What brand camera to buy ? [Archive] - The DIS Discussion Forums

momof3girls6712

03-30-2008, 02:36 PM

I have the casio and the kodak. They both are nice and have good features. The casio is so thin and small it is my favorite. However, it is so small that DH does not like it. The casio has a better flash, but the kodak has really nice features. I have a cradle for both cameras which makes it super easy to upload to my computer. The Casio came with the cradle and the Kodak I had to but the cradle. I had a Sony about 3 years ago and it took nice pictures as well. What I do is go to the store and play with each camera. Really feel it out to see which one fits you best.

momof3girls6712

03-30-2008, 02:38 PM

I forgot to add the mp is megapixels. The better the megapixels the bigger you are print the picture and it look good. Pixels are the dots of color that make up the picture.

irky416

03-30-2008, 02:44 PM

NAN0112

03-30-2008, 02:55 PM

Sony al the way.:cheer2: The cybershot cameras are great and not to bad on $$$$

Small and compact too

cjstarr

03-30-2008, 03:15 PM

OK - time to get into the digital world. :goodvibes

Best Buy is having a digital camera sale.

Cannon PowerShot 8MP ELPH Camera with 3X Optical Zoom $249.99

Kodak EasyShare 7MP with 3X Optical Zoom $129.99

FujiFilm 8MP Camera with 3X Optical Zoom $149.99

Sony Cyber-shot 8MP Utraslim Camera with 3X Optical Zoom $279.99

Casio Exslim 10MP with 3X Optical Zoom $249.99

I would need super easy to use, simple to print/download pictures, and nice picture quality.

What is 7MP, 8MP, 10MP ? :confused3

Please help. Thank you !

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is 7MP, 8MP, 10MP ? :confused3
This will help explain it

http://www.scrapjazz.com/topics/Photography/Digital_Photography/413.php

Here is where the saying goes "you get what you pay for".
We have a Kodak EasyShare 6.2mp and it is ok if you have no desire to take pictures from a distance. (We gave it our DD) The best advice I can give you is to buy a Nikon, Canon, or Sony DSLR in the 6.2 to 8.2mp range.
Check out the two below, both will give you much better photos then the ones you're looking at plus you can always get another lens that will give you much better zoom capabilities then those with a fixed lens.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=8139169&type=product&id=1158323379076

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=7026069&type=product&id=1099394810083

Note With the two cameras above you will not lose enought megapixel to notice the difference between a 10mp and a 6mp camera.

I know this will cost you somewhere from $500 to $700 and it is $200 to $300 more then those you are looking at but trust me you will never regret it.
I have a Canon 24mm (35mm to 80mm & 80mm to 200mm Lens) that we purchased in 2001 while on vacation at WDW (About $900 worth) and it takes some of the best pictures that I have ever taken with a camera. The drawback was the $180 I spent on having the film developed that we took at WDW that year. So I went and bought a Kodak EasyShare 6.2mp.digital.
It took some the worse pictures that I have ever taken with a camera while I was in NY on business. Don't get me wrong they where good if the subject was near. The problem was no control over the focus when trying to zoom in.
Now I have a Sony A100 10.2mp DSLR that takes great pictures along with a 80mm to 300mm zoom lens and I don't regret the money I spent for it.
Take a few days to do a little research before you buy. The link that I put below is one that I always use when looking at digital cameras and will give you a lot of information.
If there are any questions that I can help you with just let me know.

http://www.dpreview.com/

mikehn

03-30-2008, 05:46 PM

All will give you high quality pics. The cheaper ones are usually the simplist to use. The pricier ones have tons of bells and whistles, 90% of which you'll never use.

cjstarr

03-30-2008, 06:32 PM

All will give you high quality pics. The cheaper ones are usually the simplist to use. The pricier ones have tons of bells and whistles, 90% of which you'll never use.

mikehn
My Sony A100 DSLR is just as easy to use as any of the little Automatic digital cameras out there. The fact that I can and do use the different setting is a plus that can mean the difference between a photo that comes out good or one that is bad.
The biggest different is the DSLR digital cameras gives you the adjustments.
The cheaper Automatic digital cameras do not.
This will be the difference between a picture turning into a shot that you will want to remember, and one that you wish you had a camera that would have gave you a picture to remember.

I will edit this post and show you the difference between the two as soon as I up-load a few pictures.

Four photos, first 2 w/Kodak Easy Share 6.2
Last 2 w/Sony A100 DSLR 10.2

Taken With: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK Z7...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/cjstarr/Vacation%202007%20Mountains/Picture160.jpg
Taken On: 2006:01:29 16:49:04

Taken With: EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY KODAK Z7...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/cjstarr/Vacation%202007%20Mountains/Picture173-1.jpg
Taken On: 2006:01:29 17:34:46

Taken With: SONY DSLR-A100
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/cjstarr/Vacation%202007%20Mountains/DSC00541.jpg
Taken On: 2007:07:21 10:51:15

Taken With: SONY DSLR-A100
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/cjstarr/Vacation%202007%20Mountains/DSC00444.jpg
Taken On: 2007:07:20 16:12:54

Melanie98

03-30-2008, 08:59 PM

I am on my second Fuji. I have had great luck with them. They take great pics and they can withstand all the wear and tear they have to endure in my care. The first one cost about $300 three years ago. The newer one was purchased last year at Sam's for $200. They both have features on them that I never use, but they are fairly simple to operate overall. I love the photo quality most of all.

juliana_sd

03-30-2008, 09:23 PM

I recently got the Canon SD1100IS - super small, has image stabilization, it's a great pocket camera. I love it! It takes really great pictures and the IS really makes a difference. It's the blue/brown/pink one on the cover of the ad. I have the blue and it is really pretty in person. FYI though, $249 is the regular price, not a sale price. You can find it cheaper online... $222.99 on Amazon for example.

Don't worry about MP... anything they sell these days has more than enough, unless you are planning to print 18x24" pictures.

kc5grw

03-30-2008, 09:42 PM

cjstarr

03-31-2008, 06:20 AM

I upgraded to a Canon G7 before our trip in June 2007. I've always been a big film SLR fan, but when it comes to the digital cameras I want something a bit smaller. One of the big reasons I bought the G7 was its ability to shoot low light photos very well. The G7 is a 10MP camera with a ton of features. I have included examples below of the Canon's low light capabilities. All of these pictures were shot in the G7's ISO3200 mode and all were handheld, no tripod or other support. The G7's daylight capabilities are equally impressive. Click on the thumbnails for the full sized image.

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/3345/vacation1002mi0.th.jpg (http://img409.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vacation1002mi0.jpg)

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1756/vacation823wg3.th.jpg (http://img409.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vacation823wg3.jpg)

http://img409.imageshack.us/img409/1481/vacation464sn1.th.jpg (http://img409.imageshack.us/my.php?image=vacation464sn1.jpg)

Those are some of the best picture I’ve seen in a long time from a compact digital camera. They're clear, with no noise distortion that I can see.
Where you using a flash, and from what distance where you from the subject?
Also do you have a photo using the zoom in daylight and dark that you can post? I would like to see more from that camera.
Are you able to post a side by side comparison of the Canon G7 and a SLR for reference in size?

Thanks

Charles

Stacy's a freak

03-31-2008, 10:31 AM

I think most cameras take very similar pictures, but I have a Sony Cybershot (7.1 mp) and I LOVE this camera. It's very compact and I have it with me all of the time. But note that the picture viewer is a good size and very easy to see your pictures.

Conversely, my co-worker has a Kodak and it is very large. She originally bought it for its beefiness (her husband didn't want to use a small camera with his big hands), but now they hate the fact that it's so large that they have to find a place to put it.

So for me, size matters ;) And this case, the smaller the better.

Ashlander

03-31-2008, 10:59 AM

I have the Canon 750...and I love it!!!! Not only does it take great pictures, but it takes awesome videos.

mgilmer

03-31-2008, 11:00 AM

I have loved all the Canon cameras I have owned. However, I have a suggestion. Our current Canon has Image Stabilization and it is an AMAZING feature. It steadies the shot, so you can zoom in and have it not be blurry if your hand is shaking. I have zoomed in very far (with a digital zoom) and have had perfect pictures come out because of the IS. I could never do this with my old camera that didn't have this feature.

I would strongly suggest buying a camera with this feature. I doubt I will ever buy another one without it.

I agree with all of this. I would recommend the Canon A720. It has the image stabilization and also has the following good things:

1. An optical viewfinder -- great on bright sunny days when you cannot always use a lcd screen to compose a photo

2. Uses AA batteries -- great when you find that your batteries are exhausted. You can find AA batteries almost anywhere.

3. It has a great movie mode so that you can use it just like a camcorder. It can record up to 30 minutes of very high quality video if you use the maxium 4 gb sdhc card.

kc5grw

03-31-2008, 11:25 PM

Those are some of the best picture I’ve seen in a long time from a compact digital camera. They're clear, with no noise distortion that I can see.
Where you using a flash, and from what distance where you from the subject?
Also do you have a photo using the zoom in daylight and dark that you can post? I would like to see more from that camera.
Are you able to post a side by side comparison of the Canon G7 and a SLR for reference in size?

Thanks

Charles

I did not use my flash for any of those pictures. I was on the right side of the boat when I snapped the picture from Pirates I honestly don't remember how far it was. We were in the second or third row of the theater when I took the pic of Ariel, 30ft maybe. I took the parade picture from the upper level of the train station at the end of Main Street.

Here is a link to a review of the G7 that I used when I bought the camera. http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/g7.html This guy does really good and detailed reviews with plenty of sample pics.

Corjack

04-01-2008, 05:56 AM

FujiFilm 8MP Camera with 3X Optical Zoom $149.99

I have one of these and am very disappointed wiht it's use overall. It does not take good pictures when you zoom. I frequently have "blurry" pics. Outside it is fabulous, but indoors it is really disappointing.

My BF and SIL have Kodak cameras and REALLY love them.

Jackie

Manda

04-01-2008, 10:05 AM

I just got the Canon SD1100 IS for my pocket camera (I've got a Nikon DSLR that's my "real" camera). I'd really recommend getting a camera with stabilization - it really does help on these point and shoot cameras.

The thing that I find most bothersome about digital point and shoot cameras is the shutter lag. You push the button and it waits a bit before actually taking the photo. Especially with kids, you often miss the shot that way. Almost every (non-SLR) digital camera has this problem except for in very well lit and high contrast areas. My S400 had this problem in spades and is most of the reason that I went to a SLR. However, when I went to buy a new point and shoot, I researched and found that the new Canon SD1100 has one of the shortest shutter lags out there. And that's what sold it for me. While not dSLR speed, it is lightning fast compared to other digi cams.

Example photos (I've only had it for about two weeks, so I don't have much):

Landscape...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2003/2371131496_89c7f84faa.jpg

Macro enough to show my gross keyboard...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2370/2356210464_854e3d34ed.jpg

Good white balance...
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2419/2356196832_423ffc750f.jpg

And it comes in pretty colors (and again... decent white balance and exposure considering it's a bathroom mirror shot with no flash)...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3029/2347898315_30d8670a14.jpg

Editing to add: And like someone else said, $249 is NOT a sale price - that's regular price. I got mine for $229 (?, I think) with free shipping from Amazon.

pigletof4

04-01-2008, 11:23 AM

Don't forget to compare prices with overstock.com. I've actually been looking for a new camera and I've been following this thread. I saw one of the Canons yesterday at Wal-mart just playing around. I have an older Kodak easyshare 4.0mp, so I'm ready to upgrade to something smaller.

xmas16

04-01-2008, 04:01 PM

I'll second what CJSTARR advised. You get what you pay for. If this is you're first digital camera buy then go ahead the run of the mill approx 5MP cameras. But, if you are a camera buff, then you may want to seriously consider stepping up to the more expensive digital cameras, the ones that can go for $400+ and more, some much more. I've heard lots of compliments on the Canons. I know almost nothing about cameras but my wife does and I've seen the differences between the $200 digitals and the $500+ ones. It all comes down to what you're comfortable with. For most people the ones you're considering will be fine.

Steve

Millie12591

04-01-2008, 04:29 PM

I have the Sony. I love it!!! It is really easy to use. The pics are great. The only downfall is the zoom. I wish it was more that 3x. But IMO I would get the Sony.

Ditto, ditto, ditto!!! I love, love, love this camera! And you can get it in pink!(well I did last year) He he, which made me so happy! I figured it was less likely to get stolen also. he he
Great pictures, great use for a mini video camera, and I LOOOOVE the settings on it! You can take a picture of anything anywhere with this camera. You can't go wrong with the Sony Cyber-shot 7.2

wano

04-01-2008, 07:41 PM

I have a vivitar 6200w it's a little bigger than a normal camera but its waterproof ,shockproof,6 megapixle & takes 2AA batteries . With my 2 gig memory card it holds over 900 pics . got it at target.com for under $150 w/shipping . I like it also no plastic bags and no worries.

you can see at http://www.vivitar.com/en-us/Products/6Megapixels.aspx

other features are:
6.0 Megapixels
Rubber Armored
Waterproof – 30 ft
2.0” Color LTPS
16 MB Built-in Memory
PictBridge Support
Flash - Built-in Multi Mode, Auto / On / Off

tink2dw

04-02-2008, 05:21 AM

I luv :love: luv :love: my HP Photosmart R937 I just went thru the Digital Camera Search and settled for this camera 1 1/2 weeks ago. After a ton of research and shopping around. This is the Easiest camera ever to work! It has a Design Studio in the camera. It fixs Red Eye better than any photo program, right in the camera so when you print it is fixed!! There are borders with colors, pet eye fix, art affects. With a 3 1/2 inch view/touch screen. Is a 8mp. I just printed 3 head shots, 8x10 and full sheet.And it takes great pix!! As I said I love :love: this camera!!
http://hpshopping.speedera.net/www.shopping.hp.com/shopping/images/products/l2473a_150.gif

check here for all the Details PS. I got mine on sale at HP.
http://www.shopping.hp.com/webapp/shopping/product_detail.do?product_code=L2473A%23ABA

AlwaysEeyore

04-02-2008, 06:03 AM

cjstarr

04-02-2008, 08:08 AM

How easy to use are DSLR cameras? I've been looking at the Nikon D40 but I'm worried it will take to long to learn. Can you just turn the camera on and take a picture or do you have to fiddle with a bunch of stuff first?

AlwaysEeyore
Most of today’s DSLR cameras have an auto function that takes over all the settings allowing it to become a Point-n-shoot camera. As time goes on you will want to read more and learn the other setting that this camera has to offer.
Nikon makes one of the best DSLR cameras that are on the market today.
The D40 has one drawback; I don't believe it has image stabilization. Don't misunderstand me; I have cameras without this feature that make great pictures.
I find image stabilization helps me when shooting with a zoom lens at max power. It will really come into play and I fine it compensates for the movement of the camera. That is about the only time I need it as I have a hard time now holding the camera still for those long close-up shots. (I don’t like carrying a tripod)
Here is a link with more information on the D40,

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html

AlwaysEeyore

04-02-2008, 08:59 AM

AlwaysEeyore
Most of today’s DSLR cameras have an auto function that takes over all the settings allowing it to become a Point-n-shoot camera. As time goes on you will want to read more and learn the other setting that this camera has to offer.
Nikon makes one of the best DSLR cameras that are on the market today.
The D40 has one drawback; I don't believe it has image stabilization. Don't misunderstand me; I have cameras without this feature that make great pictures.
I find image stabilization helps me when shooting with a zoom lens at max power. It will really come into play and I fine it compensates for the movement of the camera. That is about the only time I need it as I have a hard time now holding the camera still for those long close-up shots. (I don’t like carrying a tripod)
Here is a link with more information on the D40,

http://www.steves-digicams.com/2007_reviews/nikon_d40.html

Thank you so much, I definately want the stabilaization, I have very shaky hands. I think I will definately be getting a DSLR soon if I will have the capability of using it but learning as I go. Thank you again!

Manda

04-02-2008, 09:16 AM

Thank you so much, I definately want the stabilaization, I have very shaky hands. I think I will definately be getting a DSLR soon if I will have the capability of using it but learning as I go. Thank you again!

I don't think any dSLR has stablization - that's usually a lens thing, not a camera thing when it comes to SLRs. Point and shoots have it as a feature because the lens is built-in. Most new lenses for dSLRs now are coming with "VR". I just ordered a new lens yesterday, actually, that has VR. Up until now though, I've never had a VR lens on my Nikon D50 and it hasn't mattered at all. If you're doing a long zoom, it matters, but not so much if you're just taking a well-lit snapshot of your kid standing next to Mickey. ;)

And, yes, the D40 can be very easy. You put it on Auto and turn it on and there you go.

mike_r

04-02-2008, 09:41 AM

I don't think any dSLR has stablization - that's usually a lens thing, not a camera thing when it comes to SLRs.

If i am not mistaken I think Sony, Olympus and Pentax have some type of image stabalization built into there cameras already and you will not need to buy an image stabalized lens.

AlwaysEeyore

04-02-2008, 09:51 AM

What is the difference between electronic and virtual stabilization?

Thanks

belle09

04-02-2008, 10:08 AM

I've had 2 Canon digital cameras and a Nikon, and my parents have always bought Kodak. Personally, I would recommend a Canon over either of the other two brands.

I have the Canon SD 750 (7.1MP) and while it's good, it's got nothing on the Canon SD 870 that I lost to a pickpocket. The 870 has image stabilization, amazing colors, great modes for indoor photos, option for high ISO shots, and a ton of other features that make just about every picture I take look like something I'd want to put on my wall. The SD850 also has the IS feature, and has a viewfinder (which the 870 doesn't -- it's got a HUGE LCD screen instead).

CNET.com often has good reviews on products, and I'd check amazon and newegg before buying from a store. The online stores are almost always cheaper. Oh, and no matter what camera you end up getting, I'd recommend purchasing at least a 2 GB memory card in order not to worry about having to download pictures from the camera while on vacation.

TommyTutone

04-02-2008, 10:36 AM

We JUST bought a new camera on Friday as the wife wanted something small to take to complement her Rebel XT SLR camera.

Using both CNet and DPReview.com as guides, reading their recommendations, reviews, as well as user reviews, we found that the Canon Powershot looked to be the best of the bunch.

From there, we went to our local Fry's and held and compared (after looking up the differences online) the 870, the 950, and the colorful 1100. The 950's only advantage was the extra 800,000 pixels and was not worth the extra $120 for it. It also had the viewfinder where the 870 did not, but because of that, it also had only a 2.5" screen instead of the 3" screen that the 870 has.

That brought it down to the 1100 and the 870. They had the same number of pixels (8.2m I seem to recall) and I think it came to a matter of taste. The 1100 was slightly cheaper and much more colorful (they can be had in one of 6 different colors), but also had the viewfinder and smaller screen. Testing out the viewfinder in the store, we found it small and almost unwiedly, at least compared to her Rebel, so we went with the 870.

We take it with us to Disney this Friday and are looking forward to give it a good run for its money!

cjstarr

04-02-2008, 11:07 AM

I don't think any dSLR has stablization - that's usually a lens thing, not a camera thing when it comes to SLRs. Point and shoots have it as a feature because the lens is built-in. Most new lenses for dSLRs now are coming with "VR". I just ordered a new lens yesterday, actually, that has VR. Up until now though, I've never had a VR lens on my Nikon D50 and it hasn't mattered at all. If you're doing a long zoom, it matters, but not so much if you're just taking a well-lit snapshot of your kid standing next to Mickey. ;)

And, yes, the D40 can be very easy. You put it on Auto and turn it on and there you go.

There is a difference between lens-based and sensor-shift image stabilization. Canon has a lens-based stablization while Sony uses a sensor-shift stablization.
The article below helps explain the difference between the two.

http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4615/image-stabilization-special-stop-the-shake-lab-report-page2.html

uncw89

04-02-2008, 02:42 PM

I have the Sony H9 which has a great zoom. I got it in the fall and I love it. I have an old Cybershot which is 5.0 mp and is a great little camera as well, but I wanted one with a better zoom and this camera is awesome!

tink2dw

04-02-2008, 03:49 PM

If you want an easy point and shoot HP has it all the canons, sonys, nikons all have a steap learning curve. While HP is intuitive, you can take it out of the box and take fab pix in seconds!!!
Here is cnets review.
http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/hp-photosmart-r937/4505-6501_7-32475695.html?tag=prod.txt.1

Also get views of the camera
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/searchtools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=3272639&Sku=H24-L2473A&SRCCODE=CNETFEED&CMP=OTC-CNETFEED

weHEARTmickey

04-02-2008, 04:26 PM

I have the Sony. I love it!!! It is really easy to use. The pics are great. The only downfall is the zoom. I wish it was more that 3x. But IMO I would get the Sony.

This is OT, but moomytoone have you figured out how to take pics in the dark? We have the Sony Cybershot 7.2mp (bought it in 2006) and we've never been able to figure this out. We've even gone so far as to read the directions!! :scared1:

For example, our pics of the Nemo show (at curtain call...no flames!), Lion King, and any other dark stage show, our flash doesn't reach the stage. :confused: I was sitting on the 2nd pew at church on Sunday (lights were on) and took some pics of our children's choir...none of them turned out b/c the flash stinks!! Any advice??? :confused3 TIA!

Minniekins

04-05-2008, 02:39 AM

We JUST bought a new camera on Friday as the wife wanted something small to take to complement her Rebel XT SLR camera.

Using both CNet and DPReview.com as guides, reading their recommendations, reviews, as well as user reviews, we found that the Canon Powershot looked to be the best of the bunch.

About a year and half ago I bought the Canon PowerShot A540 and though it would be great. It had a big viewfinder and only two batteries(use rechargable most of the time), so it was pretty light in the hand. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with the flash time. It often takes up to 10 or 11 seconds before the flash is ready to go again. :sad2:
It takes forever for the flash to be ready, a really long time before you can take a second picture so I miss a lot of pictures and I get very frustrated. And if you ask someone to take a pic of you, you get one shot cause no one wants to wait that long. So I often have to take pic with no flash, even if they could really use a flash. It seemed to be a nice camera when I bought it but yikes, what a disappointment!!:eek:

So, anyone know of a great camera that has a really good(short) flash recovery time, is lightweight, has a nice size viewfinder, good zoom, easy to use, and takes great pic and video? I know, what a question but anyone have any answers?? Besides family gatherings, we probably use it most at concerts and disney&supersoap weekend. Oh, and not over the moon expensive or needing too much fiddling to figure out how to work it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! :)

cjstarr

04-05-2008, 09:24 AM

About a year and half ago I bought the Canon PowerShot A540 and though it would be great. It had a big viewfinder and only two batteries(use rechargable most of the time), so it was pretty light in the hand. Unfortunately, I am very disappointed with the flash time. It often takes up to 10 or 11 seconds before the flash is ready to go again. :sad2:
It takes forever for the flash to be ready, a really long time before you can take a second picture so I miss a lot of pictures and I get very frustrated. And if you ask someone to take a pic of you, you get one shot cause no one wants to wait that long. So I often have to take pic with no flash, even if they could really use a flash. It seemed to be a nice camera when I bought it but yikes, what a disappointment!!:eek:

So, anyone know of a great camera that has a really good(short) flash recovery time, is lightweight, has a nice size viewfinder, good zoom, easy to use, and takes great pic and video? I know, what a question but anyone have any answers?? Besides family gatherings, we probably use it most at concerts and disney&supersoap weekend. Oh, and not over the moon expensive or needing too much fiddling to figure out how to work it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!! :)

It is issues like this that made me make the statement here;
You get what you pay for.
Compacts are nice and small but more time then not you're not going to be happy in the long run and will quickly outgrow them or their short comings will show.
It's then you realize thatyou have just made a $150 to $300 mistake.
Trust me I know from experience.
This is why I will have nothing other then a DSLR.
My question to you then;
What kind of Money are you looking to spend on one?
Are you looking for a compact digital or a DSLR?
The two web sites below offer some of if not the best advice on the internet today when it comes to digital cameras.

http://www.dpreview.com/ (http://www.dpreview.com/)

http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html (http://www.steves-digicams.com/hardware_reviews.html)

There are a lot of people that will tell you their camera is the best or that it gets very good reviews from places like cnet or the likes.
1st piece of advice never believe a review from a web site that has the camera for SALE These web sites are no more then fancy advertisements.
2nd do your homework never buy a camera in a rush. (I think you know this one by now. Finding out that you have made a high dollar mistake is no fun.
3rd don’t be afraid to ask other shutter bugs. There are a lot of us out here and on this forum I bet. (I know of one anyway)
4th never let someone tell you that you don’t need all those Bells & whistles.
In the long run as you learn more and more about the camera it will be those Bells & whistles that are going to help you make the most out of the photos that you take.

Good Luck!!!

browneyedmom

04-05-2008, 11:42 AM

I have an Olympus with 10X zoom and love it. It is about 5 years old, so I am sure they don't make the model I have any longer. I would definitely only consider a camera with 10x or 12x zoom. You will be amazed at the shots you can get from quite a distance.

AlwaysEeyore

04-05-2008, 01:37 PM

Thanks for all this info everyone. How do DSLR cameras do in low light or for fireworks?
Can anyone recommend a camera for such situations? Point & shoot or otherwise

cjstarr

04-05-2008, 03:51 PM

Thanks for all this info everyone. How do DSLR cameras do in low light or for fireworks?
Can anyone recommend a camera for such situations? Point & shoot or otherwise

AlwaysEeyore I would look at the Canon G7 that Mike has if I wanted something other then a DSLR. The pictures that he posted are the cleanest pictures I have seen taken in the dark without a flash. I can't say how it would do if you where using the zoom. Use the two links that I provied above and you can find the answers.
DSLR's cameras are no more then P&S now days with the Auto function that they have.

kc5grw

04-05-2008, 03:55 PM

AlwaysEeyore I would look at the Canon G7 that Mike has if I wanted something other then a DSLR. The pictures that he posted are the cleanest pictures I have seen taken in the dark without a flash. I can't say how it would do if you where using the zoom. Use the two links that I provied above and you can find the answers.
DSLR's cameras are no more then P&S now days with the Auto function that they have.

You beat me to it. Anyway here are the links to my original post and additional info.

As far as performance with the zoom. It does very well in ISO3200 mode. There are limits of course because use of the zoom will decrease the aperture, but I have been extremely statisfied with its performance.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24132105&postcount=12

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24158036&postcount=17

cjstarr

04-05-2008, 03:58 PM

You beat me to it. Anyway here are the links to my original post and additional info.

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24132105&postcount=12

http://www.disboards.com/showpost.php?p=24158036&postcount=17

Mike you need to type faster!!!!:rotfl: :lmao: :goodvibes

Charles

05MM08MM

04-09-2008, 01:19 PM

I currently have a Canon S2 IS and it's a great camera. The features of it I like the most are:
flip LCD screen (get pictures over a crowd of people & of yourself)
12x zoom

The things I don't like about it is the bulkiness of it. It's a pain sometimes to have to actually carry a big camera bag around in addition to my purse.

Right now I am looking for something that can fit into my purse and hand better than the S2, but still want good image quality. Most outdoor pictures in good light will come out decent with any camera. So I want something that I can take pictures of inside in a lower light setting. I do like the Canon's "Indoor" option on most of their cameras as I have used that a lot on my S2. I know I am most likely going to have to give up the flip LCD screen as very few Cameras have that, especially the more compact ones. As far as zoom goes, I don't really need 12x for an everyday camera but I would like something more than the average 3x.

I'm pretty stuck on buying a Canon, so at least I have that narrowed down. 2 Cameras I keep looking at are:
A720 IS: viewfinder, 6X zoom $199 - $230
SX1000 IS: no viewfinder, 10x zoom $250 - $300
Pricing listed is what you find a most retailers (Best Buy, etc)
The SX1000 is slightly bigger than the A720, but definately smaller and less bulkier than my S2. What I am struggling with is the price difference and the viewfinder. I have had to use the viewfinder quite a few times on very sunny days on my S2 so that is why I am not sure. It's hard to test this also since you cannot take the camera you are testing outside of the store to use it. The bigger the screen and the more pixels it has, would that make it easier to see in the sunlight?

Disneyonmymind

04-10-2008, 12:03 AM

Right now I am looking for something that can fit into my purse and hand better than the S2, but still want good image quality. Most outdoor pictures in good light will come out decent with any camera. So I want something that I can take pictures of inside in a lower light setting. I do like the Canon's "Indoor" option on most of their cameras as I have used that a lot on my S2. I know I am most likely going to have to give up the flip LCD screen as very few Cameras have that, especially the more compact ones. As far as zoom goes, I don't really need 12x for an everyday camera but I would like something more than the average 3x.

I'm pretty stuck on buying a Canon, so at least I have that narrowed down. 2 Cameras I keep looking at are:
A720 IS: viewfinder, 6X zoom $199 - $230
SX1000 IS: no viewfinder, 10x zoom $250 - $300
Pricing listed is what you find a most retailers (Best Buy, etc)
The SX1000 is slightly bigger than the A720, but definately smaller and less bulkier than my S2. What I am struggling with is the price difference and the viewfinder. I have had to use the viewfinder quite a few times on very sunny days on my S2 so that is why I am not sure. It's hard to test this also since you cannot take the camera you are testing outside of the store to use it. The bigger the screen and the more pixels it has, would that make it easier to see in the sunlight?

I am also looking at these two. I want at least a 6x zoom with IS and would prefer a viewfinder (have one on my current Olympus Camedia). The thing I really hate about my current Olympus is the shutter lag time, especially with the flash. I have missed more shots than I ever got. Plus I never thought it took very good pictures. My cheap film camera was way better on those two issues.

Is lag time an issue for you as well? If so, do you know if these two cameras are "faster"?