Camera enthuses – Need help with new camera selection.

[DVC Grandpa]

It’s time to replace my Nikon EL2 camera with a digital replacement prior to out next Disney vacation with the grandkids.

I have two cameras in mind, the Nikon Coolpix 5700 and the Minolta DiMage 7i. I selected the Nikon because of the 8x zoom, but it has a 35mm lens. The Minolta has a 28mm lens and a 7x zoom and seems to be a faster camera. If anyone has knowledge of these cameras, and the many other features of each, please help me with my decision. Thanks!

 

[Disney Ella]

I haven't used either of these cameras, so I can't compare, but just wanted to suggest that you check out Zurg's digital camera tips on www.wdwig.com/digital.htm

I learned many things there that I did not know after reading my manual. Thank you, Great Zurg!

 

[Poohnatic]

I have the Nikon CoolPix 2500 and love it. DH surprised me last christmas with it.

The nicest thing is how quickly it accesses the pictures you've taken. I have a couple of friends who got their cameras around the same time and when they want to show me pictures, it takes forever for their cameras to 'grab' one image and display it. I can take them through a card rather quickly.

The other thing to consider is what memory it uses. DH got the Nikon because the Compact Flash cards are easy to find and are fairly inexpensive. For example, I got a great deal at Costco this week for a 256K card for $34.99! On average, I would get a 64K for that price.

I don't know about the Minolta digitals, but I have three Minolta SLRs, and have used them for 25 years. They build a sturdy camera that takes a lot of heavy use.

Going digital changes the way you take pictures! You end up taking a lot more, because you don't have to worry about wasting film. You also get to see images right away, so you don't 'lose out' from blurry images or those kids running out of camera view! I packed my Minoltas for the last two trips and ended up not using them at all, as the digital was more than able to handle what I asked of it!

Happy shopping. Oh yeah, DH based his decisions on Tech TV's reviews, Consumer Reports and PC Computing magazine's reviews. He bought mine last December, so if you would rather have the facts from those reviews, check out their websites.

Suzanne

 

[DVC Grandpa]

Thanks Suzanne, it is for the same reason you mentioned 'lose out' from blurry images or those kids running out of camera view that I want to get a digital camera. The camera store said that the Minolta 7i would focus faster and take frames faster. The dealer sells both cameras but can not match this weekends Nikon price at a local chain store. The Minolta is a last years model (the only one he has) therefore he can sell it for about the same price as the Nikon. Yahoo had a good review of the Nikon and an older review of the Minolta but because of the difference of years, I can’t find one review that shows both. That’s why I need the help.

 

[Dan Murphy]

Not sure if this link will take you to the comparison, Gramps, but it will get you to the site.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp


I wish I had the 5700. I have a 950 and a 995, both similar to each other but very different than either of those you are looking at. 5700 has a rebate going now too I think.

 

[delswife]

I know nothing about the Minolta DiMage 7i but I have the Nikon 5700. I really love it. I have used it professionally, and it takes outstanding shots. I used it for print ads (extreamely large tiff files), the company I was working for sold psoriasis medication and I needed to take some very close shots. People in my office made me turn my desk around because the details on my computer screen could be a bit too much for some with weak stomaches.
I love this camera. It feels good in your hands. I love that when I forget to take the lens cap off, (blond moment, or senior moment) it is attached in a way that wont interfere with the lens motor. I did a number on an olympus camera that way. DUH.
It has 4 user settings that can be pre-programmed. You can have one set strictly for night shots, which is really the only real problem this camera has. It took me alot of practice to get used to it not being very good in low light. Breathing while taking a photo will cause blur. You will need a tripod or have something to lean on while taking shots. But that goes with digital cameras anyway, I think.
My DH cannot use this camera, being very left-handed. Also his hands are pretty big and the flash button is on the left so he ends up turning it off alot. And the flash pops-up on the top, so watch where you put your hands.
You can look at your photos right away, and throw out what you dont want. It also comes with a cable to plug into your TV so you can really see how they look. That comes in handy when you cant download them to your computer right away. Like in your Disney hotel room.
I will post some shots I have taken, if you'd like. If you'd like more information, let me know. I think you'll be very happy with this camera. I am.

*photos in low light, no flash: http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=431262

 

[nativetxn]

I'm looking for a smaller digital camera. I love my Sony F707 but the 10x zoom makes it a fairly large camera and not easy to use in close. Like in groups of people. It's great for things like graduations, though, I really love it.

Thanks for the links everyone. I think I just want an expert to tell me what to buy. So many choices available it is difficult to choose just one.

 

[KathyTX]

Katholyn,

Have you looked at the Olympus C-750? It's a 4mp camera with a 10X zoom, but in a much more compact form than the Sony.

My camera is similar, but a couple of generations older (only 2mp). I've been very happy with it. The Olympus C-750 is probably what I'd buy if I were shopping for a camera today.

It runs around $500, last time I checked.

 

[MICKEY88]

Originally posted by DVC Grandpa
Thanks Suzanne, it is for the same reason you mentioned 'lose out' from blurry images or those kids running out of camera view that I want to get a digital camera. The camera store said that the Minolta 7i would focus faster and take frames faster. The dealer sells both cameras but can not match this weekends Nikon price at a local chain store. The Minolta is a last years model (the only one he has) therefore he can sell it for about the same price as the Nikon. Yahoo had a good review of the Nikon and an older review of the Minolta but because of the difference of years, I can’t find one review that shows both. That’s why I need the help.

the 7I was replaced by the 7HI which is better and faster..the 7HI was just replaced by the Minolta A1, the fastest camera of it's kind...it will cost more than the &i but is worth the difference if you're a real serious photographer..they also have another model with a 10x optical looks like a nice camera but it's a 3.2 megapixel..rather than 5...

I'm debating between the Minolta A1 and the Olympus 750 Zoom....

go to Minoltausa.com for info on their new cameras....

 

[DVC Grandpa]

Thanks Dan for the link. I found both cameras, studied the comments on the site and am even more confused that when I started. To delswife, I looked at your pictures and I see what you are saying about low light but all other pictured are excellent. The 7i has a 28mm lens which lets in more light but some pictures outdoors have a darker sky and the indoor pictures are just a little lighter on the auto settings. I have been looking at the 7i because it is an older model and therefore is in the same price range as the Nikon Coolpix 5700. I am just a grand dad that wants to take some good pictures of the grandkids. I take pride in my pictures but not a real serious photographer but I will look into the Minolta A1 and the Olympus 750 as you suggested Micket88. Thanks all of you for your help. I think I have a little more work to do before I plunk any money down.

 

[DVC Grandpa]

After a long and hard look at the digital camera data (Nikon 5700, Minolta 7i and the Minolta Hi) it came down to “the best deal” and with Nikon’s rebate I went for the 5700. I liked and disliked features on each camera I’ve looked at but with the help of those who replied to this thread and many visits to the camera store Nikon seemed to fit my needs best without spending an extra $300. Thanks again all who replied.

 

[MICKEY88]

happy shooting..be sure to share some pics of the grandkids with us..