Polaroid Digital Camera
PDC-3000
User’s Guide for PowerMac/PowerPC or
Windows applications
© Copyright Polaroid Corporation 1997.
All rights reserved.
“Polaroid”, “PDC” and “IQA” are trademarks of Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, MA,
U.S.A. All other product names may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
The embedded PDC-3000 compression software is based in part on the work of the Independent
JPEG Group. The embedded PDC-3000 file management software is based in part on SanDisk
Host Developer’s Tool Kit Ver. 1.1 © Copyright 1996 SanDisk Corp.
7/25/97
Table of Contents
Quick startup 9
1 Introduction 12
Typical PDC-3000 workflow 13
System requirements 14
PowerMac or PowerPC systems 15
PC systems 15
Technical assistance 16
Using this manual 17
2 Setting up 19
Unpacking 19
Optional accessories 21
Setting up the PDC-3000 camera 23
Attaching the camera straps 23
Setting the SCSI ID 24
Installing and charging the batteries 27
2
Connecting the camera to your PowerMac or PowerPC 32
If the PDC-3000 is the only SCSI device 34
If your PowerMac or PowerPC has other SCSI devices 35
Connecting to an Apple PowerBook 36
Installing PDC software on your PowerMac/PowerPC 38
Verifying camera internal settings from your
PowerMac/PowerPC 42
Connecting the camera to your PC 43
If the PDC-3000 is the only SCSI device 45
If your PC has other SCSI devices 46
Installing the PDC software on your PC 48
Verifying camera internal settings from your PC 52
Disconnecting the camera from your computer 53
3 Using the PDC-3000 camera 56
Getting acquainted 58
LCD panel 63
Viewfinder indicators 67
Sound indicators 68
Camera modes 70
Automatic shutoff 71
3
Taking pictures 72
Inserting a CompactFlash card 72
Removing the CompactFlash card 73
Turning on the camera 74
Setting to stand-alone mode 75
Selecting a picture compression level 76
Selecting Capture mode 80
Setting the camera for current lighting conditions 81
Holding the camera 82
Framing and taking the picture 82
If you see a viewfinder warning 84
Using flash 86
Using Auto Focus 88
Using Focus Lock 89
Compensating for back lighting 90
Labeling pictures 92
Editing the default picture label 93
Editing a single picture label 97
Erasing pictures 99
Erasing a single picture 100
Erasing all pictures 104
Turning sound indicators on and off 106
Choosing LCD panel display options 108
Choosing a distance display mode 108
Choosing the Capture mode display 109
4
4 Using the PDC-3000 with your PowerMac/PowerPC113
The PDC windows 114
Transfer Pictures window 115
Take Pictures window 116
Set Preferences window 118
Working with pictures in the camera 120
Viewing pictures in the camera 120
Selecting thumbnails 123
Previewing pictures 124
Viewing picture information 126
Rotating pictures 126
Editing a picture label 127
Transferring pictures to your computer one at a time 128
Transferring multiple pictures to your computer 131
Choosing IQA processing options 135
Choosing a file format 139
Deleting pictures from the camera 141
Working with PDN pictures saved on your computer 142
Opening a folder 143
Working with pictures on a CompactFlash card 145
Operating the camera from the PowerMac/PowerPC 146
Changing operating preferences 150
Available options 150
Changing the preferences 153
5
Releasing the camera from computer control 157
Releasing the camera 157
Restoring computer control 158
5 Using the PDC-3000 with your PC 159
The PDC window 160
Take Pictures tab 161
Transfer Pictures tab 162
Set Preferences tab 164
Working with pictures in the camera 166
Viewing pictures in the camera 166
Selecting thumbnails 169
Previewing pictures 170
Viewing picture information 172
Rotating pictures 173
Editing a picture label 173
Transferring pictures to your computer one at a time 174
Transferring multiple pictures to your computer 177
Choosing IQA processing options 181
Choosing a file format 186
Deleting pictures from the camera 188
Working with PDN pictures saved on your computer 189
Opening a folder 189
Working with pictures on a CompactFlash card 191
6
Operating the camera from the PC 192
Changing operating preferences 198
Available options 198
Changing the preferences 201
Releasing the camera from computer control 205
Releasing the camera 205
Restoring computer control 206
6 Maintenance and troubleshooting 208
Caring for the PDC-3000 camera 208
Caring for the camera batteries 209
Recommended battery types 210
Charging the batteries in the camera 211
Charging the batteries outside the camera 213
Replacing the camera batteries 218
Caring for CompactFlash cards 219
Purchasing additional CompactFlash cards 219
Initializing CompactFlash cards 219
Troubleshooting error messages 223
Troubleshooting SCSI connection problems 228
PowerMac/PowerPC SCSI ID conflicts 228
Windows 95 SCSI ID registry entries 228
7
PDC-3000 full one-year warranty 229
Service 230
Radio and television interference 231
PDC-3000 camera specifications 234
Required printer settings for IQA 237
Canon BJC-4100 Printer 238
Epson Stylus Color II Printer 239
HP 680/682 Printer 242
HP 820/850/855/870 Printer 244
Software license agreement 246
Polaroid Offices and Service Centers 251
8
Quick startup
For more information, see the page indicated.
Setting up
Page
(PowerMac or
PowerPC)
19 19 1 Unpack the PDC-3000 camera.
24 24 2 Set the camera’s SCSI ID.
27 27 3 Install and charge the camera batteries.
32 43 4 Connect the camera to your computer.
38 48 5 Install the PDC software on your
150 198 6 Set the camera internal settings (date,
Page
(PC/Windows) Steps
computer.
time, user name, etc.).
9
Taking pictures
Page
(PowerMac or
PowerPC)
53 53 1 Disconnect the PDC-3000 camera
72 72 2 Insert a CompactFlash card.
74 74 3 Turn on the camera.
81 81 4 Set the camera for the current lighting
82 82 5 Frame and take a picture.
92 92 6 Label your pictures (optional).
Page
(PC/Windows) Steps
from the computer.
conditions (daylight, incandescent or
fluorescent).
10
Viewing and transferring the pictures in the camera
Page
(PowerMac or
PowerPC)
Page
(PC/Windows) Steps
32 43 1 Connect the camera to the computer.
120 166 2 View thumbnails (small
representations) of the pictures stored
in the camera.
127 173 3 Select and transfer the pictures to the
computer.
141 188 4 Delete the pictures from the camera.
11
1 Introduction
The Polaroid PDC-3000 Digital Camera captures highquality color pictures electronically, using a unique, millionpixel CCD (charge coupled device). PDC-3000 pictures
contain up to 16.7 million colors and can be saved as high
resolution (600x800 pixels) or super-high resolution
(1200x1600 pixels) pictures.
The PDC-3000 has all the features of an automatic compact
35mm camera, including automatic exposure, electronic flash
and automatic focus. These features produce correct
exposure, accurate colors and sharp focus under a great
variety of picture-taking conditions. Manual overrides are
also provided for unusual conditions.
In its highest quality picture-taking mode, the PDC-3000
camera stores up to 30 pictures on a removeable, matchbooksize, 15-megabyte CompactFlash card. Using the camera’s
10:1 image compression mode, you can store up to 150
pictures on a 15-megabyte card. Additional CompactFlash
cards are available in various capacities, and can be
purchased separately to provide more storage.
Introduction 12
Using the PowerMac/PowerPC or Microsoft Windows
software provided with the camera, you can view the pictures
taken with the PDC-3000 camera, optimize them for a
selected monitor or printer, and transfer them to the
computer. You can then use an image-processing application
to edit, save and print the pictures.
When the camera is connected to your computer, you can
control the camera and take pictures via the computer
keyboard and mouse. This is useful when the camera is used
in a stationary setup.
Typical PDC-3000 workflow
To help you understand the full capabilities of the PDC-3000
camera, a typical workflow sequence is presented below.
After you become familiar with PDC-3000 features, you can
use the camera in other ways to best suit your imaging needs.
1 Take pictures with the camera (Chapter 3).
2 Connect the camera to your computer (Chapter 2).
3 Use your computer to view the pictures stored on the camera
CompactFlash card (Chapter 4 for PowerMac or PowerPC,
Chapter 5 for PCs).
Introduction 13
4 Select the pictures you want to keep and transfer them to the
computer (Chapter 4 or 5).
5 Edit or enhance any of the pictures using an image-processing
application such as Adobe Photoshop. (See instructions with
the application.)
6 Print the picture or use it in another application, such as a
desktop publishing application. (See instructions with the
application.)
As an alternative sequence for studio or other stationary
setups, you can leave the PDC-3000 camera permanently
attached to the computer. With the camera connected to the
computer, you can operate the camera controls and take
pictures using the computer’s display, keyboard or mouse.
System requirements
Using the PDC software to view and manipulate pictures
taken with the PDC-3000 camera requires the following
hardware and software. If you do not have the required
configuration, contact your Polaroid dealer.
Introduction 14
PowerMac or PowerPC
systems
· A PowerMac or PowerPC family computer or compatible
with a PowerPC processor and 24 megabytes (MB) of RAM.
(32 MB is recommended.)
· Apple system software version 7.5 or later.
· An image-processing application, such as Adobe Photoshop,
compatible with Adobe Photoshop plug-in modules, is
recommended for working with PDC-3000 pictures. If you
do not have such an application, you can use PDC Direct
(provided and installed as part of the PDC software) to
optimize and transfer pictures from the camera and to
control the camera from the computer.
PC systems
· An IBM PC or compatible, with at least a 66 MHz Pentiumclass processor and 24 megabytes (MB) of RAM (32 MB
recommended).
· Microsoft Windows 95 or Windows NT.
· An ASPI-compliant SCSI adapter and the appropriate
Windows 95 or Windows NT drivers.
· A video adapter and monitor capable of displaying 24-bit
color (16.7 million colors) is recommended for optimal
display of PDC-3000 pictures. (PDC software can be used
with adapters and monitors capable of displaying fewer
Introduction 15
· A TWAIN-compliant image-processing application, such as
Technical assistance
colors, but the quality of pictures displayed on the monitor
may not be satisfactory.)
Adobe Photoshop, is recommended for working with PDC3000 pictures. If you do not have such an application, you
can use PDC Direct (provided and installed as part of the
PDC software) to optimize and transfer pictures from the
camera and to control the camera from the computer.
From within the U.S.A., call Polaroid toll-free at 1-800-432-
5355, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.(Eastern
time). Polaroid offers a variety of Customer Support Services;
call for details and applicable fees. You can also write to
Polaroid Electronic Imaging Technical Support, 565
Technology Square 3B, Cambridge, MA 02139.
In Canada, call toll-free at 1-800-268-6970. Outside the
U.S.A. and Canada, please contact the Polaroid office nearest
you. See Polaroid Offices and Service Centers on page 251.
Technical support is also available over the Internet. Connect
to the Polaroid World Wide Web site at
http://www.polaroid.com.
Introduction 16
Using this manual
This book explains how to set up and use your Polaroid
PDC-3000 camera. It also includes the procedures for
installing the PDC software on your PowerMac or PowerPC
computer or PC, and for taking, viewing and saving pictures
taken with the PDC-3000 camera. To use these instructions,
you should be familiar with the operation of your
PowerMac/PowerPC computer or PC with the Microsoft
Windows 95 operating system.
Here’s what you’ll find inside:
Quick startup: Summarizes instructions for setting up the
PDC-3000 camera and software, and for taking pictures and
transferring them to the computer.
1 Introduction: Briefly describes the PDC-3000 camera, lists
system requirements and explains how to obtain technical
assistance.
2 Setting up: Explains how to install the camera batteries,
install the PDC software on your PowerMac/PowerPC
computer or PC, and connect the PDC-3000 camera to your
computer.
Introduction 17
3 Using the PDC-3000 camera: Explains the PDC-3000
camera controls, and provides instructions for taking and
labeling pictures.
4 Using the PDC-3000 with your PowerMac/PowerPC: Tells
you how to use your PowerMac or PowerPC computer to
view pictures taken with the PDC-3000 camera, how to
optimize and transfer them from the camera to your
PowerMac or PowerPC, and how to operate the camera from
your computer.
5 Using the PDC-3000 with your PC: Tells you how to use
your IBM-compatible computer and Windows to view
pictures taken with the PDC-3000 camera, how to optimize
and transfer them from the camera to your PC, and how to
operate the camera from your PC.
6 Maintenance and troubleshooting: Contains battery and
CompactFlash card information, solutions to problems that
might occur, and warranty and service information.
Appendixes: Contain camera specifications, required printer
settings for using the IQA image enhancement features,
software license agreements and Polaroid locations
worldwide.
Introduction 18
Unpacking
2 Setting up
Listed below are the components in the PDC-3000 camera
package. If any is missing, contact your dealer immediately.
abc
defh
Setting up 19
g
01c.CDR
a PDC-3000 camera with 38mm-equivalent lens
b Hand strap
c Shoulder strap
d Power adapter/trickle charger: Recharges the NiCad batteries
in the camera and provides power for the camera while the
batteries are charging.
e Camera batteries: Four “AA” NiCad rechargeable batteries.
f SCSI cable (2 meter) and DB25/50 pin Centronics adapter:
Connect the PDC-3000 camera to a PowerMac/PowerPC
computer or PC SCSI port.
g Removeable CompactFlash card: Stores the pictures taken by
the camera. Addional cards can be purchased for increasing
storage capacity.
h Software diskettes (or CD-ROM): PDC Plug-in software for
PowerMac/PowerPC and Windows, TWAIN driver (for
Windows 95 and Windows NT only) and Polaroid PDC
Direct camera utility software for PowerMac/PowerPC and
Windows.
Note: Please be sure to fill out and return the registration
card packed with the PDC-3000 camera. As a registered
owner, you will be among the first to receive information
about PDC software updates and the availability of new
PDC-3000 products.
Setting up 20
WARNING: NOTHING INSIDE THE PDC-3000 CAMERA
EXCEPT THE BATTERIES IS USER-SERVICEABLE. TO
AVOID THE POSSIBILITY OF DAMAGING THE
CAMERA OR VOIDING THE WARRANTY, DO NOT
DISASSEMBLE THE CAMERA.
Optional accessories
You may have also purchased one or more of the following
optional accessories for the PDC-3000 camera. (Any
necessary instructions are packaged with each accessory.)
60mm-equivalent lens: Interchangeable lens for enlarging
more distant subjects.
SCSI host adapter: Adapter board for adding a SCSI port to
IBM-compatible computers (PCs) for communicating with
the PDC-3000 camera and other SCSI devices.
SlimSCSI adapter kit: Adapter, 1-meter cable and software
for connecting the PDC-3000 camera to the PCMCIA slot of
a PC notebook computer.
CompactFlash card reader kit: Hardware and software for
transferring pictures from a CompactFlash card directly to a
computer without using the PDC-3000 camera.
Setting up 21
110-volt 5-hour battery charger: Fully charges the PDC-3000
NiCad batteries in 5 hours from AC power.
3-amp power supply: Allows operation of the PDC-3000
camera from AC power with the NiCad batteries removed.
12-volt auto adapter and recharger: Recharges the batteries
in the camera and provides power for the camera from an
automotive lighter socket.
Studio kit: Camera accessories and software for using the
PDC-3000 in a studio setting and manually controlling
effective film speed, aperture, shutter speed and focus.
1-meter SCSI cable: Maximum recommended length cable for
connecting the PDC-3000 camera to Apple PowerBook
computers. (The 2-meter cable provided with the PDC-3000
is not recommended for use with PowerBook computers.)
Carrying case: Soft case with shoulder strap for the PDC3000 camera and accessories.
Setting up 22
Setting up the PDC-3000 camera
Attaching the camera
straps
A hand strap and a shoulder strap are provided with the
PDC-3000 camera. To help prevent damage to the camera
and to make camera handling easier, attach one or the other.
(You cannot attach both at the same time.)
To attach a strap, connect the ends of the strap to the eyelets
on the front and the back of the camera. Slide the plastic
sleeve on each hook toward the eyelet until it snaps to lock
the strap securely.
STRAP2.CDR
Setting up 23
Setting the SCSI ID
The PDC-3000 camera is a Small Computer Systems
Interface (SCSI) device. You can connect up to seven SCSI
devices to your computer, one to another in a SCSI chain.
Note: If you are connecting the PDC-3000 camera to an IBM
PC or compatible computer, the computer must have an
ASPI-compliant SCSI adapter. (See System requirements on
page 14.)
The PDC-3000 camera’s SCSI ID is preset to 4 at the factory.
You do not need to change this number unless another SCSI
device in the chain is already using it. To determine whether
4 is already being used, check the user guides of the other
devices or run a SCSI utility program.
WARNING: EACH SCSI DEVICE CONNECTED TO
YOUR COMPUTER MUST HAVE ITS OWN UNIQUE ID
NUMBER SO YOUR COMPUTER CAN DISTINGUISH IT
FROM OTHER ATTACHED SCSI DEVICES. USING TWO
OR MORE DEVICES WITH THE SAME ID NUMBER
CAN CAUSE THEM TO MALFUNCTION. YOU CAN
LOSE DATA AS A RESULT.
If the PDC-3000 is your only external SCSI device or no
other device in the chain is using ID 4, skip the rest of this
section and go on to Installing and charging the batteries on
page 27. If you must change the camera’s SCSI ID, use the
following steps:
Setting up 24
1 Make sure the camera power is off and the camera is
disconnected from the computer. If the camera is on, turn it
off by pressing the power button (a).
08b.CDR
Setting up 25
2 Open the connector cover and locate the SCSI ID selector.
03.CDR
3 Insert a small screwdriver into the slot and rotate the selector
until the arrow points to the desired SCSI ID.
Note: Do not use 7 or 0, which are customarily reserved for
the computer and for PowerMac/PowerPC hard drives. If
possible, you should also avoid SCSI ID 3, which is often
used for internal CD-ROM drives.
4 Close the connector cover.
Setting up 26
Installing and charging
the batteries
The four NiCad “AA” rechargeable batteries packaged with
the PDC-3000 camera are shipped uncharged. To use the
camera, you must install the batteries and charge them as
described below.
1 Press the latch on the side of the battery holder, unlatch the
holder and remove it from the camera.
04.CDR
Setting up 27
2 Unwrap and install the four “AA” NiCad batteries provided,
observing the battery orientation label in the battery holder.
(Install the two outside batteries first, then install the two
inside batteries.)
05.CDR
Setting up 28
WARNING: USE ONLY THE BATTERIES PROVIDED OR
THE “AA” NICAD RECHARGEABLE BATTERY TYPES
RECOMMENDED ON PAGE 210. OTHER TYPES, SUCH
AS ALKALINE OR LITHIUM “AA” BATTERIES, WILL
NOT OPERATE THE CAMERA, AND MAY CAUSE
INJURY OR DAMAGE THE CAMERA IF YOU ATTEMPT
TO CHARGE THEM AS DESCRIBED BELOW.
3 Engage the battery holder and close it, making sure it latches.
06.CDR
Setting up 29
4 Open the connector cover and connect the power
adapter/trickle charger to the camera and to AC power.
Important: Do not operate the camera until the batteries have
charged for about 6 hours. After this 6-hour period, you can
use the camera while the batteries continue to charge.
Note: The camera is not operable without the batteries, even
if the power adapter/trickle charger is connected.
07.CDR
Setting up 30
Charge the new batteries completely by leaving the charger
connected to the camera for about 12 hours. (After this initial
charging, the batteries will recharge completely in about 6
hours.)
WARNING: USE ONLY THE POWER ADAPTER/
TRICKLE CHARGER PROVIDED FOR CHARGING THE
BATTERIES WHILE THEY ARE IN THE CAMERA.
OTHER ADAPTERS AND CHARGERS SIMILAR IN
APPEARANCE ARE AVAILABLE, BUT THEY CAN
OVERHEAT THE BATTERIES AND CAUSE INJURY OR
CAMERA DAMAGE.
BE SURE TO REMOVE THE BATTERIES FROM THE
CAMERA WHEN USING THE OPTIONAL 3-AMP
POWER SUPPLY INSTEAD OF THE POWER ADAPTER/
TRICKLE CHARGER DESCRIBED ABOVE.
You can also charge the batteries outside the camera with
optional 110-volt 5-hour battery charger (see Optional
accessories on page 21) or another charger compatible with
your local AC voltage and designed for NiCad “AA”
batteries. Carefully follow the instructions provided with the
charger you are using.
Setting up 31
Connecting the camera to your PowerMac or PowerPC
The PDC-3000 camera is an internally terminated SCSI
device designed to connect to the SCSI port of your
PowerMac or PowerPC computer. How you connect the
PDC-3000 depends on whether you have other SCSI devices
connected to your computer.
Be sure to set the camera’s SCSI ID as described on page 24
before connecting the camera.
WARNING: IF YOU ARE CONNECTING THE PDC-3000
TO AN APPLE POWERBOOK COMPUTER, READ
"CONNECTING TO AN APPLE POWERBOOK" ON
PAGE 36 BEFORE CONTINUING.
Setting up 32
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT
THE PDC-3000 CAMERA OR ANY OTHER SCSI DEVICE
WHILE THE DEVICE OR YOUR COMPUTER IS
TURNED ON. DOING SO COULD DAMAGE THE
DEVICE, YOUR COMPUTER, OR BOTH. (TURN OFF
THE CAMERA BY PRESSING POWER BUTTON a.)
08b.CDR
Setting up 33
If the PDC-3000 is the
only SCSI device
If the PDC-3000 camera is the only external SCSI device
being used with your computer, turn off the computer and
the camera. Then connect the SCSI cable provided to the
computer’s SCSI port (a). The port is marked with a SCSI
symbol for easy identification. Connect the other end of the
system cable (b) to the camera’s SCSI connector.
10A.CDR
Use only the SCSI cable provided with the camera. Other
cables may appear similar, but could damage the camera or
your computer. If you are using an Apple PowerBook
computer, read the special instructions on page 36 before
continuing.
After connecting the SCSI cable, connect the camera to AC
power using the power adapter/trickle charger (c).
Setting up 34
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS CONNECT THE CAMERA TO
AC POWER WHEN IT IS CONNECTED TO THE
COMPUTER. IF THE CAMERA OR ANY OTHER SCSI
DEVICE TURNS OFF WHILE CONNECTED, IT COULD
CORRUPT DATA ON YOUR HARD DISK.
If your PowerMac or
PowerPC has other
SCSI devices
Because the PDC-3000 camera is internally terminated, you
must install it as the last device in your SCSI chain as follows:
1 Turn off the computer, all SCSI devices, and the camera.
2 Remove the terminator (a) from the last SCSI device in your
SCSI chain.
10B.CDR
Note: Keep the terminator. You must reconnect it if you use
the computer while the camera is not attached.
Setting up 35
3 Attach the DB25/50 pin Centronics adapter (b) to the end of
the SCSI cable (c).
Use only the SCSI cable provided with the camera. Other
cables may appear similar, but could damage the camera or
your computer. If you are using an Apple PowerBook
computer, read the special instructions on page 36 before
continuing.
4 Connect the DB25/50 pin Centronics adapter (b) to the
connector from which you removed the terminator.
5 Connect the other end of the SCSI cable (d) to the SCSI
connector on the PDC-3000 camera.
6 Connect the camera to AC power with the power
adapter/trickle charger (e).
IMPORTANT: ALWAYS CONNECT THE CAMERA TO
AC POWER WHEN IT IS CONNECTED TO THE
COMPUTER. IF THE CAMERA OR ANY OTHER SCSI
DEVICE TURNS OFF WHILE CONNECTED, IT COULD
CORRUPT DATA ON YOUR HARD DISK.
Connecting to an
Apple PowerBook
In addition to the cables and adapters described in the
previous sections, Apple PowerBook computers require a 1meter SCSI cable and an HDI-30/DB25 adapter (available
Setting up 36
from PowerMac/PowerPC dealers) to connect the PDC-3000
to the PowerBook SCSI port.
If you are using an Apple PowerBook, do not use the 2-meter
SCSI cable provided with the PDC-3000, and do not use a
SCSI dock adapter or a cable-type adapter. (These cables and
adapters may not work and could corrupt data on your
PowerBook hard disk.)
WARNING: WITH POWERBOOK COMPUTERS, USE A
SCSI CABLE NO LONGER THAN 1 METER TO
CONNECT THE CAMERA TO THE COMPUTER OR TO
THE LAST DEVICE IN THE SCSI CHAIN. LONGER
CABLES MAY CORRUPT DATA OR DAMAGE THE
COMPUTER'S HARD DRIVE.
Other than the exceptions above, follow the instructions for
connecting to PowerMac/PowerPC computers (starting on
page 32) when connecting the PDC-3000 camera to an Apple
PowerBook computer.
Setting up 37
Installing PDC software on your PowerMac/PowerPC
To view PDC-3000 pictures stored in the camera, optimize
and transfer pictures from the camera to your computer,
operate the camera through the computer, or change camera
setup options, you must use one of the following programs
on your PowerMac or PowerPC. Both are provided with the
PDC-3000 camera and are installed during the procedure
described below.
· PDC Plug-in software Using the Plug-in after it is installed
requires an image-processing application (not provided)
compatible with Adobe Photoshop plug-in modules.
· PDC Direct software If you do not have an image-
processing application compatible with Photoshop plug-in
modules, you can use PDC Direct to transfer pictures from
the PDC-3000 to your computer.
To install the PDC software on your PowerMac or PowerPC:
1 Insert the PDC for PowerMac/PowerPC disk or CD-ROM
into an internal or external drive.
2 If the disk contents are not already visible, open the disk.
Setting up 38
3 Be sure to read any Read Me file included on the disk. The
Read Me file contains important late-breaking product
information that may affect installation or use.
4 Double-click the Installer icon to open the Installer program.
5 Click the Install button and follow instructions on the screen.
6 If you are installing the Plug-in software, choose an
Acquire/Export folder. (This step may not be necessary if you
are using the Plug-in with Adobe Photoshop version 4.0.)
7 When an on-screen message indicates that installation has
been completed, click OK.
8 If you have not already connected the PDC-3000 to the
computer, turn off the computer and connect the camera as
described on page 32.
Setting up 39
9 Turn on the camera by pressing the power button (a).
10 Restart your computer.
08b.CDR
Setting up 40
11 Start PDC Direct and wait for the Take Pictures window to
appear, verifying that the camera and computer are
communicating.
TAKPIX.BMP
Note: If an error message appears instead of the Take
Pictures window, refer to Troubleshooting SCSI connection
problems on page 228 to correct the problem.
Setting up 41
Verifying camera internal settings from your
PowerMac/PowerPC
The PDC-3000 camera stores the following settings in its
internal memory:
· User name
· Default picture label
· Current date
· Current time
· Automatic shutoff timeout values
· Image compression mode
· Camera sound indicator status
Before using the PDC-3000 camera for the first time, verify
(and change, if necessary) these settings by following
instructions in Changing operating preferences on page 150.
After verifying the camera’s internal settings, proceed as
follows:
If you intend to take pictures with the camera disconnected
from the computer, close your image-processing application
or PDC Direct by choosing Quit from the File menu. Then
Setting up 42
turn off the computer and the camera, and disconnect the
camera as described on page 53. Refer to Using the PDC-
3000 camera on page 56 for picture-taking instructions.
If you will take pictures while using the computer to control
the camera, leave the camera connected to the computer.
Refer to Using the PDC-3000 with your
PowerMac/PowerPC on page 113.
Connecting the camera to your PC
The PDC-3000 camera is an internally terminated SCSI
device designed to connect to a SCSI adapter on your IBMcompatible computer. How you connect the PDC-3000
depends on whether you have other SCSI devices connected
to your computer.
Note: Be sure to set the camera’s SCSI ID as described on
page 24 before connecting the camera. Also, your IBMcompatible computer must have an ASPI-compliant SCSI
adapter for attaching the camera. See System requirements on
page 14 for more information.
Setting up 43
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT
THE PDC-3000 CAMERA OR ANY OTHER SCSI DEVICE
WHILE THE DEVICE OR YOUR COMPUTER IS
TURNED ON. DOING SO COULD DAMAGE THE
DEVICE, YOUR COMPUTER, OR BOTH. (TURN OFF
THE CAMERA BY PRESSING POWER BUTTON a.)
08b.CDR
Setting up 44
If the PDC-3000 is the
only SCSI device
If the PDC-3000 camera is the only external SCSI device
being used with your computer, turn off the computer and
the camera. Then connect the SCSI cable provided to the
computer’s SCSI port (a). Connect the other end of the
system cable (b) to the camera’s SCSI connector.
10C.CDR
Use only the SCSI cable provided with the camera. Other
cables may appear similar, but could damage the camera or
your computer.
After connecting the SCSI cable, connect the camera to AC
power using the power adapter/trickle charger (c).
Setting up 45
If your PC has other
SCSI devices
Follow the steps below if your computer has other external
SCSI devices in addition to the PDC-3000 camera. Because
the PDC-3000 camera is internally terminated, you must
install it as the last device in your SCSI chain as follows:
1 Turn off the computer, all SCSI devices, and the camera.
2 Remove the terminator (a) from the last device in your SCSI
chain.
10D.CDR
Note: Keep the terminator. You will need to reconnect it if
you wish to use the computer while the camera is
disconnected from it.
3 If necessary for your installation, attach the DB25/50 pin
Centronics adapter (b) to the end of the SCSI cable (c).
Setting up 46
Use only the cable provided with the camera. Other cables
may appear similar, but could damage the camera or your
computer.
4 Connect the DB25/50 pin Centronics adapter (b) to the
connector from which you removed the terminator.
5 Connect the other end of the SCSI cable (d) to the SCSI
connector on the PDC-3000 camera.
6 Connect the camera to AC power using the power
adapter/trickle charger (e).
IMPORTANT: Always connect the camera to AC power
when it is connected to the computer. If the camera or any
other SCSI device turns off while connected, it could corrupt
data on your hard disk.
Setting up 47
Installing the PDC software on your PC
To view PDC-3000 pictures stored in the camera, optimize
and transfer pictures from the camera to your computer,
operate the camera through the computer, or change camera
setup options, you must use one of the following programs
on your PC. Both are provided with the PDC-3000 camera
and are installed during the procedure given below.
· PDC TWAIN driver Using the TWAIN driver requires an
image-processing application (not provided) compatible with
the TWAIN specification.
· PDC Direct software If you do not have an image-
processing application compatible with TWAIN, you can use
PDC Direct to transfer pictures from the PDC-3000 to your
computer.
· To install the PDC software:
1 Turn on the computer and start Windows.
2 Insert the PDC for Windows diskette or CD-ROM into the
drive.
3 Click the Windows 95 Start button and choose Run.
Setting up 48
4 Type a:\setup (or b:\setup if the diskette is in drive B) and
click OK.
5 Follow instructions on the screen to complete the installation.
6 When an on-screen message indicates that installation has
been completed, click OK.
7 Remove the diskette or CD-ROM from the drive.
8 If you have not already connected the PDC-3000 to the
computer, turn off the computer and connect the camera as
described on page 43.
Setting up 49
9 Turn on the camera by pressing the power button (a).
08b.CDR
Setting up 50
10 Restart your computer.
11 Start PDC Direct and wait for the Take Pictures tab to
appear, verifying that the camera and computer are
communicating.
TAKPCDIR.BMP
Note: If an error message appears instead of the Take
Pictures window, refer to Troubleshooting SCSI connection
problems on page 228 to correct the problem.
Setting up 51
Verifying camera internal settings from your PC
The PDC-3000 camera stores the following settings in its
internal memory:
· User name
· Default picture label
· Camera sound indicator status
· Current date and time
· Image compression mode
· Automatic shutoff timeout values
Before using the PDC-3000 camera for the first time, verify
(and change, if necessary) these settings by following
instructions in Changing operating preferences on page 198.
After verifying the camera’s internal settings, proceed as
follows:
If you intend to take pictures with the camera disconnected
from the computer, close your image-processing application
by choosing Exit from the File menu. Then turn off the
computer and the camera, and disconnect the camera as
described below. Refer to Using the PDC-3000 camera on
page 56 for picture-taking instructions.
Setting up 52
If you wish to take pictures while using the computer to
control the camera, leave the camera connected to the
computer. Refer to Using the PDC-3000 with your PC on
page 159.
Disconnecting the camera from your computer
If you want to take pictures with the PDC-3000 camera away
from the computer, use the following steps to disconnect it.
Note: The procedure below disconnects the camera cable
from the computer. To use the camera controls for taking
pictures without disconnecting the camera from the
computer, see Releasing the camera from computer control
on page 157 (PowerMac/PowerPC) or page 205 (PC) instead.
1 Turn off the computer.
Setting up 53
2 Turn off the camera by pressing the Power button (a).
WARNING: DO NOT CONNECT OR DISCONNECT
THE PDC-3000 CAMERA OR ANY OTHER SCSI DEVICE
WHILE THE DEVICE OR YOUR COMPUTER IS
TURNED ON. DOING SO COULD DAMAGE THE
DEVICE, YOUR COMPUTER, OR BOTH.
3 Disconnect the camera cable from the computer or from the
SCSI device to which it is connected.
08b.CDR
Setting up 54
4 Disconnect the camera cable from the camera by pressing the
latching levers and pulling straight out.
11.CDR
5 If other SCSI devices are connected to your computer and
you wish to use the computer while the camera is
disconnected, install a terminator on the SCSI device
connector to which the camera was attached.
Setting up 55
3 Using the PDC-3000 camera
Using the Polaroid PDC-3000 camera is similar to using a
conventional 35mm point-and-shoot camera. But instead of
storing pictures on photographic film, the PDC-3000 camera
stores electronic images internally on the camera's
removeable CompactFlash card or on a computer connected
to the camera.
In its highest quality picture-taking mode, the PDC-3000
camera stores up to 30 pictures on a removeable, 15megabyte CompactFlash card. Using the camera’s 10:1 image
compression mode, you can store 150 pictures on a 15megabyte card. Additional CompactFlash cards are available
in various capacities, and can be purchased separately to
provide more storage.
The camera controls allow you to control the use of flash,
automatic focus, white balance and other features just as you
would operate any other camera. You can also attach a label
to each picture and erase pictures you don’t want to keep.
When connected by a cable (tethered mode) to a computer
running PDC software, the camera can be controlled with the
computer keyboard and mouse, and its viewfinder image
Using the PDC-3000 camera 56
appears on the computer screen. In this mode, it transfers
each picture as it is taken directly to the computer for
viewing, printing, editing or storing. In the tethered mode, the
camera can also send all its stored pictures to the computer at
once.
This chapter explains how to use the camera in the standalone mode. To use your computer for controlling the camera
during picture-taking and to transfer pictures from the
camera to your computer, see Using the PDC-3000 with your
PowerMac/PowerPC (page 113) or Using the PDC-3000
with your PC (page 159).
Using the PDC-3000 camera 57
Getting acquainted
a Flash: Provides controlled subject lighting for correctly
b Lens: Directs and focuses light into camera for capturing
12.CDR
exposed and color-balanced pictures.
pictures.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 58
c LCD panel: Displays picture numbers and labels, along with
symbols (icons) indicating camera conditions and errors. See
LCD panel on page 63.
d SCSI address selector: Sets the camera’s SCSI address
(required for communication with your computer).
e SCSI cable connector: Provides a connection to your
computer via the SCSI cable provided.
f Power adapter connector: Connection for the power
adapter/trickle charger.
g Viewfinder: Used for framing pictures. Also displays signals
informing the operator about camera conditions. See
Viewfinder indicators on page 67.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 59
qrst
ijk l m nop
313a.CDR
h Power button: Turns the camera power on and off.
i CompactFlash card slot: Accepts a CompactFlash card for
storing images.
j Erase button: Used in the Index mode to erase pictures from
the CompactFlash card. (See Erasing pictures on page 99.)
Also used in the Index or Capture mode to erase or edit
picture labels. (See Labeling pictures on page 92.)
Using the PDC-3000 camera 60
k Label button: Activates or deactivates the Label field in the
LCD panel for creating or editing picture labels. See Labeling
pictures on page 92.
l Scroll buttons: When the camera is in the Menu mode, scrolls
through the camera menus and menu choices. When the
camera is in the Index mode, scrolls through the numbers and
labels of the pictures stored on the camera CompactFlash
card. If the Label field is active, scrolls through the list of
alphanumeric characters for insertion in a label. (See
Labeling pictures on page 92.)
m Enter button: When the camera is in the Menu mode, selects
the currently displayed menu item. If the Label field is active,
enters the currently displayed character in the space above
the cursor and moves the cursor to the right. (See Labeling
pictures on page 92.)
n Shutter button: Pressing half-way down focuses the camera
and measures available light for automatically setting
exposure. Pressing fully takes a picture. Also used with other
buttons to delete pictures from the camera.
o Backlight Compensation button: Increases exposure for
correct subject lighting in backlighted scenes. See
Compensating for back lighting on page 90.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 61
p Battery compartment: Holds the four rechargeable NiCad
“AA” batteries powering the camera.
q Mode button: Changes the camera to Menu mode for
selecting Index, Compression, Sound or Distance mode.
Pressing a second time returns the camera to Capture mode
for taking pictures. (See Camera modes on page 70 for more
information.)
r White Balance button: Sets the camera for accurate color
rendition in daylight, incandescent light or fluorescent light.
See Setting the camera for current lighting conditions on page
81.
s Auto Focus button: Disables automatic focus and sets focus
distance at infinity. See Using Auto Focus on page 88.
t Flash button: Sets flash for automatic, on or off. See Using
flash on page 85.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 62
LCD panel
The LCD panel on the PDC-3000 camera displays text and
symbols indicating various camera settings and error
conditions.
compress?
14C.CDR
a Time and date. When the camera is in Capture mode,
displays the current time and date. To set, see Changing the
preferences on page 150 (PowerMac/PowerPC) or page 198
(PC). When the camera is in Index mode, displays the time
and date the currently displayed picture was taken.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 63
b White balance indicator. Displays current lighting conditions
setting: (blank) daylight, (
fluorescent light.
To change the white balance setting, see Setting camera for
current lighting conditions on page 81.
) incandescent light, ( )
c Flash setting indicator. Displays current flash setting: (
automatic flash, (
To change the setting, see Using flash on page 86.
d Auto Focus indicator. Displays current auto focus setting:
(
) Auto Focus on, ( ) Auto Focus off.
To change the setting, see Using Auto Focus on page 88.
e Picture counter. When the camera is in the Capture mode,
displays the number of pictures stored on the camera
CompactFlash card. In the Index mode, displays the number
of the picture being labeled or erased.
f Battery level indicator. Displays current battery level: fully
charged (
Discharged batteries should be recharged (see Caring for the
camera batteries on page 208) or replaced with charged
batteries.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 64
), low ( ), and other levels.
) flash on, (blank) flash off.
)
g Sound indicator. Displays status of camera sound: (blank)
sound on, (
To change the setting, see Turning sound indicators on and
off on page 106.
h Index mode indicator. Appears when the camera is in the
Index mode.
i Backlight compensation indicator. Displays backlight
compensation setting: (
To change the setting, see Compensating for back lighting on
page 90.
j Menu and label area. Displays camera menus and a 10-
character label for the current picture. (Also used for
displaying messages, as described in item l.)
) sound off.
) on, (blank) off.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 65
14B.CDR
k Error indicator. Displays “Error” when an error condition
exists (low light, low battery, flash not ready, CompactFlash
card full or internal hardware error). See page 223 for error
message troubleshooting information.
l Message area. Displays error messages , distance to subject as
measured by the camera's rangefinder, and confirmation
messages for erasing pictures and connecting the camera to
the computer. (Also used for displaying menus and labels, as
described in item j.)
Using the PDC-3000 camera 66
Viewfinder indicators
For convenience while taking pictures, the PDC-3000
provides a yellow LED and a red LED at the bottom of the
viewfinder. If an error condition occurs, these indicators light
to alert you.
Indicator Meaning
Yellow Flash has not completely
charged or picture being
stored
Blinking red when
Shutter button partially
depressed
When a blinking red LED appears in the viewfinder, the LCD
panel also displays an explanatory error message. (See LCD
panel on page 63.)
Using the PDC-3000 camera 67
Insufficient light, storage
CompactFlash card full, low
battery or internal hardware
error
Sound indicators
The PDC-3000 provides audible tones to help alert you to the
following operating or error conditions:
Sound Meaning
One high-pitched tone
when camera power
turned on
Two high-pitched tones
followed by a low-pitched
tone when Shutter button
pressed half way
Two high-pitched tones
followed by a low-pitched
tone when CompactFlash
card removed from
camera
Two high-pitched tones
when Shutter button
pressed half way
Using the PDC-3000 camera 68
Camera is ready to take
pictures
Low battery
CompactFlash card removed
while image data being
transferred
Insufficient light, flash not
ready, CompactFlash card
full or internal hardware
error
Sound Meaning
One or two low-pitched
tones when camera turned
on
Internal hardware error or
special condition
One or more low-pitched
tones followed by camera
powering off
When two high-pitched tones or a low-pitched tone indicate
an error condition, the LCD panel also displays an
explanatory message. (See LCD panel on page 63.)
If you wish, you can turn camera sound off for the error
condition signals. To use the computer to turn camera sound
off and on, see Changing the preferences on page 153
(PowerMac/PowerPC) or page 198 (PC). To turn sound off
and on with the camera's controls, see Turning the sound
indicators on and off on page 106.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 69
Battery power insufficient for
camera operation
Camera modes
The PDC-3000 has several operating modes:
Mode Purpose
Capture Used for picture-taking. You can also edit
the default picture label while you are in
the Capture mode. (See Labeling pictures
on page 92 for more information.)
Menu Provides access to the Index mode and the
Compression, Sound, CompactFlast card,
Distance, Storage and Display menus.
Index Allows you to use the Scroll buttons to
scroll through the numbers, times, dates
and labels of the pictures stored in the
camera. In this mode, you can also delete
pictures and edit individual labels.
Choose these modes by pressing the Mode button to toggle
between the Capture and Menu modes. In the menu mode,
you can select the Index, Compression, Sound, CompactFlash
card, Distance, Storage or Display menu by pressing one of
the Scroll buttons and pressing the Enter button when the
desired menu name appears on the LCD panel.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 70
Automatic shutoff
To help conserve battery power, the PDC-3000 has an
automatic shutoff feature that turns off the camera after a
preset period of inactivity (2 minutes, unless you change it as
described below). The camera also turns off the viewfinder
image, which can be displayed on the computer screen when
taking pictures with the camera connected to the computer, if
the camera remains inactive for a preset period.
The automatic shutoff timeout periods can be adjusted
through the camera's internal settings. See Changing the
preferences on page 153 (PowerMac/PowerPC) or page 198
(PC).
Note: Automatic shutoff is disabled while the camera is
connected to AC power and is under computer control
(displaying "connected" on the LCD panel).
Using the PDC-3000 camera 71
Taking pictures
Inserting a
CompactFlash card
Insert a CompactFlash card (a) into the camera by sliding it
into the CompactFlash card slot. Be sure to orient the card
with the insertion arrow (b) facing upward and pointing into
the slot.
ab
Slide the card into the slot until it stops, then press it firmly
to engage the connector on the forward edge.
CARDIN2.CDR
Using the PDC-3000 camera 72
Removing the
CompactFlash card
To remove the CompactFlash card, pull it out of the
CompactFlash card slot.
You can safely remove the CompactFlash card with camera
power on or off, but do not remove the card when any of
these messages is visible on the camera LCD panel:
• busy
• erasing
• connected
• opening cf
• formatting
If you do remove the card during one of these operations, the
message “retry cf” appears on the LCD panel. To resume and
complete the operation, reinsert the CompactFlash card and
press the Enter button. To abort the operation instead, turn
the camera off and back on.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 73
Turning on the camera
To turn on the PDC-3000 camera, press the Power button
(a).
08b.CDR
When you press the Power button, the camera performs a
brief self-test, accesses the CompactFlash card (if one is in the
camera), then displays a normal LCD panel. If the sound
indicators are enabled, the camera also emits a short, highpitched tone to indicate that it passed the self-test and is
ready to take pictures.
If the camera detects any problems or errors during its selftest, it displays an error message on the LCD and emits one
or two short, low-pitched tones. (For more information about
error messages, see Troubleshooting error messages on page
223.)
Using the PDC-3000 camera 74
Setting to stand-alone
mode
If your PDC-3000 camera is connected to a computer, you
must release it from computer control to operate in the standalone mode.
Use either of these two methods to release it:
· Use the computer to release the camera. (See Releasing the
camera from computer control, page 157 for
PowerMac/PowerPC or page 201 for PC.)
· Disconnect the camera from the computer. (See
Disconnecting the camera from your computer on page 53.)
WARNING: DO NOT DISCONNECT OR CONNECT
ANY DEVICE WHILE THE DEVICE OR YOUR
COMPUTER IS TURNED ON. DOING SO COULD
DAMAGE THE DEVICE, YOUR COMPUTER, OR BOTH.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 75
Selecting a picture
compression level
Available compression levels
The PDC-3000 offers three picture compression levels and a
no-compression setting. Each level uses a different method to
process the image data, providing several choices of image
quality and storage requirements:
Resulting
Compression
level
Comp off Best 15 30
No loss 2:1 Best 30 60
Lossy 5:1 Good 75 150
Lossy 10:1 Fair 150 300
Storage space requirements for all compression levels except
"Comp off" (no compression) vary according to picture
scene. For this reason, storage space requirements and images
per CompactFlash card presented above are typical.
For the highest quality images and efficient use of storage
capacity, the No loss 2:1 setting is recommended. This
compression mode reduces the storage requirements for each
image while reproducing the original digital values with 100percent accuracy. The Lossy 5:1 and Lossy 10:1 compression
modes dramatically reduce storage requirements, but they
Using the PDC-3000 camera 76
image
quality
Typical image
capacity, 15MB
card
Typical image
capacity, 30MB
card
lose some picture information and slightly degrade picture
quality.
Note: Comp off and No loss 2:1 result in the same image
quality (best). In the Comp off mode, however, the camera
requires slightly less time for completing the picture-taking
sequence to be ready for the next picture.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 77
Changing the compression level
Use the steps below to change the compression level.
Note: You can also use your computer to set the compression
level. See Changing the preferences on page 150
(PowerMac/PowerPC) or page 198 (PC).
1 Press the Mode button to display "compress?" on the LCD
panel (a).
compress?
ba
Using the PDC-3000 camera 78
317b.CDR
2 Press the Enter button to display the current compression
level (“comp off,” “noloss 2:1,” “lossy 5:1,” or “lossy
10:1”).
3 Press a scroll button (b) until the desired compression level
appears.
4 Press the Mode button to return to the Capture mode.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 79
Selecting Capture
mode
Before taking pictures, make sure the camera is in the
Capture mode. In the Capture mode, the current time and
date appears on the LCD panel, and the word “index” is not
visible.
If the camera is in another mode instead, set the mode to
Capture by pressing the Mode button.
227a.CDR
Using the PDC-3000 camera 80
Setting the camera for
current lighting
conditions
To achieve accurate colors, you must choose the white
balance setting that matches lighting conditions in the scene.
Using an incorrect setting can give your pictures an unnatural
yellow, blue or green tint.
Use the daylight setting for taking pictures outdoors. When
taking pictures indoors under incandescent or fluorescent
lighting, change the camera to the appropriate setting by
pressing the White Balance button (WB).
When either incandescent (
) or fluorescent ( ) lighting is
selected, the appropriate symbol appears on the LCD panel
(a). When daylight is selected, no symbol is visible.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 81
218.CDR
Holding the camera
Framing and taking the
picture
The PDC-3000 camera is designed so you can easily hold it
steady during picture-taking. When you hold the camera as
shown, you can comfortably reach the shutter button while
viewing the scene through the viewfinder. Make sure your
hands do not block the flash or sonar rangefinder on the
front of the camera.
If you hold the camera vertically (for portraits, for example),
be sure the flash is at the top as shown.
19A.CDR 19B.CDR
After setting the mode and lighting setting, hold the camera
correctly and view the scene to be captured through the
viewfinder. If necessary, move closer or farther away from
the subject while looking through the viewfinder to get the
framing you want. (If you wear eyeglasses, fold back the
rubber eyecup on the viewfinder for easier viewing.)
With the normal 38mm-equivalent lens, the PDC-3000
camera can focus on subjects as close as 10 inches (26cm)
from the lens. When framing subjects less than 2 feet (61cm)
from the lens, leave some extra space between your subject
Using the PDC-3000 camera 82
and the left and right edges of the viewfinder. At close
distances, some of the area near the edges of the viewfinder
may not be captured in the picture.
Note: When the normal 38mm-equivalent lens is installed on
the camera, use the full viewfinder (a) for framing your
picture. The frame visible in the viewfinder (b) is for framing
with the optional 60mm-equivalent lens.
a
b
vffrm01.cdr
When the subject is framed, press the shutter button slightly
while watching for a yellow or red warning indicator at the
bottom of the viewfinder.
If no warning indicator is visible, take the picture by pressing
the shutter button completely. (If a red or yellow warning
indicator is visible in the viewfinder, release the button and
refer to If you see a viewfinder warning below before taking
the picture.)
Before or after taking the picture, you can label it as
described on page 92 for easy identification.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 83
If you see a viewfinder
warning
If a yellow or red warning indicator is visible in the
viewfinder when you are about to take a picture, release the
shutter button and take the steps indicated below before
continuing:
Indicator Meaning and corrective action
Yellow Flash has not completely charged
or previous picture still being
stored; wait until the LED goes
out before taking the picture
Using the PDC-3000 camera 84
Indicator Meaning and corrective action
Blinking red Insufficient light; use flash
(below)
or
Camera CompactFlash card is
full; insert another card or erase
one or more pictures (page 92)
after transferring the stored
pictures to the computer (page
127 for PowerMac/PowerPC,
page 173 for PC).
or
Low battery power; recharge
batteries (page 208)
or
Hardware error; see Trouble-
shooting error messages (page
223)
Note: When you see the blinking red LED in the viewfinder,
look at the LCD panel for more information about the
problem.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 85
Using flash
The PDC-3000 camera provides three flash modes for
optimum picture quality under a great variety of lighting
conditions:
Camera automatically
Automatic (
)
determines whether or not to
use flash
On (
)
Off (blank) Flash never fires
Automatic (
produce correctly lighted pictures under most conditions. The
flash is effective up to 15 feet (4.6m) from the subject.
Use the flash On (
automatic flash system to mistakenly determine that flash is
not needed. Outdoors, for example, overall scene lighting
may be adequate but the main subject may be in shadow. In
this case, the automatic flash would not fire and the subject
would be too dark. In this case, using the flash On setting
would expose the subject correctly.
Use the flash Off (no symbol) setting when sufficient light is
available and you do not wish to fire the flash.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 86
Flash fires with every picture
) is the recommended setting, and should
) setting when conditions might cause the
To change the flash setting, press the Flash button ( ) until
, or no symbol, as appropriate, appears in the LCD
panel (a).
220.CDR
Using the PDC-3000 camera 87
Using Auto Focus
The PDC-3000 camera features automatic focus that
produces sharp pictures under most conditions. To disable
automatic focus and set focus to infinity (for taking pictures
through a window, for example), press the Auto Focus
button (
) to display the Auto Focus Off symbol ( ) on the
LCD panel (a).
221.CDR
You can reset to Auto Focus On ( ) by pressing the Auto
Focus button again. The camera automatically resets to Auto
Focus On when the camera is turned on.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 88
Using Focus Lock
The Focus Lock feature lets you achieve sharp focus when the
main subject is not centered in the picture.
To use Focus Lock, center the subject in the viewfinder and
press the Shutter button half-way down to lock the focus
distance. While continuing to hold the Shutter button,
reframe the picture as desired. Then press the Shutter button
all the way to take the picture.
If necessary, turn on the distance display (see page 108) to
verify the camera-to subject distance measured by the
camera.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 89
Compensating for back
lighting
The PDC-3000 camera’s exposure system automatically
adjusts to most lighting conditions. But when the background
is much brighter than your subject or “back-lighted,” the
subject may turn out too dark (a). Using the Backlight
Compensation feature increases the brightness of the entire
picture to produce a correctly exposed subject (b).
22.CDR
Using the PDC-3000 camera 90
Turn on Backlight Compensation by pressing the Backlight
Compensation button (
).
223.CDR
A symbol ( ) in the LCD panel (a) indicates that Backlight
Compensation is on. The camera automatically turns
Backlight Compensation off after you take a picture or when
the camera is turned on.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 91
Labeling pictures
To help identify your pictures, you can use the camera
controls to assign a 10-character label to each one. This label
(a) appears on the camera LCD panel whenever the picture
number is displayed in the Index mode, and it remains with
the picture when it is transferred to the computer.
224.CDR
With the procedures in this section, you can edit the default
picture label applied to all pictures taken after the default
label is entered. (Your PDC-3000 camera was shipped with
"POLAROID" as the default picture label.) You can also edit
this default label to create unique labels for individual
pictures any time after the pictures are taken.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 92
Note: You can also use your computer to edit the default
picture label or change individual picture labels for pictures
being transferred to the computer. For more information, see
Chapter 4 (PowerMac/PowerPC) or Chapter 5 (PC).
Editing the default
picture label
Use the following steps to edit the default picture label stored
in the camera. This label will appear on all pictures taken
after the label is edited.
1 Make sure the camera is in the Capture mode (the current
time and date are visible on the LCD panel, and the word
“index” is not visible). If the camera is in another mode, set
the mode to Capture by pressing the Mode button.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 93
The current default picture label (a) is visible if you have
chosen Label as the Capture mode display. (See Choosing the
Capture mode display on page 109 for more information.)
227.CDR
Using the PDC-3000 camera 94
2 Press the Label button to display a blinking cursor (b) under
the first empty character space in the LCD panel label field.
If no default label exists, the cursor appears in the first
character space of the label field.
3 Press the Erase button once to erase the last character of the
label, twice to erase the last two characters, etc. To erase the
entire label, hold the Erase button for 3 seconds or longer.
If no picture label exists, it is not necessary to press the Erase
button.
228.CDR
Using the PDC-3000 camera 95
4 To insert a new character at the cursor location, press the
Scroll button until the desired character appears in the space.
Press the Enter button to store the character and move the
cursor to the next space.
Note: Only upper case (capital) letters, numerals, hyphen (-)
and space are available for labels.
To leave a blank space, press the Enter button without
entering a character.
5 Repeat step 4 until you have completed the label (up to 10
characters and spaces).
6 Exit from the Label mode by pressing the Label button.
To individualize the default label for a single picture, use the
procedure in the following section.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 96
Editing a single picture
label
Use the following steps to edit an individual picture label:
1 Place the camera in the Index mode (a) by pressing the Mode
button to display “compress?”, pressing the scroll button (b)
to display “index?”, and then pressing the Enter button.
acbd
2 If the number (c) of the picture receiving the new label is not
displayed in the LCD panel, press the Scroll button (b) until
the desired picture number and label (d) appear.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 97
3027A.CDR
3 Press the Label button to display a blinking cursor (c) under
the first empty space in the LCD panel label field.
c
4 Press the Erase button once to erase the last character of the
label, twice to erase the last two characters, etc. To erase the
entire label, hold the Erase button for 3 seconds or longer.
If no picture label exists, it is not necessary to press the Erase
button.
5 To insert a new character at the cursor location, press the
Scroll button until the desired character appears in the label
space. Press the Enter button to store the character and move
the cursor to the next space.
Using the PDC-3000 camera 98
228A.CDR
Erasing pictures
To leave a blank space, press the Enter button without
entering a character.
6 Repeat step 5 until you have completed the new label (up to
10 characters and spaces).
7 Exit from the Label mode by pressing the Label button.
When you reach the CompactFlash card storage limit or you
want to retake pictures for any reason, you can easily erase
one or more pictures from the card. (If you have an
additional CompactFlash card, you can use it to replace the
full card instead of erasing pictures.)
If you are using the camera in the stand-alone mode, use the
following procedure to erase pictures. (If the camera is
connected to the computer, use the computer to erase pictures
from the camera. For that procedure, see Deleting pictures
from the camera on page 141 for PowerMac/PowerPC or
page 188 for PC.)
Using the PDC-3000 camera 99
Erasing a single
picture
1 Place the camera in the Index mode (a) by pressing the Mode
button to display “compress?”, pressing the scroll button (b)
to display “index?”, and then pressing the Enter button.
ab
329.CDR
Using the PDC-3000 camera 100
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