Expert: Abe - 4/20/2008

Question
QUESTION: Hi
I have an Olympus 810 digital camera. When I take pictures, the ratio is off
when I bring them into Photoshop to resize them to size. For example, when I
resize a photo proportionately down to a 4x6 size, it's always 4.5x6. An 8x10
is 8.667 10 and so on. Does anyone make a camera with the right aspect
ratio as far as photo paper sizes go? I always have to crop the images on the
sides to make them fit.

Also, I am looking to get another camera as I misplaced this one! If I do, what
about the new Olympus Stylus 1020? I would like to have one this time
around with a much quicker shutter lag, as my 810 seemed like it took
several seconds between the time I pressed the button and the time the pic
actually took. Doesn't have to be Olympus, but I've been happy with the
photo quality in the past from my D360 and my 810. Does NOT have to have
video capabilities; as I have a camcorder, but if it does, so be it.

Thanks!!



ANSWER: The reason for the resize issue is because the camera sensor, unlike film, is not 2x3. Point and shoot digital camera shoot a unique ratio. This means, if you crop to a 4x9, 5x7, or other standard sizes, your photos will be cropped. The best around this is to crop your photos to the same ratio you want them in print (in a program like photoshop). In other words, you can crop out some of your photo so that you have a 2000x3000 pixel image - this would make a perfect 4x6.

I dont like Olympus products in this category of camera. Image quality is subpar. I would go for a newer Canon - any of the newer Powershots are excellent. You just need to decide on the features you need so you can select the appropriate model.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Well I've always liked the features and image quality of the two Olympus
cameras I've owned. But, I took your advice and started looking around. I
think I'm now going to go with the Panasonic DMC-TZ5. Got really good
reviews. Movies in HD, 10x optical zoom, 3" LCD and it's auto mode is
suppose to be excellent. A lot of manual controls are not exactly what I want,
so I think this will be a great camera. All that and much more for under $300.
Have you heard of this one?

Thanks

ANSWER: The TZ5 is a great new camera from Panasonic. It has a new processor, which makes image quality much better than it's predecessor. I think you've made an excellent choice!

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks---One more question, please! I bought the TZ5 and now need to get
a SD card. I was reading up on some info and heard that I have to get a SDHC
card, not just an SD. Also, Is there anything else I need to know? The TZ5 has
HD (720p) video capability so keep that in mind. I was looking at the
Transcend and it has this info:

Features: CF Type I Supports IDE PIO mode 6 and Ultra DMA mode 0-4 Fully
complies with the new CF 4.0 standard Hardware ECC (Error Correction Code)
ATA interface Low power consumption Multi-platform compatibility RoHS
Compliant
Speed: 133X

I have no idea what this means, but will it be good for my camera? Or do you
recommend something else? NewEgg has this for $75 shipped and I really  
don't want too much more than this for a card, but if I need to I need to.

THanks SO much!!!
Ed

Answer
"CF" refers to Compact Flash, not SD (Secure Digital). You need to get the appropriate SD card. You mentioned the camera requires SDHC, but I think that's an option, not a requirement. The "HC" in SDHC refers to high capacity, as in more memory (4GB and higher). The camera will probably function just as well with a cheaper SD card (2GB or less), but you should be fine with either. You need a card with a fast speed to handle the HD video capability. A 133x card is going to be more than adequate. Transcend is a brand that seems to have a decent reputation, though I would suggest SanDisk Extreme III for even better speed and reliability.