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Post by Eagle on Aug 30, 2005 13:31:03 GMT -5
I was going to suggest the same two models that Muvver listed. The S2-IS is extremely popular right now, and would be a good model to consider as long as you don't want a "hot shoe" for the Flash. Another model you might look at is the Canon G6, which also got the coveted "Highly Recommended " rating. Surprisingly, the Pro-1 didn't quite do as well in the reviews.
If you could afford a dSLR, either the Nikon D70S (6 MP) or the Canon 350D (8 MP) would be good candidates. One suggestion though, don't buy the "kit lens" with the Canon, as the performance has been rated as somewhat "mediocre" by a lot of users. You should be able to get this in a package with a slightly better model such as the 17-85 IS USM (which also gets mixed reviews, but seems better overall).
Once you have some idea on which model you're interested in, check the Forums at dpreview also, as the experiences of other users can provide a lot of good information to help in your purchase decision.
Good luck!!!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 29, 2005 23:11:23 GMT -5
Before I can offer any suggestions on the Camera, we need to narrow down exactly what you're looking for, and approximately how much you want to spend. A brief idea of the three categories you will be considering would probably look like this:
-- newer Point & Shoot (to upgrade the model you have now) -- "Monster Zoom" Camera, such as the FZ5 or S2-IS -- Digital SLR Camera
Also, do you "favour" any particular Camera brand / model? As you already have a digital Camera, there will be less of a "learning curve" but even so it would be a good idea to buy the new Camera fairly soon so that you're completely familiar with this before you leave on your trip. Also, since you'll be going for a year it would be good to "shake out the bugs" from the Camera (if there are any?).
You should be able to find a Card Reader fairly easily at any electronics / camera store, but be sure to read to get one that doesn't require Driver software (although PC's that use Windows 98 apparently still need a driver?).
From what I've seen of the MAC's in use in Net Cafes, many of these are still using OS-9, but I imagine they'll be getting with the program soon and installing OS-10 machines. PC's are more prevalent though.
I know it's a bit of a complex process to go through all the information, as I'm doing the same thing right now. I'll probably treat myself to a new dSLR at Christmas, so I'm currently wading through all the Reviews, Forums and other technical jargon.
Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 29, 2005 14:41:22 GMT -5
To reiterate what I wrote in my previous Post, make sure you understand the "driver software" issue, as you will encounter a variety of OS's and PC's in your travels. Also, be sure you know to "eject" the Card Reader when you're finished using it (this is SO easy with Mac's!).
It's possible that many net Cafes will have Card Readers already set up, so this may not be a concern in some places? A lot more people are travelling with digital Cameras now, so I'm sure this "business opportunity" hasn't been lost on the people operating the net Cafes!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 29, 2005 14:13:52 GMT -5
Melanie, to add to what Muvver wrote, a Card Reader would probably be your best bet. However, you might want to read my comments on Card Readers in this section of the Board in the "PDA for blogging" thread.
As you don't have a profile, I couldn't tell where you're from so can't recommend locations where you can buy Card Readers. You might want to register if you're going to be here on a regular basis?
I also agree with Muvver that if you're going into professional photography, you might want to look at something a bit more versatile than the P & S Cameras (although one News Photographer that I saw profiled on the web, uses a selection of about four P & S Cameras as his only tools for taking photos in war zones; he has taken some amazing pictures!).
Of course, whether you will be able to take a larger Camera on your trip depends to a large extent on your budget. For a "basic" dSLR you're probably going to need about $2K to get set up properly (again, I don't know where you are, so don't know what currency you're dealing with?). If you want more advanced Cameras, be prepared to spend LOTS more. If this is something that might interest you, post another note and I'll provide a few comments that might be of help.
Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 27, 2005 8:20:31 GMT -5
As far as bringing a Laptop to Europe, I concur with Muvver that it's often not the best idea for a variety of reasons. Having expensive kit like that has a high "worry factor" and is one more thing to haul around (no matter how compact and light it is). I believe the I-Book uses a "world" power supply but you would still need plug adapters. Also, I'm not sure whether net Cafes will allow travellers to connect to their ISP? If you're going to put pictures on the web while you're travelling, are you planning on using a site such as pbase or smugmug? Keep in mind that transferring high resolution images (ie: 5-8 MP JPEG's or whatever) takes a lot of time to upload. You might get some useful information from this site -- www.adrianwarren.com/faq/ontheroad.shtml#Storing. Finally with regard to the new Camera, what type are you considering: newer Point & Shoot, "Monster Zoom" (such as the FZ5 Muvver mentioned or the Canon S2-IS) OR digital SLR??? I can appreciate the questions you have, as I'm trying to work out solutions for some of the same issues before my next trip. I will most likely have a dSLR (probably the 350D that Muvver mentioned) which also has somewhat of a "worry factor". However, I will NOT be travelling with a Laptop, as I'm trying to minimize the electronic gear to some extent.
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Post by Eagle on Aug 29, 2005 22:55:30 GMT -5
skye, you have a Card Reader - fantastic! The fact that you're using a Tungsten E won't matter, as all Palm OS units operate pretty much the same. Normally it should be a simple matter to move files from RAM to the SD Card and vice versa. Unfortunately, I believe this type of operation was "neglected" by those who designed the Palm OS. However, with the "right" software this can be a very easy process. You might find it beneficial to invest in a copy of TealMover. Have a look at www.tealpoint.com/softmovr.htm for all the details. I have this installed in my T3 and I don't use it often, but when it is needed I'm sure glad that I have it. The cost is quite reasonable also (although I believe it's in US $). With this installed, simply highlight / checkmark the Memo you want to move and then "click" the "Move" box at the bottom of the screen. It will then display a window that says "Move file to Ext. folder?. If you click "yes", it will be moved. Make sure however that no other files are checked. With Doc's To Go files, I believe you can specify when these are initially set up, whether to place the file in RAM or on the SD Card. This is what I normally use for diarizing my trips, using a Word document. I suppose you could also use a Memo file for this? Hope this helps. Good luck!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 27, 2005 18:42:06 GMT -5
I've used both SanDisk and Lexar Card Readers without any problems. If you plan on staying with SD format, there's probably no need to buy a multi-format reader. From what I recall, they're all about the same price anyway? I have two readers, one that takes only CF and one multi-format model. I've found a couple of occasions in the past where it was nice to have the flexibiity of multi-format.
One additional note on the driver software. Even the Readers which don't require drivers apparently have a problem with Windows 98, so there will probably be a disk included to cover drivers for that (again, stupid PC's!!!). That could be a problem when travelling, as you'll likely find a variety of OS in use in net cafes, including OS 9 & OS 10 MAC computers.
I suspect most of the Card Readers sold now are fairly "universal" and will probably work with XP or MAC's without any drivers. You should be able to find these at your local Future Shop or London Drugs. I find FS a bit more "user friendly" as the products are out on a rack where you can actually look at them, as opposed to behind a locked glass display case. I was at FS the other day buying a UPS for my Son, but I'll check out the Card Readers next time I go to familiarize myself with the current "lineup".
Don't feel bad about not being "up to speed" ("techno-dummy") with electronics, as I have to work hard to keep up with this also; it changes so quickly! With regard to switching SD cards between your PDA and your Camera, theoretically there should be no problem but I don't have a lot of practical experience with this as I'm working with different formats.
One potential source of problems could be the file structure which is written onto the Card when it's formatted. Normally, it's recommended that after you've transferred your photos to a PC, you re-format the Memory Card in the Camera before re-using it. Of course if you do this, you'll erase the PDA files in the process. Presumably the file structure is one which is recognized by both devices, as you said that you've done this.
I'm really not sure if you will experience problems when switching cards between two devices? Although not all the "sales associates" at FS are well informed on this sort of thing, you might ask that question next time you're there. You might also post this question on LP Thorn Tree (Computers/Cameras/Phones section) to see what kind of answers you get (LAN would likely be the best one to answer this).
Of course if your new Camera uses a different Memory Card format, you may be using the SD cards just for the PDA. Anyway, hope this is some help. I have to get ready to go to work tonight, but will try and stop back later to see if you have any other questions. It's such a "perfect afternoon" today (beautifully & warm with a light breeze blowing through the Cherry trees, listening to vintage '60s & '70s hits on the radio--brings back a lot of great memories); I could easily spend hours on the net today! However, "duty calls".
Good luck and keep us posted, as I'm sure this information will be useful to others here also.
Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 27, 2005 8:39:50 GMT -5
A few points on the Card Reader. These are available in several types, either to read a single format card or to read multiple formats (ie: SD, CF, Memory Stick, etc.), with connection via USB. These are usually quite inexpensive, but keep in mind that some Card Readers require Driver software. Also, it's important that you "eject" these properly before unplugging them, or strange things can happen with the computer.
As far as Memory Cards it should be possible to use the same card for backup as well as storage for your Blogs. Don't forget that Backup Buddy VFS software MUST BE loaded on the card, NOT in the PDA memory! Which size card you buy will depend to some extent on your budget, but a 512 MB model would probably be more than adequate. I use both a 256 MB and a 1 GB and both are strictly for the PDA as my Camera uses CF cards.
I've also just bought one of those small USB Memory "keys", with a capacity of 512 MB and even with some large files loaded on it (such as my Euro Itinerary), there is still lots of room. Unfortunately I have had some problems connecting it to some PC's as apparently these need Drivers also (stupid PC's, why couldn't everything be as simple as it is on my MAC!!!). I'm mentioning this as it might be a route to backup your files once you've transferred them from the PDA to the PC via the Card Reader?
Hope this helps? Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 25, 2005 16:43:52 GMT -5
skye, I always travel with a Palm PDA also, and find it indispensable for keeping track of contacts, hotel phone numbers, reservations and travel information, etc. With an external Keyboard, I also use it for diarizing the trip, although I found on my last trip that I wasn't as diligent with that as I should have been, and some of my entries were done from memory. I found that I got too busy touring and by the time I got back to the Hostel, I was just too darn tired to sit down and make any entries. I saved the diary files (Doc's To Go in Word format) to an SD card, so didn't have to worry about exceeding memory limits. I'm currently using a Tungsten T3 and this doesn't have a built-in Keyboard as Doug's Tungsten-C has. It has Bluetooth but doesn't have Wi-Fi, and theoretically can be set up to access the net by using my Cellphone as a MoDem. However, I haven't bothered looking for the Drivers to configure that, as I'm paying enough in monthly charges on my Cell account as it is. Paying roaming charges to access the net while travelling is not an option! Unfortunately, I can't give you a definite answer on whether Palm PDA's can be used for blogging, as this is not something I've ever looked at. If you were going to transfer your blog from the SD card to a PC at a Net Cafe using a Card Reader, that would be one solution. However, there's no way I'm willing to connect my PDA to a "strange" computer as I don't want to risk transferring personal information. Also, it would be necessary for each computer that I was using to have Palm Desktop loaded in it, which is not likely. Even though each of the HotSync conduits can be set up to "do nothing", I wouldn't feel comfortable doing this. If you're going to travel with your PDA (it would help to know which model it is???), there are a few important points to remember: > make sure that you have a backup of all your files on an SD Card, using software such as Backup Buddy VFS or equivalent (check www.bluenomad.com/ for info on this). With most Palm PDA's, if the battery goes flat you lose everything! SD cards are quite inexpensive these days, so there's no reason you couldn't bring one card for large files and one card (with BB VFS mounted on it) as a backup for all the contents of your PDA). > make sure that you have some means of recharging your PDA while travelling. The newer colour screens seem to deplete batteries fairly quickly in some cases (the T3 was notorious for this - when the warranty expires, I might get a larger battery installed). I carry both a AA battery based power unit and a "universal" AC travel charger when travelling so hopefully won't have any problems in this regard. If you want information on the AA Battery Charger, check home.earthlink.net/~gmayhak/catalog.html. Hopefully this will be some help anyway. Good luck and happy travels!!!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 2, 2005 13:52:10 GMT -5
Doug, I should have been a bit more specific with my Post. I use MAC's exclusively at home but at work I'm forced to use those inferior Windows machines (thank goodness we have a 24/7 I.T. Helpline!). Since I'm familiar with using both types of OS, having MAC's at home is a decision based on first hand knowledge of both systems.
Again, I don't plan on ever buying a Windows machine; if I need to use Windows software, I can do so using an Emulator. However it will be interesting to see the capabilities of the next generation of MAC's, which will now be based on an Intel microprocessor.
Jules80, I will probably be taking the leap from digital P & S to dSLR sometime this year, so have been wrestling with the same problem -- what to do with the Camera when day touring. Looking like a tourist with lots of expensive Camera gear is a big invitation to local thieves! I'll probably wait until after I buy the Camera, Lenses & Flash before deciding on a strategy (I want to see how much room it uses in my Day pack).
The P & S and a small Film Camera are easy to carry in my Tilley Vest, so maybe it will be possible to at least carry the Lenses and Flash in the Vest? I'll still be using the P & S digital, as it's so easy to carry and is more likely to be close at hand for "unexpected" shots.
Cheers!!!
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Post by Eagle on Aug 1, 2005 0:27:10 GMT -5
I can't answer your question completely on "where to buy a Laptop" as I use MAC Computers almost exclusively, and don't plan on buying any Windows PC's -- EVER! However, I believe the main sales avenue for Dell is via Internet orders, and they are able to custom manufacture each computer to the customer's specifications. This might be your best option. I'm sure they have a toll free number -- give them a call (hopefully their sales staff is better informed than the support staff!).
With regard to the wireless, I'm not completely up to speed on that. However, be aware that there are different wireless standards - 801.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, etc. I'd have to do some checking to find out the difference between them (I think speed is one factor).
Hope this helps.
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Post by Eagle on Jul 30, 2005 19:39:09 GMT -5
rocklit, a few comments on your questions. First, regarding the Digital Camera and downloading/uploading your photos. I'm not quite sure why you would need to use an Internet Cafe if you have a Laptop with you, as you could transfer all your photos to the hard drive on the Laptop. Also, if your Computer is equipped with a CD Burner, you could burn the photos on each card to CD before re-formatting the card, just to be sure. If you're intending to E-mail these back to family or friends, it's a bit impractical for a variety of reasons. You might check LAN'S Sticky Thread at the top of the Computers/Cameras/Phones section at thorntree.lonelyplanet.com as he covers the topic quite well. I'm not familiar with travelling with a Laptop, as I try to avoid that if at all possible as it's a darn nuisance!!! I find that my PDA and other "accessories" provide all the computing power that I need for travel, and they're much easier to travel with. I haven't analyzed the costs, but my tendency would be to use Net Cafes and dispense with the Laptop. Also, while I understand your situation and the courses you're taking, I would rather travel and see Europe, rather than sit in front of a monitor working on (boring) lessons. It kind of detracts from the "travel experience" IMHO! You're spending a lot of money to get to Europe, why not enjoy it instead of working on "school". It doesn't surprise me that Dell wasn't able to provide much information. The "knuckleheaded" advice provided by supposedly knowledgeable customer services people never fails to amaze me! The term "wattage converter" is a good example -- what is that??? What you might need is a Transformer-style Voltage Converter, (as opposed to a solid-state Voltage Converter) but that will depend on the Power Supply that was provided with your Laptop. Check the nameplate data on the power cube, and if it says Power Input 100-240 VAC, 50/60Hz (or something to that effect), then all you'll need is a Plug Adapter to allow the North American style plug to connect to the European style electrical sockets (which vary from country to country). The most common type on "mainland Europe" is the two round pins (but there are others), while the U.K. uses large rectangular pins. A 240VAC Surge Suppressor would be a good idea also (check www.magellans.com for a full description of all the kit you'll need). While that takes care of the power supply problem, you also might find that connection to Internet sources varies as a number of different plug configurations are used with telephone connections also (provided you were planning on using dial-up connections). If you plan on connecting to high speed (ADSL or whatever), I'm not sure if the Ethernet connection is the same as in North America? You can be sure you're going to be paying for this, perhaps at a rate close to that of using a Net Cafe? I don't have a great deal of information on what Wi-Fi or Bluetooth options are available in Europe? When I was in Winchester last year, one of the other residents of the Hostel was using a Laptop with wireless connection to check his E-mail, but I didn't ask him if he was being charged for this. It's a Uni town, so I suspect they have fairly good wireless service in that area. However, I've noticed that the "free" Wi-Fi connections seem to be getting a bit scarce here in Canada (if you can even find a hot spot outside the larger centres), as the carriers are now charging for the priviledge of using wireless. Hope this is some help.
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Post by Eagle on Jun 14, 2005 10:44:16 GMT -5
Just to reiterate and add to what Dustoffmom posted, it's probably not the best idea to take your Dad's Camera that "he used in Iceland and Scotland when he was stationed there". I'm assuming that his posting was quite a few years ago, and therefore his Camera is of an "earlier generation" and most of the settings have to be done manually. Packing around light meters, lenses and other assorted kit while you're travelling is not the most comfortable, and tends to be a bother at times - having to stop and take readings and get set up for a shot ruins the spontaneity somewhat, especially with subjects that are moving.
Even if you did have the opportunity to begin "training" with it three months ago you will probably get better results by using a newer Camera, which will undoubtedly be easier to carry while travelling as well. However, your Dad's Camera may have offered a bit more flexibility than many of the "point & shoots" have (ie: increased zoom range, greater degree of settings flexibility for a variety of conditions, etc.)?
Not that it matters for this trip, but if you really like taking pictures while travelling you may want to check out either more advanced 35mm Cameras (SLR?) for your next trip, OR take the jump to Digital (as most of us have been doing lately). Some of the new Digitals have quite remarkable features! Just a thought.......
Good luck and happy travels!!!
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Post by Eagle on Jun 13, 2005 13:58:31 GMT -5
I use a similar Camera (Pentax Espio 135) and it takes great pictures for the most part. Just be sure to read the Manual before you go, so that you're up to speed on focusing issues (ie: settings when you're focusing through glass, as in a train window), etc. Other situations you might encounter are locations where no flash is allowed (make sure you know how to turn the Flash off) and shooting in "low light" conditions (night time or indoors).
Not sure if you've thought of this, but a small lens cleaning kit is sometimes a helpful accessory to pack along while travelling, and of course a sturdy Case.
Have fun!
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Post by Eagle on Dec 17, 2005 16:24:18 GMT -5
Kirsty, I was curious on your impressions of the Rebel XT, now that you've had some time to become familiar with it. I'm still "sitting on the fence" with regards to my new Camera purchase, as I wanted to wait to see what sorts of additional "bells & whistles" will be featured in the 20D replacement (will likely be introduced at the PMA show in February).
However, I visited the local Camera store yesterday to have another look at the various modes, and came very CLOSE to buying a Rebel XT. I seem to keep coming back to that particular model, largely due to the size and weight, as it's just perfect for travel purposes and seems to be an excellent SLR. Some of the "experts" on various photo forums have complained that after a day of walking around with the 20D, they are quite tired of the weight and bulk of that model.
Hope you have a great Christmas! Cheers!!!
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