digital camera

[fishy1]

can anybody give me some tips to get pictures to look real from my camera If not I'll probably end up using it for trolling weight

[Dodge1]

What digital camera are you referring to?

I found a lot of help about my new Canon G2 at this site.

http://www.dpreview.com/

Just go to the forums section, for your camera, and ask for some help. Be very specific about what problems you’re having.

[Boatnut]

Give us the brand and model number of the camera and also how many megapixels its rated at. Perhaps we can try and help then. Also, are you looking to print pictures or just view them on your computer?

[perchjerker]

Let us know what problems you are having and like boatnut said, how many pixels is it? I have had one for a few years now, its not a great one, but I love it. As long as yours is not a 640X480 job, it should work ok.

[hammertime]

think most all dig camaras work pretty well these days, even the cheap ones. memery is the biggest thing i want in a camara. i like the sony with the removeable chips, so when im on a fishing trip i can pull out the chips that are full and put in another and keep going. another thing i have thats pretty neat to play with is a polaroid color shot printer, you can take your pic,s and print them out on polaroid instamadic film and the pic,s look great to send to your friends. have fun with your camara. nothing better than the looking back at the good times or trophy fish or family & friends on a trip. mike/hammertime

[Leo Kam]

Mike, I was thinking of buying the Sony Cybershot that uses a CD to record the pictures. You put the CD into the CD-Rom drive to view them. Have you heard any good or bad about this camera; such as, the resolution of the pictures, ease of use, etc? Thanks in advance for any info.

[instigator]

Cameras are my baby describe the type and model of camera and what you are having problems with. I have an olympus d-460 and with a 32 mb card it can hold 418 pics at optimal resolution i just use san disk to put them from the smart media card and burn them straight to cds i alredy have a fishing library of cds. Also if picture quality is an issue you might want to look into getting a better program on your computer allowing you to edit(lighten,darken,red eye,etc.)i have camedia master 4.0 and it takes pics that would otherwise be trash and make them look really good....Fish on......Instigator#735

[Phil T.]

Try loading them into your computer as a JPEG image. My computer doesn't view bitmap images very well. I probably need to do some tuning of the iamge as displayed.

[perchjerker]

I concour with instigator. I have 2 cards, a 4mb that came with the camera and a 15 mb compact flash cards. I use mostly jpg, i used to use fpx format but have found some editing programs dont recognize it. You dont want to use bitmapped, its basically for wallpaper or other backgrounds, its not designed for hi res photo work. I usually use Photoshop for my imaging work. I also burn the files onto a cdrw, that way I can always add more or erase them as I see fit. I think the new cams that use a cd to write to are definately worth a look, also. I also use a usb san disk card reader since I have an older serial port camera and it takes forever to get the pics off the camera.

[eyedoktr]

fishy1, photography is second only to walleye fishing on my list of favorite things. All the above are good ideas. I personally don't think that a camera that stores images on a CD is a good idea. I prefer Compact Flash (CF)cards. They are small, used in alot of things other than cameras (PDA's, MP3 etc.)and are finally reasonable in price. I may go on a shoot and take 200-300 pictures. When one card is full, I take it out and put another one in. Also, I ALWAYS have the cameras set for the highest resolution, you can always downsize the image later. If you or anyone else has any questions, feel free to contact me.

[Dodge1]

I got a new Canon G2 about 2 weeks ago and it's sure is slick. The picture quality is simply outstanding; in most instances the pictures are even better then with my Nikon FM!

The G2 is a 4.0 Mega Pixel camera that comes with a 32MB CF card but so far I've added a 256MB Ridata CF card, Lensmate adapter, Heliopan double coated UV filter and a waterproof Lowepro bag. Canon bundles the camera with Adobe Photoshop and their solutions disk, that contains 6 other programs. I've been using their USB connector to download all my pictures into Photoshop or the Canon programs for editing. I was originally thinking about getting a card reader but so far the cameras USB connector has worked flawlessly and I don't have to take the CF out all the time, like I would with the reader.

The link I posted (see post #1) is an excellent site for picking up tips and reading reviews on almost every digital camera. Some other sites are:

http://www.megapixel.net/html/issueindex.html

http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/cameraList.php3

Here is the link that I posted on post #1, just in case your lazy.

http://www.dpreview.com/

[Dodge1]

Have you tried RAW?

[eyedoktr]

I only use the RAW file if I know that I'm going to make a very large (20"x30") print. I then run it through a program called Genuine Fractals. It comes out a huge file, over 400MB, so you need alot of storage space.

[RD]

I use Olympus C-3000 Zoom with 3.34 megapixel. Here is an important trick for viewing and printing digital photos. If you have a photo grade printer it is important that you tweak your monitor to the printer output (you cannot change to highest output of the printer but you can change how the photo looks on the monitor). In other words you want your printed photo to look like what you are seeing on your monitor. To do this download your photos in your computer and print one of them out at the best quality and on the photo paper that you will be using. After you have printed out the photo - hold the photo next to the monitor - now start tweaking the lightness/darkness and the contrast buttons on your monitor. When your monitor matches the photo printout you can now accurately edit your photos with your photo software and you will know exactly how they will look when you print them. If you don't do this you may have photos that look great on your computer but they look completely different when you print them. One other thing to remember is that a digital photo looks different on every monitor depending on how other monitors are adjusted - lightness and contrast. One other trick that I use - I save all of my photos at the highest resolution .JPEG. I download them into the computer and then take them to Fractal - Camedia Master or Adobe to edit them (tweak them). After I have them edited the way I want I use the "Save as" to save the new photo under a new file name. This way I will always have the original that I can go back to if I need plus the new edited photo. I do not destroy the original photo.

[perchjerker]

Real good tips guys! Gave mine a workout last night at the New Years eve party! I saw more digicams in one place last night then ever.

One thing I havent seen anyone mention is batteries. As most of you know, digicams hog the batteries! I recently bought the new Rayovac 1 hr charger and some NiMH batteries for it. It is a sweet little charger! Charges the batteries in no time, and they last a good long time, too. I have yet to wear them down to where you have to replace them in one session, yet. And like I said, last night everyone was reviewing the pics on the cameras lcd all night, usually that poops them out pretty fast.

[eyedoktr]

Yup, rechargeables are the only way to go. One thing to keep in mind. Make sure the batteries in the camera are all the same strength as in mAh. If you for instance have one @1450mAh and the balance at 1600mAh, your performance will not be what you expect. I hope you got some great shots and of course ...Happy New Year

[Eyeman_IN]

I wanted to say thanks !! I haven't taken the plunge on the digital
camera yet. But have been looking at any and all info that I run accross. Sure like to take pics of big fish . And of course I get a bunch of the grandkids too !! Thanks for all the info guys !! And Happy New year to all .
Tight lines,
Eyeman (IN)

[Leo Kam]

I dont have a camera yet.I was attracted to the Sony because it records to a CD stored in the camers. It would be easier for me to pop the CD into the drive to view and edit the pictures then trying to connect the camers to the PC to view pictures and I was wonering if the pictures were just as good on a CD as ones you shot onto a memory card.

[perchjerker]

Im sure they are just as good. All it is is a different storage medium. How many megapixels is the camera? Thats what you need to look at. Anything 2.2 and above gives pretty nice enlargements. Mine is only a 1.2 and i get nice pics up to about a 5X7.

[RD]

Check out the photos on the following website. Photos shot with Olympus C-3000 Zoom - 3.34 megapixel at 1600 X 1200 and software sized for viewing on computer screen. Original size is about 1 meg per photo right off the camera and about 80K after software resize. Digital is a great way to share photos with friends and to store photos.

http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~csrld1/Alaska/s7011714.html
http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~csrld1/Alaska/alaska.html

Another tip - printed photos tend to change color over a short period of time exposed to the air. They need to be put into plastic sheet protectors or behind glass. Also printed photos are printed with ink and if you drop liquids onto them they will smear.

[Boatnut]

I recently purchased a sony cybershot dsc-p50 2.1 megapixel camera.
I started out using regular alkaline batteries but it was eating them like candy so i purchased one of their "infolithuim" batteries. Its about $60 retail but you can get one for around $40 on ebay. Only way to go as far as I'm concerend. tells you exactly how many minutes you have left on the batterie right on your lcd display and lasts 10 times what the alkaline or NiMH batteries do.

Transferring the pics from the camera to the computer is a breeze. just plug in the camera to your computers USB hub and the camera becomes another "drive". Then just drag and drop. Another option is to purchase a memory card reader and remove the memory stick from the cam and insert it into the reader and drag and drop.

If you get a sony that uses a memory stick card, you'll definetly need a higher capacity stick. Mine only came with a 4 mb which is a joke. a 64 or 128 mb card would be my recomendation. again, check ebay for cheaper prices.

[eyedoktr]

RD, there is probably a photo shop in your area that can/will print digital files on regular photographic paper. All you need to do is take in your storage device to them. They will last alot longer than ink-jet. There are also a number of good online companies that you just e-mail the image files to.

[RD]

Thanks for the info. Never thought of that. Can you burn them into a CD and take them in or do you have to take in the Smartmedia from the camera?

[eyedoktr]

Either way will work generally. Due to the fact that you use a camera with SM, most places can go right from the card. If you had a Sony with memory stick, I'd probably suggest a CD. Though there are alot of Sony cameras out there, I haven't seen alot of readers for the memory. Good luck and if you have any questions, feel free to e-mail me eyedoktr@rochester.rr.com

[perchjerker]

This has turned to be a really great thread!

I am an epson buff, starting with a 600, my bro gave me his 740 about year ago, it has worked fine, I wanted to upgrade so I just bought a C80. Its not even out of the box, yet. I like how it has seperate ink color carts and archival quality ink. Will let you know how the prints look....

[eyedoktr]

Your really going to like the new printer. I have a 700 and even it puts out nice looking prints. As long as you use a high quality photo grade paper you'll be very impressed. I never use mine anymore due to a couple of reasons. It's slow, it's not cheap, and most of all. I'm one of 2 managers of a digital photo lab and have all the "real" toys at my disposal. As far as ink-jet goes, the quality has skyrocketed and I believe that Epson sets the bar for everyone else. I never thought this thread would go this far but I love it.

[Homer]

Count me among the Epson faithful. I've got a Stylus Photo 870 that makes prints that look like they come from the photo lab. Some of the great qualities of of digital cameras are:

1) There's no cost to the film, so you can shoot as many pics as you want and discard the losers.
2) You get instant feedback to make sure the picture came out OK. I've lost some pictures of trophies due to no film in the camera, lens cap, etc. No more.
3) With the photo printer at home, immediate feedback. I pop the flash card in as soon as I get back, and my buddies have prints to take home by the time we're done cleaning the fish.
4) Ability to improve shots on the computer. Once you get functional with good photo-editing software, it's amazing what can be done.

[Mckoz]

Leo,

I don't know much about the thing but I bought one of the Sony CD mavica's with the minature CD. Takes great pictures, videos turn out nice if you have a lot of light.

As far as downloading the images I just use the usb cable - a disk will hold upwards of 400 images w/o mpegs. I have only filled one disk and before you can put it in your CD drive (via an adapter, sort of like an old 45 rpm adapter) you must "finalize" it in the camera.

The book is way too complicated for me but my wife likes to use it.

Mike

[perchjerker]

Eye-
I agree about what you have to say about Epsons. About the cost, I found a place on line that has refill kits that work quite well. I have been using them for about 1 1/2 years now. The only thing is the black doesnt look real good with glossy paper. I have been using the Epson matte paper with excellent results. I plan on only using the new printer for photos,and using Epson ink only with it, with the 740 as a regular duty color printer and I also have an old HP laser that I use for text and pretty much all my web print outs that dont require color. Its a great little economical printer, I dont remember the last time I had to change the cart in it.

What do you recommend paper wise? I have some Kodak glossy, nice stuff, but I know there probably is better quality vs price wise. Im sure you know how it is, you try different paper hoping for the best results not really knowing what you are getting....

I like it...this post is covering the whole spectrum from cameras, to printers, to paper!!!!

[RD]

I have had excellant luck with "Jet-Print Photo" heavy weight professional photo paper with the superior gloss finish. I get it a Staples for $29 per box of 60 sheets. It is the best I have found especially for that price. Photo of the box of paper at the website below. A person may be able to find a better price on it somewhere on the net.

http://www.ux1.eiu.edu/~csrld1/Fishing/paper01.jpg

[eyedoktr]

I must admit that I just may be slightly (???) prejudiced seeing as how I work for a major photographic company in Rochester,NY but...I do think the stuff (film,paper,cameras,etc.) that they produce is top notch. Not always the cheapest, but always reliable. Man it's been tough not mentioning K---K during this whole thread:)

[kevin]

I go to a site that I can upload my digital or scanned pictures to them and they have them at my house in about three days. You can get various size pictures made at a reasonable price. http://www.ofoto.com/Signin.jsp?UV=666804453026_80877997103&US=0
Copy and paste, will take you to the site. Ofoto.com.

[MO EYES]

If you are looking to buy something to use outside for fishing,hunting or just pic's in nature look into a Kodak DC5000.
Weatherproof,tough as nails,self timer,LCD,all kinds of goodies,and reasonably priced.Under $300 including cables,flash card ect.
Yeah,I've got one.

[fishy1]

the camerais a jvc.camcorder with dsc capabilities

[fishy1]

jvc/camera/dsc capabilities 1.5megs and will be printing

[fishy1]

thanks for all the replys.:)

[eyedoktr]

Fishy1, now that I know that you are using a camcorder, it makes alot of sense that you are not happy with your pictures. I believe the image is at best VGA resolution. Just because you can take stills, it doesn't mean that they will be the resolution of your video imager. I get images to print all the time that come off of video cameras and I have yet to see one that looks good. Some are acceptable at 4"x6" but most need to be smaller. I know alot of people try to kill 2 birds with one stone, that is 1 camera to do two things. It just doesn't work that way yet. I guess if you want pictures, buy a digital still camera of at least 2MP and save the camcorder for videos.

[Leo Kam]

Thanks to you and perchjerker for your replies. I got a little more research to do, but should be ready by spring opener.

I have read that you almost need a college degree to read and understand Sony's instruction manuals.

[Box]

Hey Leo - and anybody else who might be looking for cameras.

I have Canon Powershot s10. It is 2.1 megapixel and can take pics up to 1600x1200 resolution. That is about as good as the human eye can detect. I usually use 800x600 for pics for everyday use, and set the detail pretty high. This allows pics to be printed fine up to about 5x7.

My camera is old now, but at the time I got it because it has metal case (has been dropped several times so far and no probs) and the size was the smallest I could find. I can fit it into my pants pocket.

Canon has several Powershot models, but one I recommend is the Powershot s110. It is even smaller than mine, has the same 2.1 megapixel and some newer features than mine. It uses compact flash memory, and you can get 96 MB cards now for about $35. That would hold well over 100 pics at a GREAT resolution and detail (yet not the best), or about 500+ at decent printable resolution and detail.

I agree with someone above who mentioned the San Disk item - for any dig camera that uses memory cards. This also allows you to use the flash card like a min hard drive, and you can then save all pics to your hard drive EXTREMELY EASILY, then use them or burn them to CD in a more organized way than one.

Whatever camera you get, make sure to get extra rechargable battery, because people will always want to look at the pics in the viewer, and that is what sucks down the batteries. If you don't use the viewer my battery can last a whole trip with over 70 pics taken no prob.

Good luck!
-Box

[Leo Kam]

Hey Box, good to hear from you again. I thought I'd take the plunge for a camera to have a record of all those big walleyes I keep catching on Lake Pepin. Hows married life been treating you?

[kevin]

need to store digital pictures on a cd r anybody remember how to format these disks to act as a small hardrive thanks Kevin

[perchjerker]

You need to either use a cd-rw disc or a program like adaptec ez cd creator's DirectCD if I understand your question correctly.

[Box]

Pretty good. She's making me fatter than before tho! ha! Quite the cook.

I still have to hook up with you on Pepin. Maybe this summer. Last summer I started out fishing a lot, but then started to build garage, and I'm no carpenter, so it took me awhile.

I think my Dad is retiring this spring, so hopefully that will be even more incentive to fish more.

Hope all is well,
-Box

[Homer]

Perchjerker is correct. If you want to use the CD like a hard-drive and write and erase things, you will need a CD-RW disk. With a CD-R disk, anything that you write to the CD will stay there permanently.

When saving photos, I will use a CD-RW to temporarily store and arrange picture files until I get a full disk's worth. At that point, I burn the files onto a CD-R for permanent storage.

[perchjerker]

To get back to the printer, I just hooked up my new Epson C80.

Man, what a sweet machine! pics look great, but I cant beleive how quiet and fast it is! Never really cared about that, as long as the prints looked good. I have owned 3 Epsons, a 600, a 740 and now this one. The 740 put out nice prints, but it took 10 minutes to print out a page with 4 pics. This baby does it in about 2 minutes tops, they look wonderful. Another thing is the ink, water resistant archival quality and there is a seperate cart for each color, so it will be cheaper to fill.

Good job, Epson!

Now, back to the planer board thread...:)