Digital Camera ?

[tikkipoo]

I am wanting to buy a ditigal camera for our next trip. I am clueless when it comes to these things. I don't want anything too expensive. $200-$300 range. Also, I would like something that takes decent pictures in dim lighting. Any suggestions?

 

[MommaluvsDis]

Well, I have 2 digitals and love them both. The pics below were both taken with my Olympus 3.3. This is a good all around camera that has digital and optical zoom. That does make a difference. Get one with the digital zoom! Be careful that you don't get one that requires it's own printer dock unless you don't already have a printer. That can add on extra expense.

They come with software and cables to hook to your computer for downloading your photos to a file on your harddrive.

The Golden Mickey pic below was taken aboard the Magic in extremely low light using no flash. The fireworks is of Illuminations, again without flash but with the shutter open.

Now, I'm not very savy about cameras and I feel that these turned out pretty good considering I was the one taking them!

Something else to consider is what type batteries it will take. Will it come with a rechargable battery pack or will it use AAs?

Go to a Circuit City or Best Buy type store and hold the camera in your hand. How does it feel? Does it feel balanced? Don't get a lot of bells and whistles unless you're going to really get into using your camera a lot. It, again, adds to the expense.

I suggest you get no lower than a 3 mega pixel because you can blow those up and still get a pretty clear picture. Anything lower may appear grainy when blown up.

Hope I helped. Maybe someone more knowledgable will reply.

 

[MommaluvsDis]

I also took the picture of the Magic on my post as well.

 

[crazyboutWDW]

Whichever digital camera you choose the optic make all the difference in the world. I have both Olympus 2100UZ (2.2mp with 10x optical zoom) and a HP 5.3mp with 3x optical zoom. The Olympus wins hands down everytime. Make sure you get one that has the highest Optical Zoom in your price range. The optical zoom is the best of the zooms. I also have printed at home and had walgreens print up to 8x10 from my Olympus 2.2 and the pictures are stunning. Much better than the quality of the HP, but the HP can get pictures even larger than 8x10, which I will never print.

good luck on your selection

 

[ducklite]

I have a Minolta DiMage Z-1, takes good photo's in a variety of lighting conditions. Perfect miderately priced digital. It's slightly more than what you're looking to spend, but IMHO worth it for the quality you get--and the fact that the BATTERIES are REGULAR AA, you can use RECHARGEABLES. If you buy a camera that uses special camera batteries, you can end up spending a HUGE amount in batteries, where having spent more on a better camera to begin with might have been a good option! It also takes video, the amount depends on the size of your memory card--I've done about 15 minutes worth, PLUS photo's.

Here's a few I took in low light (and fast action), NO FLASH with the DiMage--which offers a built in flash, but I don't always like the results when using one...

Same camera in daylight, same type of action...

As you can see, it's great for taking photo's on dark rides and during shows with no flash. You can turn the date stamp on and off, which is important to me for the photo's I take professionally. It's also got a setting for timed photo's so you can jump in, and it's got another setting which it will just keep shooting as long as I keep the button pushed down.


I'm actually about to step it up a notch and buy a Minolta Maxxum 7-D, truly amazing camera, but overkill unless you are a professional or major hobbyist. My photo's have been used by Atlantic Records, and I'm hoping to submit some to Rolling Stone in a couple months!

Anne

 

[tikkipoo]

Great pics everyone! Thanks for all your help! I need all I can get

 

[AbbysFamily]

My Suggestions----

General:
-Ignore Digital Zoom!!! You can crop after the fact for the same effect.
-Overall get the highest optical you can, but be aware 10x often means bulkier camera than 3x
- Batteries, batteries, batteries -- AA better than pack, 4 better than 2.

Specific:
- One of the best cameras for the price at this time (under $300): Canon A85 (or A95 for a bit more)
- The a85 is 4Mpixel, the a95 is 5MP
- This camera takes compact flash (get 1 GIG card under $70 online, stores almost 900 pictures!!!!), which is the cheapest overal memory card format.
- Camera uses 4 AA for power - makes for better flash recharge rates than 2AA
- Good overall size, given the great features still stunninly small
- Great canon picture logic.
- Good picture for auto or manual control.

Misc notes on the canon aXX series:
- 6 people I work with have bought this series and ALL love it (even the novices)
- Unfortunately Canon is replacing this with look alike cameras (the a510 has 2 batteries and SD card)
- Now may be a great time to get the a85 as they should be clearing them out with the new a510 replacing it.

Good luck.. Know that MOST of the 200-300 cameras on the market under the main names (canon, olypmus, nikon, etc) all all pretty decent for the novice. Get one that feels good.

 

[manticore]

Dell Home is running a sale on digtal cameras right now and many 4 MP and even 5 MP cameras are listed for less than $300.00 Also check www.techbargains.com on Friday, they often have for coupons you can stack on top of the 15% off DELL is already doing. For example the Canon SD300 which is normally $349.99 at Best Buy was available from Dell a week or so ago for around $262 after coupon. $350 - $52.50 - $35 (off $300) coupon = $262.50 Which is better than most of the shady dealers you might find.

Another example is the A95 which is a 5.0 MP for $279.65 with free shipping and no tax in my state (MA). That price is without a coupon.

If you aren't in a hurry, the last two years in the month of May, Microcenter has done 25% off most cameras and camcorders. But get in early they sell out fast also they do charge shipping. I bought my current camera (Canon Powershot Pro 1) there last year with that deal. I got my previous camera (Nikon Coolpix 5400) with a Dell deal similar to above.

BTW I have no affilliation with DELL or any other sites listed, but I do find the combination of using these sites gets me some great deals on electronics and computers for myself and my friends.

Good luck!!

 

[manticore]

Just an update: Todays coupons are $35 off $350 and $25 off $250.
The $60 off $500 is used up.
Some examples from Techbargains.com:

Kodak LS753 5Mpixel 3x optical zoom $349.00 - auto 15% off - $35 coupon = $261.65 shipped free. Pass $350

Kodak DX7630 6.1Mpixel 3x optical zoom Schneider-Kreuznach Lens. $349.00 -auto 15% off - $35 coupon = $261.65 shipped free. Pass $350

Compact Powershot SD200 3.2Mpixel 3x optical zoom $299.00 - auto 15% off - $35 coupon = $219.15 shipped free. Pass $350

Canon SD20 Compact 5Mpixel $349.00 - auto 15% off - $35 coupon = $261.65 shipped free. Pass $350

Canon Powershot A95 5Mpixel $329.00 - auto 15% off - $35 coupon = $244.65 shipped free. Pass $350

Canon Powershot S1 IS 3.2Mpixel 10x optical zoom - Optical Stabilizer $399.00 - auto 15% off - $35 coupon = $304.15 shipped free.

Canon Powershot S500 5Mpixel $399.00 - auto 15% off - $35 coupon = $304.15 shipped free.

Canon Powershot SD300 4Mpixel 3x optical zoom $349.00 - auto 15% off - $35 coupon = $261.65 shipped free.

As you see no need to settle for a low megapixel camera there are plenty of 4-6 MP cameras in your price range.

 

[tikkipoo]

Hey...thanks for all your help! I just ordered a Canon A95 from Dell. It actually worked very well...I just bought a computer from Dell, so they gave me a $35 coupon for accessories and with the discount there and free shipping, I got if for $244. Hope that was a decent deal! Wish me luck with it! THANKS AGAIN!

 

[manticore]

Hey...thanks for all your help! I just ordered a Canon A95 from Dell. It actually worked very well...I just bought a computer from Dell, so they gave me a $35 coupon for accessories and with the discount there and free shipping, I got if for $244. Hope that was a decent deal! Wish me luck with it! THANKS AGAIN!

You're Welcome! That is a very good price for that camera, most places like Staples or Circuit City sell it for $329.99. Most of the reputable online retailers sell it for around $290 plus shipping.

When my DM-I-L bought a camera last year I picked out the the camera that the A95 replaced(4MP), so in my opinion you made a good choice. She absolutely loves the camera and it takes wonder pictures, I am sure you will really enjoy the camera. The swivel display is real handy getting pictures in crowds.

If you are interested, there is a very good review of the camera with detailed photos at this site http://www.steves-digicams.com/2004_reviews/a95.html .
Good Luck and Enjoy!!!!!

 

[manticore]

Hey...thanks for all your help! I just ordered a Canon A95 from Dell. It actually worked very well...I just bought a computer from Dell, so they gave me a $35 coupon for accessories and with the discount there and free shipping, I got if for $244. Hope that was a decent deal! Wish me luck with it! THANKS AGAIN!

BTW how long ago did you buy the Computer? If it was yesterday there was a discount coupon for $300 off a computer $999 or more, good on most Dimension desktops.

Example of deal on a Dimnesion 8400:
New P4 630 3.0GHz 2MB Cache, 512MB DDR2-400/40GB Serial ATA, 48x CD, 128MB ATI X300SE Video card, 5.1 Audio, 17in Dell LCD, Gigabit Ethernet, 6 month ISP, 1yr warranty, Word Perfect, XP Home $999 - $300 off $999 coupon = $699, Free Shipping. Customize it on 8400, Customize it on leftmost config, Select Free upgrade to 17in e173FP LCD.

Dimension 4700 P4 3Ghz 512MB/160GB DVD Writer Desktop $708
Slightly slower Dimension 4700 Desktop P4 530 3Ghz 512MB DDR2-400/160GB Serial ATA, 16 Dual Layer DVD Writer, 17in E173FP LCD, $1008 - $300 off = $708 shipped free.

Also sometimes it is better to buy the monitor seperately. Spend the $999 on the computer, only and add the monitor on a seperate order. For example the Dell 19in 1905FP Digital LCD Flat Panel 800:1 contrast ratio, 20ms response, DVI $529.00 - 30% off Code: QGG6H3LKWRNTL2 (Exp 3/31 5:59am CT) - $60 off Coupon code: CTK?G6$011KT2P (Exp 3/28 5:59am CT) = $310 shipped free.

Or a bigger 20in 2005FPW Widescreen Digital LCD Flat Panel 1680x1050, 600:1 contrast ratio , 12ms response, DVI, Svideo, Composite Video $749.00 - 25% off Code: ZLXBLQZZPZLXM$ - $60 off Coupon code: CTK?G6$011KT2P (Exp 3/28 5:59am CT) = $501 shipped free

Again these are from techbargains.com. If your purchase was very recent ( week) and your computer has not shipped yet you can call them and get a price adjustment. It may help it may not. Good Luck.

 

[SaraMc]

I have a Kodak Easy Share CX7300. Its was 179.00 Cnd. So probably less in USD. Its great. It has lots of options and takes really good photo's. It can run on rechargable batteries ( which you then will need there dock for) or without the dock like we do on lithuim batteries. Also it comes with a USB port so that Docking station that's available for it isnt 100% needed.



All in all I find it a great find for the little $$ we put into it.

 

[jmminarik]

No advice on a camera per se, but whatever camera you get, read the manual and learn what everything does, then spend some time googling 'how to take photographs'. And don't line everyone up for 'I was there' snapshots all of the time. Ducklite's concert photos are very nice in part because the people in them are doing something that's not posing for the camera.

Good luck,
Joe

 

[manticore]

I have a Minolta DiMage Z-1, takes good photo's in a variety of lighting conditions. Perfect miderately priced digital. It's slightly more than what you're looking to spend, but IMHO worth it for the quality you get--and the fact that the BATTERIES are REGULAR AA, you can use RECHARGEABLES. If you buy a camera that uses special camera batteries, you can end up spending a HUGE amount in batteries, where having spent more on a better camera to begin with might have been a good option! It also takes video, the amount depends on the size of your memory card--I've done about 15 minutes worth, PLUS photo's.

I'm actually about to step it up a notch and buy a Minolta Maxxum 7-D, truly amazing camera, but overkill unless you are a professional or major hobbyist. My photo's have been used by Atlantic Records, and I'm hoping to submit some to Rolling Stone in a couple months!

Anne

Great shots of Shinedown, I finally got a chance to see them last month at a benefit show for the Station Family Fund in Providence, RI. (Victims of the Station Nightclub Fire) They played with Tesla. We were right up front, and I forgot my camera. They really put on a great show for a really needy cause!!

 

[top-timm]

could anyone help with printing of digital pictures while im there as i would like to print them out and put them on to disk. is there any where on international drive that does them while you wait and how dear is it.
im staying at ramada inn lakeside so somewhere local to that would be nice.

this is my first visit with 2 children so will have lots to print and keep to show when get home

 

[tikkipoo]

I think that places like CVS or Walmart can print your digital photos from your camera. I think some even have the capability to make a disk. I'm not sure where these places are near WDW.

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Okay there are a few things that will dictate which camera you want.

1) How many mega pixels do you want it to be? Basically the more mega pixels you have, the better clarity of your shots.

2) Size of camera. Some digitial cameras are positively puny to the point where they can fit into your pocket, but its hard to actually activate different features unless you have nails to poke the buttons with. Others are more reasonably sized.

3) Cost which you have already mentioned. I would suggest you run to Circuit City and get one as quickly as possible. As of last week they were having a sale on digital cameras.

4) Features. Do you want to be able to video tape on your digital camera as well? Or is that not very important to you.

I used to work at a camera store (along with 3 housekeeping jobs amongst others in college! lol) so for me I'm a bit picky about cameras. Plus my father does wedding photography so I'm used to new camera hunting with my father. That being said my husband just got me a camera from Circuit City last week for my birthday, and I'm very impressed with it. It's a Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93A, has 5.1 Mega pixels, 3 zooms, and it shoots movies as well. The pictures are phenomenal and when you activate the close picture feature you can get as close as 4 inches to the object you are photographing, and the pictures come out extremely clear. There are different flash features, the camera is small, but not so small that you need a magnifying glass to read the labels, and you can take pictures when it is practically pitch black. If someone would tell me how to post pictures on here I can post a few non-Disney examples from this past weekend.

Theres even a slow flash feature that brings dark backgrounds into stark focus along with the person your photographing. An example of this is say that a person in a house is standing about 5 feet in front of a doorway to a hall. The halls lights are out but with this feature the details of the hall come. I imagine that this would very well when photographing in indoor Disney areas.

It's great for fast action shots as well. We have two ferrets that run around like mad and they always come out clearly in pictures. I haven't had a chance to try photographing traffic on a street yet though, I'll let you know how that experiment turns out. (I always do that with new cameras to get an idea of how well their fast action shots come out.)

It also has a nice feature where it captures about 16 frames within a second or two, thus allowing you to see how something moves across your camera screen. This is good if your checking the form of a runner or just want kicks out of watching how your pets run. You can also do time lapse easily on this camera so we have quite a few of our ferrets streaking across the floor with short time lapse settings on this one.

The only downside to the camera is the video feature. The videos come out beautifully mind you, so long as you are outside or in a brightly lit room. If you film inside in a normally lit room though the camera does not have an extra light source (like you cannot turn the flash on and keep it on) to add mroe lighting so then videos in darker indoor areas become a bit too dark for my taste. However that is to be expected since it is a digital camera primarily.

The memory cards are also relatively inexpensive at Circuit City compared to most places. You can get something around 556 for $70 right now. If you plan on using the video feature with a camera like this you need a memory card that size and you will get about 35 minutes of video onto it.

It's easy to load things into your computer as well. I've been uploading our videos to family and friends all weekend!

The cost of this camera was $285 I believe (my darling husband wouldn't tell me but I sneaked a look when we went back to get some extra memory cards in anticipation of my tendency to break those things accidentally). This camera also takes regular AA batteries and comes with rechargeable pair and the battery charger. To buy another set of rechargable batteries at Circuit City it was $15 for 4 I believe.

There are other options of cameras there as well. Though I'd recommend that you go with at least 5.1 megapixels or higher though.

PM Me if you have any general camera questions or specific ones about this model and I'll be more than glad to help.

 

[manticore]

Onecall.com has the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93A on sale for $199 + $10 for 3 day shipping. It is a reputable online dealer that I have purchased from in the past. Circuit City does have a great deal on another nice Sony camera, the DCS-W1 which is $264.99 after rebate. This camera has recently been replaced by a new model but is still selling for around $300 at most online dealers.

 

[DAWGPOUNDAJ]

Onecall.com has the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-P93A on sale for $199 + $10 for 3 day shipping. It is a reputable online dealer that I have purchased from in the past. Circuit City does have a great deal on another nice Sony camera, the DCS-W1 which is $264.99 after rebate. This camera has recently been replaced by a new model but is still selling for around $300 at most online dealers.

LOL Oh my it looks like I'm going to have to keep my husband away from this board for a few days! lol He'll fall over if he realizes he could have gotten a better deal on the same product elsewhere! LOL