7Change one or more of the settings as needed:

Default name and picture label Click the Set button and type new entries. (Only upper case letters, numerals, hyphens and spaces can be used in the default picture label.)

Camera sound indicators Turn on or off by clicking on the Sound check box.

Camera internal clock Click the Sync Camera with Computer button to set the camera to the computer’s date and time settings.

Compression level See Selecting a picture compression level on page 76 for more information.

Automatic shutoff timeouts Click the appropriate scroll button to change the viewfinder timeout (1-100 seconds) or the camera power-off timeout (1-60 minutes).

Picture resolution Click on the desired resolution button (800x600 or 1600x1200).

IQA processing Turn IQA image enhancement on or off by clicking on the Use IQA Processing checkbox. Select individual IQA features by clicking the Default IQA Settings button. (See Choosing IQA processing options on page 181 for more information.)

Using the PDC-3000 with your PC

204

Page 204
Image 204
Polaroid PDC 3000 manual Using the PDC-3000 with your PC 204

PDC 3000 specifications

The Polaroid PDC 3000, released in the late 1990s, is a significant milestone in the evolution of digital photography. It marked Polaroid's foray into digital cameras, blending the company’s rich heritage in instant photography with emerging digital technologies. This camera is notable for its compact design and accessible user interface, making it attractive for both amateurs and enthusiasts.

At the heart of the PDC 3000 is a 1.3 megapixel sensor, which was quite notable for its time. This resolution allowed users to capture images with decent clarity, suitable for casual prints or sharing among friends and family. The camera offered several shooting modes, including a still mode for high-quality photographs and a digital video mode, expanding its functionality beyond mere still photography.

One of the main features of the PDC 3000 is its 8 MB internal memory, allowing it to store approximately 40 images at its highest resolution. Users could select lower resolution settings to capture more images, making it versatile for different shooting scenarios. Additionally, the camera supported a 1.44-inch LCD screen, which provided real-time feedback, allowing users to frame their shots accurately before capturing.

The PDC 3000's simplicity extended to its controls, which were designed with the everyday user in mind. The menu system was intuitive, and its physical buttons were easy to understand, contributing to a seamless shooting experience.

Another notable aspect of the PDC 3000 was its connectivity options. The camera included a parallel port for direct connections to printers, enabling users to produce hard copies of their digital images without the need for a computer. This linked back to Polaroid's roots in instant printing, offering a new twist on an old concept.

In terms of design, the Polaroid PDC 3000 was compact and lightweight, making it easily portable. Its sleek body was available in several colors, appealing to a broad audience.

While the PDC 3000 may not compete with modern digital cameras, it played a crucial role in introducing digital photography to the masses and paving the way for future innovations at Polaroid and beyond. With its blend of accessible technology and Polaroid’s legacy, the PDC 3000 holds a special place in the transition from film to digital photography.