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Photo Forum / General Photo Topics / General Topics / January 2008Plug-and-Play Camera
I am looking for a simple digital camera that: 1. Takes pictures in JPEG format. 2. Does not need any additional software to retrieve images You help is much appreciated in advance. support > I am looking for a simple digital camera that: > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > support So what is the problem? Virtually every camera available for sale meets those criteria. >> I am looking for a simple digital camera that: >> [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > So what is the problem? Virtually every camera available for sale meets > those criteria. Any? It's a welcome news ... for me. I will try tomorrow at Sam's. I just bought a new computer. Installed 300 meg of software for my Canon G3. Windows tells me that the camera is installed, but Canon's own ZoomBrowser can't see any camera. I rather buy a new simple camera than keep fighting with software. Thanks for the help. support > >> I am looking for a simple digital camera that: > >> [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] > > Thanks for the help. I think you may need to get some software experience for future use. I don't mean the Canon G3 whatever, but basic understanding of all softwares. > support > I just bought a new computer. Installed 300 meg of software for my > Canon G3. Windows tells me that the camera is installed, but Canon's > own ZoomBrowser can't see any camera. I rather buy a new simple camera > than keep fighting with software. You chould have tried the camera without installing any software - most will just show up as a removable drive in Explorer. Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would happily see the memory card when inserted and offload the contents etc. Don't blame the availability of application software for your inability to comprehend its necessity. Sorry but there's truly nothing that's idiot proof. >>> I am looking for a simple digital camera that: >>> [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > support > Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would happily > see the memory card when inserted and offload the contents etc. Don't > blame the availability of application software for your inability to > comprehend its necessity. Sorry but there's truly nothing that's idiot > proof. I have been advised never to use the CF card as a drive. Some of the reasons given were: It messes up the numbering system in the camera; Could lead to premature card failure. I don't know if this is true, but it seems like a conservative rule to follow.  SignaturePeter > > Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would happily > > see the memory card when inserted and offload the contents etc. Don't [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I don't know if this is true, but it seems like a conservative rule to > follow. It won't mess up the numbering, even using multiple cards. As long as you just use it for storage and don't set it up where it's being constantly written to, like for Windows pagefile it will have a long and useful life. Not using it like the storage drive it is(IDE) just makes your life a little harder. IMHO. <snip> > > I have been advised never to use the CF card as a drive. Some of the > reasons [quoted text clipped - 11 lines] > useful life. Not using it like the storage drive it is(IDE) just makes your > life a little harder. IMHO. You are correct, but I didn't want to correct Peter to avoid some misunderstanding. I believe he misunderstood that *if* we use multiple memory cards with different Image #'s then the Image #'s may get messed up which is very true, but that's the relationship between the Information Stores in the Memory Card and Camera *not* Card Reader. Or the Camera can do so many magical things that human can't, but it doesn't have its own brain like human does, or it can only be able to do what it's programmed to do. And because the Memory Card is programmed to store some information (or the current Last Image #'s) and the Camera just READ the information from memory card then save the next image to hinger number. And this only happen to camera using the exact same folder and filename. > <snip> > > > I have been advised never to use the CF card as a drive. Some of the [quoted text clipped - 27 lines] > > And this only happen to camera using the exact same folder and filename. My camera doesn't read the card to see what the next number is. I can format or replace the card and the camera will still use the next higher number. The card can't have 2 files with the same name. So using the same card with 2 cameras that use the same file naming system, and as you point out folder, at the same time might be a problem. Been using this camera and 6 different cards for about 8 years without a numbering problem but haven't tried to create one either. Looking back in the thread I don't see it mentioned that even though it's easier to use a reader the camera may need to be connected to the computer for a firmware upgrade. Only ever had to do it once though. Sometimes they make mistakes that need corrected or less likely add functionality. Makes more sense to me to get the present camera working with the computer anyway. Even if it requires hiring a tech. USB is just about the only problem I have with XP. The next camera or device the OP plugs in might not work either. Usually it's because the Windows USB driver installation gets corrupted and needs to be reinstalled. It can happen randomly but plugging the device in before installing the software and drivers *CAN* cause problems every time. I would remove everything under USB in Device Manager then reboot. XP will reinstall them. I outlined the process in a previous post about a scanner, IIRC. If it isn't one thing it'll be another. >> <snip> >> > > I have been advised never to use the CF card as a drive. Some of the [quoted text clipped - 61 lines] > then reboot. XP will reinstall them. I outlined the process in a previous > post about a scanner, IIRC. If it isn't one thing it'll be another. Good advice.... Really good advice.... So Long, Dudley >> > Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would > happily [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] > your > life a little harder. IMHO. Here is another take on the subject. http://cfd.linnix.com/main.php?choice=spec SignaturePeter >>> > Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would >> happily [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > http://cfd.linnix.com/main.php?choice=spec Good to know, Dudley > >> > Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would > > happily [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] > > http://cfd.linnix.com/main.php?choice=spec Interesting, haven't seen that brought up before. Might come into play if I try to use the CF for a drive in my Atari ST or Falcon. Don't see that it makes any difference for photographic use except maybe video. DVD-RAM would probably be a better analogy. Considering the uses they're selling it for they may be more optimistic than I am. >> >> > Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would >> > happily [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] > probably be a better analogy. Considering the uses they're selling it for > they may be more optimistic than I am. Well, my use for them is solely for photos. I figure they have vulnerability like any media devices. If I came back from a shoot and then learned that the cards were unreadable, I would not be very happy. I try to minimize the risk. That's why I don't buy cheapie cards and try not to abuse what I have. SignaturePeter > Well, my use for them is solely for photos. I figure they have > vulnerability > like any media devices. If I came back from a shoot and then learned that > the cards were unreadable, I would not be very happy. I try to minimize > the risk. > That's why I don't buy cheapie cards and try not to abuse what I have. You are right, Peter. Knowing the technical details behind the bells and whistles could save a guy much aggravation / financial loss. Someone once asked me if I would be satisfied as a lion trainer if I only knew how to get the lion to jump through the hoop, or whether I would want to know why it does the trick. The point being, the more I know about the lion's behaviour and physical abilities, the less likely I'd be to get mauled if it didn't jump after I cracked the whip. Revising how I look at memory cards, Dudley <snip> > Well, my use for them is solely for photos. I figure they have vulnerability > like any media devices. If I came back from a shoot and then learned that > the cards were unreadable, I would not be very happy. I try to minimize the > risk. > That's why I don't buy cheapie cards and try not to abuse what I have. But it's sad that most expensive card isn't always mean most reliable card. I don't remember one of the most expensives CF card which sells 3-4+ times more than the cheapest, and I read so many problem with some version's. Me? I just spend sometime to read end users' feedbacks, and so far I haven't had any problem with any cheapest memory cards I have in more than a decades. And I started with something like 8MB (or 16MB?)... 256MB, 512MB, 1GB, and now 8GB. > <snip> >> Well, my use for them is solely for photos. I figure they have [quoted text clipped - 17 lines] > 512MB, > 1GB, and now 8GB. You've may have been lucky, you may be right, or both. I feel comfortable sticking with Lexan or SanDisk. I was seduced by a low price into trying a low cost one from Tiger Direct. While it has not failed, file transfer is S L O W, not what I would have expected from a 133. Just my take SignaturePeter > > <snip> > >> Well, my use for them is solely for photos. I figure they have [quoted text clipped - 23 lines] > price into trying a low cost one from Tiger Direct. While it has not failed, > file transfer is S L O W, not what I would have expected from a 133. Yeah! Lexan (plus or something) is the one quite afew people having problem with. Besides some version doesn't work with some camera model, some doesn't work with some portable storage. I don't own none Lexan to have personal experience but I have read quite afew reports in the past 2-3 years. > Just my take > > Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would happily > > see the memory card when inserted and offload the contents etc. Don't [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I don't know if this is true, but it seems like a conservative rule to > follow. You may need to send few extra minutes to do some research what to trust what not to. And to me it seems like you misunderstood what the adviser meant to advice you, or the adviser misunderstood his/her previous adviser then passed the wrong info to you. >> > Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would >> > happily [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > meant to advice you, or the adviser misunderstood his/her previous adviser > then passed the wrong info to you. That may be true, but which way would you want to be wrong. SignaturePeter >> Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would happily >> see the memory card when inserted and offload the contents etc. Don't [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I don't know if this is true, but it seems like a conservative rule to > follow. So you're using the camera's USB interface every time you want to access the images on the card. We can certainly surmise you never shoot RAW. :) The advice you've been given is utter nonsense. I've never accessed the data on any removable media camera via its USB interface. To do so violates the very point of removable media. >>> Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would >>> happily see the memory card when inserted and offload the contents etc. [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > data on any removable media camera via its USB interface. To do so > violates the very point of removable media. ???? I access the media care through a USB card reader. If you thought otherwise, perhaps I was not clear. PS the only time I don't shoot raw is for quickie family shots. SignaturePeter >> Nobody forced you to install the extra software and windows would happily >> see the memory card when inserted and offload the contents etc. Don't [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] > I don't know if this is true, but it seems like a conservative rule to > follow. Wait, I didn't say anything about using the CF card for any purpose other than to remove the data. Every OS I know of has this capability without need for special drivers and apps from the manufacturer of a given camera. That was the point of the original question was it not? >>> I am looking for a simple digital camera that: >>> [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > support No need to install the software. Simple plug the camera in and it should appear as a mass storage USB device. I run Linux, so the software that comes with digital cameras won't even install - I've never had a problem. IMHO - best solution is an inexpensive USB card reader - saves the camera batteries and will run at USB 2.0 speeds whereas a lot of cameras are USB 1.0. >I am looking for a simple digital camera that: > [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > > support All digital cameras need some software or hardware to retrieve the images. How else would you print them? If you just want to view them in the camera, get yourself a camera phone. Rick >> I am looking for a simple digital camera that: >> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Rick Ideally, After I connect a camera to the computer with a regular USB cable, I'd like to be able to see the content of the camera just like another hard/flash drive. The same way Windows does it with memory sticks. Thanks > >> I am looking for a simple digital camera that: > >> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > Thanks That's exactly what you suppose to see when you connect your camera to computer, or in most caces the computer will treat your camera as a Removable Drive, and you can do just anything with the drive as you do with hard drive. You can - Copy, Rename, Delete, Move To/From the removable drive without needing any special program. - Viewing image just like on hard drive, CD - But you computer must be either WinXP or Vista to have the option, older OS then you will need DRIVER *If* you don't have the above then your camera doesn't act as removable drive, then you will need a specific software or memory card reader. And I don't think I see what you have at your end yet (or I may have missed the information?) >>I am looking for a simple digital camera that: >> [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > >All digital cameras need some software or hardware to retrieve the images. What? He said "additional" software. He didn't mention what OS he's using, but a Windows-based computer will retrieve images from any camera without adding any software because of the camera used. -- Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida > What? He said "additional" software. He didn't mention what OS he's > using, but a Windows-based computer will retrieve images from any > camera without adding any software because of the camera used. AFAIK not /any/ camera, just most of them. With any camera that has a standard removable memory card (and standard file system) the card should be useable with a card reader, but that's not quite the same thing. >> What? He said "additional" software. He didn't mention what OS he's >> using, but a Windows-based computer will retrieve images from any [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >should be useable with a card reader, but that's not quite the same >thing. If a camera does not have a removable card, it will have a USB cable to connect, and connecting that opens the Windows pop-up that offers choices of what to do with images. Including copying them to the computer. No additional software required. I'm on my fourth digital point and shoot, and first digital SLR. I used a card reader for the first time when I started using the SLR. I've always uploaded with the USB cable on the P&Ss. -- Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida > If a camera does not have a removable card, it will have a USB cable > to connect, Not necessarily - I have one somewhere that uses RS232. Some cameras have Firewire rather than USB. > and connecting that opens the Windows pop-up that offers > choices of what to do with images. Including copying them to the > computer. No additional software required. Only if the camera firmware makes it behave like a removable drive that Windows understands. There's nothing to say that a camera /has/ to behave in this way. >> If a camera does not have a removable card, it will have a USB cable >> to connect, > >Not necessarily - I have one somewhere that uses RS232. Some cameras >have Firewire rather than USB. Video cameras, yes. Still cameras, though? Show me an example of an exception that is currently on the market. >> and connecting that opens the Windows pop-up that offers >> choices of what to do with images. Including copying them to the [quoted text clipped - 3 lines] >Windows understands. There's nothing to say that a camera /has/ to >behave in this way. Find one that is an exception that is currently on the market. -- Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida > >> If a camera does not have a removable card, it will have a USB cable > >> to connect, [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Show me an example of an exception that is currently on the market. Hasselblad H3D > >> and connecting that opens the Windows pop-up that offers > >> choices of what to do with images. Including copying them to the [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > Find one that is an exception that is currently on the market. Why? I didn't say there are any currently on the market. I'm pretty sure there used to be some that only used TWAIN rather than appearing as removeable storage devices, but I can't be bothered to look for details. >> >> If a camera does not have a removable card, it will have a USB cable >> >> to connect, [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >> >Hasselblad H3D That's probably what the OP was considering...a $20,000-plus camera. Just right for a beginner. >> >> and connecting that opens the Windows pop-up that offers >> >> choices of what to do with images. Including copying them to the [quoted text clipped - 9 lines] >sure there used to be some that only used TWAIN rather than appearing as >removeable storage devices, but I can't be bothered to look for details. Can't be bothered to read, either. The OP is looking to buy a camera, but you are warning him about the need to use proprietary software on a camera that might, just might, be found in a garage sale $1 bin. -- Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida >>> Show me an example of an exception that is currently on the market. >>> >>Hasselblad H3D > > That's probably what the OP was considering...a $20,000-plus camera. > Just right for a beginner. Stranger things have happened. Not too long ago I ran across some woman, sporting Nikon D2, with a 70 - 200 Nikkor lens together with a bag full of other lenses and strobes. When she saw me and some of my friends she started asking the type of questions that showed her to be a rank beginner. During our conversation she told us that this was her first camera. SignaturePeter > >>> Show me an example of an exception that is currently on the market. > >>> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > asking the type of questions that showed her to be a rank beginner. During > our conversation she told us that this was her first camera. My guess that it's the result of wasting money on cheapie lens, then end up adding more to replace one worst one with the worse one <bg> But carrying a load of useless lens can be a good exercise. And at least she can get some knowledge from you guys <bg> >>>> Show me an example of an exception that is currently on the market. >>>> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] >asking the type of questions that showed her to be a rank beginner. During >our conversation she told us that this was her first camera. That type of thing is seen all the time. I was on a dive in the Virgin Islands, and one of the group was decked out in the best equipment, including a dive computer, money could buy. Every dive gadget and accessory sold. It was his first dive trip after certification. It was a shore dive, and he panicked before getting down 30 feet and returned to shore hyper ventilating and tripping over his graphite flippers. He was offering his stuff for sale to the dive party. I think the only thing he kept was a TAG dive watch he'd purchased in Charlotte Amalie the day before. The dive master, by the way, was a former Navy diver and wore a surplus Navy canvas tank rig and no BCD. -- Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida > That type of thing is seen all the time. I was on a dive in the > Virgin Islands, and one of the group was decked out in the best [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > The dive master, by the way, was a former Navy diver and wore a > surplus Navy canvas tank rig and no BCD. Ah! Just had a flashback from my diving days. The stories are too long and off topic, but suitable for a good session. SignaturePeter That was more years ago than many here are. > Can't be bothered to read, either. The OP is looking to buy a camera, > but you are warning him about the need to use proprietary software on > a camera that might, just might, be found in a garage sale $1 bin. I was simply pointing out that your blanket assertions that all cameras have USB and work as removable drives under Windows are untrue. Had you bothered to qualify the statements then there would have been no need to point out that they are potentially misleading. >> Can't be bothered to read, either. The OP is looking to buy a camera, >> but you are warning him about the need to use proprietary software on [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] >bothered to qualify the statements then there would have been no need to >point out that they are potentially misleading. Bullshit. The OP is looking for a new P&S. There's no need to exclude Hassleblads and 10 year old drugstore models from any statement that pertains to that request for information. -- Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida > >> Can't be bothered to read, either. The OP is looking to buy a camera, > >> but you are warning him about the need to use proprietary software on [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > exclude Hassleblads and 10 year old drugstore models from any > statement that pertains to that request for information. As I said, had you bothered to qualify your statements ... >>> Can't be bothered to read, either. The OP is looking to buy a camera, >>> but you are warning him about the need to use proprietary software on a [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > Hassleblads and 10 year old drugstore models from any statement that > pertains to that request for information. In December, I bought a new Fuji A820 P&S. While it uses USB, it does not show up on XP as a removable drive. It shows up as the PTP camera that it is, and is identified Windows Explorer as a camera, by manufacturer and model, not a drive letter or something like "removable media". Just as convenient, to be sure; but I think not quite what you claim. The camera was introduced earlier in the year. SignatureBlinky Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org Blinky: http://blinkynet.net >>>> Can't be bothered to read, either. The OP is looking to buy a camera, >>>> but you are warning him about the need to use proprietary software on a [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] >media". Just as convenient, to be sure; but I think not quite what you >claim. The camera was introduced earlier in the year. Here's what the OP asked: ----------- I am looking for a simple digital camera that: 1. Takes pictures in JPEG format. 2. Does not need any additional software to retrieve images -------------- I said that all cameras will come this way. He will be able to upload using the USB port or with a card reader, and that the computer's software will retrieve the images. He won't need additional software. I didn't say anything about "removable media" being available on all cameras. -- Tony Cooper - Orlando, Florida >>>>> Can't be bothered to read, either. The OP is looking to buy a >>>>> camera, but you are warning him about the need to use proprietary [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Here's what the OP asked: I know what the OP requested. > ----------- > I am looking for a simple digital camera that: [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] > I didn't say anything about "removable media" being available on all > cameras. Then I misunderstood your claims. Carry on. SignatureBlinky Killing all posts from Google Groups The Usenet Improvement Project: http://improve-usenet.org Blinky: http://blinkynet.net > Here's what the OP asked: > ----------- [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > using the USB port or with a card reader, and that the computer's > software will retrieve the images. He won't need additional software. It seems that the problem in this case is that the OP's camera is not functioning properly, or there is a problem with the computer. It doesn't show up as a drive letter or camera make and model; the software won't recognize that it's there, and the OP has no way to access it other than by removing the card which is not what he wants to do. The OP has chosen to look for another camera rather than trying to troubleshoot the camera or computer because the option seems easier and faster. However, what the OP doesn't realize is that, if one camera isn't working properly, chances are other cameras have just as good a chance to malfunction as the first. Personally, I'd rather take the time to find out why the OP's present camera isn't working with his system the way it should. Take Care, dudley > > Here's what the OP asked: > > ----------- [quoted text clipped - 26 lines] > Take Care, > dudley Bingo! Well said. Not to mention anything else USB he might want to use. > >>> Can't be bothered to read, either. The OP is looking to buy a camera, > >>> but you are warning him about the need to use proprietary software on a [quoted text clipped - 15 lines] > media". Just as convenient, to be sure; but I think not quite what you > claim. The camera was introduced earlier in the year. It doesn't matter what the VOLUME may say, as long as you can copy file TO or FROM the device then it's Removable Storage/Drive (Media may not be the right term as Media is often prefer to CD/DVD). Back the Removable Device, if you connect a MP3 player (Sandisk for example) then the Volume may say "Sandisk", if you connect a GPS then it may say Garmin or whatever the manufacture names the Volume. So there is no surprise to know your say "PTP" Or you may not be able to guess what the Volumes of all my Hard Drives. >>I am looking for a simple digital camera that: >> [quoted text clipped - 10 lines] > > Rick Of course software is needed - it's usually built in. All you need to do is plug in the camera and it appears as a USB storage device. You can then trasfer the images quite easily. > I am looking for a simple digital camera that: > > 1. Takes pictures in JPEG format. Most if not all do > 2. Does not need any additional software to retrieve images Most if not all do not any additional software, but it may require you to connect your camera to computer to download using Windows Explorer, or using Memory Card Reader. > You help is much appreciated in advance. > > support ??? |
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