Cheap Digital Camera

[GNEP]

Hmmm... interesting - you see I have a completely locked down computer at work and to be able to use it as well this would be an option... Useful for carrying around presentations to "awaydays" etc... - and it would seem silly to duplicate flash memory storage if I am going to get a camera as well.

Will take a look round for what you suggested.... thanks VJ

[az]

Yes, almost all modern cameras are removable storage class devices.

Most readers should also behave like this, at least in XP. I don't know how 2k behaves, though. I think even my Nex IIe didn't need a driver for XP.

AZ

[VJ]

Originally posted by az
Yes, almost all modern cameras are removable storage class devices.

The latest Canon SLR models don't... I know this is for sure on the 10D, and I think it also applies on the 1Ds. So you do need proprietary software with those cameras (what were they thinking ? )


Jörg

[az]

That's stupid...

I think the Sigma SD9 might be like that, too, but it's another story with this cam: It has FireWire, too, can be completely controlled over FW (don't know if this works over USB, too), and you need their software anyway, because it only shoots RAW.

AZ

[mutz]

VJ, az, now you guys have got me going. Maybe I should pass my MD on along with the G2 and get something else for my G5.

What do you guys think would be the best 1G and over media for the G5 (5 MP)?

[az]

Lexar 40x CF. Might be expensive though. Never get SanDisk, they're horribly slow.

AZ

[mutz]

Thanx! Good tip. The G5 doesn't use WA, but I guess that doesn't make the Lexar CF any less valid for the G5.

[VJ]

Check out http://www.powerinnumbers.com.au . I bought my ridata cards there; while they are not as fast as the Lexars, they are quite good performers (esp. considering their price). Recently, they also started selling Transcend cards, but I don't know how the perform.

Az is right about the Sandisk cards; there is of course the Sandisk Ultra range, but they are very expensive, and not that fast in comparison to others.


Jörg

[VJ]

Oh, I just remembered: some camera's had problems with the latest Lexar cards (something to do with the write-fast technology). Lexar brought out a firmware-update for their cards to solve it, might be worth checking out the firmware if you decide to buy a Lexar card. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0305/03...exard1xd1h.asp


Jörg

[mutz]

Thanks VJ. I want something that matches with the camera and is reliable, with a bit of reserve. More than that is a waste of money.

That sort of error with the Lexar is just what I don't want, while on the other hand that's a big recommendation for Lexar that they are so forthcoming and professional.

[az]

Lexar 32x arre probably fast enough for you, as are Ridata. Toshiba also has some fast CFs at reasonable prices.

BTW, Hama etc. are NOT brand names. They rebadge other stuff, but change sources often.

AZ

[mutz]

Just checking that out, az. With the dollar down and the Euro up against the Swiss Franc, looking West for the best deal. Haven't found any good connection in Europe for either Lexar or Ridata. One of the few places I found in Switzerland has almost double the price of BHP Photo & Video in NY. Typical.

[Kurt]

Originally posted by VJ
It is Ritek actually...

http://www.ritek.com.tw/

(it could be there is a link with Ricoh, but I didn't think so)

Jörg

I bought some Ricoh CD burners with the Ridata brand. Could have been a co-branded thingy....

[mutz]

Seems Ritek is the leading optical disk manufacturer in the world and a public company. All their other products are optic related, so it's possible their memory products are actually made by someone else. Doesn't appear they are related to Ricoh, a Japanese company founded in 1936, though Ricoh may well be a Ritek customer and visa versa.

Ritek/Ridata optical products are probably excellent and out of their top grade production. You may well be buying Ritek 2nd grade production under a variety of other well known brands. Sony does that with magnetic media.

Which is all very nice to know, but...

[VJ]

Originally posted by mutz
Haven't found any good connection in Europe for either Lexar or Ridata. One of the few places I found in Switzerland has almost double the price of BHP Photo & Video in NY. Typical.

Have you checked the prices on the Australian website I posted (a 512 MB Ridata costs USD 123 or EUR 110.7) ? Sure, it is in Australia, but they really offer great service (haven't read bad things about them over on the BelgiumDigital.com-forums). Besides: CF-cards are very sturdy (not much shipping problems) and lightweight (not a high shipping-cost).


Jörg