Epson's P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer is a neat device for copying, transferring, reviewing and storing your digital files in the field. Ideally suited to digital SLR camera users, the device lets you view RAW file formats as well as JPEGs on its beautiful 3.8in. VGA (640x480 pixels) display, and you can also use it playback video and audio files, and connect it directly to a PC or TV. It will even print directly onto compatible Epson printers. Its battery life is better than its predecessor, the P-1000, but at just 3.5 hours is still restrictive. File format support is also relatively limited and audio quality is basic, especially compared to media centre devices, but the P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer is a high quality device that serves a number of useful purposes and is sure to make its way into many photographers' bags.
Pros: Breathtaking image quality; easy to use; A/V output
Cons: Tad bulky and heavy; middling battery life; limited file support
Epson's P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer (147x84x31.4mm, 415g) is an innovative gadget for digital photographers. The two-tone black-and-grey device allows you to store and playback digital photos, movies and music on its built-in, non-removable 40GB hard disk drive (36.5GB available for storage). However, the star of the show is the gorgeous 3.8in. Photo Fine display which provides outstanding definition for superior picture quality under most lighting conditions. If you're serious about viewing or sharing your photos on the move, now is definitely the time to ditch your PDA.
What sets the P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer apart from say, a PDA or iPod Photo, is its relatively large 3.8in. VGA (640x480 pixels) display that offers a resolution of 212 pixels per inch (ppi). The benefit of the large high quality screen is that images and movies look amazing, being both full of detail and colours. It also means you can store and view your photo albums, create slideshows and connect to your photo printer, computer or TV, more comfortably and conveniently.
Epson's Photo Fine Poly-Silicon TFT liquid crystal display technology ensures a sharp lifelike preview of recorded images. The high density liquid crystal display provides more than twice the number of pixels than competitor models. The results are clearer, sharper images with high-quality colour rendition and brightness. The LCD viewer also reveals subtleties in your images that cannot be seen on ordinary LCDs, making it ideal for previewing digital images before printing or transferring to a PC.
Photo Fine uses Micromechantronics, an ultra-fine high precision manufacturing process, to place more image pixels per inch. Epson's photo fine devices have 212-256ppi (212ppi on the P-2000), resulting in increased resolution that produces smoother gradation and less jagged edges. Photo Fine LCDs embed three colours (red, green and blue) per each pixel and are capable of displaying up to 262,144 colours.
Typical displays for handheld portable products, display only one colour per pixel. The end result is more brilliant colours that reveal subtleties compared to typical LCD devices. Photo fine LCDs are also up to 20 per cent brighter. This is achieved through the increased aperature of the LCD base by reducing the integrated circuits and wiring width embedded in the displays.
A major benefit of the P-2000 Multimedia Storage Viewer is that it allows you to quickly and easily browse or transfer images to and from any CompactFlash (Type I/II) or Secure Digital memory card using its two dedicated built-in card slots. And, with an optional third-party adapter, it supports additional memory cards such as xD-Picture Card, Memory Stick, Smart Media and MMC. There's also a Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface.
