[lug] OT: Digital cameras

[Timothy C. Klein]

* D. Stimits (stimits at attbi.com) wrote:
> I'm looking for Christmas gifts, and though I tend to want to buy things 
> that work with linux, this one would have to work with Win 2k (and if it 
> is nice enough, I might buy one for myself later for linux). People have 
> talked about digital cameras on linux a lot, but I'm waiting for the 
> right sale item, so I am not going to just pick what is wanted and go 
> buy it...I'll snag it when it is on sale, so I can't predict what it'll 
> be, but I'll probably have to decide fast when I see it (sorry ahead of 
> time about what probably seems like repeat questions, I need to know the 
> very current state of what is going on with digital cameras, you can 
> replay off-list if you wish).
> 
> I like the Canon cameras which several people have shown me, they are 
> probably the #1 choice, but they are also more expensive it seems, 
> compared to other sale items. I've seen warnings about Kodak, except in 
> special cases. Can anyone suggest makes and models of *less expensive* 
> cameras that are good digital cameras that might also work with linux? 
> How about less expensive makes and models that should be avoided?
> 
> Can someone suggest the best type of connect if linux might be involved, 
> e.g., avoid firewire, go USB? How about memory, e.g., "memory sticks are 
> nice", or "memory sticks fail when temperature changes", or "mini-cd's 
> are wonderful"?
> 

Well, I'm a Nikon guy, so Canon is a dirty word ... :-)  Just kidding.
I don't really know much about current models, as I have had mine for a
couple years and don't plan on upgrading anytime soon.  I also have this
nasty habit of always wanting and getting the most expensive model I can
find, so I know lots about the over $1000 models, which won't help you.

However, I would not worry too much about Linux compatibility.  You can
get card readers that will allow you to download the images you shoot.
I know you can get them for Compact Flash, I think they are out there
for Smart Media, and maybe for Memory Stick.  Myself, I like Compact
Flash.  I wouldn't buy a Memory Stick camera (Sony only, I think), as I
don't like a proprietary storage medium.  Especially when it really
added nothing new to the solid state storage mix.  The Compact Flash
cameras that accept CF Type II are very cool, because then you can use a
Microdrive, and have a gigabyte of storage for relatively cheap, if you
ever have occasion to shoot lots of images without being able to
download.  Also, see if you can't find a camera that works with just AA
batteries, so that you can use rechargeable NIMH batteries, rather than
some expensive, proprietary solution.  

In short, don't worry about Linux compatibility.  There is a good chance
that whatever camera you get will work, and if not, you can just get a
$30 card reader.

Tim
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== Timothy Klein || teece at silverklein.net   ==
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== "Hello, World" 17 Errors, 31 Warnings... ==
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