I'm in the process of evaluating the above, and I would like to get some opinions.

My usage of the camera would be dual-purpose. I'm a graphic designer who specialized in web design, but I also do quite a bit of traditional print design. I'm sure any of the 3 would be suitable for low-res web images, but I'm concerned about image quality when printed professionally (300dpi off-set printing for catalogs, brochures, etc.).

I'm leaning toward the CP950 (despite it being backordered everywhere), but if anyone has any opinions about the Olympus or Fuji (or any other high-end cameras that might fit the bill), please fire away! I'm not an experienced photographer, so ease of use is a consideration. I'm a whiz with Photoshop tho, so image manipulation after the fact is no problem. I'm looking for the most natural quality/sharpness/tonal range in the original image, to be tweaked in PShop during pre-press design.

Also regarding the 950, does anyone have any recommendations for transferring images via USB? I've read here that you can purchase serial-to-USB adapters, but would that really take advantage of all the speed available with USB? Would I be better off with a USB card reader, and if so, can someone recommend a good brand?

Thanks in advance to all who respond!

Jackie

-- Jackie (jackie@spungold.com), June 13, 1999

Answers

Jackie, I love the 950. It has several (many) software bugs right now. None of which really keep the camera from being functional. The vast majority of the problems can be worked around. A new version of system software is on the way that will hopefully correct these problems.

I have not seen images printed by off-set methods. However the prints I make on an Epson ink jet printer are wonderful. Anything through 8 X 10 size will look just like a photographic print. Even 11 X 14 will surprise you.

I use the SanDisk USB card reader. It works perfectly with the numerous brands and sizes of CF cards I have. It sells for about $80.

-- Steve (tuna-boat-captain@ibm.net), June 13, 1999.

To Steve who answered Jackie's question! Why do you have to buy a Scan Disc USB card for $80.00. I am thinking of buying a Kodak DC265 and I understood everything eady to use CAME with the camera Cheerio. Norman

-- Norman Howard (normanhoward@home.com), June 23, 1999.