Hey there Hoggers. I've got Sony's RX-10 Model III bridge cam, and I've just started shooting in JPEG + RAW. I"m discovering that my version of Photoshop (CS-V6, not the subscription model) is incompatible with the version of Adobe Camera RAW needed to process the ARW raw files from the RX-10. You know the dreaded Adobe saw, "NOT SUPPORTED". So I was trying to find a 3rd party app that would let me download and process the ARW files. I've been trying to get Camera One (Sony camera version) from Phase One to work with my Windows 7 Ultimate/SP1 computer, but I keep getting an error message saying Camera One doesn't want to work. I've had my trusted IT guy try to figure it out, and he can't find a solution either to make the Camera One software work. Frustrated, I'm a the point of requesting a refund of PHase One. But I was just wondering if other RX-10 Mod III users out there might have found another solution- in particular one that might be compatible with older Adobe software (CS-6). Please clue me in. Thanks for your help in advance.

Have you decided where to stay yet? I would suggest you stay downtown Charleston near the market if you want the city experience, or you could stay on one of the beaches and drive into Charleston. Our family loves the beach, so we stay in Wild Dunes (Isle of Palms) and drive into Charleston. The beach always seems cooler in the summer because the wind is usually blowing. We’ve been doing that 6-8 times per year for 35 years. It takes about 25 minutes each way. Another beach is Kiawah but it is further out but nice also. There is so much to do in Charleston and the surrounding area, I don’t think finding something to do or photograph will be a problem.

As someone suggested, visit the visitors center first. I suggest you watch the short film about Charleston, it just gives you a short summary about the city and it’s history. Buy a walking tour book while you are at the visitors center for quick reference as you walk and photograph the city. The people at the visitors center are very helpful. I’ve never tried it, but I bet you could call the visitors center and get recommendations before you get there.

We haven’t done this in several years, but the Schooner Pride is a sail boat that has a sunset cruise in the harbor. My experience was that it had fabulous light for photos. We always got a wonderful family picture while sailing.

Everyone’s suggestions are great. You will just need to tailor your trip for your tastes.

Also google what is happening in Charleston for the dates you are there. The Preservation Society maybe having house or garden tours so google Charleston Preservation Society and see if anything is going on. Check out Dock Street Theatre, a play maybe going on. It’s a very old historic theater. If you are up to it, take a ghost tour. Our children always said they learned more from the ghost tours than any of the other tours we took them on.

I’ll stop there..... I could ramble on for hours!

Hope you enjoy Charleston as much as our family does.

Some places I found wonderful were:
1. White Point Garden
2. All the famous and infamous houses on Meeting Street
3. The old 19th century jail
4. The Market
5. Ft. Moultrie, The other half of the harbor defenses and is incredibly interesting (I actually liked it more than Ft. Sumter) and it has a wonderful museum. Best of all it is free.
6. If you like ships the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier is worth visiting.
Finally, I just love the old houses and buildings, all fascinated me as my wife and I just wandered aimlessly around the old part of the city. Every street and alley had character and hidden gems off the beaten path that gave unique opportunities for photos that are not the typical me too cliches one always sees.
There is about a weeks worth of things to see on a quick visit time line, a lifetime if you were to stay. It has been one of the most enjoyable places I have visited in a long time. Just ignore the pushing tourists and take it all in slowly at your own private pace away from the tours except for the wagon ride as it really does help, at least for me it did.
Have fun.