I use the Sony DSC-F707 and I have similar problems. The foreground is dark. I doubt its the camera or you. It is what you need to do afterwards to your images. If you are using Photshop or a similar program, you can mask out the sky and then adjust curves and levels to bring up the details in your landscape. Another way to fix it straight from the camera is by using Spot metering if you camera has that feature. Even without it if you meter on a dark area the change to POV so the brighter area is at the metering point your shot will come out lighter. The problem there is the fact that you can over expose and wash out your sky. I am not familiar with the Epson PhotoPC 3000z but if it is a decent Prosumer camera you should have the features. Yur shots show that you know how to shoot and that your camera is able to catch the images, it may just be the knowledge you have of your camera! Study the manual again and see if you missed anything. I re-read mine like once a month! I even went out and got the PDF version so I can read it online if I need to! Magick Michael aka zhounder