Toshiba PDR-3300 Digital Camera Review - Capturing Images, and Video Playback
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Open the box, throw in the batteries and memory card, and you're good to go. It's as simple as that, the camera defaults to auto mode, and the only thing that would restrict you from taking good shots is holding your finger over the lens. And yes, in case you're wondering, the manual does have a detailed diagram of how NOT to do exactly that.
Seriously though, in auto-mode, it's as easy as holding the shutter button down half way to allow the flash and focus to adjust, then pressing the rest of the way to take a great shot. Of course you're expecting that the camera allows you a little more freedom than just handling all settings automatically, and you won't be disappointed! Even in auto-mode, you have the direct option to change the size and quality of the images, as well as switching between action, portrait, landscape, and night conditions. But once you switch to manual mode, you basically have the whole world (of photography that is) in the palm of your hands.
Once you make the commitment to manually control this camera, you've got another 50 pages or so of manual to digest. Mastering the exposure control, white balance, metering system, and continuous photography could take quite some time. But this is definitely time that I plan to invest, as no doubt it will pay off in the quality of my images.
Oh, and I can't forget the zoom. I find the 2.8 optical zoom sufficient for my needs, I haven't once used the digital zoom feature Also of note is the color mode, allowing you to quickly snap a shot in monochrome or sepia mode. This is something that most of us can manage after the fact with a filter or two, but my wife seriously loves this feature!
Capturing Video
Make no mistake, this is no video camera. There is no audio capturing available. But for small instructional videos, the silent 15 frames per second AVI is sufficient for my needs. And I do believe I'll be employing the video capture for recording my fish, they aren't all as talkative as Nemo would have you understand.
Playback
The playback is what you'd expect. You have the options of previewing the last shot you took, seeing them all in a slide show-like format, or even navigating through them in thumbnail format. This is my personal favorite. Toshiba has also quite graciously permitted us some zooming capabilities in playback mode.
I also appreciate very much the video-out option. The cable is included in the box, and plugs into the same socket in the camera as the USB cable. This allows you to show off your slide show or 30 second video clips (longer with lower quality) on your big screen TV at the next family reunion. Just imagine the possibilities here, no more greasy cousins getting their sticky fingers all over your cherished snapshots, you have full control to punt them away from the TV as they approach!
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