eye problems with the automatic flash.

Do you get much red-eye using the built in flash on the 3100?

Thanks

 

[Damien*]

BOB, PLEASE SEE RESPONSES TO YOUR COMMENTS BELOW:

Damien* wrote:

It's been a bit chilly around here the last couple of weeks to take any outside shots, though there were a few beauts I would have attempted had I gotten the camera in time. (Anchorage, Ak; 0 to -20 F of late)

[Bob] I have used my 850Z down to 0 deg F. Just keep putting it back in the bag between shots.

THANKS, BUT I THINK I'LL KEEP THE CAR CLOSE AND THE ENGINE RUNNING. LCD'S ARE PRETTY SENSITIVE AND IT WOULD BE A HASSLE TO REPLACE IF IT CRACKED.

Anyway, I've a sense that this is a far better camera than the
reviews might suggest. Certainly the menus are a snap to maneuver;
a true shame that Epson is getting out of the digicam business. My

[Bob] Where did you hear Epson is getting out of the digicam business??

ACTUALLY, I CALLED THE 800 NUMBER, THEY GAVE ME A TOLL NUMBER IN SAN JOSE OR SOME SUCH IN CALIFORNIA TO SPEAK WITH THE PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT FOLKS. I INTENDED TO ASK THEM TO CONFIRM THEIR PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT CYCLE WAS MAY TO MAY (IT WAS), BUT THEY ADVISED ME THAT EPSON BELIEVES IT CANNOT COMPETE IN THE CAMERA MARKET AND THE 3100Z IS THE LAST ISSUE. I BOUGHT IT ANYWAY, AFTER READING SOME FORUM COMPLAINTS ABOUT FUZZY BACKGROUNDS ON THE CASIO QV-4000 (MY PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE) AND -- VERY FRANKLY -- I AM HAPPY AS A CLAM WITH THIS CAMERA. I THINK IT'S A DAMN SHAME THAT EPSON THREW IN THE TOWEL.

D. I want to leave the lens adapter ON the camera, but it doesn't
fit in the case if I do; having helluva time finding a case to
suit. Maybe Santa....

The Lowepro D-Res 40AW might be a bag that would work for you.

THANKS AGAIN. I'LL GO TO KITS AND SEE IF THEY HAVE ONE. HOWEVER, I DID BUY A QUANTARAY GBM TO HOLD ALL MY GEAR: THINGS DON'T WEIGH THAT MUCH AND IT'S QUITE COMFORTABLE OVER MY SHOULDER.

HEY, THANKS FOR READING AND FOLLOWING UP WITH COMMENTS. I MISSED SOME GREAT SHOTS THIS MORNING (LEFT THE CAMERA IN THE BARN) AS GET SOME PRETTY SPECTACULAR SUNRISES IN THIS TOWN THIS TIME OF YEAR. PARTLY CLOUDY, SUN STILL BEHIND THE MOUNTAINS, AND COLORS ACROSS AN INCREDIBLE SPECTRUM. OH WELL, I'M ONLY JUST GETTING BACK INTO THIS; I HAVE HABITS TO LEARN OVER.