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The name Polaroid literally stands for instant photography. Long before digital photography became popular and accessible, Polaroid came out with an instant way to see pictures minus waiting for film to be developed.
It makes sense that Polaroid would also be in the business of digital photography. It also makes just as much sense that they would introduce a set of cameras that are "price point" sensitive to consumer needs. While the name Polaroid is displayed on the PhotoMax PDC 3350, this model is created under license by World Wide Licenses Ltd. with the approval and permission of Polaroid. Still, one can see the strong connection between Polaroid analog instant photography and their newly branded digital entries.
The PDC 3350 has an appearance that immediately suggests the small 35 millimeter cameras of old. On closer inspection, the unassuming appearance does fit in with the current color choices of HP. Next to the latest hardware and software, the silver and gray unit looks right at home. Granted the PDC may not earn the style points of other digital cameras, it has a great deal going for it when you look beyond the surface.
Just large enough to fit in a pocket, the unit just slides under the wire of being exceedingly portable. Just a bit bigger and the unit would be too big. Falling within the "small but not awkward" class, there are no jutting edges or odd angles. All of the corners are rounded, and a rubber surface graces a section of the front facing area allowing for a better grip. If you are one who forgets the lens hood, the PDC has an automatic cover that conceals the camera lens when not in use. This is a feature you should never assume to be present with digital cameras. For the point and clicker, having this simple feature can be a real deal breaker if you are one prone to forgetting to cover your lens when not in use.
Other commonly found features on similarly configured cameras in this class include a built-in flash, a second manual viewfinder, video capability and a decent sized view screen to preview pictures and control your on screen menus. Coming in at under a minute, the PDC can record up to a full minute of video set to 320 by 240 pixels in the AVI format using lead MPEG compression. The duration of video time can be expanded if you elect to use an SD card. While the camera can take an MMC or SD memory card, World Wide Licenses Ltd. suggests that you use the SD format. I do concur with them on this point.
While on the subjects of features, this one comes with the following equipment. This includes a USB cable to connect your PC to your digital camera, a media cable to connect the camera to your television so that you can view your efforts on a larger screen and a DC in port for connection to an optional power adapter. Unfortunately, the adapter is not included with the price of the unit. However the cables to connect to your PC and television are. Also enclosed is the 62 page user guide, two AA batteries, a hand strap, carrying case, and a CD-ROM with ArcSoft’s digital imaging software. For Windows XP users, the enclosed software is not necessary.
For XP users all one needs to do is plug the unit into the CPU, turn on the camera and the operating system instantly recognizes the camera. On a positive point, the camera ships with 16 MB of installed memory so that you can use it without having to purchase a memory card. Naturally, the larger card means more storage.
Because of the camera’s video abilities, the unit can be used as video camera for your PC for net conferencing. While you can do this, I strongly suggest you purchase a power adapter. Digital cameras are notorious for consuming batteries. So keep that in mind regarding extended use of the camera. Nearly all digital cameras do not ship with power adapters.
The image resolution with the 3.3 megapixel CCD sensor is 2048 by 1536. What this means is that your pictures are editable and will print well. The smallest resolution the unit is capable of is 640 by 480. For Web pictures and small scale work, the smallest resolution is acceptable. If you wish to print your images, edit them or use them in any constructive creative way, you will want to set the unit to the highest resolution possible. The quality of the pictures are simply better. Even if you plan to use your images on the Web, start small and scale down using your imaging software.
Along with features and resolutions, an important area to consider is the layout of the menu system. I have seen cameras with menus so complex and so convoluted it is difficult trying to locate the appropriate features. If you cannot access the features you want using the on screen menus efficiently, the time spent searching means wasted battery life, and more than a bit of frustration. In the search for a camera the menus are often an overlooked area. I have seen well made cameras that have great features only to see the menu system so badly organized that adjusting settings requires a degree from MIT and the patience of Job.
The menu system used by PDC 3350 is about as easy as it possibly can be. It just requires reading the enclosed guidebook to understand the sometimes cryptic signs and symbols that denote features. Overall the menu system makes sense and is easy to use. The only physical adjustment device that is difficult to adjust are the settings located on the top of the camera. The color choices for some of the settings require careful examination to prevent you from hitting the wrong mode. Other than this small issue, the menu of the unit is good and should not have you scrambling around to find where things go.
The LCD screen, which measure about one inch and half diagonally is responsive, crisp and rather detailed to be as small as it is. So there should be no real problems there, which is a good point.
Considering megapixels, resolutions and features, the most important aspect is image quality. If a camera cannot give you detailed pictures or accurate colore, then pixel counts do not mean that much. As a good rule of thumb, the higher the pixel count, the more detailed the picture. On the other hand, this is just one part of the picture puzzle.
From my experiences working with the PDC 3350 it does capture image detail with great clarity particularly when dealing with close ups. I was suprised how well detailed pictures were captured with the unit, as well as detail. The one caveat is that you do have to do some tweaking with lights and settings to get the most out of the camera. If you have access to a tripod, that can make a world of difference. With regards to image quality, the Polaroid PDC 3350 with its automatic settings makes easy work out of capturing quaity images. Contrary to what I have read, this is definetly not a sub par unit.
The only Achilles’s heel with the unit are the start times between pictures. It does take some getting used to when you realize that the camera needs a considerable amount of time between shots. Coming to digital photography directly from film, I have always found the wait times between shots a concern. Once you move past that issue, the PDC is not a bad unit.
When you take into consideration price points, features, size and resolution, the Polaroid PDC 3350 is an excellent value for the point and shooter who wants quality images with a minimum of fuss. Featurewise the inclusion of video abilities, manual overides and overall ease of menu access make this nearly the perfect entry level camera. While the time between pictures lags a bit, there is actually very little to detract the new buyer from this system. Contrary to what has been said about the unit, I was frankly surprised at how well this camera performed.
For those that already have camcorders with still picture abilities, having a unit like this one makes a lot of sense. There are currently, to the best of my knowledge, no camcorders with still ability that can compete with even the most base dedicated digital camera when it comes to quality and detail in an image.
If you are just entering digital camera taking, the Polaroid PDC 3350 is a great way to start out before investing in more costly feature rich units. When you factor value, features and image quality, this is a solid unit. I do recommend for the best quality to be aware of adjusting settings for appropriate lighting situations, as well as taking advantage of image editing software to bring digital images to full life.
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