New camera advice sought, Apply within

[knucklehead]

Al, I bought a cheap Kodak camera for my daughter, also use a Kodak for work. Now the cameras perform as I would expect, but the software is dreadfully.
The software is clunky and unreliable. Last week the program stopped working and caused the PC to run very slow. I had to reinstall from the CD to get it to work. When it installed it in overwrote all of the pictures previously stored under the default storage location. :mad:
The other issue I have with it is the software updater. This beast is constantly running in the background.

Anyway I would never buy a Kodak again just because their software is horrible.

[ozwinner]

I tend not to use their software.
I download into Photoshop.

On software, I always turn off the update feature as they seem to want to download at the wrong moment.

Al

[masoth]

Yow !! :eek:
You using Photoshop tells me you know your photography - so I withdraw from offering my opinion.

[Ian007]

Al get a real camera go an digital SLR, bugger the expense its only your money

[ozwinner]

Yow !! :eek:
You using Photoshop tells me you know your photography - so I withdraw from offering my opinion.

Its all smoke and mirrors my boy, smoke and mirrors.

Al

[echnidna]

Got photoshop, don't use it
Prefer Paint Shop Pro

As Al says "Its all smoke and mirrors my boy, smoke and mirrors."

[ozwinner]

How do you find Paint Shop Pro to use?
Is it easier then Photoshop?

I only use PS for reduceing the image size, as I find the other functions a pain to use.

Al

[echnidna]

Its much easier to use.
Theres also lots of tutorials online if you google.

[Greolt]

The capabilities of Photoshop are realy quite amazing. It is used almost exclusivly by professionals. Really an industry standard.

However the interface is a bit daunting and if Paint Shop Pro will do all you need then by all means go for it.

Photoshop Elements is definately worth considering. Allmost all of the capabilities of the full version (or the ones that most people want)
with a much easier to use interface. EDIT: and much cheaper too

Greolt

[derekcohen]

Hi Al

I had difficulty uploading pics from my Kodak Box Brownie so I bought a digital camera

Timing is everything. I have just bought a new camera to replace my Olympus. The Olympus produced really excellent images but it just stopped working after 3 years and the cost of having a quote and repairs (even if minor) is not cost effective ($85 to look, and a minimum of $200 for any repair on what was originally a $600 camera - anyone here with expertise to identify a fault yell out please).

So I bought a Canon A540 with a 512 Mb memory card - these are extra cost which you must factor into the final price - and 6 years full replacement extended warrentee for $550. This camera has 6 MP and a 4X optical zoom.

I should add that I had the camera shop demonstrate several cameras (it was a quiet time for them) in the macro (close-up) mode that is important to me, and this Canon was head-and-shoulders above just about all, and the best of the bunch up to $800 (for a camera alone).

The 6 MP is a bonus and not really important since my pictures need to be reduced in size for the internet. What was more important to me was to obtain fine detail in close-ups of tools. So I was taking notice of the built-in flash, macro facility, size of screen, and manual controls.

It comes with better software than my old Olympus, although I edit with Photoshop anyway.

The bottom line is to narrow down the intended use of the camera and get a few demoed. If my experience is typical, then you will find a wide range in performances.

Regards from Perth

Derek

[ss_11000]

How do you find Paint Shop Pro to use?
Is it easier then Photoshop?

I only use PS for reduceing the image size, as I find the other functions a pain to use.

Al

i find photoshop cs easy to use ( i think thats is wat the school has) mainly cos we're spending 18 weeks in computers ( 2.5 hrs a week ) studying it and playing with it.

[ozwinner]

Thanks guys but I decided against the Kodak and went and bought my self a Canon S2IS.
Cost $650 from Hardley Normal, a little more than I wanted to pay but from all accounts a far better camera.

Al

[bitingmidge]

I don't think you'll regret that one Oz!

Cheers,

P

[ozwinner]

Im still finding my way around the camera but it is a thing of beauty.
I took a couple of piccys today in Avoca to try it out but I dont hink I had the resolution set properly.

Al

[Bob Willson]

Good one Al.

And 12 * optical zoom too. Jealous of that bit!