new to digital cameras, a few questions

Just got my first digital camera , a Panasonic fz 20. First I am amazed at
the number of shots that can be put on a 256 meg SD card .As a result the
following questions arise.

My computer crashed totally [still trying to figure how to retrieve the hard
drive data] and I got a new E Machine which included a facility to burn
DVDs. I downloaded many images off the SD card to my hard drive with the
intention of putting them on DVD . Seems the machine does not want to put
images on DVD but is happy to put them on CD, perhaps someone can explain
why or can offer some way of doing this .

The second question is having accomplished the above, what is the best way
of clearing the SD card for further use . I know when the card is in the
camera that individual images can be dumped ,this would involve many
individual dumpings or is a better and possibly the "normal"?, way to clear
the card to reformat it ,which I understand will result in the loss of all
images on it.

I apologise for these basic questions and the observationn that I should
read the manuals is probably some lips. I hasen to add the instuctions with
the camera and E machine are sadly lacking ......mjh

 

My experience (Mac + Sony camera) is just drag the files from the card
in the waste basket

 

Probably the software that came with the machine - but that is ONLY a guess.
Are you sure that you can "burn" DVDs and not just read them? There are tons
of third-party software programs out there, and some seem better than others.
Also remember that there are several different standards for DVD (like CDs),
-R, +R, etc. Check to make sure that your drive handles the medium that you
are using. Some newer ones don't care, and will handle any blank DVD that you
stick in, but not all. Match up the specs closely, burn, verify, then test
them by pulling up the images.

Best way to clear the card is to Format it in the camera. You could Move the
files, but that can cause some problems, and, since you have already lost some
images, it's a good practice to leave them on the card until you are SURE that
you have them securely and accurately burned to CD/DVD. You could Format in a
card reader, BUT some cameras are not really comfortable with this. They like
the card to be formatted BY the camera. I'd also suggust getting a second
card, so you can keep the images around for a while as a backup. Cards are
really cheap now, and getting cheaper.

Lastly, when shooting/storing to card, choose the best possible capture that
you can use. You can always sample-down the quality/size for e-mailing, Web,
etc. but will be basically *stuck* with whatever quality/size you shoot in.
Lower quality/size yields smaller files, but its tough, if not impossible, to
get better images, than what you shot/saved as. Also, JPG is a lossy format,
and if you bring the images into PS, work on them, and then Save the results,
you have re-compressed the images and lost some info. Think of shooting at the
highest rez/size you can with the lowest compression, or maybe TIFF or RAW, if
your camera supports it. If all you will ever do with the images, is print
small, e-mail, or post to Web, then it doesn't matter. Just don't change your
mind.

Hunt

 

there is certain to be a menu selection to "format" the card in the camera's
options.
this is by far the best method for use in the camera.

the other option is to right click the icon in "my computer" that represents
the sd card reader,
and choose "format". this is similar, and *should* work just as well


without more info, I have no idea about your dvd burning process.

 

Mike I'm not sure you can burn DVD with the windows software, you need a
different program, I got something called Sonic MyDVD with my E Machine that
burns DVD's fine
MOP

 

Looks like you shooting very small pictures. Better look at your
settings because I would be surprised you camera came with a high
capacity storage.

I guess you are trying to burn your images on a DVD and watch them on
your TV set, right?
You need to create a folder called DCIM in the root folder of your DVD
or your player will not find them.

When you get a new camera you NEED to read the MANUAL.
There is a function letting you format the disk at once.

I suggest posting this kind of questions in a Photo newsgroup.

Stephan

 

it did not Stephen it came with a 16 meg card as you suggested . Due to
generous Christmas gifts I now have two 256 meg cards . I have set the
quality level of the images to high and am generally very pleased with the
quality and detail in the images ,something I was very skeptical before
getting the camera.

The variations in settings was also unexpected including the capability of
formatting the card by the camera . My camera is obviously not the top of
the line but never the less impressive ,at least to me .

My main regret is the lack of a good operating manual, I thought my old
Maxxam manual was skimpy it is an encyclopedia compared to this one ...mjh

 

The FZ-20 (Excellent Camera by the way) has a very easy delete function.
Go into playback mode on the comand dial. Press the Trash Bin button under
the Thumb pad. This asks if you if you want to delete the curent picture.
If you read the bottom of the screen it says that Pressing the Trash button
again takes you to the delete multiple or delete all option. It works just
fine, try it.

As to the burning DVD's question.... Well I'm just supprised you MAC users
can do anything without 3 buttons and a wheel on your mouse. I sure as
hell can't.

 

This camera should give you somewhere around 100 pictures in the highest
quality JPG mode on a 256 card If you're getting a lot more them this you
are probably in a lower quality or resolution setting.

For file storage it's a good habbit to burn a cd or DVD label it and be done
with it. As you've seen hard drive don't last forever. An other idea get
the pics you want to keep printed at a lab. Even the best printers are a
pain in the ass to keep running smooth for photo's and the rusults aren't
very durable. I send mine to be printed over the net and they mail them
back to me!!
Pretty sweet.

 

Very bad advice: CDs are TEMPORARY storage only.


.. An other idea get

What are you talking about? Get an Epson stylus, learn to use Photoshop
and use the proper profiles for your media.
Epson ColorLife paper will last you over 70 years.

I send mine to be printed over the net and they mail them

Sounds like frozen dinner to me,,,

Stephan

 

There is nothing wrong with storing pics on cd's. You just have to make sure
technology doesn't mess you up down the road.

From Kodak's web site;
Storing digital pictures on CD-ROMs
Today most computers come with a built-in CD-ROM drive and a CD writer, so
you can create your own CDs. DVD-ROM drives and writers are becoming more
popular. They can read both CDs and DVDs. So for years to come, CDs and DVDs
will be a safe means of storage.

But the rapid pace of technology means that technology 10 years into the
future may not be compatible with today's CDs and DVDs.

Advantages of CDs:

a.. They can be used by almost everybody who owns a computer.
b.. They hold hundreds, even thousands, of pictures.
c.. They are inexpensive.
d.. They last for decades.
Disadvantages of CDs:

a.. They are somewhat fragile.
b.. They could become obsolete in 10 or 20 years.

 

From Data Storage
by Bill O'Kane, Alternative Business Systems
Hard disks have a life of about ten years, although I still use disks that
are older than that and work quite well. CDs are supposed to keep data
securely for one hundred years, we'll just have to wait and see,

 

You are not well informed.
CDs ARE temporary storage only. Don't expect to retrieve anything from
your disks in a few years.
Your data will be lost long before the format becomes obsolete.

Stephan

 

You need to understand the difference between a commercially produced CD
and one you "burned" in your home computer.Two very different processes.

Stephan

 

They're prone to scratching. They can get infected by fungus in the
right (wrong) conditions. Disks that aren't gold disks oxidise on the
surface. And more...

If you have to use optical disks, DVD are much safer.

 

Who ? me?
I could be your father, dude.

at least I am posting statements from existing data and research.

Right...

Look, personally I don't give a s*** how you store you data.

What's a floppy?

You are entitled to your opinion also. Just don't go around telling
people storing files on CD is safe.
Some newbie could come across your post and lose things because of your
bad advice.
I did lose many disks, some in less than a few months. Ever heard of CD
corrosion? I guess not, your "research" must have lasted under five
minutes, right?

Stephan

 

Maybe you should study up. If you lost data, it's because you used inferior
items.
None of the advice I gave was my own. I took it directly from Kodak, Etc.

Here's one from http://www.yenra.com/how-long-cds-and-dvds-last/
Most CDs and DVDs will last 30 years or more if handled with care.......
......Many libraries, archives and government agencies store information on
optical media, and NIST collaborated with the Council on Library and
Information Resources to issue this research report.
Of course you have to take care of them like anything else.
And, if it is valuable enough to keep it one should be prepared to back up
the data every what, 10-15 years?
This info is all over the net.
Will they last 100 years? I doubt it. The technology sure won't. But cd's
will last long enough to transfer it all to the next big thing, which will
be when, 10 years at the most?

Now, that said, FYI, I keep all of my data on an external usb hard drive.
For me that is the best way to go, and infinitely accessible and easily
transferable.
That doesn't mean I wouldn't use cd's or dvd's

Now Stephan, quit making shit up, hop on google and educate yourself, and
quit spouting uneducated comments based on your own personal mistakes.
..

 

S

Read the reply Hecate gave you on the Techie cd/dvd question thread.
Have the courage to go to the links she provided and face your lack of
knowledge.
If that doesn't make you shut up I don't know what will...

Stephan

 

Hey Stephan,
I like your name, I have a retarded friend named Stephan, great guy....

Well anyway, I have to admit, you've shown me the light. No more CDs for
me, from now on I'm going to break down the JPG into binary computer code
and painstakingly copy all the 0s and 1s onto sheets of heavy weight acid
free paper (Using archival oil paints of course). This will go fast for me
because there is only 0s and 1s and I'm already a 2 finger typist. Then
with cotton gloves on I'll place the digital manuscripts (along with a copy
of the JPG parameters used of course) into an airtight safe filled with
nitrogen gas and desiccant. I figure that'll technique will probably put
the dead see scrolls to shame in the area of longevity. I would never want
to loose any of my 6300 pics of relatives blowing out candles and shit like
that.

PS: I've got an Epson stylus, I'm pretty good with Photoshop, but if you
happen to slide your fingernail across a printout it's scratched my friend.
Also take your best printout with any photo paper you want, tilt it sideways
until you get a reflection happening in the light. You will notice much to
your horror that the reflection is uneven and awkward looking. I would
never distribute or sell a printout. I do admittedly have a few printouts
framed in my house but only in area's that will receive no side lighting at
all.
One more thing, the inks may last 70 years, but truth be known we won't know
that for sure for another 65, at witch point I invite you to email me back
and say "HA!!!"

Have a good day,
Thanks for the input,

Marc

 

I bet a lot of your friends are retarded
Asinus asinum fricat!

You are surely talking about the Epson 2200
I would

I do, that's my job

I do admittedly have a few printouts

I'll be long dead by then