Published on: Sunday, January 27, 2002

Hawai'i folks say digital cameras great for travel

By Chris Oliver
Advertiser Staff Writer

We asked five Hawai'i residents about their digital cameras. Here's what they had to say about going digital from a traveler's perspective:

• Novine Kros, director of technology, La Pietra School

Uses: Olympus C-3000, $399.97

Because: "I teach Photoshop workshops for our students, and this camera came recommended by a professional photographer. The Olympus is very easy for the students to use, and durable. It interfaces well with our computer system. Also, it's light to carry on field trips."

Great for: "Vacation! You keep the pictures you want and discard those you don't. It's a terrific saving on developing and film costs."

Disadvantages? "None I can think of."

• Scott Anderson, architectural sales, divides time between Hawai'i and San Francisco

Uses: Fuji FinePix 2600 Zoom, $299.97

Because: "It has four features I wanted: small size, priced under $300, has a sliding lens cover (a must to protect the optics!) and an optical zoom."

Easy to use?: "Yes, it quickly views images; that way, I can erase the 'oops' shots. Also, it's great for e-mailing photos to friends."

On vacation: "Great for quick shots. As long as I have enough memory on my reusable memory card, I've taken great holiday pictures."

Video capability: "Yes, a 90-second video feature (without audio)."

Disadvantages: "Don't take it to the beach. Fine sand , would make a mess of it, especially on a windy day."

• Bruce Liebert, UH associate professor of engineering

Uses: Nikon CoolPix 990, $995

Because: "It focuses down to 1 inch and has great resolution (3.34 megapixels) plus great reviews."

Great for: "Close-ups."

Easy to use? "Yes."

On vacation: "Absolutely. ... The CoolPix will fit in my pants pocket."

Video: "Yes,"

Disadvantages: "For enthusiasts, a limited number of lenses are available. ... The built-in flash is notorious for producing red-eye. An external flash and bracket solves both these problems — but then it can't fit in my pants pocket!"

• Tom Pochereva, president, Computer1

Uses: Canon PowerShot S10, $399.97 with optical and digital zoom

Because: "It has a lot of features that make it good for trips, such as being able to view images and delete what you don't want."

Easy to use: "For simple shots, the camera compensates for a variety of conditions indoor and outdoor. For more difficult shots indoors, at night or distance shots, the camera offers a host of features to compensate for lighting. Viewing the image on the LCD screen ensures the picture you're taking is close to what you're going to get.

"I'm currently planning the 49er 2002 World Championship sailing event on Kane'ohe Bay, which requires continual correspondence between Sydney, London and Seattle. Sending current images of the racing area, accommodations and O'ahu has been a real bonus in presenting our location, being selected by the class, then endorsed by the Olympic committees and getting down to the details of organizing the event."

Video: "Yes."

Disadvantages: "The flash is undersized for the camera."

• Vickie Pakele, veterinary technician, community volunteer

Uses: Fuji FinePix 4900 Zoom, $599

Because: "I like to frame shots tightly. The Fuji allows me take far-away objects, yet to get into the detail of what I'm taking. Not wasting film or money on developing is a huge advantage. The memory card I use allows me to take 94 pictures before discharging them into the computer."

Easy to Use? "I'm still learning. I do find myself still reaching for my old Nikon 35mm, especially for moving subjects like my kids!"

On vacation: "It's very light and easy to carry. We took it to Whistler, British Columbia, over the Christmas vacation. Careful use of the viewfinder allowed me to focus perfectly and see exactly what I was taking."

Video capability: "Yes, but it uses up battery power quickly."

Disadvantages: "On vacation in Whistler, it was the glare of the snow; as with any camera I try to ensure I take photos early morning and late afternoon, when the light is so much more pleasing and easier to work with."