Architosh Staff (info@architosh.com)

5 Mar 2001

Macworld SF 2001 - AEC Report - pg 4

Architosh finally continues its belated Macworld SF Expo 2001 AEC Reports. These reports now delve farther than Macworld Expo to bring more extensive coverage of products available to the AEC Mac professional.

Report Index. This is a multi-page and multi-document report so come back later for further segments:

• What AEC document tools were shown at the Macworld Expo?

• How do I print my AEC documents?

• How do I print my CAD/3D documents in large format?

• How do I work with my AEC documents in the field?

• How do I photo-document my AEC projects? New!

• What tools can I use for digital photo editing? New!

• How do I manage my digital media files? New!

• How do I showcase/promote/publish my AEC work? New!

• How Do I Photo-Document My AEC Projects?

Macworld NY featured more digital devices than ever and still and motion cameras were a big hit. But what one is the right one for documenting your AEC projects? That depends on how much you want to spend and what features you need. We will try to point some models (and lines) that since Macworld have come onto the market...and are about to come onto the market.

Sony

Sony makes a lot of devices...and quite a lot of still and video cameras. In the still camera category are the popular Digital Mavic line which started off using floppy drives exclusively. Today many use Sony's Memory Stick. At the low end is the Sony MVC-FD73 (approx. US $399). They go up from there. This camera uses the floppy disk for storage which can be inserted into your Macintosh or floppy drive periphera. The MVC-FD85, MVC-FD90 add Memory Stick technology to the convenient floppy disk drives. The MVC-FD95 adds memory stabilization. Sony's website reports that new versions of these cameras are due soon so now may be the chance to catch good prices on the older models.

Nikon

The Nikon brand is famous for the ultimate in professional level camera equipment and Nikon is moving into the world of digital cameras after watching other rivals capture mindshare (and marketshare) in this space. Nikon's first cameras are varied and interesting. In the spirit of the legendary Nikon F1, Nikon's first ultimate pro digital camera is called the Nikon D1. The latest model is actually two models: Nikon D1X and Nikon D1H. We profess lust for either! Both D models look and feel like Nikon SLR's and can utilize the Nikkor series of lens which is a great incentive to those that have investments in Nikon/Nikor equipment. The D1X has a CompactFlash Card and a Microdrive. The D1H shoots up to five frames per second up to 40 frames and is the world's fastest lens-interchangeable digital SLR camera.

Other Nikon digital cameras with prices for mere mortals include: Nikon CoolPix 800, 880, 950 and 990.

Canon

Canon U.S.A. has recently introduced the PowerShot Pro90 which is Canons first digital camera to incorporate a built in 10X zoom lens with optical Image Stabilization. In addition to the zoom lens and optical image stabilization it also incorporates a multitude of advanced features including 12 EOS system-based picture-taking modes; wide exposure sensitivity (equivalent to ISO 50-400); several manual settings; and movie recording and playback with audio. Other advanced features include a highly ergonomic handgrip plus a variable-angle LCD monitor for easier handling and greater shooting flexibility; full compatibility with Type I and II CompactFlash memory cards, including high-capacity IBM¨ microdrives; optional accessories including supplementary lenses and a hot shoe for EX-series Speedlites; and a comprehensive software bundle for Mac and PC.

Olympus

Olympus has a wide range of digital cameras varying in price and image resolution from 1.3 MP to the top of the line 3.34 MP. All use smart media and are Mac compatable. Last month Olympus announced the CAMEDIA C-3040 Zoom which offers the world's first super bright F1.8 aperture high-performance digital zoom lens with an extended flash working range and better low-light shooting and new USB Storage Class plug n' play capability for easy and quick mounting of the camera to a USB computer. The camera offers the same compact design and features of the best-selling C-3030 ZOOM. The ultra high resolution imaging of the C-3030 Zoom is the only camera in its class with 32MB SDRAM buffer for rapid shooting 1 photo every second. There is also full creative control with black & white, sepia, black board and white board, for monochrome images. Another high resolution imaging camera is the C-3000 Zoom which is conveniently priced under $800 has many convenient features include USB connectivity for simple connection to a computer without hassle and sound recording of up to 4 seconds in still mode. Fifteen (15) resolution/quality modes allow you to decide how many photos you want to take in a certain situation and at what size you want those images. It also boasts a QuickTimeTM movie mode with sound!