Casio QV3000EX 3.34-Megapixel Digital Camera with 340 MB MicroDrive

While all these features are fairly standard with similar high-end megapixel cameras from other manufacturers, what sets the Casio QV-3000 Plus apart from its peers is its memory storage capabilities. This camera offers CompactFlash card capability much like other digital imaging devices, but also supports IBM's Microdrive--the most powerful method of storing digital images to date. The Microdrive, which is included with the camera, offers an incredible 340 MB of memory. Users can snap up to 400 high-quality images or 19 minutes of 7-frame-per-second video without having to switch memory cards or download. One IBM Microdrive could replace over 11 rolls of film. This storage capacity makes it easy to use the QV-3000 Plus in situations where you'll be away from your computer for an extended time (such as while you're on vacation).

The Casio QV-3000 Plus is USB compatible (although you don't need a USB port to use it) and works with both PC and Macintosh platforms. It operates on either four AA batteries or on an optional AC adapter. Along with the Casio QV-3000 Plus, you receive a USB cable, a serial cable, a Macintosh serial adapter cable, a software bundle, a 340 MB IBM Microdrive, a video cable, a soft carrying case, and a strap. The included software bundle enables you to instantly upload your photos to the Internet, to convert files into e-mail form, and to edit your photos with ease.

Casio backs the QV-3000 Plus with a one-year warranty.

Casio is not a respected name in cameras (yet) but this model is an aggressively priced state of the art entry.


Well worth the money   April 20, 2000
Rose Vines
112 out of 112 found this review helpful

I scouted the market a long time before choosing the Casio and it was well worth the investment in time and money. There's little to complain about in this camera and much to love. I love:

* The stunning image quality.

* The IBM MicroDrive. I didn't want to have to worry about downloading images while on a trip, and with its 245-picture storage (at the highest resolution), the Casio solves this for me. Given the MicroDrive's hefty price tag, its inclusion makes the camera very good value. It even slips into my Win CE handheld computer and does double duty there.

* The choice between full automatic and manual control.

* The panorama and movie modes.

* The look and the feel. It's not an ultra-light, but it's no heavyweight and it looks handsome. The design is somewhat right-handed, but even as a leftie I found it comfortable to use, holding it in my right hand while adjusting menu controls with my left. Now, I'd just like to know how you avoid smudging the display screen when using the viewfinder! (A problem I'm sure many digicams share.)

* The good documentation. It'd be nice if it had an index, but it's well written.

What I don't like:

* The lack of inclusion of an AC adapter. Save yourself time and order one when you order your camera. I've found battery life not too bad using NiMH rechargeables, but the AC adapter makes all the difference when downloading images and when you're just playing about learning how to use the camera.

* The off-centre tripod mount.

* The lack of an 800x600 resolution mode.


Casio's QV3000 is an incredible camera   June 26, 2000
A. Foo (NY)
90 out of 91 found this review helpful

This is truly a great camera. Excellent picture quality. With the 340MB Microdrive, you can take 250 pictures at the highest resolution setting.

Pluses: * default modes for those who want simple * detailed controls for those who don't * panoramic view (up to 9 images lined up to create this view) * red-eye reduction, and auto flash modes * timed pictures so you can be in them too * AVI movie - 30 seconds (ok, not great) * USB download, looks like a removeable HD * adjustable manual viewfinder * the ability to discard a poor shot before it gets saved * the ability to preview the last shot while in record mode * Works on normal AA batteries (NIMH rechargeables a must - the more powerful the better - I've been using Kodak 1600 mAh Ni-MH rechargeables and they last many times normal Duracells, especially with flash. Without flash, these batteries have lasted through more than 150 shots) * 340 MB Microdrive was the primary reason I bought this camera (along with the fact that it is a 3 mega-pixel camera)

Minuses: * wish it were a little smaller (but it is pretty light) * wish there were sound on the movies and the ability to take longer movies * this version does not include the A/C adapter - The QV3000 Propak does, which is the one I bought - a must have * wish the LCD screen was a bit bigger

Other comments: Pictures print really well on the HP Photosmart 1000 or 1100 printer using the premium glossy photo 4x6 or 8x10 paper. Looks like the pictures came from a regular photo developer, even at 8x10 size when using the higher camera photo resolutions.


Nearly Perfect with a Couple Gotchas   July 29, 2000
84 out of 86 found this review helpful

Pros: +Pic Quality is Super. +Downloading to PC is Automatic and very very easy. + Library on PC is super. +through the lens viewing +on camera menus are easy to use. +Storage Capacity is the best of the best +flash is fast and versatile (red eye, etc..) Pro Summary: One of my favorite gadgets. I finally am using a digital camera as the family camera due to ease of docking and PC library system, and high quality

Cons: -Using off the shelf batteries is impossible. They are out off juice with 5-10 pictures. Forget it, it does not work. You MUST use rechareables (get Olympus Ni-MH recharger with 4 Olympus CAMEDIA B-01E AAa Ni-MH batteries). They are super. They last 100s of pictures. After 20-30 pics you may want to turn it off for a couple of minutes. It seems to fully recharge again for reasons I can't explain. -Buy a FlashMem card if battery life is bothering you. They use less juice that 340MB microdrive. (I use 80MB flash card) Any of them should work -The PC Library software does not allow you to delete pictures? You can do so from Windows Explorer but still, why they left that basic function out is a mystery. -If you forget (and you will) to remove the lens cap before you turn the camera on, it burns the battery down fast. Freaks the camera out. You will want to turn it off and back on again. Summary: I love it after I figured out the battery and lens cap issues. Wish I could delete pictures on PC from PCLoader User Interface.


Film quality pictures finally from a digital camera   April 14, 2000
81 out of 81 found this review helpful

This is by far the easiest digital camera to set up and use. Load the media, put in the batteries and point and shoot. Pictures that take your breath away. Pure color, excellent detail. The IBM Microdrive can let you take pictures until your shutter finger hurts. The camera package is a steal with the microdrive. The only downside is alkaline batteries and no AC adapter included. Works for a very long time with rechargable NiMH AA's. I had also bought a Canon EOS film camera I took it back and kept the Casio. It's that good.