Question about digital camera as a gift

[mtnsnake]

This is probably a dumb question.

Anyway, my son is currently working in Mexico and he recently expressed interest in getting a new camera. My wife and I would like to get him a digital camera for Christmans, but he doesn't have his own computer down there. However, he has no problem getting internet access in the city where he works. Is there any way for him to upload his pictures somehow while he's online at some internet cafe? Is there any way of getting around not having your own computer if you want to use a digital camera? Like can you install the necessary software online somehow?

[Proud2BAmurkin]

1. If the computers he can access have USB ports he can get a

card reader and just plug it in. Or some cameras you don't need the reader which is only about 15 bucks, and you can just plug them in to the USB. The camera or the card reader will show up as a new drive in the files.

He can upload the photos at a few sites like Shutterfly and I think Kodak has one and there are some other ones.

[Guy Fawkes]

2. Many places now have special computers

where you can put photos from a digital camera onto a Cd. You can then put them online from the CD even if the computer doesn't have digital camera software. Other then that, many internet cafes will most likely have the needed software already installed.

[blue sky at night]

3. I work for a major player in the photo lab business..

all he needs is a lab that will transfer his files to a CD. dare I say it, but all U.S. Wal-****s have our Kiosk where you can load the files from your media card into the system and have a CD burned. I would venture a guess that the Mexican Wal-****s have similar systems, but really most photo labs have this service. Also you can buy a large media card (1GB) that can store many, many images. Be sure he has rechargeable batteries as well.

[mtnsnake]

5. Thanks, guys.

Now I'm more encouraged that he'll be able to use one down there. Appreciate the help!

[Zenlitened]

4. A bit off topic from your post, but I'd also recommend...

... that whatever camara you purchase, make sure it features an optical zoom. I bought one that has digital zoom only, and am regretting it. :(

[Schema Thing]

6. Lol, another word for "digital zoom" is:

"Crop"

[Pale Blue Dot]

7. OK, I sell these things.

There are several different camera/printer bundles available, and with each of these, the printer can function without a computer and do a really nice job making the prints. These would run you anywhere from $249 to $400. Staples, for instance, sells several of these, and I've heard a rumor that one of their General Managers is a DUer.

I agree with one of the posters that you should maker sure that the camera has an optical zoom. If you want a decent 4X6 print, go with 4.0 megapixels. If you want a decent 8X10, go with 5 megapixels.

PM me if you want more info.

[mtnsnake]

8. Actually, it's not so much he'd be worried about making physical prints

It would be more the ability for him just to upload his images online while at an internet cafe, for the purpose of emailing photos to family and friends.