Digital Cameras

[PopArtGal]

Sorry I didn't know on which board to write.

But I want to buy a digital camera and know nothing about it.

Unfortunately, I just graduated for University and started a new job so I don't have that much money to put on it.

I have heard that 5.1 megapixels isn't that bad.

What do you have? Do you like them? How much can I expect to pay for an ok camera? And where to buy?

Thanks! I really need help!

 

[YEKCIM]

In answer to your question, I would say that a 5 megapixel camera should be adequate for most peoples' needs, unless you are going to make huge enlargements, which the vast majority of us do not.

Before you rush out and plunk down your hard-earned cash on a shiny new digital camera, I suggest you take some time to acquaint yourself with digital photography. It is, in some ways, very much like film photography, and in other ways, radically different. I've used film for years, and just recently made the switch to digital, and I still have a lot to learn.

Once you become more or less familiar with the lingo of the digital world, then begin to think about what you would *like* in a camera. Criteria would include zoom range, ISO range, image stabilization, size, price, etc. Once you have an idea of the "specs", you can begin shopping in earnest. Keep in mind that there is no perfect digital camera; each one has strengths and weaknesses, and there are tradeoffs in every category. Generally speaking, though, the more cash you throw at it, the more capability you will get. In other words, you get what you pay for. Like comparing a Yugo to a Cadillac. A Yugo will get you there just like a Cadillac, but you will enjoy the ride a lot more in the pricier car. A $125 digital camera *will* take pictures, but by spending increasingly more money, you will get a more capable camera.

A few good sites to get you started on research:

www.dpreview.com
www.steves-digicams.com
www.imaging-resource.com

Good luck. Keep us posted.

~YEKCIM

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Also I'd rather have a 3.2 MP with a good quality lens and sensor than a 5.1 MP with a bad quality lens and sensor. MP count is not the end of the road. There are so many deciding factors.

Start with a budget, then we'll go from there.

 

[PopArtGal]

I can afford between 300$ up to 400$

Is Olympus any good?

I was leaning towards Canon or Sony since I have studied in arts and always used the canon manual cameras.

 

[YEKCIM]

Since you have that kind of working capital, I would suggest you peruse some of the review sites, listed previously, and search for a camera whose strengths meet your expected needs and what kinds of photography you will be doing. You will not find any dSLR's in that price range, but several higher-end "point and shoots" would be in your price range. Be sure to figure on buying additional battery(ies) and memory card(s). The batt's and cards that come with most digital cam's are a joke, IMO. The Canon S2-IS comes to mind as a good cam, with Image Stabilization (IS) and a very generous zoom range, which can be had online, for a bit over $300. Given your upper $ limit, you could pick up this one, online, plus a decent size (1GB+) card and some extra rechargeable AA's, and still end up under budget.

Kelly and others may want to weigh in with some other options to consider, as well.

~YEKCIM

 

[mhutchinson]

Also I'd rather have a 3.2 MP with a good quality lens and sensor than a 5.1 MP with a bad quality lens and sensor. MP count is not the end of the road. There are so many deciding factors.

Start with a budget, then we'll go from there.

I totally agree with Kelly. You want to make sure the camera you get has a good quality lens and 3.2 or 4 MP is a good size for most applications.....If the picture quality is not sharp it doesn't matter how many MP you buy, you will just get frustrated. Anything you look at with zoom should be optical (digital zoom is just a hat trick that is better done on a PC)

Mike

 

[JR6ooo4]

All good points listed above.
1. good glass and sensor and likewise in camera software
2. Zoom is real nice. Compare only optical zoom between cameras, the rest is nothing more than post processing whether it is in camera or on a computer.
3. Shutter lag! Though it is less of a problem these days. My first Digi cam was a Sony F717 5MP with an outstanding carl zeiss lens. When it was released, about 4 or 5 years ago, it was one of the fastest (for a point and shoot). But quickly others came out that were faster. It is frustrating when you push the shutter release and your subject moves or looks away before the cam shoots.

Your budget should get you a very nice camera which will produce great images without all the work of a DSLR.
Mikeeee