Kodak Easyshare Digital camera... help!

[welovedis]

frndshpcptn-I agree, I think the Kodak cameras have their advantages & disadvantages like all the others. Could be I'm a little biased since I live in Rochester, NY--home of Kodak-lol!

I just got the January 2004 PC World magazine and they have their Top 10 Digital Cameras
1. Nikon Coolpix 3100
2. Canon PowerShot A70
3. Canon PowerShot SD100-Digital Elph
4. Kodak EasyShare DX 6440
5. Pentax Optio 555
6. Sony Cyber-short DSC-P10
7. Kyocera Finecam L3v
8. Minolta DiMage G500
9. Fuijifilm FinePix F700
10. Minolta DiMage Xt
Their ratings put these cameras all within 10 points of each other on their ratings test. Prices ranged from a low of $250 (#7) to $550 (#5)
Next month they are going to have a list of advanced cameras for serious photogs! yeah!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by frndshpcptn
Just wanted to say that as someone who works in the digital camera industry, that I think the Kodak cameras are being underrated by Gail on these boards. IMHO, they take excellent quality digital photos and are great for those who want an easy to use camera for a good value. Their latest model, the DX6490, has a 10X optical zoom, 4 MP and also includes a chip called the Kodak Color Science image processing chip which was created with Texas Instruments (using Kodak algorithms) to help people take a great photo with very accurate colors.

When listening to a presentation on Kodak's history in digital photography, I was surprised to learn that they invented the first digital camera back in 1975. They have a long history with digital imaging and it shows in thier products.

Thanks.

I appreciate your opinion, I just don't happen to agree. IMHO, there many great cameras out there for less money than the one you mentioned.
The facts about Kodak are interesting, you might want to read about it on their website.
My favorite camera is Nikon, and they have had extensive history with photography in general. In fact, the other top sellers have also. Canon, Minolta (not one of my favs. for digital), Fuji, have all spent years developing this product and I cannot help but believe they will continue to improve as time progresses.
My experience with selling Kodak Digitals has been that they fail often. Their customer support is not very helpful, if you can reach them, and I just don't like the product. And, that is MHO opinion on it. What I want is for the consumers to purchase the camera that works best for them. I don't have to agree, I just want them to be happy.

 

[kimmie]

I am glad to see the camera that I purchased is #1!! I have learned soooo much from this thread. Every opinion is important. It gives all of us the ability to choose which options are important to each of us to make a decision. I am glad for Gail's opinion and also those who have different views and experiences.

Keep the thread going! It has helped many

 

[DisneyBrat]

Just wanted to say great thread!!!!!



Lew

 

[bobcat]

I am undecide on whether to buy a 2 or 3 mp camera. I know that if I plan on enlarging my photos I definately want a 3mp camera but I mainly plan on using it for scrapbooking and maybe a few enlargements. Will a 2mp do or will I be unhappy with the quality even on 5x7's? I already know I want the most optical zoom I can afford since I want up close pictures. I need to balance the need/cost for optical zoom with the mp.

Interesting info about the Kodak cameras. I was leaning that way based on the info I had read and their ease of use but Gail's experience with them has made me rethink. I am still looking for an easy to use/understand camera.

 

[FatCow]

I have tried enlarging images taken using Canon A60 (2MP) camera to 8"x10" and the PQ is not bad at all.

It's better to buy a good 2MP rather than buying a mediocre 3MP camera.

Sincerely,
FatCow

 

[Lewisc]

Even if you don't print 8 x 10 pictures a higher megapixel camera will do a better job if you want to crop your pictures (cropping a 5 X 7 may be the same as if you printed the entire picture as an 8 X 10).

Remember to check the mfg website for firmware upgrades. Nikon has some important firmware upgrades.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by bobcat
I am undecide on whether to buy a 2 or 3 mp camera. I know that if I plan on enlarging my photos I definately want a 3mp camera but I mainly plan on using it for scrapbooking and maybe a few enlargements. Will a 2mp do or will I be unhappy with the quality even on 5x7's? I already know I want the most optical zoom I can afford since I want up close pictures. I need to balance the need/cost for optical zoom with the mp.

Interesting info about the Kodak cameras. I was leaning that way based on the info I had read and their ease of use but Gail's experience with them has made me rethink. I am still looking for an easy to use/understand camera.

Bobcat,
I use my Nikon coolpix 950 on fine quality at all times and I do print up to 10x14 and 10x17 with little or no loss in quality. It, btw, is a 2.11 mp. It is only 3x optical, but, I have purchased lenses for it, so, I get great photos from far away. I also purchased a wide angle/macro lense which works very well for close ups.

Fat Cow was absolutely correct with the comment

It's better to buy a good 2MP rather than buying a mediocre 3MP camera.

.

 

[bobcat]

Thanks! That was what I was thinking but you get into the "I have more MP than you" trap. LOL How can I tell which Nikons can have additional lenses added? Is there a way to tell or a place to learn more about it?

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by bobcat
Thanks! That was what I was thinking but you get into the "I have more MP than you" trap. LOL How can I tell which Nikons can have additional lenses added? Is there a way to tell or a place to learn more about it?

Go to the mfg website (www.nikonusa.com for example). BUT I don't think many of the less expensive digital cameras will let you add additional lenses. Gail is using an older model.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by bobcat
Thanks! That was what I was thinking but you get into the "I have more MP than you" trap. LOL How can I tell which Nikons can have additional lenses added? Is there a way to tell or a place to learn more about it?

Lewis was correct, go to Nikon. If you have a specific model in mind I might be able to help you. I know the 950,990,995,5000, 3100, and 4300 can accomodate additonal lenses.
I am sure there are many more. Usually the specs. for each camera will tell you. And, I don't fall into the I have more mps than you, trap. I go by the quality. 4 of the 5 pictures that Ihave posted are from my Nikon 950. Can you tell which is not?

 

[Lewisc]

Gail I don't think the 3100 offers accessory lenses. The trend (on the lower priced cameras) is to include a basic zoom lens and not offer extra lenses as options.

My guess is the picture of SE is taken with a different camera.

 

[FatCow]

You can find wide-conversion and tele-conversion lenses for the 3100.

For example:

HERE

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by FatCow
You can find wide-conversion and tele-conversion lenses for the 3100.

For example:

HERE

It's not a Nikon brand product (in fact it doesn't seem to have any brand name). IMHO it doesn't make much sense to pay the money for Nikon quality but then possibly ruin the optics with this contraption. B and H doesn't offer any accessory lenses (any brand) for this camera. I don't think I'd buy an accessory lens if the camera wasn't designed to accomodate one.

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by Lewisc
Gail I don't think the 3100 offers accessory lenses. The trend (on the lower priced cameras) is to include a basic zoom lens and not offer extra lenses as options.

My guess is the picture of SE is taken with a different camera.

Nope, that is with the digital.

 

[TarraLee]

GailT,
My guess is the bottom, right corner was not taken with digital?

I also have been pricing Nikon 3100s. Circuit City has it on special for appx $270 and free shipping. They also have the NIkon 2100 (2MP, same opt/digital zoom as the 3100) for $179. Would I be better off to buy the 2100 and some extra memory cards? If I buy the 3100, that finishes out his Christmas presents, and I will buy the memory cards for Valentines and our Aniiversary (march), and we have no big trips planned before then. What would you do?

I saw an accessory pack with a "card reader" that hooks into your USB port-- is this really a good thing to have, or can I do virtually the same thing with the USB cable?

Thanks again for all your help! I can't wait til Christmas so I can give it to DH and then play with it!

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by TarraLee
GailT,
My guess is the bottom, right corner was not taken with digital?

I also have been pricing Nikon 3100s. Circuit City has it on special for appx $270 and free shipping. They also have the NIkon 2100 (2MP, same opt/digital zoom as the 3100) for $179. Would I be better off to buy the 2100 and some extra memory cards? If I buy the 3100, that finishes out his Christmas presents, and I will buy the memory cards for Valentines and our Aniiversary (march), and we have no big trips planned before then. What would you do?

I saw an accessory pack with a "card reader" that hooks into your USB port-- is this really a good thing to have, or can I do virtually the same thing with the USB cable?

Thanks again for all your help! I can't wait til Christmas so I can give it to DH and then play with it!

Hi, yep, the bottom right is not a digital.

I would go with the 3100. You will need a card reader or you will have to hook the camera up to the computer to transfer the images with the usb cable provided. It chews up battery life big time. Check at www.sterlingtek.com for these "card readers".
I like this one. http://www.sterlingtek.com/travcomflasr.html

I also purchase my compact flash cards from them. They provide a lifetime warranty for them. The prices, IMHO, are pretty darn good.

Hope this helps.

 

[frndshpcptn]

I am undecide on whether to buy a 2 or 3 mp camera. I know that if I plan on enlarging my photos I definately want a 3mp camera but I mainly plan on using it for scrapbooking and maybe a few enlargements. Will a 2mp do or will I be unhappy with the quality even on 5x7's? I already know I want the most optical zoom I can afford since I want up close pictures. I need to balance the need/cost for optical zoom with the mp.

How much are you looking to spend on your camera? The Kodak DX6340 is a great 3MP, 4x optical zoom camera that's very easy to use/understand. Kodak is one of the top 3 companies in terms of cameras sold and after talking with folks at this year's Photo Plus East expo in NYC and with a few photo trade magazine editors, I truly think they are the way to go for an easy to use digital camera. Also, check out thier website for scrapbooking tips, they have a whole section on it...

 

[GAIL HAYDEN]

Originally posted by frndshpcptn
I am undecide on whether to buy a 2 or 3 mp camera. I know that if I plan on enlarging my photos I definately want a 3mp camera but I mainly plan on using it for scrapbooking and maybe a few enlargements. Will a 2mp do or will I be unhappy with the quality even on 5x7's? I already know I want the most optical zoom I can afford since I want up close pictures. I need to balance the need/cost for optical zoom with the mp.

How much are you looking to spend on your camera? The Kodak DX6340 is a great 3MP, 4x optical zoom camera that's very easy to use/understand. Kodak is one of the top 3 companies in terms of cameras sold and after talking with folks at this year's Photo Plus East expo in NYC and with a few photo trade magazine editors, I truly think they are the way to go for an easy to use digital camera. Also, check out thier website for scrapbooking tips, they have a whole section on it...

do you work for Kodak?

 

[Lewisc]

Originally posted by TarraLee
GailT,
I saw an accessory pack with a "card reader" that hooks into your USB port-- is this really a good thing to have, or can I do virtually the same thing with the USB cable?

Thanks again for all your help! I can't wait til Christmas so I can give it to DH and then play with it!

Most of the accessory packs are overpriced. You can get a card reader free AR most of the time. This week Office Max has it. Staples frequently has good deals (AR) on Compact Flash memory.
This place has a great price on rechargable batteries (and chargers) I NEVER ORDERED FROM THEM. http://www.shop4battery.com/index.php/detail_page/1130//984ad4c88cf3d6b27c1573869de28b673fd7baa2