New S30 Owner... Need Quick Advice

[jshort]

Hi all...

I just received my S30 this week and so far I am happy with my purchase. I am a newbie when it comes to cameras (SLR or Digital), so I feel that I need as much advice as possible.

I am taking a vacation to Hawaii next week (Tuesday, to be exact) and plan on taking my S30 with me. However, I am a bit nervous about screwing up shots and such.

I have 2 128MB CF Cards and 2 Batteries (plus the Adapter) so memory and power shouldn't be a problem. However, I will not have a computer to be able to d/l images to every day. Unless you don't need the software to read the CF Cards (I have a CF Reader but haven't used it yet).

Any thoughts/suggestins would be appreciated

Thanks,

Jeff

[bigdave]

Congratulations on your purchase! I think you'll find the S30 to be a wonderful camera. Unless you're using WindowsXP/2000, you'll probably need some software for your card reader. Some readers don't require a driver cd and will work with operating systems as old as Windows98, but you'll have to check the one you have.

I suggest you use the (P)rogram mode because it's like auto, except you can use exposure lock. Check your manual for this feature, because it does come in handy. You should also know that often times, the flash is too bright, so you should know how to adjust it.

Good luck, and have a great vacation!

[octathlon]

I like my S30 but it does take some time getting used to the controls. Most of the time Auto or P will do what you need, but take a lot of practice shots before you leave so you will be familiar with the controls.

For portrait type shots with a main subject filling most of the frame I have gotten excellent results with Auto mode. For landscape shots you can lock in manual focus to infinity. For other shots, press the shutter half-way while centering on what you want in focus, then reframe and press the rest of the way.

Check the pics in review mode, you can look at the histogram (Display button) to see if you were under- or over-exposed and retake the shot if needed.

Enjoy!

[KOMR]

Congra for your purchase! it's a great camera.
I think you need to think about how many photo you'll take a day to manage the memory space. When I go to travel, I usually take 50-60pictures a day so I won't regret not taking a photo when I go back home. From my experience, there is only a tiny different between Fine and SuperFine quality of compression. But the file size of Fine is almost half of that of SuperFine. So I use Fine quality usually.
Another thing to remember is that you should set the white balance to "Cloudy" under shadows even if it's a sunny day. It's a simple thing that many people forget.

Haiwaii is a great place to be. Remember to post up some picture on web later so we can see ^_^

[ajax]

My advice is to take as many photos as you can in an afternoon or evening and play with the settings....review the photos from your camera...get as comfortable as you can. Practice deleting them using the camera controls so you can get rid of the ones that are immediately bad [eg, eyes closed, accidental photos of your feet].

I have an S30 and had great luck with the AUTO setting when I first started.

I also recommend buying a wee portable tripod so you can use the timer and get yourself in that new Hawaiin shirt. *grin*

Bon voyage!

[rcpage]

I recommend you take the CD with the drivers, the manual so you can check how to work it under different conditions, the USB cable and a blank CD. Then find an internet cafe with a CD Writer and you can download your files onto CD.

It is best not to use the Windows ME ownload software as it does not use the S40's file numbering. You have to use the Canon software to retain the file numbering format.

After burning and testing the CD can be read again you can then erase the files and start afresh!

I did this in Seychelles and Cozumel. I have over 500 pix from each. (I have two 314Mb microdrives!)

Make sure you set the file number resetting to OFF. That means that you get sequential numbers all the way up. After you erase a CF card the numbers continue in sequence. The benefit is that you avoid the risk of overwriting previous numbered files with new ones.

Buy a soft case but better to get an unbranded one to make it less enticing to thieves. Think about buying the IXUS metal strap. It is a great security strap as it is mad with a steel cable inside! But don't just think security LIVE it.

Finally, do NOT get the camera wet. I would suggest you make sure you have insurance that does not exclude water damage. I say this as I lost an S20 to water damage!

I beg to differ on the resolution settings. My advice is always go for the highest. Then you can crop and/or enlarge with greater freedom. Why did you buy a 4 megapixel camera if you are going to run it as a 2mp or lower, is my question. I think you know the answer.

Have a great time and then let us know some of the best spots to visit!