There's not an awful lot in Mustek's low-cost DV2000 digital camera to send serious photographers heading down to their local shop. But for the more casual user on a tight budget, there's quite a lot to admire here.
Its flexibility is arguably this camera's strongest appeal. The unit can work in three modes - as a web-cam, a digital camera and a digital video camera. It's fair to say that the latter mode is the weakest. Storing around three minutes of video on the supplied 16MB MMC flash card (it also supports SD cards), the quality really doesn't come close to competing with a dedicated video camera, although there's little doubt that it's a handy feature to have for those just-in-case moments. The relatively small resolution of the footage - 320 x 240 is as high as it will go - means that the output is best suited to online use. A big plus, though, is that given the relatively low weight and size of the DV2000, it's really easy to lug around.
As a digital camera, it fares better. Accepting that for under £100 you're not getting anything incredibly special, it works fine during the day, and can happily take some good snaps. However, one of the major omissions is a flash, and that makes night photography all but impossible unless you have an alternative lighting source. Yet considering this is a 2.1-megapixel device, when the circumstances are right you really do get some good output from the camera (incidentally, if you're after higher resolution, then the DV3000 is available with 3.1-megapixel support, although unlike the 2000 this relies on both hardware and interpolation). Images of up to 1,600 x 1,200 pixels can be taken with the DV2000.
Aesthetically, the DV2000 has the look of a digital camcorder, only smaller. It has a fold out screen on which you can review your images and the device as a whole is devilishly easy to use. That's because Mustek hasn't overburdened the camera with umpteen buttons, and those that are present are well labeled. Sadly, the zoom isn't much cop. Entirely digitally based, the zooming function theoretically goes up to 2x (which isn't an awful lot anyway), with underwhelming results.
A big thumbs up for the generous software package, though. It includes Special Edition versions of popular Ulead titles Photo Express, VideoStudio, Cool 360 and Photo Explorer. Each of these are fine applications that can help you achieve good results.
Ultimately, with the DV2000 you get a little more than you pay for. We've been quite extensive in our criticism of it, but that has to be significantly tempered by its low price tag. Compared to many other units on sale at a similar price, this is a strong purchase, and will suit the casual photographer thanks to its simple, user-friendly layout, plus its ability to produce a good image at the end.
