I just saw a DQed photo in the Green challenge that was DQed because software was used to move the photo from the camera to the computer. I don't understand this rule. I've never seen this rule. Here's what the DQ said:
The original you submit must be an original, unaltered file straight from the camera. You cannot use any transfer software to move the image from the camera to your computer.
I don't really see how to get photos from a camera to a computer without some sort of software driver.
Whatever was used to transfer the photos probably altered teh .exif information that the SC sues to verify pictures.
When you use a reader or seomthing, it's not a piece of software transferring the pictures, it is just a device that connects the card to the computer. When you trasnfer it, you are simply copying the oroignal file from the card to the computer.
If you use software, and you're really good, you can alter the .exif data. A while ago, someone was found to have been tampering with .exif files in several challenges.
thanks for including the photo. I'm new to this and haven't studied the post on how to do that! When school's over maybe!
Well, now I'm concerned as the only way I get my photos from my digital is to use the software that was bundled with it. Does that mean that any original I am asked for will be rejected? I don't have a card reader and would really rather continue saving money for a DSLR, not a stupid card reader.
This is a strange thing that I've never seen before (though I am really new here.)
thanks for including the photo. I'm new to this and haven't studied the post on how to do that! When school's over maybe!
Well, now I'm concerned as the only way I get my photos from my digital is to use the software that was bundled with it. Does that mean that any original I am asked for will be rejected? I don't have a card reader and would really rather continue saving money for a DSLR, not a stupid card reader.
This is a strange thing that I've never seen before (though I am really new here.)
Your camera should have come with a cable to connect the camera to the computer. You can use this and go to My Computer (if you're PC) and the camera should show up as an extra drive. Open it up and then you can copy the pictures directly onto your hard drive
However, card readers are now incredibly cheap, so it may be worth making the (small) investment. It will save your cameras batteries, among other things
thanks for including the photo. I'm new to this and haven't studied the post on how to do that! When school's over maybe!
Well, now I'm concerned as the only way I get my photos from my digital is to use the software that was bundled with it. Does that mean that any original I am asked for will be rejected? I don't have a card reader and would really rather continue saving money for a DSLR, not a stupid card reader.
This is a strange thing that I've never seen before (though I am really new here.)
If you're using the software that came with your camera, there's a good chance that you're modifying your files in a way that they will no longer be considered an original. If you provide the name of the software, the SC may know offhand whether or not it actually modifies the file. If you/they aren't sure, you can send them an original and have it checked out.
A card reader is only about $15 so it wouldn't set you back too far and they are actually quite nice to have (and generally faster to use). If nothing else, it'll help assure that you have true originals and aren't in danger of being disqualified at DPC.
That's cool. I'd never really looked into how much they cost. I guess I can just do the cable to the computer thing and skip the software. I forgot about that. But saving the batteries sounds good too!
Man, people really take this seriously if there's a real concern about people altering the EXIF data upon loading the photo onto the computer. Seems a little too seriously maybe...
If the transfer software resaves the file onto the computer and it was .jpg to start with then it will also degrade the quality of the image. You don't want that.
The best thing to do is simply open your card like you would open any other disk then select and drag your pictures to your hard disk. If you don't already own a card reader they are cheap and worth the investment.
That's interesting, I didn't know that it further degraded the image, cause yeah, saves as jpeg, was jpeg. Sheesh, that's the last thing I need, further degradation! :o)
That's cool. I'd never really looked into how much they cost. I guess I can just do the cable to the computer thing and skip the software. I forgot about that. But saving the batteries sounds good too!
Man, people really take this seriously if there's a real concern about people altering the EXIF data upon loading the photo onto the computer. Seems a little too seriously maybe...
As I said, a while back someone was found to have cheated several times in his challenges. This included a couple of ribbons. Considering the majority of people on this site follow the rules, it hurts when someone cheats and wins ribbons!
Part of the whole challenge is shooting a picture for the challenge within the week. Otherwise, people would just go through their archives, and where would be the fun in that?
Yeah, I see your point. I hadn't thought of the date issue. Makes sense. And yeah, I agree, if I found out a ribboner cheated, I'd be pretty sad. At least I would have gotten one place higher!
I don't want to speak for the site council here, but maybe you could upload an "original" file that you used transfer software on, and one of them are bound to be nice enough to look at the exif data for you to see if it's still legal. Go to help/general inquiry, type your concerns, and there's an attachment button towards the bottom to send an original.
But like the others said, a card reader is definitely the best way to transfer files.
Thanks all! You've set my mind at ease! I may still try the drag and drop method as I'm now worried about degradation. I've got some pics on the camera that I took in low light last night - never very good on this camera. I'll see how they do with Zoombrowser, and with drag and drop. I'll see if there's a difference, because yeah, I like Zoombrowser pretty well.
I may still try the drag and drop method as I'm now worried about degradation. .... I'll see how they do with Zoombrowser, and with drag and drop.
I suggest you check this wtih Kirbic, he'd know better than I do, but I believe there is no difference.
They will be safed as jpg onto your hard drive in either case, so you might as well use the program you like to use.
Does Windows Scanner and Camera Wizard change the exif? I tend to use that to upload the pics sometimes prior to knowing whether I have a entry or not. I do not have it set to auto rotate...
Thanks for the additional suggestions. I don't know about the other programs, but I sent a message to SC and they were super fast and helpful getting back to me saying that the original that I attached was fine, so if you're unsure it may be worth sending one.
I think what it was was that i transfered it over to the computer w/ copy and paste, and then looked @ it in ACDSee.
Thanks for the additional info. I look at DQs just because I'm so new to this and the rules are a bit confusing to me. I want to be sure I get it all right.
Okay on the same token I have a question that is bothering me.
Tomorrow morning I leave on holidays. I am taking my laptop to store the photos. I only shoot RAW.
When I return I will either be transferring the photos by first burning them onto CD or DVD and then copying them onto my PC. Or I will be transferring via network (laptop to PC).
Will either of these methods alter my EXIF information. I tend not to think so but I would like some clarification here.
When I return I will either be transferring the photos by first burning them onto CD or DVD and then copying them onto my PC. Or I will be transferring via network (laptop to PC).
The key term here is "transferring" -- if you use any software other than a computer operating system (drag and drop) there is always the possibility it could be opening and re-saving the file, and altering the EXIF. Just moving the file from disk to disk will not change the EXIF.
