Casio QV-3000EX - Digital camera - 3.3 Mpix - optical zoom: 3 x - supported memory: CF - black, metallic silver

Product Description:
Casio makes a big deal of the resolution on its QV-3000EX digital camera - the model is part of the first wave of 3-megapixel cameras, which theoretically allow you to produce photo-quality prints at sizes up to 10 x 13 inches. However, with several other 3-megapixel cameras on the market and more inevitably on the way, it's not the sexy numbers but the more prosaic specs that end up distinguishing one model from another. For the QV-3000EX, key selling points include 3x optical zoom, USB connectivity, and support for the IBM Microdrive. Zoom lenses are inherently complicated and expensive to produce, so at any given resolution range, optical zoom capability marks a higher-end model. Among optical-zoom cameras, 3x power is pretty much the industry standard. If you've ever used a slow-as-molasses serial connection to upload images from a digital camera, you'll understand why the much faster USB interface on this model is a definite advantage.