Snippets from Previous Meetings
DIGITAL CAMERAS AND IMAGES
- PRICES of digital cameras are falling rapidly.
- Cameras are classed in terms of their MEDIA CAPTURE (image storage) systems.
- Cameras are getting SMALLER as design and technology advance.
- FEATURES including LCD preview screens, autofocus, slow sync flash, etc.
- RESOLUTION (number of image pixels) varies, falling into groups:
- 640 x 480 pixels - suitable for e-mail/web images; cameras are now available at less than $300
- 1280 x 960 (1 million pixels) - suitable for standard-sized photos; $300+.
- 1600 x 1200 (2 million pixels) - suitable for A4 sized photo quality images; $1300+.
- 1920 x 1600 (3 million pixels) - suitable for A3 sized photo quality images.
- MEDIA storage varies in type:
- media cards vary in capacity, reflected in their prices.
- some cards can be used with a floppy disk adapter, which enables them to be placed into a 3.5inch floppy drive for transfer to the computer.
- a Digital Wallet device ($2000) enables continuous storage while the camera is still in use.
- DOWNLOAD times from camera to computer can also vary widely, depending on the type of connection.
- EASE OF USE: some advanced cameras have complicated menus.
- OPTICAL v DIGITAL systems operate differently, but design is rapidly converging
- LENSES may be plastic (cheaper) or glass (better quality) - glass lenses can be determined a purple or green tinge on them.
- PHOTO-HANDLING PROGRAMS have a variety of capabilities and complexities. Use CMYK (for printer) settings in preference to RGB (for monitor), if available.
- DIGITAL LABS: There are several in NZ which are now equipped to produce conventional photo prints from digital images.
- BATTERIES can be nickel hydride or lithium. Do not use nickel cadmium (ordinary rechargeable batteries), or use any battery charger other than the one supplied, as the camera will be affected.
Robert also made reference to his company's website, which includes retail details of both digital and conventional cameras: www.discountcameras.co.nz
ALADDIN SOFTWARE
Three members presented brief reports on the software which Aladdin has sent to AMUG to review:
DRAG STRIP (Wilfrid Robinson): An advanced type of Launcher. This program installs a panel of icons on the desktop which enables instant access to applications and files on the hard disk. Can be customised for individual users.
STUFFIT DELUXE (Kim Roberston): Latest version of top-of-the-line program for compressing and decompressing files for optimum use. Handy for file transfer by e-mail/web.
SPRING CLEANING (Dave Morrow): Checks the hard disk for unwanted aliases, duplicates, cookies, histories, cache files, read-me files, etc, and frees up the surprising amount of memory that they use.
QUESTIONS & (SOME) ANSWERS
The usual discussion session was held to share problems and enquiries, with some answers and possible solutions being suggested. Topics covered included difficulties with the At Ease application and some printers.
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REMINDER
Next meeting is on Friday 25 May - ALL WELCOME - BRING A FRIEND
Bring your computer if you would like Mactropolis software installed.
[Committee Meeting on Mactropolis: Tuesday 15 May at 9:00pm.]
Tony Climo
Secretary, Aoraki MacIntosh Users Group
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