Digital Camera Recommendations?

[minnie56]

My DD19 is wishing for a Digital Camera.

What's better...Sony or Canon?
Thanks!

 

[mickman1962]

neither and both. Need a little more info. Which models are you looking at? How does she plan on using it? Is size an issue? Is cost an issue?

 

[carolfoy]

One of my clients is David Bailey (yes THE David Bailey) and I asked his advice on which cheapish, basic digital to go for, he recommended Canon I think it was the A390(?) which I bought over a year ago and am well inpressed by the results.

 

[minnie56]

Well,

She likes small

Likes the 'video movie' feature but it's not important that it has too much capacity for that!

Zoom...but of course, that will have limitations

She saw a Canon one that was $399 (Canadian) and the guy was promoting that big time. It req'd a memory card (another $75) to increase it's capacity to 150 or so??

Her friends have Canon and like them. Her Dad is a big Sony fan

Thanks!

 

[Shutterbug]

I have a canon A75 and love it.
It has several different modes to choose from easy(everything done for you) to full manual mode( you chose the shutter speed and aperture) with choices in between. You can choose the size of the pic...you can choose the smaller size for ease of emailing.

 

[minnie56]

Isn't choosing shutter speed and aperture a bit tricky?? She just began University and wants to click 'as she goes'!

 

[GailT]

I have anikon one and I love it.

 

[minnie56]

I can't say I know them...which means nothing as I am not very camera savvy!!

 

[hokiefan33]

Canon is great...if it works. But if something goes wrong with it, you'll be without your camera for some time and you'll also be out some money, even if it's brand new.

Ours (Powershot SD400) started inserting vertical lines and overexposing the pictures, so we couldn't take any reliable pictures. It actually started acting up at WDW, and also at our baby dedication at church (not the 2 best times to have an ill-functioning camera!). The camera was outside of the normal electronics return policy at WalMart, so you have to go with Canon's limited warranty.

Basically, we are not allowed to take it to a Canon-authorized dealer, b/c apparently they aren't authorized to work on anything, only to sell. So we have to ship it to the 1 place in America that works on digital cameras, in Elk Grove Village, IL. We have to box it up, make sure that it won't be damaged enroute, insure it for value (b/c Canon makes real sure to tell you that THEY aren't liable for squat), and then wait 2-3 weeks once it gets to the factory for them to fix it. Of course, when you get it back, you better hope it is now working, b/c if it isn't, you have to go through that same process again. So not only did THEIR product break (not 3 months after we bought it), but WE have to pay to ship it to them ourselves, including insurance, and then we have to wait 3 weeks for it to be fixed. I called and inquired about them just sending me a new replacement camera, and you would have thought I asked for a stake in the company.

For a company that charges a premium price b/c of their name and their apparent quality, their service sure doesn't measure up. I will never buy another one again - and I'm giving you fair warning about what COULD happen to you if yours breaks!

 

[MICKEY88]

Canon is great...if it works. But if something goes wrong with it, you'll be without your camera for some time and you'll also be out some money, even if it's brand new.

Ours (Powershot SD400) started inserting vertical lines and overexposing the pictures, so we couldn't take any reliable pictures. It actually started acting up at WDW, and also at our baby dedication at church (not the 2 best times to have an ill-functioning camera!). The camera was outside of the normal electronics return policy at WalMart, so you have to go with Canon's limited warranty.

Basically, we are not allowed to take it to a Canon-authorized dealer, b/c apparently they aren't authorized to work on anything, only to sell. So we have to ship it to the 1 place in America that works on digital cameras, in Elk Grove Village, IL. We have to box it up, make sure that it won't be damaged enroute, insure it for value (b/c Canon makes real sure to tell you that THEY aren't liable for squat), and then wait 2-3 weeks once it gets to the factory for them to fix it. Of course, when you get it back, you better hope it is now working, b/c if it isn't, you have to go through that same process again. So not only did THEIR product break (not 3 months after we bought it), but WE have to pay to ship it to them ourselves, including insurance, and then we have to wait 3 weeks for it to be fixed. I called and inquired about them just sending me a new replacement camera, and you would have thought I asked for a stake in the company.

For a company that charges a premium price b/c of their name and their apparent quality, their service sure doesn't measure up. I will never buy another one again - and I'm giving you fair warning about what COULD happen to you if yours breaks!

having worked retail for the largest Camera chain in the US...I can tell you that 3 weeks is good...the average camera repair takes 4-6 weeks ..usually being closer to 6...very few manufacturers of any prduct will just send you a new replacement rather than repairing your purchase..

in the future, buy your cameras from Ritz camera, and purchase their extended service policy, unless it has changed it covers damage from everything but fire, nuclear war and brackish water...

 

[helenabear]

W/o getting more info, I will have to pick Canon over Sony. In general they make a much better digital camera than Sony. More natural colors, better shutter response time (after clicking the button to take a pic), faster focus, and just better in general.

I've been through three of them (and before you worry, I just upgraded as I got more into photography) and even after the oldest one (now about 4 years old) was dropped more than once, it still works. I wouldn't buy another camera unless Nikon catches up (which is the next best in my eyes).

I do like Sony as a brand, but their proprietary cards drive me bonkers... they are more expensive and much slower. Canon still uses CF cards mostly which are bigger, but much faster and much cheaper!

 

[ducklite]

having worked retail for the largest Camera chain in the US...I can tell you that 3 weeks is good...the average camera repair takes 4-6 weeks ..usually being closer to 6...very few manufacturers of any prduct will just send you a new replacement rather than repairing your purchase..

in the future, buy your cameras from Ritz camera, and purchase their extended service policy, unless it has changed it covers damage from everything but fire, nuclear war and brackish water...

Sorry, but Ritz is a RIP OFF. Their prices are two-three times what you need to pay.

I am a professional photographer, and don't buy anything there. Many of their employees have no clue, they are sales people out to make the sales quota's set by their corporate offices, even if it means selling you the wrong camera for your needs.

I buy almost all my gear from an independent, but established camera store in a small town near Philly. I deal directly with the owner who gives me great deals, and even offers warranties on used gear. I bought a used 80-200mm Nikkor zoom from him, it was spotless clean and I paid roughly 30% of retail, and he guaranteed it for 30 days--even if I wanted to return it "just because". Try to get Ritz to offer deals like that! BTW--I've never stepped foot in the store, I buy everything from him over the phone and have it shipped.

Additionally, his dealer rep installed a firmware upgrade into my Nikon for free, because the dealer is a good customer, and so am I. At the chain stores, the store level people have no idea who the manufacturer's reps are, as it's all done on a corporate level.

I buy my memory from Amazon, and certain accesories (bag, monopod, etc.) from whereever I find something that works for me.

Anne

 

[MICKEY88]

Sorry, but Ritz is a RIP OFF.

I am a professional photographer, and don't buy anything there.

I buy almost all my gear from an independent, but established camera store in a small town near Philly. I deal directly with the owner who gives me great deals, and even offers warranties on used gear. I bought a used 80-200 Nikor zoom from him, it was spotless clean and I paid roughly 30% of retail, and he guaranteed it for 30 days--even if I wanted to return it "just because". Try to get Ritz to offer deals like that! BTW--I've never stepped foot in the store, I buy everything from him over the phone and ahve it shipped.

Additionally, his dealer rep installed a firmware upgrade into my Nikon for free, because the dealer is a good customer, and so am I. At the chain stores, teh management has no idea who the manufacturer's reps are, as it's all done on a corporate level.

I buy my memory from Amazon, and certain accesories (bag, monopod, etc.) from whereever I find something that works for me.

Anne

I'm a Professional Also,,, I also buy all my stuff elsewhere

, but for the average person Ritz is one of the best places to deal with, because they do have quality repair service, they have their own repair facility in Maryland...

small independent store or Ritz, I'd take the independent also, Ritz or another chain such as Walmart, Target etc...Ritz has better trained associates and better service...

I'm sure some stores have sales people who are out to make as much commission as they can...then their are others like myself who only sell customers what they need/want and will use.. if the customer pays attention they can sort the 2 out....someone out to make a sale and make high commission will push certain high end cameras and all the extras to go with them...a good camera salesperson will ask what a customer wants and needs, then put all options in front of the cuatomer and let them make an educated decision...

Ritz prices are definitely higher than Walmart, etc, but they are no way 2-3 times higher, than average retail...

as for a 30 day return on a used lens, that's no big deal, if a lens is checked out and it's not broken it should last 30 days easily and Ritz has a 30 day return policy on all cameras and lenses ..

as for chains knowing the manufacturers reps, again I must disagree, the Ritz store I worked in was visited regularly by the manufacturers reps, and I became good friends with the Minolta rep, since I prefer Minolta equipment, often receiving free merchandise from him,



as for the firmware upgrade, they may have convinced you that was a special favor, but if Nikon offers the same service as Minolta, you could have downloaded the firmware upgrade and installed it yourself, that's what I have done with my Minolta digital...

for accessories you might want to try ebay, their are some people on their selling light stands, and such at near wholesale prices..

 

[ducklite]

Ritz only gives you ten days to return digital equipment.

Also, if you are using digital and Minolta, can I ask why? Don't get me wrong, for prosumer grade camera's, they've got a nice selection and good quality. I have a DiMage Z-1, handy little thing, easy to use, and nice quality. But for pro work, the range of lenses they offer for their DSLR's is so limiting--why would you choose Konica-Minolta over Canon or Nikon?

Anne

 

[MICKEY88]

Ritz only gives you ten days to return digital equipment.

Also, if you are using digital and Minolta, can I ask why? Don't get me wrong, for prosumer grade camera's, they've got a nice selection and good quality. I have a DiMage Z-1, handy little thing, easy to use, and nice quality. But for pro work, the range of lenses they offer for their DSLR's is so limiting--why would you choose Konica-Minolta over Canon or Nikon?

Anne

all of their autofocus lenses work on the d7, with thousands of dollars worth of Minolta 35mm cameras and lenses, why would I switch and have to buy all new lenses...

and Minolta has been the leader for years in camera technology, first autofocus...first digital with built in anti-shake...the A2 as a prosumer camera has received all kinds of awards and is used by many professionals when they don't feel like carrying a lot of gear..


small part of one article....

DIWA's test manager, Kai Thon, says: "The recent digital SLR price drop attracts many advanced amateur photographers. Yet, many of them, even professionals, enjoy the comfort of the all-in-one package provided by the DiMAGE A2. The fast, high quality 7x zoom lens alone gives the DiMAGE A2 more value for money than can be expected from any D-SLR camera. Then, add to this the benefit of a highly effective Anti-Shake technology. Still, its most important feature is the DIWA proof of professional performance".

 

[ahutton]

There is a great thread on the "Tips" board that has samples of some commonly used cameras, I believe it was more specifically about taking fireworks photos with digital, but some great suggestions are over there... Don't know how to post the link though, sorry.

 

[ducklite]

I took a very serious look at the 7D, but had two different sales people tell me that there were only three lens' that fit it. (This was six months ago when it first came out, maybe things have changed?) Ritz Camera in Quakerbridge Mall was one of them, and they didn't have it in stock.

I have two Minolta SLR's (35mm) in addition to my DiMage, and honestly feel that the Nikon glass is superior. I was a Minolta fan for years, but am glad that I bought Nikon for my DSLR. I do love my DiMage, IMHO Konica Minolta has a superior prosumer line above Nikon or Canon. But for DSLR, I'll keep the Nikon.

Anne

 

[MICKEY88]

I took a very serious look at the 7D, but had two different sales people tell me that there were only three lens' that fit it. (This was six months ago when it first came out, maybe things have changed?) Ritz Camera in Quakerbridge Mall was one of them, and they didn't have it in stock.

I have two Minolta SLR's (35mm) in addition to my DiMage, and honestly feel that the Nikon glass is superior. I was a Minolta fan for years, but am glad that I bought Nikon for my DSLR. I do love my DiMage, IMHO Konica Minolta has a superior prosumer line above Nikon or Canon. But for DSLR, I'll keep the Nikon.

Anne

bad sales people.... Minolta loaded their adds with info on the use of Maxxum lenses..for the 7D..they hyped the ability to use your existing lenses and not have to go buy new ones...Complete Line of Maxxum AF Lenses

The greatest advantage of an SLR camera lies in the ability to change lenses to suit a particular subject or shooting style. The Maxxum 7D is engineered to take full advantage of the superior optical technologies and powerfully versatile focal lengths incorporated into the Maxxum system of interchangeable AF lenses. Aspherical optics, AD (Anomalous Dispersion) glass, and multiple lens coatings, for example, all contribute to the beautifully crisp, high-contrast images Maxxum lenses are known for.





my 5600 flash works on it as well as the A2, my remote cord from my 9000Maxum works with them....



which 35mm slr's do you have,,,do you specialize in your photography or shoot everything...


the more you tell me about Ritz, the more I begin to believe that since they lost me as a sales associate they have suffered in quality....LOL

 

[goofy4tink]

bad sales people.... Minolta loaded their adds with info on the use of Maxxum lenses..for the 7D..they hyped the ability to use your existing lenses and not have to go buy new ones...Complete Line of Maxxum AF Lenses

The greatest advantage of an SLR camera lies in the ability to change lenses to suit a particular subject or shooting style. The Maxxum 7D is engineered to take full advantage of the superior optical technologies and powerfully versatile focal lengths incorporated into the Maxxum system of interchangeable AF lenses. Aspherical optics, AD (Anomalous Dispersion) glass, and multiple lens coatings, for example, all contribute to the beautifully crisp, high-contrast images Maxxum lenses are known for.





my 5600 flash works on it as well as the A2, my remote cord from my 9000Maxum works with them....



which 35mm slr's do you have,,,do you specialize in your photography or shoot everything...


the more you tell me about Ritz, the more I begin to believe that since they lost me as a sales associate they have suffered in quality....LOL

And to think that all I want is to be able to make my camera stop telling me to format the memory card!!! Man, some of you guys are incredibly 'with it' when it comes to digital. Wish I could become more proficient. Guess my Kodak Easyshare isn't going to cut it, is it? I'm looking to move up to the $250-300 range so I can hone the little bit of skills I have now. It's just that darn memory card thing. Great info you all. It does help out those of us like me.

 

[MICKEY88]

And to think that all I want is to be able to make my camera stop telling me to format the memory card!!! Man, some of you guys are incredibly 'with it' when it comes to digital. Wish I could become more proficient. Guess my Kodak Easyshare isn't going to cut it, is it? I'm looking to move up to the $250-300 range so I can hone the little bit of skills I have now. It's just that darn memory card thing. Great info you all. It does help out those of us like me.

the best way to make your camera stop telling you to format the memory card is.....................................






















































format the memory card......LOL