whats the best method for storing all those digital camera pix on a long trip like Africa?
1. Just buy more camera storage "cards"??

2. - if you are not taking a computer is there any way to put whats on the card onto a "flash "drive" stick- seems you would need a puter to do that?

There are a couple of different options for storage. When we went it was cheaper to get a storage device than enough memmory cards. That way we could also verify the pictures before reformating the memory card.

We used a Flashtrax storage device. It uses compact flash cards from the camera and the unit transfer the pictures directly. Ours has a 30 gig hard drive and a lcd screen to review the pictures. Works off of battery (rechargealbe) and or course electric plug. It is a little bigger than a pda.

There are other options also availble.

Take a look at a Transcend Digital Photo Album. I used one over Xmas and was well impressed - it allowed us to review the photos we'd taken each day.

I'm sure there are other possibilities but this was the one I had. Generally cheaper than a multiplicity of high storage cards - though you still need (roughly) enough cards for one day's photos.

boris--did you travel to Africa?? If so, would love to see some of the pictures!

Well a 1Gig memory card on my 5MP camera will hod close to 600 pictures.

I went to Africa many years ago when we used that nasty film stuff. I haven't scanned the pictures. Over Xmas, I was in Sri Lanka (trip report filed!).

Cheers, <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Cheers.gif" alt="" />

how is film standing up to all the post 9/11 x ray scanners? like on a us to africa how many x ray machines? maybe 3 each way minimum?
does it fog film

Don't know about Africa in particular, but can tell you for SURE that our pictures of Tahiti were absolutely RUINED by airport x-rays.... Get a lead lined bag or do digital, PERIOD.. Our experience in Tahiti is THE reason we went totally digital for Africa.

Eric, Carol,
I just read your whole trip report from Africa and your pictures `are absolutly magnificent. I had the chill when I look at them, for the reason that I grew up my whole childhood in west Africa...The 20 most beautiful and best years of my life. I wanted to ask you, and I am sure it was already asked to you, but didn't saw it, what kind of camera did you used? Where you so close from those animals or did you had a zoom lense? You definitly have some photographer skills anyway!

Glad you enjoyed it!! We used a Nikon D70 (digital), with most of the pictures being taken with the telephoto lens, which was a 70-300 lens.

I will tell you though, that we were often VERY close to the animals!! We were within 5 feet of lions on many occasions, within 10 feet of elephants on several occasions, same with cheetah, leopard, many other animals. It was a truly unbelievable experience!!

Next time we are in SXM, we'll have to come by and share some experiences in person! <img src="http://www.traveltalkonline.com/forums/images/graemlins/Smile.gif" alt="" />
Carol

WOW..!! The closest I came to a Lion (in the wild...) was maybe 30ft... Otherwise they were alway far away like 100ft! On the other hand I could say that really the closest I was from a lion in my life is : the lion was on my laps... When I was 10 y/o I raised two baby lions that the mother was killed by hunters. We had them during few years and then with a lot of sadness we had to give them back to the reservation authority who I believe sold them to some zoo in the States....They behaved exactly like giant cats. It will be a pleasure to share some experiences with you next time you visit St Martin.
Regards.
Philippe

Philippe-wow, that's interesting, and sad, all at the same time! We will definitely have to get together when we are down next! Not sure when that will be, as we're moving this year, and so ST. Martin plans are kind of on hold for now.