Memory Cards

[Michelle]

I know there have been many previous threads regarding the use of digital cameras in Europe, and I hate to beat the topic to death, but.... I'm going to be bringing my digital camera, and I was wondering if anyone had any luck taking their memory cards into photo developing places and getting their pictures burned onto CD? If so, would you recommend it? And do you remember about how much it costs and if there are lots of places that can do it?

I've read about all those fancy gadgets that you can download your memory cards onto, but really, I don't want to bring more things that require batteries and plugs, and I don't want to spend money on something I probably won't use when I get home... So that isn't an option. I have quite a few memory cards that would probably last me for a week or so before I fill them up (and I plan on taking LOTS of pictures), and then I would have to get them burned to CD.

Any comments, suggestions, advice?

~Michelle

[Michelle]

Anyone?!

[LHR02]

Michelle, I am strictly a 'film' gal....why don't you try posting directly to Ray in Prague? Unless memory fails me he is a big fan of digital and since he lives there now should be able to answer some of your questions.

[Eagle]

Michelle, Unfortunately, I don't have any information concerning taking memory cards into photo shops for "burning" onto CD's. Some additional information would be beneficial on this question, regarding what capacity & type of memory cards you are using, type of camera, resolution you normally use, etc.

You stated that you plan on taking LOTS of pictures, so what to do with the images during your trip is a very valid concern. There are a few options (as I see it):

> Use the photo shops for "burning" CD's, as you mentioned.
> Use a device such as the Apacer Disk Steno to burn CD's as you go. Some people "burn" two copies of each: keep one with them and mail the other home, for maximum safety. I know you don't want to pack additional kit around, but this might be advisable?
> Use a small card reader (one that doesn't require drivers) at an Internet Cafe, however this option may or may not be possible in all locations. Some Cafes won't allow external devices to be connected to their P.C.'s. There's also the issue of download time for large images, and older versions of the computer OS might not accept the Card Reader. You might check www.adrianwarren.com for detailed info. on the Internet Cafe option for digital photos.
> Use a Portable Hard Drive (PHD). Again, this is additional kit that has to be packed around, but a lot of professionals seem to prefer this option (or a compact Laptop, but that's another Post). The PHD is probably the option I will be going with in the near future (as soon as I decide which model best meets my needs).
> Finally, you could always take lots of memory cards with you and transfer these when you get home. This is undoubtedly the MOST expensive option, but might be workable if you limit your photos somewhat. Again, file size & resolution would be an issue (ie: if you're using a 3 MP Camera with photos taken at less than maximum resolution, and can fit several hundred images on a Card it might work?).

There's no easy answers here, and everyone's needs and preferences will be different. You will have to decide which of the options works best for your circumstances and budget.

Good luck and have a great time on your trip!!!

[LHR02]

Thanks so much Eagle.....it's you, not Ray, that is the digital don! Hated to just leave her post hanging there, but really could offer no help. You are on my list for anyone needing digital help! ;D

[Michelle]

Thanks Dustoffmom and Eagle...

My camera is the new Sony DSC-V1, which can take shots up to 5 Megapixels and it uses the Memory Stick... I won't take all my pictures at 5, probably around 3.2 or so. I have about four 128MB memory sticks, and a couple smaller ones (64MB and 32MB). This seems like a lot, but I filled up two cards during 10 days in Mexico, and could have easily taken more. Considering I will be in Europe for two and a half months, this is somewhat of a concern to me.

Eagle - do you know of a PHD that is compatible with the memory stick? And relatively inexpensive? I just don't want to have to spend lots of money on a gadget just for the trip when I'll probably never use it when I get home...

[Rich]

Hey digital gurus out there,

Timely topic for me! I'm very much an amateur with the digital camera.....a 3.2MP Canon A70. Although I haven't printed any photos yet, I've downgraded the resolution setting on the camera and found that I didn't like the picture quality as much when looking at them on my 17" screen. I then used the high resolution, but downgraded the compression a notch. I didn't notice any photo quality issues on the screen. The number of photos that I can take is almost twice as many with the downgraded compression level, which is a huge perk. However, I don't want to have 800 cruddy photos when I get home! Any advice? I plan on experimenting by printing an 8x10 of each setting to determine the true difference, but if you guys can provide guidance beforehand, it would be appreciated.

Thanks!
P.S. - As most travellers walk around with a camera attached to them in some manner, I've been wondering about the popularity of a photography section to the message board of this site. Any thoughts??? I hope I'm not treading on any toes here though......

[LHR02]

I've wondered the same thing myself....having recently apologized to Ray for somehow getting a rather long thread on photography 'inserted' into one of his 'questions for Ray' forum. I think virtually every forum category on these boards has a photog thread buried in it somewhere. It comes up no matter what is the original question it seems. Not sure though if there is encough interest to merit a special forum.

Kim will see this and decide what she wants to do. For now, we have indeed had many chats about it....to quickly find some of them if you are interested use the search. And suggest you search out Eagle's posts particularly.....he is the 'don' around here. ;D

[Kim]

Sure, I think that's a great idea. We do talk alot of photography (paticularly as it's one of dustoffmom's, Eagles and my interests!)

I will create it and move the posts in the next couple of days.

Thanks for suggesting it! I'm always open to suggestions on what we can do to make both the boards and GFE better. Basically, what you guys want - you get! ;D

Kim

[Eagle]

Michelle, regarding your last Post.....

The PHD that I'm most seriously looking at is the FlashTrax unit ( www.smartdisk.com ). While it is a bit on the pricey side, it has most of the features I'm looking for including:
> a built-in monitor to review photos. Some people are satisfied with a simple monochrome status display that shows remaining capacity on the disk, etc., but I'm more comfortable knowing that the photos actually loaded properly. The supplied monitor is not terribly high resolution, but it's bigger than the LCD on the Camera so is good enough to review.
> the ability to replay photos as a "slide show" on either an NTSC or PAL TV, along with a remote control. I believe there are times when this might be useful, so it's an added bonus.
> the ability to function as an MP3 Player. Not sure how well this works in the FlashTrax, but another nice bonus.
> compact size - I believe this can even be carried in a belt pouch or in the Day Pack, so you don't have to leave it in the Hostel and subject to theft.

On the "downside", battery capacity might be a problem during travel but apparently it will also operate from the supplied AC Adapter (from what I've heard, it's advisable to have the adapter plugged in while transferring photos, as if the battery goes "flat" during the process there are serious problems). In the MP3 mode, I believe it only offers about three hours of play time, so it's not real good at this point.

In answer to your question, most of the PHD's are equipped with a built-in Compact Flash (CF) card reader, but most of these can be equipped with an optional Adapter which allows use with MS, SD or XD Cards. When I was researching purchase of my Digi Cam, this was one factor which influenced my decision to buy a model which used CF cards. Check the web site for current prices on the adapter.

If you want to check out more "basic" models, do a search for Image Tank or Super Digibin. Nikon will be releasing the CoolWalker PHD soon (possibly out already?) but I haven't seen any reviews on this yet.

One note of caution, if you plan to use ANY PHD at altitudes above 10,000 feet be very careful about movement while the disk is spinning -- problems can occur due to the thinner air at that level.

You also might want to check out the "Storage & Media" forum at www.dpreview.com to see what the experiences have been with other users of these devices (check out Posts by pixy). From what I've seen in the Posts so far, the FlashTrax has had a few minor problems but the majority of owners have been exceptionally pleased with the customer / technical service provided by the manufacturer. My impression is that this is the most reliable of the PHD's out there right now.

Also, check the "Computers / Cameras / Phones" section at thorntree.lonelyplanet.com and www.adrianwarren.com for lots of technical info on the various devices (check out Posts by bobtrips or lan).

The 20 GB model would probably be more than adequate for your trip. You might be able to find it at a better price by doing a "price check" search on the web. If you decide to take this route, it might be a good idea to check the firmware version that is installed in the unit when you receive it, as there have been several upgrades recently to correct minor "bugs" and make improvements.

I don't profess to be an expert on the subject of digital photography, however I did extensive research before I bought my first Digi Cam (I usually do on large purchases). I have a good background in electronics, so I was able to sort out the technical information fairly quickly. I'm still learning (and probably always will be), but I wanted to share the info that I have at this point to help with your question. I haven't travelled extensively with the Digi Cam yet, so my preferences will no doubt evolve as time passes.

Hope this helps with your choice. Good luck and happy travels!!!
KEN

[Eagle]

Michelle, one final point just occurred to me...

From what I recall, the battery capacity of the DSC-V1 is fairly small, and the battery can only be recharged in the Camera. Hopefully you'll be taking at least one extra battery (two would be better if you plan on taking a lot of photos).

If you're carrying spare batteries in a Day Pack or whatever, BE SURE to cover the terminals in some way so as to avoid "shorts". Many batteries come with a small plastic cover for this purpose. Extreme temperatures can be produced if the terminals are "shorted".

You may already be aware of this, but I thought I'd mention it to be "on the safe side".

Cheers!!!

[Michelle]

WOW Eagle!! You've given me so much useful information!! I'm going to have to do some research now for sure, and look into all my options... If I come up with any more questions after doing my research, I'll post them here. Thank you so much!

~Michelle

[schlitz]

having never been to europe yet, but working in the printing industry, one possible option are the self-sevice kodak and sony photo kiosks. i don't know if these are available around europe, but we have a sony at my work and previously had a kodak. they have built-in card slots for all types of digital media, and a built-in cd burner to burn your pics to. these would work great for dumping your pics off your memory cards. most kinko's should have the kiosks, but i know kinko's is pretty much limited to the uk and netherlands as of now. just another possible option to consider.

[megamay]

just wanted to share my solution to this particular problem. I bought DH an mp3/dvd player that can also function as a portable hard drive, and has an accessory where you can plug in your memory card and download to the hard drive without needing an additional computer to interface between them.

It was very pricey, but my husband LOVES watching movies and listening to music. So he is looking forward to being able to watch them on trains and stuff. The screen is small (the whole thing is only about the size of a palm pilot.) but it looks really good. and it has an 80gb hard drive so room for tons of movies.

I am sort of worried about having one more thing worthy of stealing, but it is small enough that we can take it with us everywhere.

[dani]

I had a lot of concerns wth this topic before I went on my trip too. So, now that I'm back I wanted to pass on my experience with my memory cards.
I was worried that I would'nt find places to burn my photos onto CD's, but in truth I found many. Every film developing place I found was doing digital now, and most internet places as well. I found that going to an internet place was sometimes cheaper, sometimes by half. It was about 10 euro or so normaly, and I found a few places that did it for 5. I did'nt bring my own CD's, that might be a cheaper option too. I was traveling very light, so as soon as I burned my CD's I'd send them home. I was making two copies, one to sent home and one to cary, but I gave up on that and it worked out fine.
I hope that helped in some way. Digital was deffinatly worth it, and I had no troubles at all!