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General discussion

Konica Minolta Z10

May 12, 2005 3:31PM PDT

I recently bought my first digital camera, a KM-Z10.
The instructions manual recommends running the camera on an AC adapter for prolonged periods of use such as interfacing with a computer, etc. Trouble is that the camera bundle doesn't include an AC adapter and the vendor doesn't carry them regularly (apparently not many people ask for them) but suggested that I buy a card reader instead. Being new to this digital world
I just don't know what to think/do. Would someone have an informed opinion on the matter to spare and share with me?

Discussion is locked

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Konica Minolta Z10
May 13, 2005 12:53AM PDT

I have done both:

A few years ago, I bought a transformer/power-supply to power a digital camera while connected to the computer.

I learned a few things in the process:

1. Just any ol' transformer will not do.
A digital camera takes a lot of power and you need a transformer that is rated at the correct voltage for your camera and it must be rated at two amps (or more) at that voltage.

2. The tip at the end of the wire that connects power to the camera has to be special. Again, due to high power consumption, the tip must make a good connection to the center post of the power input in the camera. There seems to be a common high power connector that has a yellow insulator on the tip.

You can now find transformers designed for digital cameras. I have seen them at Staples and I remember seeing one at WalMart (camera department).

.................

I later bought a card reader, and I have not used the transformer since.

You can get a 12-in-1 SanDisk card reader at WalMart or Staples. It reads 12 different types of cards, 2 of which are appearing in the future. It sells for about $20 - $30.

With the card reader, you never have to connect the camera to your computer. You do not have to use the software that came with the camera.

If you have Windows XP or ME, you do not even need to load any drivers. There are drivers for Windows 98SE.

I use Windows Explorer to look at the card reader. It sees your card as being a hard disk. Just create a folder in your My Pictures folder and drag the photos from the camera and put them in the folder.

A simple method to manage your photos:

If you have more than one camera, make a folder for each camera.
Each time you get ready to unload the camera memory card, make a folder under the camera folder and name it with the date and a simple description.
i.e. 20050513Disneyland

...
..
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Many thanks
May 14, 2005 2:49PM PDT

You've answered my question and solved my problem in just a few lines. Good [snap]shot.

Gratefully yours,
exequitur