Polaroid PDC 3000 User Manual

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.
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?
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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.)
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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
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Using the PDC-3000 camera 100
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