digital camera advice

[bradyloganmom]

We took a Samsung Digimax 201 to WDW in Nov. 2003. We're looking to upgrade before our Nov. 2004 trip. We were not real happy with the quality of our indoor and/or pictures taken not in bright sunlight. We're looking at Kodak 4530 (5 mp) and the Kodak 6340 (3 mp).

Any advice, experiences, etc. will be appreciated!!

Thanks!

 

[disneyfan551]

I've researched digis for quite a while before settling on my Minolta DiMage Z1. Everyone is going to tell you how great their camera is, and don't usually have anything to compare it to. I HIGHLY suggest checking out the sites, such as dpreview.com, and imaging-resource.com. They are loaded with info. on cameras, and the message boards can offer alot of help! The boards at dpr have the casual point & shoot novice to the professional photographers, and they have worked with many of the cameras! So, it's good to get the low down from them.

When you have the time, check it out! It's worth every minute, when you realize how precious your photos & memories are...

 

[DouglasF]

I'm also in the market for a digital camera. An excellent resource for me in my information gathering has been http://www.epinions.com

You might also read my thread on this forum "Help w/a camera decision" Some people gave advice and suggestions there.

Good luck in your hunt!

 

[alloyd1170]

Check out the new Sony DSC-T1. 5 mp and about as thick as a deck of cards.

alison

 

[AreWeThereYet]

We recently purchased a Canon S45 and are very happy with the pictures. We have also used an Olympus digi camera and thought those pix were great.

I would second the suggestion to view the dpreview website and see which cameras offer the features you want for the price you want to spend.

If you would like to see some of the pix we took - PM me and I can send you the link to our adoption website or I can email you a couple sample pix.

 

[TammyC]

I have the Kodak 6330 and am, for the most part, pleased with it. I also have the printer dock. It is very easy to use. The price on this model has dropped $70 since I bought it about 9 - 10 months ago.

I have a few complaints, but I think they apply to most digital cameras. #1 Red eye - but can remove most of it with editing software, #2 Delay in capturing image - you press lightly to focus, then all the way to take the picture. I often miss the pose I wanted! #3 Blur - even though this is a "point and shoot" camera, it is necessary to use the sports mode (quicker shutter speed) if your subject is moving AT ALL.

I am very pleased with the quality of the printer dock pictures. Also the dock keeps my batteries charged and ready at all times.

Tammy

 

[TammyC]

Oops! I just thought of one more thing. My sister's Nikon Coolpix does perform better than my Kodak in low light conditions.

 

[MichaelH]

I just saw on Tech TV where they were talking about cam corders and they said that the low light conditions were what you wanted to look at.

I think this would apply to digital cameras. I would look at the low light conditions, I know I will when I finally buy one. I would also check the tech TV website. I believe they just reviewed some cameras a while back.

 

[TEK224]

Has anyone purchased the the digital video cameras that also allow still photos to be taken? I've looked at the Canon and Panasonic models? I like them because they are very small, not much bigger than the palm of your hand. Would be much more convenient carrying around on vacation.
Some list only a 1.0 MP for still shots. How grainy would they be when printed?

Hope someone can offer some advice.

Terri

 

[alloyd1170]

From what Ive read about the only thing the video camera snapshots are good for is email. If you want good prints, everyone suggests using a stand alone camera. I believe SOny (or someone else) has or is coming out with a 2 mp video camera-still not too great for prints.

alison

 

[tboss]

I have the Sony TRV33 Handycam that takes 1.0 megapixel still pictures. Indoors they are not worth printing. Outdoors, they are better and I do print them and I think they look okay. I plan to take mine to Disney in May.

However, I am also going to take my Olympus 3.2 megapixel which obviously takes much clearer, crisper pictures for printing.

I bought a fanny pack from Ebags that is small, yet large enough to hold both cameras.

 

[kangaandroo]

check out epinions.com for up to date reviews. I have an olympus c-4000 and love it, but it's a year old and who knows what's out there now.

 

[dpuck1998]

If it helps, I work in technology and have used several cameras. So heres my opinion. Go somewhere and use them, hold them and see what you like. For the most part you need to decide where you want to spend your money, ZOOM, Megapixels, options or size. Those are the major decisions to make and that will really narrow your field. If you want a small pocket camera with 5 megapixels your well on your way to deciding.
I have an Olympus D-40 that is 4Mega pixels and 2 years old. They don't make it anymore, but similar cameras. 3.2 or 4Megapixels is enough for anyone that doesn't print in anything over 8x10. Most people use 4x6 or 5x7 and 5megapixel is overkill for that size.

 

[TEK224]

I just wanted something where I could take video and stills with one piece of equipment instead of carrying two.

I'll keep looking, but will probably keep a designated still camera handy.

Terri

 

[LJ01]

Check out www.steves-digicams.com

 

[disneyfan551]

I recommend the site above, as well as dpreview.com. They are both great! I just lean towards dpreview because of their message boards are so helpful, just like the DIS!

 

[melissa6631]

I love digital photograhy. I currently own a Sony 717 and I can't say enough about it. however--- I think it may be a pain in the BUTT to take with me around the parks because it's so awkward.

When we went last year I owned a Nikon 4300. It's a 4mp camera and costs about $300 in Bestbuy or Circuit City right now. there is NOTHING wrong with that camera. It takes gorgeous photos and does pretty decently in low lights too.

The one complaint I did have about my Nikon was the battery life. I had to take 3 extra batteries all that took 1 hour to charge. With my sony--- It has like... 200 minute battery life.

Also, some people have said with Kodaks their reds are very over saturated. Just some thoughts.

I, too, am I member of dpreview and use their boards. steves cams is also a great site! Good luck