Before the shopping process could begin I had to do some (a lot of) research, because I knew absolutely zero about a digital cameras. Again, through the help of persons I met at the CAUG Digicam SIG group I obtained information to begin the shopping process.

First I went to Roosevelt Baker and got some good information from a clerk there. Of course, I didn't know what he was talking about part of the time. Bill D. suggested I search the web and pointed me in the right direction. I searched www.zdnet.com and www.cnet.com D.B.Kline told me he bought his camera through www.buydig.com

I put a cap of $500 that I was willing to spend. I found just what I wanted. I decided on an Olympus D-550, 3.4 megapixel, with optical zoom and LCD viewfinder. This camera came out in June 2002 and the list price was $399. (It's now down to $349. in the stores.) I found I could buy it online for $306. This came with a 16MB Smart Media Card. I decided to upgrade to the "Executive Kit", which included a 64 MB Smart Media Card, camera case, etc. The price then was $376. I also ordered four nickel-hydride rechargeable batteries and charger for $69.99, a Smart Media Card Reader for $49. shipping was $19.95, making a grand total of $514. I received it in four days, shipped by Fed Ex.

So, now I have it, what do I do with it? Again, thanks to my computer buddies in CAUG (our computer user group) who helped me get started I'm trying to learn to use it. I was diligently reading the directions (few that there were) on how to begin.

The first problem: I couldn't figure out how to insert the batteries. I called Bill D., who was at the time, not feeling well and flat on his back in bed .I told him of the problem and he insisted that I come over and he'd help me. I did, and he did, and I took my first picture of "Sick Bill." I'm getting hooked fast!

Next hurdle was how to install the card reader. Knowing how "techno-logically challenged" I am, Jack Hord came out and installed it for me. So now I had my first successful attempt and am ready for another. I took another group of fotos and am on my way. I loaded them into the computer and couldn't bring them up. Called Bill D. again; he made a "house call" and discovered that I was omitting one crucial step.

But I'm feeling more comfortable with it now. While in California recently,I found some good buys at the Fry's stores there. Bought two more 128 MB Smart Media Cards on sale for $39.99 each. They retail locally for $79.99. I also bought two more sets of nimi rechargeable batteries and another battery charger. I now have one 16MB, one 64MB and two 128MB Smart Media Cards, as well as three sets of nimi-rechargeable batteries and two chargers so I am all set for my upcoming trip to S.E. Asia next month. I hope to get beyond the "point and shoot" mode and capture some good shots.

Those of you who know me well are aware of my penchant for travel. Due to personal circumstances, I haven't been able to indulge my travel bug much this year, so far only a trip to the Cayman Islands. Didn't get my annual "Cuba fix" this year.

Advantages of a Digital Camera First of all, there is instant gratification. You can view immediately what you have shot, select the best and erase those not worthy of keeping. It does not require film or costs for developing prints. For example, depending on the resolution you shoot at, a 64 MB card will yield from seven (highest TIFF) to 664 (lowest JPEG) pictures per card. Roughly multiply that by 2 for a 128 MB card. Since your fotos are already saved as electronic images, they can be e-mailed, put on a website or edited immediately through the use of various editing programs such as Paint Shop Pro, Adobe Photo Shop, Corel, etc.

That's where the fun comes in. I have much to learn in that department! A film-based camera is better for some things, such as for more detailed pictures. Therefore, I will take my Minolta on my trip and use it as a backup.

Email Joan Stephens: jstephns@caller.infi.net

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