Editorial Review:Amazon.com Product Description:The Casio QV-2000UX digital camera is a 2.11-megapixel camera offering 1,600 x 1,200 maximum resolution for still photos as well as 320 x 240 movie capabilities. It provides a 3x optical and 2x digital zoom lens, a 1.8-inch HAST LCD screen, and a cursor pad for user-friendly menu selection. Other features include auto or manual focus, autoexposure, auto white balance, a built-in quartz digital clock, an automatic four-mode flash with red-eye reduction, and nine special shooting modes.
While all these features are relatively standard with comparably priced digital cameras from other manufacturers, what sets the Casio QV-2000UX apart from its peers is its memory storage capabilities. It offers CompactFlash card capability (with an 8 MB card included) much like other digital imaging devices, but also supports a 340 MB IBM Microdrive (not included), the most powerful method of storing digital images to date. With an IBM Microdrive, users can snap up to 400 high-quality images or 19 minutes of 7 frame-per-second video without having to switch memory cards or download. One IBM Microdrive could replace over 11 rolls of film. This storage capacity accommodates anyone who needs to take a large number of pictures or who plans on being away from a computer for an extended period of time, such as while on vacation.
The Casio QV-2000UX is USB compatible and works with PC and Macintosh platforms. It operates on either four AA batteries or an optional AC adapter. Along with the QV-2000UX, you receive a USB cable, a serial cable, a Macintosh serial adapter cable, a software bundle, an 8 MB CompactFlash type I card, a video cable, a soft carrying case, and a strap. The included software bundle enables you to instantly upload your photos to the Internet, to convert files into e-mail form, or to edit your photos with ease. Casio backs the QV-2000UX with a one-year warranty.
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Customer Reviews
Average Rating:
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An ALMOST perfect digital cam!
I am not an expert photographer but I am pretty good for a novice. I do a fair amount of close up photography (wildflowers, insects, and kittens I care for--I run an adoption agency for orphaned kitties)....so a macro function was high on my list of must-haves for a camera, which was one of the reasons I purchased the Casio QV2000UX. This camera makes it possible to get beautifully detailed, crisp images from just a few inches away.
At the same time, the zoom is a nice feature as well--3x optical (forget digital zoom--it means nothing!--just lowers the resolution, like cropping a picture--so why bother?)
The menu is user friendly, the LCD is bright and easy to see under all but the brightest outdoor conditions. I like the compact flash storage option, since I have a pocket PC which uses the same media and already have a compact flash reader on my PC.
The photos I have captured on this camera have been nothing short of outstanding--so I can't even see the point in going over 2 megapixels unless you're into printing poster-size photos.
You can also shoot up to 30 seconds of video in the AVI format, but it's really more of a neat little gimmick than anything I've had a lot of use for. It was fun getting a video of my cat chasing a laser pointer around and around in circles and posting it on my website in a continuous loop though!
The IBM microdrive is an option I know is available for this camera but I have been satisfied with using the compact flash cards....and I have heard the mini drive is a real drain on the batteries. One accessory I think is the best investment I could have ever made is a rechargable portable battery pack--great if those AA's give out on the road!
The only complaint I have is about the lens cover/shutter switch. I cannot say if it was my particular camera or an inherent flaw in the design, but it felt kind of rickety from the start and eventually fell off. At first I couldn't find anyone local who could even fix it! I persevered and luckily I was able to have it repaired for under 150 dollars. I guess this is the point where I realized I really love this camera--I didn't feel like "upgrading" and anything with the same features would have cost several hundred dollars, so I knew I had a good deal with the Casio. If subsequent models have a more sturdy lens cover design, I would recommend this camera hands-down over similarly priced competition.
Rating: 
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Great pictures / cheap case
I've had the camera for 1 year.
Pros: Quality pictures, good value for the money, USB is fast, good optical zoom.
Cons: Cheap case (my lens cover is now broken), takes a long time to extend & retract the lens, can't get USB to work on Windows 2000.
I believe a durable case is critical which is why I rated the camera low.
Rating: -
One More Issue to Add...
...One thing that makes my relationship with my casio less than perfect is the serial cable connection (I can't use USB). There lacks a definite "click" to notify the user whether the cable and the camera is securly connected. Often I found myself sitting in front of the computer like an idiot, waiting for the pictures to be downloaded to my pc, but in fact the connection is not even there physically.
Other than the serial cable issue, sticky lens cover, the long lead time in between picture takings, and the bulky appearence, i am happy with the this camera, especially the picture quality. This camera may not be the best among its peers, but definitely offers great value.
Rating: -
On- and off-color remarks for QV-2000UX
I purchased my QV-2000UX early in late 1999 to take pictures of activities with Get Outdoors New England. ...
With Windows 2000 and USB, the camera appears as a disk, so you can just pull the files off using Explorer instead of using CASIO's supplied software. For Win2K use, you WILL need drivers (you may have to dig at the CASIO Japan site if you cannot find them on the USA site---their support folks have not been responsive/helpful when I've pointed out busted links to them via e-mail and site comments).
Problems with the QV-2000UX:
- The CASIO drivers "kinda" work with Windows 2000. The first time I attach the camera to the machine after a reboot, it's fine. After that, the camera comes up as a generic USB device. Workaround: Remove ALL USB devices from the PC and attach only the camera. Reboot if you have to.
- Cycle time (time between taking each picture) is rather long, especially with flash and with the large memory card. There is a mode that lets you take pictures rapidly (limited by the flash).
- I've heard that the AVI (movie) files aren't "really" AVI and can't be played as-is. I also heard there's a converter somewhere to make them real AVI files.
- Reddish hue to many photos, especially those taken inside using the flash. There may be a camera setting here that I can change, but sometimes it's more pronounced than at others. (Very obvious in the New Year's Eve photos at the GONewEngland photo site.)
- When at 2x digital zoom, the photos are generally fuzzy/grainy.
- Operating temperature is a minimum of 0 degrees C (32 degrees F). For an outdoors group which does skiing (among other winter activities), this is quite limiting. (However I've been using it outside at low temperatures, and it has been OK.)
- I wish it had a "pause" feature which let you shut the camera off while leaving the lens out. That may help save batteries (every time you turn the camera off, the lens retracts).
- It does eat batteries, so I keep 2 sets of rechargeables around. I figure I get about 40 pics with downloads (serial) per set. I use the NiMH rechargeable batteries (Maxell sells a set of four with recharger for about $15).
- The case isn't very rugged. I have heard reports that the motors that drive the lens in and out fail (mine is OK so far). Bad design of lens cover (hits the side of the lens when you go to shut it).
- Have had a few burps with the camera. It stops working completely on very rare occasions, but opening and closing the battery compartment fixes that.
Likes:
- I like the media - tiny CompactFlash. I picked up a 32MB card to go with the 8MB one (which comes with the camera). My photos are all at 800x640 at full resolution; I don't need more than that, so I get over 20 pics on the 8MB card and about 100 on the 32MB card.
- Auto-everything if you want it, but you also get manual control. Automatic is GREAT for outdoor events when you don't want to be fumbling with controls. (See the Steves-Digicams web site for info on getting FULL MANUAL CONTROL over this camera!)
- Fast downloads via USB (see note about Win2K above), can also do serial port.
- CASIO software organizes your photo library for you (nice feature).
- Overall photo quality is darn good, but somehow it doesn't look "natural" or "3D" like a real photograph, and several of my photos have come out fuzzy (from subject or camera movement). Also see red hue comment above. I think this is typical of the current state of digital cameras (things will get better). The quality is just fine for my purposes.
- If you run an activities group and want to share photos quickly, this is definitely the way to do it: a good digital camera. Plus it's a blast diddling with this stuff with Microsoft Photodraw (purchased separately as a bundle w/ FrontPage 2000).
Overall I am happy with the CASIO, and it has made a big difference in my web site. I've had a lot of fun with it. I have captured a number of outstanding shots with it, ...
Rating: 
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Casio QV2000UX
I purchased this camera in November 1999 and have been using is extensively ever since. The performance is excellent. I like the ability of using both the CompactFlash cards and the IBM Microdisc. The SanDisk CF reader is great because you can take the CF card out of the camera and have either a PC or a Mac read it. It is both Mac and PC compatible (that's a big plus). The size and weight are similar to a 35mm camera and with the built-in lens cover you can carry it in your pocket. The menus are very easy to use, the viewing screen is large and clear, the picture-taking options are varied enough to accommodate an experienced photographer and at the same time has the ability of a point-and-shoot camera for the inexperienced. The picture quality is incredible; crisp, sharp and when printed on the Epson 750 Photo Stylus Printer the prints have depth that has to be seen to be believed. I can't say enough good things about this camera.