Product Description

Back up, store and view your images in vibrant color and detail, PC-free. An essential tool for on-the-go photographers, the Epson P-6000 features superior image quality and a high-capacity 80GB hard drive. The perfect partner to your digital SLR camera, this innovative product makes it easier than ever to download, view and share thousands of photos on the spot. Quickly store and backup images right from your memory card. Preview both RAW and JPEG images with the Photo Fine® Premia LCD, exclusively from Epson. Displaying over 16.7 million colors, this 4-inch LCD supports 94% of the Adobe® RGB color space, so you get incredible color accuracy. Zoom in to confirm focus and fine detail. Then, share your images the way they were meant to be seen ¿ just as you captured them. With both audio and video output, it¿s easy to create customized slide shows to share your work wherever you go. With the Epson P-6000, you¿ve got everything you need for all your photographic adventures.

Product Details

• Brand: Epson
• Model: P6000
• Number of items: 1
• Dimensions: 3.50" h x 1.30" w x 5.90" l, 1.00 pounds
• Hard Disk: 80GB
• Native resolution: 4
• Display size: 4

Features

• Zoom in to confirm focus and fine detail with the large, 4-inch Epson Photo Fine Premia LCD (displays over 16.7 million colors)
• Store thousands of RAW and JPEG images on high-capacity, 80GB hard drive
• Back up images on the spot with built-in memory card slots (CompactFlash® and Secure Digital support)
• Quickly transfer files from one device to another with Hi-Speed USB 2.0
• Share images with amazing color accuracy with 94% Adobe RGB color space support

Manufacturer's Description
Back up, store and view your images in vibrant color and detail, PC–free. An essential tool for on–the–go photographers, the Epson P–6000 features superior image quality and a high–capacity 80GB hard drive. The perfect partner to your digital SLR camera, this innovative device makes it easier than ever to backup and view thousands of RAW and JPEG images on the spot. Use the large, 4–inch LCD to verify you have the shots you need while still on location. The P–6000 is the ideal alternative to lugging your laptop to the shoot.

Screen quality second to none

Four colors are better than one

Superior image quality for professionals

Photo Fine^® Premia technology, exclusively from Epson, makes it possible to view your images with unsurpassed clarity and stunning detail. Using an innovative 4–color filter system, this powerful technology ensures superior color reproduction – far better than that of a conventional LCD. Photo Fine Premia encompasses 94% of Adobe RGB color gamut and displays over 16.7 million colors. By displaying images at a higher pixel density, Photo Fine Premia also offers smoother gradations and better color transitions. View your images the way they were meant to be seen – as they were originally captured.

With an 80GB hard drive, this device allows you to back up thousands of the largest RAW files wherever images are captured for peace of mind and security. Download speeds are up to 35 percent faster than previous models for added productivity. The large, 4–inch 640x480 (VGA) LCD screen gives on–the–go photographers the ability to zoom in on RAW and JPEG images, confirm histogram data and create custom folders – all without the risk of bringing a laptop to often remote and hostile locales. Video and audio file storage / playback is supported as well.

Supports popular memory cards including Secure Digital and Compact Flash

Hi-Speed USB 2.0 for device–to–device backup; Audio/Video output to present customized slideshows

Whether on assignment in the tropics or the Arctic, the Epson P–6000 gives you everything you need for all your photographic adventures. Why transport your laptop when you can quickly store and backup images right from your memory cards using this convenient, compact device? The P–6000 is essential for a more efficient, on–location workflow.

Portability. Quality. Security. (P-7000 shown)

• Large, 4-inch LCD with new, exclusive Epson Photo Fine Premia technology displays over 16.7 million colors, encompassing 94 percent of the Adobe RGB color space for superior color reproduction
• 80GB high capacity hard drive
• Faster download speed – up to 35 percent faster than previous models
• New convenient jog dial to quickly scroll through images
• Wider LCD viewing angle
• Zoom function to confirm image focus and fine detail
• RAW and JPEG file support
• Built-in CompactFlash© and Secure Digital memory card slots with many other cards supported via third-party adapter
• Compatible with high–speed UDMA CompactFlash cards
• Rechargeable Lithium–Ion battery lasts up to three hours for extended shoots
• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 interface for device–to–device backup
• Audio/video output to present customized slideshows

	"If you take lots of photos, whether you're a point-and-shoot soccer parent, or a semi-professional (or full professional) photographer, the Epson Multimedia Photo Viewers are a great way to back up, store and view images with a larger screen than the display on the camera." Keith Shaw, Network World (11.10.2008)
	"If like me you're already tired of schlepping a laptop around, it's time to take a look at Epson's Multimedia Photo Viewers for your travels." Joe Farace, Shutterbug (11.1.2008)
	"I use the P-6000 and love it. Not only does it have CF and SD card readers built-in, but it has a beautiful 4" display to view your shots and even has music capabilities for slideshows." Terry White, Terry White’s Tech Blog (12.18.2008)
	"Scroll through and zoom in on RAW or JPEG images when you're out in the field with the high-end, high-capabity Epson P-6000 (80 GB) and P-7000 (160 GB) multimedia photo viewers. The 4-inch LCD screen delivers images with smooth gradations and color transitions." Staff, Outdoor Photographer (12.1.2008)

Epson P-6000 multimedia viewer with 80GB hard drive, User documentation, Hi–Speed USB 2.0 cable, Protective carrying case and wrist strap, Rechargeable Lithium–Ion battery and AC adapter.

Customer Reviews

Best gizmo for copying and viewing digital photos 'in the field'
I've tried to go the cheap route when it comes to backing up my digital photos in the field, such as combining the (awful) Aleratec Copy Cruiser Plus with a large-capacity (16G) USB pen drive, and using an adapter and my iPod to offload the data from my CF cards. The latter solution works OK in a pinch, but has several limitations, including the iPod's small screen, the slowness of the process, and the very narrow functionality of the interface (great for music, not quite adequate for viewing, judging, and copying photos).

The Epson was designed from the ground up for duplicating digital photos (JPEG and RAW formats) on the road, a necessary task for photographers who prize their images as well as their sanity. It should fit nicely into any photo professional's 'out-of-doors' workflow.

The device works very well (and pretty fast: for instance, I just copied 322 Mb worth of data -- that's 100 JPEG photos taken with a 10-megapixel camera at the highest-quality settings -- in just over 60 seconds). The 4-inch screen is bright and draws beautifully detailed images. The controls, while not the latest in ergonomic excellence (the 'back' button in particular could have been better placed), are easy to press and a cinch to figure out (I never even had to crack the manual).

Like my Apple computers, the Epson multimedia viewers stand out for their plug-and-play elegance and simplicity. Push a CF card into the slot, or an SD card in a different slot next to it, and the viewer offers to let you browse the files on the card or copy the data to the P-3000's hard drive. You can also copy data to or from a USB device such as an external hard disk or a thumb drive. Want more? You can hide and password-protect folders; play slideshows with or without visual effects and with or without built-in music files playing as a soundtrack; give your photos a one-to-five-star rating to quickly separate the wheat from the chaff; look at EXIF data, blown highlights, and a histogram for each image; use an AV-out cable to show your images on a TV screen, and on and on.

Of course, when viewing a photo, you can zoom in (up to 400 percent) to check details and sharpness,

Later on, when you're ready to copy your images to your computer, just run the supplied USB cable from the Epson to your Mac or PC and the viewer shows up on your virtual desktop as a standard USB 2.0 drive. After a big job such as a wedding, this obviates the need to copy three or four or more memory cards to your computer via an external card reader. With the Epson viewer, all the backed-up data are already in one easily 'copyable' location.

The Epson also lets you copy and play back video footage and MP3s. I have little use for the latter (that's what my iPod is for), but the video-player capability, though hardly crucial for my purposes, makes the P-3000 a pretty sweet and versatile road tool.

I can't think of an actual feature that I'm missing -- OK, maybe wireless capability -- though that's not to say that this is a perfect product. The viewer is slightly unwieldy (about the size of the average automotive GPS unit); I have to think that top-notch engineering could reduce the dimensions a bit. I would have liked some kind of built-in protector that you can fold or draw shut over the fairly vulnerable screen. Speaking of missing hardware, the Epsons really should come with a stand that lets you angle the unit for optimal viewing. Also, it's a bit annoying that the device won't copy data to your computer's hard drive unless the unit's power adapter is attached, even if you have a full battery.

Still, other than my cameras and lenses, this is the best photo tool I've bought in a long time. If you're a professional photographer who, like me, doesn't like to lug a laptop around but could do with fewer backup worries after you're done shooting a big assignment away from home, the Epson P-3000 or P-5000 will bring both pride of ownership and peace of mind.

Fabulous gadget!
First of all, Amazon came through with all stars on this order. Cheers to them for the screaming-fast processing that got me the product when I needed it.

As for the P-3000, I needed something like this bugger as I photograph models in outdoor settings using available light. Thus, it's a hassle to lug around the laptop, and when I do, the laptop takes too long to dump my 2-gig CF card. The viewer is another necessity because I like to know if I missed any shots due to lack of focus, etc. I screw up sometimes and the screen on my D-200 doesn't always show my errors.

The P-3000 dumps a full 2-gig CF card in 5 minutes, as per tests I just conducted this evening. With 126 .NEF images on the card, a mere 5 minutes was a miracle compared to my laptop. When I'm out in the field, this will be an invaluable tool.

Is it expensive? I don't think so, but I did think the 80-gig unit was more than I want to spend. Furthermore, I'm only using this as a dump drive for location shoots, not as a storage device...I have other drives for that. I thought the price was reasonable, so far I have no problem with the interface and I can rest easy knowing if I have a 1-day shoot that requires 2,000 RAW .NEF images to be shot (that would wear me out) that the P-3000 has room for them.

If you want functionality, sleek design and a decent interface, buy this unit. If you feel it's too expensive, buy a unit with no display, as that will knock down the price. In my business though, I like having the viewer...it'll save me a lot of time and anguish.

So far, so good. Buy with confidence, this is a good brand and a fine product. Bravo, Epson!

One of the better viewers but way overpriced
On the plus side, the screen is beautiful and the best I've seen compared to say a SmartDisk (but the SmartDisk is less than half the price of the Epson, even after rebate). On a recent trip to Katmai, an acquaintance showed me a SmartDisk's view and the image was quite pixelated; he was quite impressed with the Epson's display. Four inch is quite big and usable for decision making such as delete. The transfer rate from card to the P-3000 is acceptable, though I didn't time the rate. The P-3000 acts as an external harddrive and the saved files can be easily read by Windows Explorer; that means no additional software is needed, which none was included.

On the bad side, this device at $500 for the 40GB is very, very expensive; Dell has a cheap laptop for only $450! I wonder if Epson realized the high price and played with rebates. If going out to the wilderness is not your idea, then it would make much more sense to get a small form factor laptop instead.

At $500, the quality should be much better. I checked for bad pixels against a black image and found too many that are always on. Some on pixels can clearly be seen when viewing a typical image.

Usage is not intuitive, especially when deleting an image. To delete an image, you have to dig into the menu and go into delete mode as oppose to simply deleting it. So there are a normal view mode and a delete mode and you'd have to navigate between the two. The worst part is that zooming works fine in normal view mode but is disabled in delete mode. It makes sense that when you delete something, you'd want to zoom in, at least for sanity check.

I save my files both RAW and jpeg. In the view mode, there's no option to view only RAW or jpeg so you'd have to view both. Obviously, viewing both can be annoying and wastes battery juice.

The device can play mp3 and video. If you're going out in the wilderness, it doesn't make sense to waste your battery juice with these options. Since the device is (I think) designed for the wilderness, these two extras are useless unless you have access to an outlet.

The screen, though pretty, only has a soft pouch to protect it. The device at 1.3" thick, it's quite bulky. It's not designed for your pocket because of the thickness and bulkiness.

I would have liked to be able to return it for a refund but the place that I bought it from only gave me 7 days, which doesn't work when you're on a two week wilderness trip. I am at least can exchange it so I will do that, mainly because of the pixel defects.

This device serves its main purpose well and the display is beautiful. If you can spare some battery juice, it's nice for viewing your photos in your tent while waiting for the rain to stop. I would recommend it if you'll travel to where an outlet is not available for at least a few days and a laptop is too bulky and heavy for you; if you don't care about the display, then the P-3000 is too expensive. However, I would not recommend it to anyone who at least have access to AC outlets at your destinations. It's hard to justify spending that much money so you can show your friends your photos. At $500, a laptop option is much better and you can do much more with a laptop, even use the internet at my friends' places.

********** USEFUL HINTS **********
If you like Epson's storage viewer but want a larger HD, then I suggest buying the P3000 and then upgrade the HD later. Doing so will save you at least $150 off the 80GB version. I replaced the HD with a Fujitsu 120gb MHV2120AH, same HD manufacturer, bought on Ebay for $50. Works perfect after the upgrade. Search for "upgrading p-3000 hard drive" for the easy to follow instructions. I cannot provide a link as doing so has already caused Amazon to mess up my review.