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.

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

The cable is just a common design for most of the other mades. You may even DIY one very easily.

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.

Lack of zoom during video recording is a "documented feature" of the 3000z. See page 3-2 in the User's Guide: "...you can't change the zoom setting once you start recording."

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.