The MDC 3500 stores images in its 16 MB internal memory, and is expandable via Secure Digital (SD) and MultiMediaCard (MMC) memory cards. It also includes these features:

• 1.5-inch TFT LCD monitor
• Built-in flash with red-eye reduction
• Fast image capture--approximately 1 second per shot
• Self-timer with up to 10-second delay

The camera is powered by two AA batteries (alkalines included; rechargeables recommended). It measures 3.3 by 1.2 by 2.5 inches and weighs 3.5 ounces. This package includes the MDC3500 digital camera and a suite of software, including PhotoExpress SE (for editing photos), VideoStudio SE (for editing mini-movies), and PhotoExplorer (for storing your photos).

Product Description
The MDC 3500 digital camera is faster, with higher resolution, powerful features and value for creative imaging. The MDC 3500 has impressed the digital camera field with its super multifunction design and high value-performance. The camera has a 2.1M pixel progressive scan CCD image sensor that helps to provide crisp and clear high-resolution images. The picture resolution reaches 1600 x 1200 pixels. The USB interface makes for easy transfer of your pictures to the PC and the PAL/NTSC compatible video output for sharing your pictures on the TV.With its full TWAIN compliance, the Mustek Digital cameras allow you to transfer images directly into any TWAIN-supported software application. When using MDC 3500 with the included image-editing software, users step beyond conventional picture taking. Photo Express allows you to enhance your captured images into spectacular, colorful displays. Users can use the standard rechargeable batteries in MDC 3500. This is the most economical and convenient way to allow users to continue the digital camera operation.

The only bad thing about this camera is that it has no optical zoom. Other than that, this camera gives you the best bang for your buck for both quality and economic efficiency. I highly recommend this camera for the budget user who wants something easy to use.


Surprisingly GOOD Camera. Good Night Shoots.   July 28, 2003
 14 out of 14 found this review helpful

When I 1st bought this camera, I didn't expect much from it as I was only looking for something small & light with webcam features that I can carry around wherever I go.

I have to first emphasize that this is a 2.1mp camera. The 3.1mp mode is by interpolation.

The 1st thing I tested for in this camera is it's night shoot capability which is normally quite poor in lower range cameras. MDC3500 has 4 night shoot modes to adjust the shutter speed of the camera (presented as 2x, 4x, 8x & 16x). I get surprisingly good results even in situations where flash cannot be used (scenic night shoots).

The aluminium body of the MDC3500 makes it feel sturdy, except for the plastic cover which feels as if it's falling apart every time I open it (then again, it's still in one piece till date). The matt aluminium finish looks nice as well.

The interface is quite idiot proof unless you cannot understand the icons. However, accessibility of some of the functions are quite bad. For example, in order to switch to night shoot mode, I have to go to the main menu, and press the button like 7 times before I can get it activated. The resolution and flash selector is easily accessible but the camera doesn't "remember" the resolution settings. Resolution is defaulted to 1600x1200 every time the camera is switched on. The digital zoom of this camera sucks. Not only it's difficult to access, there is no progressive zoom and zooming (even at 2x) will limit the picture resolution to only 800x600.

The speed of the camera is average as compared with those of the same class. Startup takes about 4-5 seconds. Shooting speed is dependant very much on the media since the camera copies the picture files directly to the media. The MMC that I use is much slower than SD cards. Takes about 6-8 seconds to reload (without picture preview) in 2048x1536 resolution, 4-5 seconds in 1600x1200 resolution. Very fast in 800x600 resolution. Should perform much better if SD card or internal memory is used (about 1-2 seconds faster).

When switched to night shoot mode, the camera delays for several seconds before triggering the shutter, causing the shoot to be not "live". The display also becomes sluggish in night shoot mode. The longer the exposure setting, the more sluggish the display. When in webcam mode, display is quite underexposed in indoor lightings with default exposure but is okay when set to a longer exposure. Display will however become sluggish as in the night shoot mode (not too bad at 2x but very sluggish at 16x)

I have not really tested the battery life but it seems quite allright when used with NiMH rechargeable batteries. I have not tested it's closeup capabilities as well.

Summary:
An overall good camera with good pictures, good night shoots, nice aluminium body, easy to use interface, compact & light. Seems to out perform even other "more branded" cameras of the same range that I have used before. But then again, this camera costs slightly more than a fujifilm A202/A200 and olympus C-150/D390 (in Singapore) but is of cause more compact and much lighter.

Bad points about the camera is it's inaccessibility to certain functions, sluggishness and delay in shutter in night shoot mode, slightly below average webcam capability, poor digital zoom function & no bundled rechargeable batteries.


nice camera   April 2, 2003
 14 out of 15 found this review helpful

This is a very nice camera. It's really small and very easy to use. It takes great photos. The only gripe that I have is the software that it comes with isn't the greatest. I did buy a 32 mb card because 16 mb just wasn't enough. On the highest resolution it takes 65 photos. On the second highest resolution it takes 95 photos. This is with a 32 mb card. I haven't tried the low resolution. If you buy this camera I suggest buying rechargeable batteries. When I first got this camera I took about 10 photos over a period of 2 days and the batteries died. I replaced the batteries and with the new batteries I took about 2 photos over 2 days and again the batteries died. The price of rechargeable batteries is definetly worth it!

So overall

pros- small, very easy to use, takes great photos, nice price

cons- you will probably have to spend money on rechargeable
batteries
You'll have to spend money on a memory card

If I didn't have to spend the extra money on a memory card and batteries I would have given this 4 stars.