PDC 2300Z Digital Camera Creative Kit User's Guide Rev.
PDC 2300Z User Manual Addendum PDC 2300Z cameras whose serial number ends with the letter “D” contain additional features not documented in the User Manual packed with the camera. This addendum highlights the added features. Suppport for DPOF-based Photo Printing 1 2 Turn the camera on. Set the camera controldial to PLAY mode and display the desired photo on the color LCD, as described in the camera manual. 3 Press the MENU button to display the PLAY menu.
PDC 2300Z User Manual Addendum (page 2) Save Settings Feature A Save Settings menu line item allows the user to save the EV and White Balance settings. The original model camera would not save these settings changes when the camera power was turned off. Saving White Balance or EV settings 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Turn on the power. Move the mode dial to the Record position. Push the Menu button on the back of the camera. Scroll to the White Balance or EV selection and push the OK button.
Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 The Polaroid PDC 2300Z Digital Camera Creative Kit . . . . 2 Camera Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Power Supply . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Memory Card . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Attaching the Wrist Strap . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 2300Z Digital Camera Creative Kit. This kit contains everything you need to enter the world of digital imaging. After taking photos, you will find it easy to transfer them to your computer, edit and correct your images—even display them on a TV! Once the photos are on your computer, use the Polaroid PhotoMAX Pro Software to change them in many creative ways, include them in e-mails, print them, or find other great ways to use them.
The Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 2300Z Digital Camera Creative Kit Your Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 2300Z Digital Camera Creative Kit contains everything you need to take digital photos and transfer them to your computer.
Camera Features Top view b g a h c d e f a b c d e f g h Mode knob (page 17) Status LCD (page 11) Resolution/Quality selection button (page 11 and page 12) Macro mode enable button (page 11 and page 14) Self-timer enable button (page 11 and page 14) Flash mode button (page 11 and page 13) Shutter button (page 20) Zoom control/menu select (page 16 and page 17) 3
Rear view b d a e f g c a b c d e f g 4 Power on-off switch (page 10) Power/status indicator LED (page 5) LCD (page 15) Optical viewfinder (page 20) LCD on/off button (page 15) Menu display button (page 15) OK/menu selection/2x digital zoom button (see page 15, page 16, and page 17) Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 2300Z User’s Guide
Power Supply You can operate the Polaroid PDC 2300Z Digital Camera on battery power or with the AC adapter. To conserve battery life, the camera shuts itself off after 1, 2, or 3 minutes of inactivity; if there is no activity for 2 minutes after that, the camera lens retracts. To activate the camera again, use the power switch. For more information, see “Turning on the camera power” on page 10.
Loading batteries 1 Open the battery compartment cover on the bottom of the camera by pressing down on the battery compartment cover and lifting it as shown. 2 Insert four AA-size batteries. Make sure the + and – terminals are oriented correctly as shown inside the battery compartment. Do not mix old and new batteries, or batteries of different types. 3 6 Close the battery compartment cover securely.
Connecting the AC adapter Here are some important notes for using the AC adapter with your camera: • Only use the AC adapter that came with your camera. Using a different AC adapter may damage your camera. • Turn the camera power off before connecting or disconnecting the AC adapter. • Grasp the plug, not the cord, when you unplug the adapter from an outlet. Avoid bending, pulling, or twisting the AC adapter cord. Do not try to lengthen the cord by splicing it with another wire.
Memory Card The photos you take with your PDC 2300Z Digital Camera are stored on a removable 8 MB Type I CompactFlash memory card (included in the kit and pre-installed). The PDC 2300Z Digital Camera supports all Type I CompactFlash memory cards, and is not limited by MB size. Caution: Do not insert or remove the memory card while the power is on. Doing so may damage the memory card. Note: You must insert the memory card before turning on the camera.
3 Insert the memory card into the slot. Push the card carefully, but firmly, into the slot. The card fits completely into the slot in only one way. When it is inserted correctly, the eject button above the card pops out. Note: If the card does not seem to fit correctly, do not force it. Turn over and retry. 4 Close the memory compartment cover. Removing the memory card 1 Make sure the camera power is off (lens is retracted and closed). 2 Open the memory compartment on the side of the camera.
Attaching the Wrist Strap To attach the wrist strap to the body of the camera, insert one end of the wrist strap into the top hole (a) on the memory card compartment side of the camera. Push the loop out through the bottom hole (b). Pull the wide end of the wrist strap through this loop to secure the strap. a b Using the Camera You must insert the memory card before you turn on the camera. For information about the memory card, see page 8.
Using the Status LCD After the camera turns on, icons appear on the Status LCD. Icons may display differently or not at all, depending on which mode the camera is in. c a b d e g f a b c d e f g Photo resolution (RECORD and PLAY)—see page 12. Photo quality (RECORD and PLAY)—see page 12. Battery status (all modes)—see page 5. Photos remaining or photo number (depends on mode: RECORD or PLAY)—see page 12. Flash status (RECORD)—see page 13. Self-timer indicator (RECORD)—see page 14.
Pixel resolution and photo quality Pressing the Resolution/Quality button (top of camera) cycles through the settings for pixel resolution and quality. • The resolution setting—indicated by 1792 x 1200 or 896 x 600—refers to the number of pixels in a digital photo. The higher the pixel resolution, the more pixels that are contained in your photo. A higher pixel resolution takes up more space on the memory card, but produces a higher quality digital image when printed.
Flash Pressing the Flash mode button on the Status LCD lets you cycle through the different types of camera flash. The default is Auto Flash. The flash range is 1.6 to 10 ft (0.5 – 3 m). Icon Flash setting Auto Flash: • The flash fires automatically when needed. • The autoexposure sensor in the camera determines when the flash is necessary. Fill Flash: • The flash fires for every photo.
Macro lens Pressing the Macro enable button on the top of the camera turns the Macro (close-up) lens on or off. Use the Macro lens for subjects 1.5 to 18 in. (3.8 to 46 cm) from the camera. For more information, see “Taking Photos” on page 20. Note: When using the Macro lens, make sure the zoom lens is set all the way to Wide Angle; otherwise, the camera may not focus properly. Icon Macro Setting Subjects 1.5 to 18 in. (3.8 to 46 cm) from the camera.
Using the LCD You can use the LCD on the back of the camera as a viewfinder for taking photos, to review the photos you have taken, and to view and change camera menus. • Press the LCD button to toggle the LCD on and off in RECORD mode, or to cycle through three different ways of viewing photos in PLAY mode (photo with or without data displayed, and thumbnails). For more information, see “Taking Photos” on page 20 or “Reviewing Your Photos” on page 25.
Using the Zoom control Use the Zoom control on the top of the camera to zoom the lens between Wide Angle and Telephoto, scroll through and change camera menus, and cycle through photos or photo thumbnails. Using the zoom features There are two ways to zoom in or out when taking a photo: • Optical zoom: Use the Zoom control to zoom in or out when taking a photo using either the optical viewfinder or the LCD.
Using the camera modes and menus Your Polaroid PDC 2300Z Digital Camera has five separate modes, each of which has different features and menus. Rotate the Mode knob to perform different functions with the camera: • RECORD mode. Take photos and adjust settings. • PLAY mode. Review photos and adjust settings. • ERASE mode. Erase single photos or all photos at once. • SETUP mode. View and adjust your camera’s options. • PC mode. Transfer photos from the camera to your computer.
Using RECORD menu options 1 Turn the camera on. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the RECORD setting. 3 Press the Menu button. Use the RECORD menu options to: • Change the LCD brightness (page 23) • Set the white balance for photos, if needed (page 24) • Set exposure value for brightness compensation (page 25) • Set Quick View mode (page 26) Note: Press the Menu button again to escape the menu. For more information on using the RECORD menu options, see “Taking Photos” on page 20.
Using ERASE menu options 1 With the camera on, rotate the Mode knob to the ERASE setting. 2 Press the Menu button. Use the ERASE menu options to: • Delete the current unprotected photo from the camera (page 33) • Delete all of the unprotected photos from the camera (page 34) Note: Press the Menu button again to escape the menu. For more information on using the ERASE menu options, see “Deleting Photos” on page 33.
Taking Photos The Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 2300Z Digital Camera Creative Kit contains everything you need to take photos and transfer them to your computer. You can take photos using the optical viewfinder or using the viewfinder LCD.
8 9 Press the shutter button halfway down. • If the LED next to the optical viewfinder lights solid green, the shot is in focus. • If the LED next to the optical viewfinder is blinking red and the camera beeps twice (if beeps are enabled), the shot is either not in focus or the lighting conditions are inadequate. The camera may be too close to the subject. Press the Macro enable button (top of camera) to set the lens to Macro, then take your photo. Press the shutter button down fully.
Setting the self-timer Use this feature to take a photo ten seconds after you press the shutter button. Note: For best results, mount the camera on a tripod when using the self-timer. 1 Turn on the camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the RECORD setting. 3 Press the Self-timer enable button (top of camera). The self-timer is now turned on and the self-timer icon appears on the Status LCD. Note: To cancel the self-timer, press the Self-timer button again.
Changing the LCD brightness Use this feature to change the brightness of the LCD when reviewing or taking photos. 1 Turn on your camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the RECORD or PLAY setting. 3 Press the Menu button. Depending on the camera mode, the RECORD or PLAY menu appears in the LCD. 4 Rotate the Zoom control to highlight the LCD Brightness menu option. 5 Press the OK button. The current setting displays highlighted in the LCD.
Adjusting the white balance If you are shooting indoors without a flash—or sometimes in certain daylight conditions—your resulting photos may be tinted with strange colors (such as green or blue). If this happens, use the white balance setting to compensate for the problem. Note: It is generally a good idea to keep your camera’s white balance setting at Auto (the default) for most lighting conditions.
Adjusting the exposure compensation If your photos are coming out too dark or too light, you can use the EV compensation setting to adjust the amount of light the lens allows into the camera. You may also want to lighten or darken your photos to achieve special lighting effects. 1 Turn the camera on. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the RECORD setting. 3 Press the Menu button. The RECORD menu displays in the LCD. 4 Rotate the Zoom control to highlight the EV Compensate setting. 5 Press the OK button.
Reviewing photos as you take them The Quick View feature allows you to see and delete photos immediately after you take them. Note: This feature works even when the LCD is off. 1 Turn on the camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the RECORD setting. 3 Press the Menu button. The RECORD menu options appear. 4 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the Quick View menu option. 5 Press the OK button. The QUICK VIEW menu appears, with the current setting highlighted.
Reviewing photos after you take them 1 Turn on the camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the PLAY setting. The LCD displays the last photo taken. To. . . Do the following. . . View one photo at a time without photo data displayed Rotate the Zoom control to the right or left to cycle through your photos one at a time. View one photo at a time with photo data displayed 1 Press the LCD button once to see the data displayed over the photo.
Reviewing your photos as a slideshow You can review your photos as a slideshow, setting them to cycle automatically at a delay of 1 to 10 seconds. Note: It is most likely you will want to review your photos as a slideshow with the camera displaying photos on your TV. For more information, see page 29. 1 Turn the camera on. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the PLAY setting. 3 Press the Menu button. The PLAY menu options appear. 4 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the Slideshow menu option.
Reviewing photos on your TV 1 Turn on the camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the PLAY setting. 3 Press the Menu button. The PLAY menu options appear. 4 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the Video Mode menu option. 5 Press the OK button. The VIDEO MODE menu appears, with the current setting highlighted. 6 7 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the correct video mode: • Select NTSC to use the video format for North America, Japan, South America, and other countries.
10 Connect the camera to your TV. a b Insert one end of the AC power adapter (a) into the power port on the side of the camera and plug the other end of the cable into a grounded electrical outlet. Insert one end of the video cable (b) into the Video port on the camera and insert the other end into the video input port on your TV. a b Turn the TV on and set it to the channel used for video input. Set your TV to video mode, if necessary.
Selecting the folder Use this feature to select the folder in which you want to review your photos on your camera’s memory card. About folders Once you insert a new memory card into the camera, it automatically creates a storage folder called 100_POLA, which displays as 100 in the LCD. This folder stores your photos using sequential image numbers starting at 1. For example, PDC_0001.jpg, PDC_0002.jpg, etc.
Protecting Your Photos Use this feature to protect, or “lock,” your photos to prevent them from being deleted. Once photos are protected, they cannot be deleted until you unprotect them or format the memory card. Protecting photos You can protect either the photo currently displayed in the LCD, or all of your photos at once. 1 Turn on your camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the PLAY setting.
Deleting Photos With this feature you can delete individual photos or all photos at once. Warning: Once you delete a photo, it cannot be retrieved—it is gone forever! Note: You cannot use ERASE mode to delete protected photos. To delete protected photos, you must unprotect them or format the memory card. For more information, see “Protecting Your Photos” on page 32 or “Formatting the memory card” on page 37. Deleting a photo 1 Turn on your camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the ERASE setting.
Deleting all photos 1 Turn on your camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the ERASE setting. 3 Press the Menu button. The ERASE menu appears. 4 Rotate the Zoom control to highlight Erase All. 5 Press the OK button. The ERASE ALL menu appears. 6 To delete all photos, rotate the Zoom control to highlight YES then press the OK button. The camera deletes all photos. The LCD returns to ERASE mode and displays the message No images.
Setting the date and time Note: You can reset the date and time on your camera as necessary. 1 Turn on the camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the SETUP setting. The SETUP menu appears in the LCD. 3 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the Date/Time menu option. 4 Press the OK button. The DATE/TIME menu appears in the LCD. 5 Rotate the Zoom control to change the value of the highlighted part of the date and time you want to change.
Setting the menu language 1 Turn on the camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the SETUP setting. The SETUP menu appears in the LCD. 3 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the Language menu option. 4 Press the OK button. The LANGUAGE menu appears in the LCD with the current language setting highlighted. 5 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight your language choice. 6 Press the OK button. The camera returns to the SETUP menu. The menus will now display in the new language.
Setting the camera beep When beeps are enabled, the camera beeps when you press most buttons or cycle through menus, during the last three seconds of a self-timed photo, and when taking a photo. If sound is not enabled, the camera beeps only when taking a photo. 1 Turn on the camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the SETUP setting. The SETUP menu appears in the LCD. 3 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the Sound menu option. 4 Press the OK button.
The SETUP menu appears in the LCD. 3 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the Format Media menu option. 4 Press the OK button. The FORMAT MEDIA menu appears in the LCD, with the NO option highlighted. 5 To format the memory card, rotate the Zoom control to highlight the YES menu option, then press the OK button. Note: If you change your mind about formatting the memory card, rotate the Zoom control to highlight the NO menu option, then press the OK button.
Setting the automatic power-off delay Use this feature to set the duration of inactivity after which the camera shuts down automatically. 1 Turn on the camera. 2 Rotate the Mode knob to the SETUP setting. The SETUP menu appears in the LCD. 3 Rotate the Zoom control left or right to highlight the Auto Power Off menu option. 4 Press the OK button. The current setting appears highlighted in the LCD. Note: The default setting is 1.
Installing Polaroid PhotoMAX Pro Software This section describes how to install Polaroid PhotoMAX Pro Software and how to find out more about using it to manipulate your photos. 1 Insert the PhotoMAX Pro Software CD in your CD-ROM drive. 2 Follow the installation instructions on your computer screen. 3 If the installation program does not start automatically, do the following: a b c d e 40 Select Run from the Windows Start menu. Click Browse to locate your CD-ROM drive. Select Setup (the Setup.
Transferring Photos to Your Computer This section describes how to connect the Polaroid PDC 2300Z Digital Camera to your computer and transfer photos from the camera to your computer. The drivers for the Polaroid PDC 2300Z Digital Camera are automatically installed with the Polaroid PhotoMAX Pro Software included in your kit. To transfer photos from your Polaroid PDC 2300Z Digital Camera to your computer you can use one of the following methods: • Serial cable (provided). • USB cable (provided).
Connecting the camera to your computer Connecting using the serial cable 1 Turn off your camera. 2 Turn off your computer and all its peripherals (scanner, printer). 3 Insert the round connector on the serial cable (a) into the digital port on the side of the camera. DC IN 7V VIDEO b DIGITAL a Note: Insert the connector straight into the digital port without twisting, so that the flat side of the connector (the side with the arrow on it) faces toward the back of the camera.
Connecting using the USB cable 1 Turn off your camera. The computer can remain on. 2 Insert the round connector on the USB cable (a) into the digital port on the side of the camera. DC IN 7V VIDEO b DIGITAL a Note: Insert the connector straight into the digital port without twisting, so that the flat side of the connector (the side with the arrow on it) faces toward the back of the camera. If you encounter resistance, do not force the connector, but reposition it and try again.
Transferring photos to the computer Once the camera and computer are connected using the serial or USB cable, you can transfer photos from the camera to the computer. 1 Start the Polaroid PhotoMAX Pro software in either of two ways: • From the Windows desktop: Double-click the PhotoMAX Pro icon on your desktop to start the Polaroid PhotoMAX Pro Software. • 2 From the Windows Start menu: Click on the Start menu, select Programs then open the Polaroid PhotoMAX by ArcSoft folder and select PhotoMAX Pro.
3 Highlight Polaroid PDC 2300Z Digital Camera and click Select. 4 Select File/Acquire/Acquire. The Polaroid PDC 2300Z TWAIN software opens. From this dialog box, you can manage the photos in the camera’s memory. Note: The TWAIN software can be used with other applications.
Using PhotoMAX Pro with the Internet In addition to PhotoMAX Pro’s robust photo manipulation features, PhotoMAX now offers you direct access to the internet through the new Internet menu option. You can: • Automatically send e-mail attachments of your photos using your e-mail software • Go directly to the PolaroidDigital web site • Upload and download your photos from the web Note: Your purchase of the PDC 2300Z Digital Camera also gives you access to a free membership at PolaroidDigital.
Sending your images via e-mail PhotoMAX Pro can work in conjuction with your e-mail software to automatically create new e-mail messages with your images as attachments. 1 With PhotoMAX Pro open, make sure your computer is connected to the internet. For more information, see the instructions that came with your computer or provided by your internet service provider. 2 To open a photo in the software, select File/Open. A dialog box opens, displaying the folders on your computer.
Saving your images to the web If you have created your free online membership at PolaroidDigital.com (see below for details), you can save your images from PhotoMAX Pro directly to your personal online web space. 1 With PhotoMAX Pro open, make sure your computer is connected to the internet. For more information, see the instructions that came with your computer or that were provided by your internet service provider. 2 To open a photo in the software, select File/Open.
• 6 If you do not have an account at PolaroidDigital.com, click Create Account. Your browser will automatically bring you to a sign-up screen at PolaroidDigital.com. From the PolaroidDigital.com web site, follow the instructions to save your images or create an account. Getting your images from the web Once you have posted your images in your PolaroidDigital personal online web space (see below for details), you can use PhotoMAX Pro to retrieve them.
4 Choose one of the following: • If you already have an account at PolaroidDigital.com, enter your login ID and password in the fields, then click OK. Your browser will automatically navigate to your account at PolaroidDigital.com. • If you do not have an account at PolaroidDigital.com, click Create Account. Your browser will automatically bring you to a sign-up screen at PolaroidDigital.com. From the PolaroidDigital.com web site, follow the instructions to download your images or create an account.
Troubleshooting Problem Solution The camera has no power. • Turn off and then turn on the digital camera. The digital camera may have automatically turned off to save battery power. • Check to make sure that the battery terminals (+ and –) are correctly orientated as shown inside the battery compartment. • The batteries are dead. Replace all four AA batteries. Do not mix old batteries with new batteries, or use different manufacturer’s batteries together.
Problem Solution The PhotoMAX Pro Software does not see the digital camera. • Ensure that the digital camera power is turned on and a PC message appears on the Status LCD. Use the AC adapter when downloading photos. • For serial port connections, connect one end of the serial cable to the computer serial port. Connect the other end of the cable to the Digital port on the camera. Make sure that the cables are firmly attached to the camera and computer.
Problem Solution Cannot take a photo. • Press the shutter button down halfway to focus the camera. Press the shutter button all the way down to take the photo. • The flash is charging. Wait until the flash is charged and then take the photo. • The digital camera is processing a photo. Wait until the photo has finished processing before taking another photo. • Check to make sure that the memory card is inserted. If the camera beeps when you turn on the power, the memory card is not inserted.
Problem Solution The flash doesn’t work. • The flash is turned off. Press the Flash enable button (top of camera) to change the flash setting. Use the Auto Flash setting for best results. • The camera is set to the Auto Flash setting and the sensor determined that there was sufficient light to take the photo without the flash. My photo looks blurry. • The subject of your photo moved while the photo was being taken. Remember to have your subjects remain still while a photo is being taken.
FCC Notice Warning: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a residential installation.
Camera Precautions Observe the following precautions when you use this digital camera: 56 • This camera is battery operated. Supervise children when the camera is operated by them or used in their presence. To avoid electrical shock, do not expose the camera to or immerse it in water or other fluids. Do not disassemble or operate the camera if dropped or damaged. Contact a Polaroid Service Center for repair information. • Do not open the camera case or attempt your own repairs.
Battery Handling When using batteries: • Use only AA high-capacity super alkaline or lithium disposable batteries or NiCad or NiMH rechargeable batteries with the camera. • Never mix old batteries with new batteries, or mix different types of batteries or batteries from different manufacturers. • Do not expose batteries to direct heat or dispose of them by burning. Dispose of batteries according to local laws and regulations.
Warranties One Year Limited Warranty Polaroid PhotoMAX PDC 2300Z Digital Camera Polaroid will, at our option, repair or replace any unit found defective in manufacture within the warranty period. The warranty period is determined by the date of purchase. Keep the receipt as proof of purchase. Otherwise, the warranty period is determined by the date of manufacture.
©1999-2000 Polaroid Corporation, Cambridge, MA 01239, U.S.A., owner of the trademarks “Polaroid”, “Polaroid PhotoMAX” and “PDC”. All other product names may be the property of their respective owners. Printed in the U.S.A. All rights reserved.
PDC 2300Z Technical Support Information (This information replaces that found on Page 57) Polaroid Corporation provides technical support for digital cameras at http://www.polaroid.com/, and within the United States by calling 800-897-0356 from 10 A.M. to 7 P.M. EST, (Mon - Fri) and 10 A.M. to 4 P.M. EST (Sat). Please note that phone support and repair services are regional and may not be available for a particular product outside the country where it was purchased.
