Epson p-2000 vs. Creative ZEN Vision

[Pat H]

I was recently looking into getting a portable image storage device for my Rebel XT, and I know a lot of people on here have raved about the Epson p-2000. While I am seriously considering this, I have also looked at the Creative Vision which has 10GB less storage capacity than the p-2000, but is also $115 cheaper and plays more video/audio formats if you also want it to double as a portable entertainment system. The Vision includes a Compact Flash Type1/II slot for uploading photos, but does not support RAW file format (which i don't use to shoot much anyway). I was just wondering what people would recommend, and if anyone has tried the Vision for this purpose.

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http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:9BWzt1Mv8YXmCM:www.ppmag.com/images/PP200503_EpsonP2000_320.jpgEPSON P-2000 ($499.00)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=355953&is=REG&addedTroughType=search


http://images.google.com/images?q=tbn:9EJElHjMhjJNKM:www.theregister.co.uk/2005/11/01/zenv_1.jpg CREATIVE ZEN VISION ($384.95)
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=400767&is=REG&addedTroughType=search

[scotgasch]

Personally I use the Epson. I think that if I were faced with a similar choice I would choose the epson. You say that you don't shoot raw alot, but you do sometimes. I believe that I would consider the fact that you might increase the amount of RAW shooting you do and having something that will be compatible plus the extra storage amount is worth the 115 difference.

[RTMiller]

I don't think the Zen can read RAW files. Adorama has the P-2000 for $399 after rebate. That might make your decision easier. ;)
http://www.adorama.com/IESP2000.html?searchinfo=epson%20p-2000&item_no=1

[joayne]

This link compares many photo storage devices. It also compares the transfer speed and battery life. I just got a device from Santa, but for the life of me I cannot remember the name, as I am at work...:rolleyes: ..but I love my portable storage device. I cannot view the photos, but I really didn't want to view, I just wanted storage.

joayne

http://fhoude34.free.fr/PortableHD.htm

[SuzyView]

My good buddy with all the gadgets got the Epson and the screen is truly amazing. He shoots with N*kon, but I like him anyway ;) I think the comment about the Zen and RAW is true. If ever you decide to do RAW, the Epson will show it off beautifully. That rebate makes it really sweet.

There's the new Epson P4000, I think it has twice the memory.

SuzyView

[blackviolet]

no, it doesn't read RAW. i went through 3 when i was buying one - 1 died and the other had stuck pixels. it's a great media player - the menu is fantastic and it is far less finicky about media data rates than the p2000 is. unfortunately, it's not very good at all compared to the p2000 as a photographer's device. i returned it for something else.

[Pat H]

Well seeing as you have tried the Vision, does it at least download the RAW files off your card? I know I cannot view them, but if I do shoot RAW i shoot in RAW+JPEG mode so I have a quick, printable image and a RAW if I ever want to properly process it. So the viewing part isn't the issue, I was just curious if it will at least download the RAW file along w/ the JPEG so I can transfer it to my PC later. I've searched for over an hour for an answer to this question (including Creative's site) and have come up with nothing.

-EDIT-

I just looked at the online PDF manual for the Vision. and it does indeed state that ALL files are transfered from the card, so RAW files are transferrable but not viewable. Thanks for the responses everyone, I think I may go with the Zen Vision, simply because I really have no need to view the RAW files.

[blackviolet]

yes, that correct - it pulls everything off the card, gives you confirmation, then lets you delete everything.

[pdiaz]

I have the Epson and I am very happy with it. The display is completely stunning!
It doesn't understand as much media formats as the other one, but that is not important to me since I use it almost exclusively to transfer CF cards (In any case I have transcoded DVDs to mpeg4 with Pocket DVD Studio and they show just fine on the device) . The unit feels solid and well built. The user interface is very intuitive. Did I mentioned the increible LCD display? ;-)

Another thing I like about the epson is that the batery is removable, so you can replace it when it degrades (I wish you could do the same with iPods ;-)

[Mat Fitzsimmons]

Out of those two, I'd get the Epson purely because the fact that it will display RAW files means that you can check for yourself that they've transferred onto it correctly. I'm a bit paranoid that way.

[Bruce Watson]

Hi Pedro,

What settings do you use with Pocket-DVD to get video that will play on the Epson? I downloaded the trial version and have been attempting to transcode a DVD, but so far I am only getting "unsupported file" messages when attempting to playback on the P-2000.

This and my previous attempts at getting movies on this unit using a variety of programs have been a little frustrating, although user error could certainly be an element.

However, as a photo storage device, it is a great unit and the screen quality and ability to show RAW make it very useful.

[futura]

I was just wondering what people would recommend, and if anyone has tried the Vision for this purpose.



I would go for the epson, its the bees knees and means you worry less about whether you have enough space and more about taking pictures! Not sure whats on the portable storage market at the moment but the espon screen resolution is very nice and great under all conditions. Get the picture? I love mine!

[blackviolet]

Hi Pedro,

What settings do you use with Pocket-DVD to get video that will play on the Epson? I downloaded the trial version and have been attempting to transcode a DVD, but so far I am only getting "unsupported file" messages when attempting to playback on the P-2000.

This and my previous attempts at getting movies on this unit using a variety of programs have been a little frustrating, although user error could certainly be an element.

However, as a photo storage device, it is a great unit and the screen quality and ability to show RAW make it very useful.

Bruce - keep the video encoding rate at 1000k and use mp3 audio at 96-192k. if it's much less than 1000k video rate, it will give you the unsupported file message. also, the total file size must be less than 1 gig in size.

[EOS_JD]

http://www.eospix.com/reviews-26.html

Here's a review I threw together.

[Gujustud]

I'm in the same books right now. Dell has the 60g version for $349 canadian which make it a steal, as bestbuy is selling the 30g for $369. shoot in raw, with low quality jpeg, so I can still view the images works for me.

[wei328]

I have the Espon 2000, very nice screen; can view raw file, but can't zoom into raw files; Also very slow reading raw files, a 2 sec. pause after you selected the raw file before it shows up.

Download speed from card is about average - 10+ min. for a 2 GB card, uploading to PC is below average.

Battery can last about 8-10 downloads, no viewing.

Overall, it's a pretty good device. I hope the next version is better.

btw, you can get a refurbished one directly from EPSON for $323
http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/consumer/consDetail.jsp?BV_UseBVCookie=yes&oid=56095892

[GPR1]

I just ordered a refurbed P-2000 off Epson's website, for US$300. It arrived today and looks brand new, came with all the accessories, etc. It's a cheap way to get a good viewer.

Greg