3000Z and Speedotron Flash power pack

For XP, a device driver is not needed for the "mass storage" that the camera connects to it.

I have a 3000z, and have not noticed any problem with flash sync with even the fastest speed.

Have you installed Sierra Image Expert, with this installed go to menue item Camera, and click on View or Get All etc.I do have a problem with this program in that it will not make a new directorey but this can be overcome by first making the new directorey with Explorer. The sound on the camera can be adjusted or turned down.

I bought a 3000Z but can't get it to download using USB, it works ok using the serial port, but that is very slow. I'm using Windows 98 SE. My USB ports are ok because I use other devices on them. When trying to hook up the camera I never get a new hardware found indication, I tried MS and Epson online for possible driver updates and couldn't find anything to help. I'm thinking there is a problem with the camera. It also makes a rather loud snap type sound when the shutter button is pressed, this may be normal but it seems louder than I've heard on other digital cameras. Anyone have any suggestions or should I send the camera back as defective?

Sounds like you have a dust spot on the CCD, you should send your camera in for cleaning.

I have tried a couple of external flashes on the 3000Z. It is my understanding from reading various Internet posts (and I am sure someone will correct me if I am wrong) that, other than triggering the flash to go off, there is no communication between the external flash in the hot shoe of the 3000Z and the 3000Z itself. Settings need to be made manually in the manual mode to set the f-stop and the aperture to get good exposures. The Metz flashes are expensive. Most have opted to use less expensive flashes such as the Vivitar 283/383, or a Sunpak, or even a "Wal-mart" flash. I chose an inexpensive bounce flash with a secondary "fill-in" flash to get rid of the shadows sometimes seen with indoor bounce flash pics. I purchased the Phoenix 82ZBDA Multi-dedicated twin flash from Porter's Photo Catalogue for $37.95. This flash works fine, but is not that powerful (GN 79 ). If you need a more powerful flash, you might consider the Vivitar 383.

3000Z allows no zooming in movie mode. Sorry!

t is my understanding that you must use manual exposure (shutter and aperture) with an external flash. This shouldn't be a problem (set the camera to the settings on the guide chart that comes with your flash, and let the flash worry about the strength/flash duration necessary - provided it is an "auto" flash with a sensor)... I'm going to use a Vivitar 273 with my Epson 3000z... There are a few other threads on this forum regarding External Flash use.

If you have a version of Image Expert from a different camera, printer, or other product, make sure you install the version of Image Expert included on your PhotoPC 3000Z Software CD-ROM and use it when you are connecting to your camera. The correct version is named Image Expert - PhotoPC 3000Z (version 1.8.7).

Make sure your subject is within the camera's range. You should be at least 20 inches away to take a picture without the flash, and 20 inches to 8 feet away to take a picture with the flash. You can take a picture as close as 8 inches in macro mode (2.3" zoomed to wide). When you take macro close-ups, make sure you have adequate lighting (with the flash disabled). Using a tripod will help you capture sharp pictures. Make sure you hold the camera steady after you press the shutter button (until the red light starts to flash), and your subject isn't moving. If you are shaking the camera when you lock the focus, a warning icon appears in the right corner of the LCD. If you want to photograph a moving subject, you can change the shutter speed while the camera is connected to your computer. On the PhotoPC 3000z you can also use Program (Sports Mode) or Manual (Shutter Priority) to increase the shutter speed. Make sure your flash is not set to flash off. When you focus on a nearby object, your picture's background may appear blurry. Try changing your focus.