Re. HarTALK [v04.n238/11] plus question

[Andrew Alexander Malcolm, Dr]

Paul Carter asked;

3.      Can anyone provide a comparison of the following accessory for use
with a PC and the F90X:  Nikon Photo Secretary and MC-31cable vs. NiComm
SoftTALK 98 and HarTALK cable (or combination thereof).  Has anyone tried
SoftTALK?


Having used both here are a few comments;

(a)     In terms of functionality there is little difference. The same
settings on the camera can be changed, the same data recorded and
downloaded.

(b)     When downloading shooting data from the camera, the SoftTALK
software offers the choice of whether or not to delete the data in the
camera, Photo Secretary does not offer this choice (it automatically deletes
the data). This difference is regardless of which cable (i.e. MC-31 or
HarTALK) you are using.

                Personally I download without deleting using the SoftTALK
software, then download using the Photo Secretary to get the data in both
formats (see point d).

(c)     The response speed when firing the shutter from the PC is faster
using the SoftTALK software.

(d)     The file formats of the two pieces of software are different and
incompatible. I am currently writing a piece of software to translate
between the two - if anyone is interested.

(e)     The HarTALK cable provides full electrical isolation between the
camera and PC. The MC-31 does not.

(f)     A remote release (shutter/autofocus) cable can be connected to the
HarTALK cable.

(g)     The MC-31 cable looks better (and has Nikon stamped on it) !!!!!

Hope this helps.

I have a question regarding Photo Secretary for the F5. 

If I buy the MC-33 cable plus Photo Secretary for the F5, I get similar
facilities as I currently have with my F90x. Since the MC-33 cable has the
standard 10-pin connector at one end and a serial connector at the other
(plus a junction box in between), can I use this cable to connect my F90x to
my PC ? I realise I will need to run the Photo Secretary for F90x software
since the command structure within the F90x and F5 differs.

Anyone tried this ?

Cheers,
Andy Malcolm
Dr. Andrew A. Malcolm
Machine Vision & Sensors Group
Gintic Institute of Manufacturing Technology
71 Nanyang Drive, Singapore 638075

Tel (65) 793 8295   Fax (65) 791 6377
Email [EMAIL PROTECTED] <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 
Web http://england.gintic.gov.sg:8000 <http://england.gintic.gov.sg:8000>