I've just bought my first digital camera and I have a problem.
I've installed the Fuji software (it says this is essential but I'm not so sure!) but when I connect the camera it says there is a communication error. I've tried different USB ports, rebooting etc but nothing has helped. The connection is good because iPhoto recognises the camera and reads the photos OK.

This wouldn't be a major problem but I'd like to use RAW format and my version of iphoto won't read RAW and I don't really want to buy the new version. What I really want to do is open my pics with Photoshop or another RAW converter but the camera isn't showing up as an external drive so the only app which will access it is iPhoto.

It may be my OS is too new, the Fuji software says compatible with OS10.3.3 and I'm using 10.3.9 but that doesn't explain why the camera doesn't show up in the finder etc.

Any ideas what's wrong and what I can do about it? - Baz

Message edited on: 06/29/2005 04:21

Personally, I never use the software that comes with the cam! I use an internal card reader then import the files into PS etc etc Dont forget to install the RAW plugin for your camera!

Thanks but I really don't want to buy a card reader either lol! I should be able to take the pics straight off the camera, if only I could figure out how! - Baz

Further info, the Fuji software is working, it just doesn't run automatically when I plug the camera in (iPhoto does though), also the camera shows up as USB PTP camera in System profiler. I don't know if that helps or not!

Personally, the card reader has proven the best way for me to go, maybe not for you.... With the reader, all files on the card are shown and it is simple to copy and paste to a folder, then open with any compatble prog on the computer. Sorry, I can't help with the "drive not recognized" problem, wish I could. This has to be frustrating.

It's not sooooo bad lol! I can save as .jpeg and I could even use RAW with the supplied Fuji software it's just that I have better software which I can't use! Thanks for your help, if all else fail I suppose I could just get a card reader! :o( - Baz

Not familiar with Mac or Fuji but I'm sure someone will be along soon who knows :)

Yes you should be able to read your Raw images but thought the Mac was better than the PC for this kind of thing.. A card reader is the way to go it may be faster also to upload your images if you can use the USB2 rather than version 1.1 and wont drain your batteries on the camera.. They are very cheap these days from 8 pounds here in the UK

Thanks folks! Yes it's beginning to look like a card reader is going to be my best bet. Danob I'm in the UK too, any particular models you'd recommend? If you have any special recommendations for cheap reliable suppliers I'd be grateful too, I got the camera from Amazon (at a huge discount! :o) I think there must be a new model coming out) but I'm in the market for XD cards. The camera comes with a 16mb xd card which will hold 1 RAW file! Thanks for your help! - Baz

I'm stupid! Out of desperation I've gone over the import procedure again and I had the USB setting wrong, it's working fine now! Thanks for all your help and sorry for wasting your time! To celebrate the event here is my very first snap with the camera! Taken by available light in idiot proof point and shoot mode! I think it's pretty good, the colour is fairly accurate just a slight blue cast to the white fur and the highlights are blown out a bit, hopefully RAW will give a wider tonal range!

baz.. l have the finepix fuji software installed on my c'puter from the days when l owned well still do.. but dont use the finepix fuji s5000.... have you tried using just j-peg to see if its working.. to convert to from raw min requirement for any c'puter is 256mb ram.... ; still use the fuji software from time to time..always found it reliable... hugs.. but thinking also about a card reader.. dohhhhhhh wrote that and see youve fixed the problem.. should read the whole link..:|.. anyway good luck

Message edited on: 06/29/2005 16:49

ok Baz try T4 CAMERAS excellent prices on New and secound hand gear and a website Glad you got it sorted

Thanks a lot for all your help! Soulofharmony - Yes, I'll probably be using .jpg most of the time, reviews say the quality of images produced using 12mp normal is excellent but there is a tendancy for the camera to sharpen a little too agressively, boost the contrast too much etc. I'm hoping RAW will get round those tiny problems when results really matter. File sizes aren't a problem, I regularly work on Photoshop illustrations that dwarf anything this camera can churn out lol! Danob _ Thanks a lot, I'll check out T4 cameras! - Baz