Digital Camera download on Board

[mareka]

Does anyone know if there is somewhere onboard where you can download your digital pictures to CD so you don't have to bring your laptop with you?

This would be great so we don't have to buy extra memory.
Thank You

 

[MarkRG]

My understanding is that Shutters(the onboard photo shop) now offers the service of downloading your camera memory to a cd. Do not know any details.

However, you would still need to verify the cd is good before deleting the camera memory, bringing you back to bringing your own notebook.

 

[mareka]

Well if they do offer the service I would hope that they would let you verify the CD you are paying for.

I know they offer this at the WDW. Does anyone know the approximate cost?

 

[MamaGriz]

I had one memory card burned onto a CD at Shutters. It cost $14.95 and came with an index print. It was ready the next day.

 

[Skuba2]

My question about the CD is a techie one. I learned the hard way on my pc that saving pictures to a cd is different that creating a photo cd. The former saves it as any other file on your computer. The difference comes when you try to go to one of the kodak machines and print out a pictures not saved as a photo cd. The machine can't read it unless it is a photo cd. This is not to say that your computer can't read it or it can't be re-saved to a photo cd. I am not a techie. I just know that I almost lost alot of pictures one time because I made this mistake. So, I guess the question would be in what format are the pictures saved?

For us, we preview the pics on the television each night by hooking the camera up to the TV with the cable. Then we delete anything we don't need and protect the ones we want. This usually frees up enough space to hold the weeks worth of pictures.

DG

 

[MarkRG]

Originally posted by Skuba2

My question about the CD is a techie one. I learned the hard way on my pc that saving pictures to a cd is different that creating a photo cd. The former saves it as any other file on your computer. The difference comes when you try to go to one of the kodak machines and print out a pictures not saved as a photo cd. The machine can't read it unless it is a photo cd. This is not to say that your computer can't read it or it can't be re-saved to a photo cd. I am not a techie. I just know that I almost lost alot of pictures one time because I made this mistake. So, I guess the question would be in what format are the pictures saved?

You're not a techie, but you have a better understanding of it than you think, but I'll iron out a few wrinkles. You did not almost lose anything. Once they are on a CD wether it is a standard computer CD or a photo CD, your pictures are permanently saved. The real difference between a regular cd and a 'photo cd' is the photo one has an extra file that contains an index of the pictures saved on it. Both are readable by a pc, only the Kodak kiosks are picky about it having that extra file. The only thing I'd worry about shipboard is that cd being readable by your pc back home, but maybe I'm exaggerating that some. Don't know what format cd is made in onboard, sorry. They do use the Kodak Royal Gold process for running film, so maybe it is a photo cd. I'll have to do one just to see.

For us, we preview the pics on the television each night by hooking the camera up to the TV with the cable. Then we delete anything we don't need and protect the ones we want. This usually frees up enough space to hold the weeks worth of pictures.

That is a very advanced bit of thinking and a good plan! You're much better at it than you think.

 

[Skuba2]

Thanks MarkRG and thanks for explaining it.

My dad says I am dangerous when it comes to computers. I know enough to get myself into some real trouble. I managed to black out my screen one night. Long story---but I had to call my dad for the keystroke guidance to get it back.

I almost lost the pics because I guess I moved everything to the cd from my hard drive trying to make my first photo cd. Then I went and erased my pics from the hard drive (bet you can see where this is going). Then I took out the cd by pushing the eject button. Somehow by not going thru the program to finish the process, the disk wasn't "finalized" and when I went back later in the day, the pics weren't there. Luckily, I had made a straight file copy to a cd for my dad and he sent it back up to me. See how easily a little knowledge can get you in trouble. LOL!!

Through trial and error, I can now create cd's that will play back in grandparents' computers so they get kid updates regularly.

DG

 

[MamaGriz]

The CD I had burned has an extra file that allows you to view the images through the Noritsu QSS CD viewer. All of the images are .jpg files when you look at them through the viewer, though when you do an "explore", they are listed as Photosuite images.

We have now maxed out my knowledge on the subject. Hope its helpful.

 

[MrsPete]

I think the extra memory would be a better investment in the long run. The $15 to make one CD is a one-shot deal, but if you buy the extra memory you'll never be in this position again.

My memory cards were $60 for 128M. I only shoot in high resolution, and I can hold about 130 pictures at once.

 

[hometech99]

the subject of how to offload memory cards is always flying around the digital camera sites.

yes, laptops are great if you have one- you can dump to your harddrive, burn a cd (newer laptops), and totally verify its all there.

there are handheld devices that have varying size harddrives 20g-40g, have a little screen, etc.(Flashtrax, Delkin efilm, image tank, etc)
but, these are pricey ($300-500) and cost more than the camera. also, some brands use lousy harddrives, and there goes your whole vacation if the drive fails.
for you newer ipod owners, there is a $99 attachement that will let you dump your compact flash into the ipod's harddrive.
you cant view them, but can offload them when you hook the ipod to your pc once home. i heard the card to ipod dump is slow (like do it once back in room and going to bed.)

what i did- since i dont have or need a laptop, nor want to pay $400 for a harddrive based device that can crash( as can your laptop harddrive), i went for a portable cd burner.its about the size of a larger portable cd player, has memory card slots on the side, and will either fast burn or do a verify burn to a cd-r. it has a battery in it to do about 6 cds, but plugged in inside your cabin, power isnt an issue.
the further beauty is that it can hook to the tv. then, you can view the pictures on the cd and verify its all there. PLUS, the unit will PLAY DVD (so, you have an extra use for the thing.)
PLUS- the unit has a USB port to hook to you computer at home, so it can act as a cd burner for your home PC. Really a great device.
the price is also right- i got mine for $218. they run $229-299 now. apacer Disc Steno CP200 Combo


so, the safest place for your once in a lifetime pictures is on a cd. but, all cd-r arent created equal.
buy cd-r made in japan or USA. if its made in singapore, taiwan, etc- the quality isnt as good.
see CD-R Ratings

any questions im happy to answer

best regards
stu